Welcome to the eighth episode of
“What’s in the Bag EDU?”
We’re putting an EDU spin on the series originally by Amoeba Records! In “What’s in the Bag EDU,” educators share tools that they’re using in their classrooms. When possible, we’ll provide links to purchase the items discussed, just below the videos.
Today, we welcome Jenna Mercury, or @Science4UsSays, from Charlottesville, VA!
I’m Jenna! Currently I’m roaming around the world sharing the value of K-2 science education, but prior to this, I was teaching science and math in the classroom. I’ve always known that I would be working in the sciences. I just never knew the capacity! My role has certainly evolved, but my love for science just grows stronger!
(please note, below could be affiliate links)
Item #1:
My first item in my bag is less of a thing and more of a feeling: compassion and understanding. The one thing that I have realized over my time as an educator is that we all carry baggage. Sometimes our mind (as a student) is not prepared to learn because of outside influences. We need to be caring in our actions and learn to support these students. If our mind is not prepared, we need to get it there. Stop, Breathe & Think is an app that helps you find your inner peace in the craziness of our worlds: https://www.stopbreathethink.com/
Item #2:
I can’t leave home without my stereoscope. Yes, I said stereoscope! There is nothing more fantastic to a science teacher than whipping this out when a student wants to take a closer look at something. One of my favorite teachable science moments was when my students were studying soil, sand and rocks and a student was looking at the sand and said, “Ms. Mercury, this looks like mini rocks!” Boom! We’ve even checked out dust bunnies- EW! https://amzn.to/31X0Cv7
Item #3:
Although this may seem silly, I am still a gal that’s all about her health. In the classroom, I would always forget to drink water or I simply would never drink enough. Water not only helps a body regulate temperature and flush out waste, but it also helps with brain function-- we need awesome brains everyday! So my bag always has a reusable water bottle and a straw handy. Then I can keep drinking the chemical of life throughout the day! Science water bottles are the best! https://amzn.to/33dl4YI
Item #4:
Other item in my bag is far from the classroom walls, literally: The SkyView app. Going along with my first idea, I love nothing more than reflecting on the idea that I am one small speck in this huge space. I feel inspired to look up at the stars and planets at night and think about peace and serenity. I loved sharing this app with my students as so often they too did not think beyond the walls of the classroom! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/skyview-lite/id413936865
Item #5:
Twitter. Twitter is always in my bag. If I am ever struggling on anything: classroom ideas, parent communication, or even mental exhaustion, there are millions of ideas and dozens and dozens of support outlets available. We are all on the same team and our goals are so common. Having a PD team of this global size is thrilling AND essential!
