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Inconclusive survey, which is probably the most honest results you can get on a phenomenon like Facebook.  Infographics are a fascinating way to present results, even mixed results.  

So you've come to the end of your auto lease and you've decided that you want to keep the car . If you want a good deal, you need to put in some research, just like buying a used car .

"This coming summer I am getting the opportunity to teach a maker education camp for three weeks, half-days at a local elementary school.  The descriptions for the three one-week workshops are: Circuit Crafts: Build glowing, sensing, and interactive circuit projects; make electronic stickers, circuit sketchbooks, circuit cards, and sewn circuits. Sweet Robotics: Make simple robotics using Popsicle sticks and LED lights; play with and build some robots with Makey Makey, littleBits, Hummingbird, and Modular Robotics. Toy Hacking: Take apart simple electronic toys to see how they work & then put them back together again creating a new toy; make an operation game."

Why playing with algebraic and calculus concepts-rather than doing arithmetic drills-may be a better way to introduce children to math. Math curriculum specialist Maria Droujkova notes in the article that "Calculations kids are forced to do are often so developmentally inappropriate, the experience amounts to torture," Introducing mathematics that is open-ended and play oriented keeps kids engaged with it, instead of being turned off and feeling deficient.

On Saturday I had the opportunity to join a group of very enthusiastic teachers to hear Alan November and Carl Jarvis speak at North Turramurra Primary School. That so many educators from across Sydney were keen to give up a Saturday is a testament to their desire to improve their teaching but also a measure of the respect these speakers garner.

For teachers in Australia the year is drawing rapidly to a close. It is a time for packing away classrooms, taking down displays of student learning and saying farewell to students as they move on to new classes. At the ending of one year it is worth taking a moment to ponder what is so remarkable about teaching as a profession.