woodshopcowboy

Updated: The Tool Chest

Technology in Education: The Digital STEM Fair

You’ve been to a science fair, right? Tri-fold boards, volcanoes and blue ribbons. This month, my colleagues and I shepherded the “STEM Fair” into existence. The STEM Fair is a showcase for any Science, Technology, Engineering or Math project our students produced over the course of a month. My school produced forty to fifty blogContinue reading “Technology in Education: The Digital STEM Fair”

Seriation on the Rocks

Good order is the foundation of all great things. – Edmund Burke

STEM Project: The CO2 Rocket Car

This is my favorite project from this month’s STEM Fair. A student of mine decided to build CO2 Rocket cars. I loved building one of these in middle school. I distinctly remember my simple teardrop design coming in last and remarking – well, that’s unfair. I didn’t know I could do THAT! – when IContinue reading “STEM Project: The CO2 Rocket Car”

This Week in the Classroom: Spring 2012

In the Spring of 2012, I began my third year as a classroom teacher. I planned on teaching the courses below. It didn’t happen. Instead of a woodshop/technology resource, I became a project-oriented classroom teacher. I taught 6th grade Math/Science & MS/9th Grade Math/Science and took part in two environmental education program periods. The paceContinue reading “This Week in the Classroom: Spring 2012”

This Week in the Classroom: STEM Fair

I’m knee deep in the STEM Fair. Some examples of work from my two or three classes of students. make it safe & keep the rubber side down.

Student-Built Seesaw (He see-d, he saw-ed, he fell down)

Yesterday, we completed a physics demonstration: The adjustable see-saw. This seesaw has holes drilled into the balancing beam, allowing students/users to experiment with the capabilities of numerous levers. You just shift its position along the beam and viola! Instantly, a foolish grin hits your face as you try to balance anew. More pictures after theContinue reading “Student-Built Seesaw (He see-d, he saw-ed, he fell down)”

Picture Frames

I’ve built a few picture frames over the last two years. I’ve enjoyed the process and the opportunity work some hard wood. With all walnut, maple, white oak and red oak scraps I’ve been making I should have raw materials for an entire house! It takes about an hour to make the frame, but yearsContinue reading “Picture Frames”

New Year, New Classes

Spring 2012 is here! I have just a (few) new classes. A quick rundown after the jump:

Course Curriculum: Computer Applications:CAD

After my quick reflections on the Tea Box project and my computer science course, I’d like to take a spin over to my most successful, challenging and rewarding class(es) this semester. I had the opportunity to teach 2 CAD courses with a great, energetic group of young men (and one woman). As the year progressedContinue reading “Course Curriculum: Computer Applications:CAD”