in the front seat

Students, regardless of their grade can do one of the assignments described in this post on Ave Maria Press. On January 12, Pope Francis announced that there would be nineteen new cardinals in the Catholic Church. The interesting thing about the selections is that a majority of the new cardinals come from places other than Europe, North America, or the Vatican itself. Here are the names and places of all the new cardinals. Note the variety of locales. New Cardinals Reflect the Global Church | Ave Maria Press

Since its creation Google App for Education has seen remarkable growth.  In addition to individual schools and uninteresting, entire states have adopted the free service saving millions. Find more education infographics on e-Learning Infographics

Rules :  Each team of no more than three members, must bake and decorate enough cupcakes to share with members of the class.  Three to five judges will evaluate  your best cupcake based on the following criteria.   Flavor This tasty cupcake is of exceptional flavor, neither overly sweet nor lacking in flavor.  (40 pts) This cupcake is of average taste resembling the quality normally found in a store- bought package. (30 pts) This cupcake either lacks flavor or is too sweet.  (20 pts) Presentation This attractive cupcake represents the “winter” theme exceptionally well making use of color and other elements of design.  (40 pts) This cupcake adequately represents the “winter” theme resembling the generic quality normally found in a store bought package. (30 pts) This cupcake lacks artistic elements, color, and/or fails to represent the “winter” theme. (20 pts) Texture This cupcake is the ideal texture, neither too moist/so...

Test anxiety is a common problem for many students.  Here are some things that can be done to reduce anxiety. Ask for help . Just talking to someone about test anxiety can make you feel better. Describe what happens to you when you're taking a test and these people can help you figure out some solutions.  Be prepared . Pay attention in class. Do your homework. Study for the test. On test day, you're more likely to feel like you know the material . Expect the best . Once you have prepared, think positively. Say to yourself, "I studied and I'm ready to do my best." Block bad thoughts. Watch out for any negative messages you might be sending yourself about the test ("I'm no good at taking tests" or "I'm going to freak out if I get a bad grade"). These thoughts can make anxiety worse and make it harder for you to do well on the test . Accept mistakes . Everyone makes mistakes. Be more forgiving of your own mistakes, especially if you prep...

I enjoy reading a good infographic.  This one addresses the historical stages of "the geek".  It is fitting to find this now as my students are finishing the first drafts of their papers on how things have changed. The Evolution of the Geek [infographic]

David Pogue: 10 top time-saving tech tips | Video on TED.com

Malala Yousafzai addresses United Nations Youth Assembly

Harry Potter Myers-Briggs Chart [infographic]

Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Middle East.  Perhaps we could recite and reflect on this prayer. World Peace Prayer Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth, from despair to hope, from fear to trust. Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace. Let peace fill our hearts, let peace fill our world, let peace fill our universe. Amen. Thanks to Mike Amodei at Ave Maria Press who created a simple activity for a classroom.  It can also be uses by anyone reflecting on peace. Pray for World Peace | Ave Maria Press