Maybe I shouldn't have started this blog now, not with everything that's been going on.

1030am: Gave them the library research on Messier objects, where each person was given a specific Messier object number to look for and write up on. Prevents copying of others' work, although it doesn't eliminate the teamwork of sharing the same book to use as reference.

I told them it could be submitted anytime today, although those who finish it by 1130am will be given bonuses. Always enough incentive to get them on their toes, that. Luckily no one asked (as did my previous classes) about just having it as an assignment instead, but I would have given the same response about the bonus if submitted within the class period.

1250pm: Gave them the activity on the Phases of the Moon. Used a printout of the instructions given to each group instead of explaining it in front of the class, although I still wrote the table to be filled on the board as well as the required positions of the Earth, the Moon and the Sun to use.

There were still some questions, but then that is to be expected.

230pm: Gave them the last two questions on the zodiac constellation calendar. I also taught them how to answer the questions using their sliding (aligned) papers also, and some said it was easier solving with those than with the columns on the paper. And here I was under the impression that it was more difficult making sure than one piece of paper was stationary while moving the other.

Overall: Three different discussions in all three astronomy classes today. Quite unusual for something I've already taught for the past four years straight.

Not surprisingly there were already students asking for their tickets to the field trip, and I had to fend them off by saying they will be given the tickets along with the activity sheet on Friday to ensure that they don't lose either before the sheduled trip (as has already happened once). Also, there were some questions about the activities, which I said will be answered when they get the activity sheet.

I got to give them points for inquisitiveness, if not for not paying attention when their classmate asked the same question a few minutes earlier, or when it was already answered last meeting.