My colleague, Kat Sauter, and I teach in what used to be the Cosmetology classroom at Fox Tech High School. In the newly formed Advanced Learning Academy (this is its 4th year), our room has become known as “The Makerspace.” Kat and I felt like this generic term, which has come to mean many things … Read more
One of the challenges I faced this year in the Makerspace was that our classroom got double-booked for the second nine weeks during 7th period. This meant my Principles of Applied Engineering Class met in a Spanish classroom – and the students who were eager to use large tools like the saws were disappointed at … Read more
One of the advantages of my new school is its location. We are in downtown San Antonio – steps from the Riverwalk, downtown courthouses, parks, museums, and the Central Library. Our students go on many walking field trips, and we try to take advantage of our location whenever possible. Last weekend, the Central Library hosted … Read more
My students have done agamographs in the past, but I always called them “pictures that show two perspectives.” It’s nice to learn there is an official name for these that has fewer syllables. There are many ways to integrate this art form into other subjects – showing cause and effect in science or literature, or … Read more
If you read last year’s “Gifts for the Gifted” posts, then you may remember that one of my suggestions was Circuit Playground Express. After publishing the post, I found out that there was an e-book published by Rob Merrill with some fun ideas for different ways to use this product, which is an awesome introduction … Read more
My new job title at Advanced Learning Academy is “S.T.E.A.M. Master Teacher.” Thank goodness I didn’t know my co-teacher when I applied for the job – or I would have talked myself out of it. My co-teacher, Kat Sauter, is A.MAZE.ING when it comes to everything from Robotics to Carpentry. We both share the school’s … Read more