Anchor activity for the Science and Engineering Fair

We used paper helicopters as an anchor activity in class to discuss the key parts of a scientific investigation.  The question we investigated was, "how does the length of a paper helicopter's blade affect the number of rotations?"  Because the rotations occurred too fast for students' eyes, we used the resources available to us.  This student captured the helicopter's spin on video and used iMovie to slow it down.  Very neat stuff!

Ecosystem Projects

We spent the past 2 weeks working on ecosystem projects.  Here are a few samples of what students did...
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3

Additions to my Growth Tab

I've added a brief description of the recent Curriculum course I am taking through Southern New Hampshire University.  I've also added a bunch of suggested readings and books that have helped shaped my thinking over time.

Update on 2015-2016 goals

Summer 2016-
I am making progress on them in several areas and it feels good.  This summer, my wife's cousin who is a professional musician, came up to visit.  He taught me the underlying rules for the major, minor and blues scales.  I have practiced them a couple of times and need to continue practice them.  I've gone on several small hikes with my son and would like to take a larger hike before the summer is out.  I've been going for a walk 20 minutes each day and have started to lose weight.

On the professional front, I have enrolled in Southern New Hampshire University's Masters program.  I have taken two classes.  During the 2015-2016 school year, we studied physical science and I did some new things.  I tried several engineering projects that I think were very successful.  Students built a thermos, edible car, Rube-Goldberg Machine and others.  Still can do more work around my goals but am happy with the progress I've made with them up until this point.