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”

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”

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”

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.