Category: science
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Critical thinking is more important than ever amidst Internet-based denier propaganda
Critical thinking has ALWAYS been an important part of a high quality education. A case can be made in our information-awash society today, however, that critical faculties are needed NOW more than ever. The May 2010 issue of NewScientist magazine includes a special report section titled, “Age of Denial: Why so many people refuse to…
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From Lesson Plans to Online Curriculum by Jim Askew #ok1to1 (Amazing open Chemistry curriculum)
These are my notes from Jim Askew’s afternoon presentation at the Crescent Public Schools‘ 1:1 learning conference on 4 June 2010. Jim teaches chemistry at Crescent, develops curriculum with Crescent teachers, and leads their TAH (Teaching American History) grant. The title of his session was, “From Lesson Plans to Online Curriculum.” MY THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS…
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Scratch, Stopmotion, Lego Robotics, Worm Farming and more at Kids College in Altus
The past two summers, I have facilitated week-long youth workshops on stopmotion moviemaking in Edmond, Oklahoma. This summer I’m not planning to lead one, but I’ve received a few phone calls and emails in past months from parents asking me to. For parents / kids / families living near Altus, Oklahoma, I’d encourage you to…
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NCLB has killed creative teaching and energetic learning about science (at least before state testing)
Carol Engelmann, in a video interview for the Imagine It! Project, correctly observes our politically-inspired educational culture of high stakes accountability (NCLB) has severely hurt the cause of creative teaching, driven passionate teachers away from the profession, and DISCOURAGED rather than encouraged excitement in many K-12 science classrooms. video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player Carol…
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Delivering Distance Engineering Courses Utilizing Web-based Electronic Media by Kurt Gramoll #odla2010
These are my notes from Kurt Gramoll ‘s keynote presentation “Delivering Distance Engineering Courses Utilizing Web-based Electronic Media” at the Spring 2010 ODLA conference on April 23, 2010 at the OU K-20 Center. Simon is a professor at Oklahoma University. MY THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS ARE IN ALL CAPS. Background – professor at OU – aerospace…
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ODLA 2010 Spring Conference Program Available
This Friday, April 23rd, the Oklahoma Distance Learning Association (ODLA) will hold its spring conference at the K-20 Center on the campus of Oklahoma University in Norman. The conference program is available in PDF format. The conference keynote speaker will be Dr. Kurt Gramoll. The conference program includes the following bio for Dr. Gramoll: Prof.…
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Painting with Light! LCD Pens, Circuits and Creativity
This evening my son and I attended a two hour “Light Painting Workshop” at the Oklahoma City CoCo. (Coworking Collaborative) We learned about “makers,” building electronic circuits, LCD lights, and photography while we experienced new ways to have creative fun! During the workshop we built LCD light pens, and then used them to create different…
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Brush Up on Modern Physics – Free
Although I was a “fuzzy major” in college, I love science and particularly love learning about theoretical physics. This can likely be attributed to my outstanding physics teacher at Manhattan High School, Ron Curtain. Even though I fared rather poorly grade-wise in freshman physics at USAFA, I enjoyed reading books like “The Tao of Physics”…
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NASA Resources for Millennial Learners by Mark Clemente
These are my notes from Mark Clemente’s presentation, “NASA Resources for Millennial Learners” at the One to One Institute‘s conference on November 9, 2009 conference in Chicago, Illinois. MY THOUGHTS ARE IN ALL CAPS. I am recording this session and hope to share it as a podcast later. NASA eClips is NASA’s newest program, one…
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Designing for Learning: Engaging Students and Teachers from the Arctic to Australia by Aaron Doering
These are my notes from Aaron Doering’s presentation, “Designing for Learning: Engaging Students and Teachers from the Arctic to Australia” at the 21st Century Learning @ the West Lake Expo held Oct 31 – Nov 3, 2009 at Xi Hu, China, also known as West Lake. West Lake is in the center of Hangzhou, China,…