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”
Tag Archives: Education
Putting a Roof on the Bike Barn
We recently got half a roof put on the bike barn. The students fixed up fifteen bikes and laid out a roof in three long hours. Excellent work ethic, if not visuals. I’ll be getting out and fixing up the barn throughout the spring semester. I hope to add a waterproof holding bin & toolContinue reading “Putting a Roof on the Bike Barn”
This Week in the Classroom: Computer Science & Electronics
The Fall 2011 semester came to an end last week. I’m taking stock of what-used-to-be (my previous semesters classes) and re-tooling, re-gearing and re-searching my way into new course-load. I’d like to start with my Computer Science & Electronics course. I described this course as: This course introduces computer programming to students with little orContinue reading “This Week in the Classroom: Computer Science & Electronics”
Classroom Projects: The Tea Box
This fall, I made an effort to produce a “high-quality” product – and by this I mean hardwoods, nice finishes, proper construction techniques and professional quality work. This effort resulted in the “Tea Box” project. I also tried to maximize the amount and quantity of hand tools used versus the necessity of power tools.
Toy Making Jigs
My son has very strong feelings about woodworking show hosts. “Herm” (Norm) is his favorite – he’s in love with power tools. Me? I prefer St. Roy. In this episode, St. Roy discussed and built several toys from 18th century America. I was especially fascinated by the jig he uses to create small parts. IContinue reading “Toy Making Jigs”
This Week in the Shop: Guy Clark and Boxes
From Guy Clark’s song, “The Carpenter”: He was tough as a crowbar, quick as a chisel Fair as a plane and true as a level. He was straight as a chalkline and right as a rule. He was square with the world. He took good care of his tools The early results of my boxContinue reading “This Week in the Shop: Guy Clark and Boxes”
Physics Carriages
In my MWF fourth period class, my students have been discovering and elaborating on the scientific method. I chose cars & ramps (aka pinewood derby car) as an opening project. We spent two weeks learning the different parts of the scientific method and how to measure our results. We create reports (I’m on my fourthContinue reading “Physics Carriages”
The Google Sketch Up Lab
This year, I’ve been working closely with another colleague to create, a project-based CAD course. When I was presented with the challenge, I dove in head first. This week I have been presenting various perspective/drawing challenges to my students in an effort to assess their current capabilities. I’ve been enjoying a curriculum challenge, and afterContinue reading “The Google Sketch Up Lab”
(Re-)Planting Salt Marsh Grass: Galveston Bay Foundation
In Feburary, fifteen of my students ripped up some two-hundred salt marsh grass stalks. After a few months of careful husbandry, we re-planted the stalks in the middle of Trinity Bay. I’ll let the Galveston Bay Foundation take it from here… We got muddy and wet and smiles on our faces. Replanting the salt grassContinue reading “(Re-)Planting Salt Marsh Grass: Galveston Bay Foundation”
Current Projects: The Butterfly Chair
One of my woodshop classes have ended for the week, so I took the opportunity to document the progress: And this is what happens when a student ticks me off! (ok, ok, I was pulling a big nail with a small hammer…)
WSC Designs 