I took a chance and applied for a tuition scholarship to attend an AP Chemistry Workshop to examine some new changes to the curriculum. After looking through all the options I couldn't find one that meshed with a running race so I decided to find one where I knew at least the weather would be nice and I had heard of the instructor. I decided to attend Marin By the Bay for its location at Dominican University of California and to take the opportunity to meet ChemmyBear - Paul Groves. I had been using his resources since I started teaching chemistry. He has since retired and spends his time traveling, grading AP Chemistry tests, and conducting workshops through the College Board. The resources were extremely useful and there is nothing that compares with being in a classroom field with teachers who are excited about their content and reaching their students. This was also much more relaxing and rejuvenating than the last APSI I attended where I spent each night up late doing chemistry homework.
The location and dining was great. There are summer camps happening for students but the overlap only seemed to occur in the dining hall and at the bookstore. I did manage to get in a hike a couple of evenings. The hikes started out surrounded by eucalyptus trees and I reflected on the time we lived in Monterey, CA, as the fragrant trees is not something you easily forget. It was also weird because I had to remind myself that the sun does set and it's a little toasty compared to Alaska. The hikes were dry and dusty despite the green foliage. Elevation game was similar to our butte hike back home. This was a hike up to a former Nike missile site. It was very breezy at the top but you don't break out of the trees when you hit a ridge line like you would if you were in Alaska.
There were many demos and lessons that I look forward to using in my classroom next year. I regret that I didn't blog daily while I was there. I will remember to do that the next time that I travel for PD.
|
There was also a Persian art exhibit at the library, so I took the opportunity to go see it. The art reminded me a lot of our trip to Europe last year. I met a lot of art teachers on this trip too. We shared our Uber rides to and from the campus. Overall this was a great break and a wonderful opportunity.