Author Archives: Sarah Roels

About Sarah Roels

I'm a former Ph.D. student at the University of Kansas in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department. I study mating system evolution in plants, using the model system Mimulus. I now work at Michigan State University as their GK-12 project manager.

A GK-12 lifer reflection

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Sarah Roels

It has been nearly a year since I was last involved with the GK-12 program at KU, and I want to share with you my reflections on the program. I want to begin by expressing how overwhelmingly grateful I am … Continue reading →

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The Grand Finale

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Sarah Roels

“I ended up with the greatest classroom in the world. And this, my friends, will be our last class for this stage.” —Oprah Winfrey Just over a week ago, I spent my final day at Central Middle. It was their … Continue reading →

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Science Fair – Part 2

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Sarah Roels

Yesterday my students were in the process of actually doing their experiments! I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed watching them make giant messes and have fun, but it was quite hard to keep track of everyone at once. Each … Continue reading →

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Science Fair–Part 1

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Sarah Roels

Wow – It surprises me each and every year how hectic the end of the KU semester is; everyone is sleep-deprived and a bit punchy, including me! I have a couple of posts to catch up on. Last Thursday, my … Continue reading →

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Nature-deficit disorder

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Sarah Roels

Until today, I think I’ve been pretty good about remaining good-natured and going with the flow of whatever crazy things happen during my visits to the middle school. One of my students said something today that shocked me soooo much … Continue reading →

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Long day

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Sarah Roels

Today was an exhausting day for both students and teachers alike at Central Middle. Since most student are doing the state tests (except Science and something else), each day has been condensed into only three class periods. Yes, three. From … Continue reading →

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Clickers & Jell-O

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Sarah Roels

Thursday, I gave my personal response lesson to my wonderful students. They loved it! It took an enormous amount of preparation time to pull together. I have up to 37 students in each of my five classes, so I had … Continue reading →

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Catch-up time!

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Sarah Roels

Right-o, the spring semester is absolutely flying by and I just realized that I have a couple of posts to catch up on! This entry is going to be journal style, just for fun. Thursday March 8 – Today my … Continue reading →

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Instructive destructive inquiry

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Sarah Roels

That’s a strange title, isn’t it? How do you combine instructive, explorative inquiry with bored, restless seventh graders to maximum effect? Answer: Let them destroy things in the pursuit of learning. Last week our kiddos finished up their unit on … Continue reading →

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The Mixed Bag continues

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Sarah Roels

Yesterday was my 7th visit to Central Middle this spring semester, and I admit, I’m still confused as to how to truly optimize learning in the classroom. I realize all the ‘real’ teachers out there probably think I’m naive for … Continue reading →

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