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”
Tag Archives: teach
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”
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)”
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”
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”
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”
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”
WSC Designs 