Welcome Back Day!

Every year, our district hosts a huge Welcome Back Day for the entire faculty.  From custodians to administrators, I love how everyone gets together to kick off each new school year.  It's nice to have everyone all together, even for just a few hours.



In past years, the district has brought in some great speakers - including Yong Zhou, Will Richardson, and most recently, Kevin Honeycutt.  This year, however, the district did something new.  Thanks to Kevin Honeycutt's encouragement to "Live Out Loud,"  this year's Welcome Back Day theme was "Living Out Loud, One Year Later."  And this year's speakers were came from within our own community - the teachers of our own district.

Including me.

I think I had a momentary aneurism when I agreed to present.  To the whole district.  At once.

Yes, I've done presentations before.  I did four for the district this summer, and two at a summer EdCamp.  But those were smaller groups.  20-30 people at a time.  Not a whole district.  At the same time.  In a gymnasium.  With a banner.  That you run through.  Seriously.

But, knowing that I was more nervous for this than any other experience or presentation, I found something that scared me more.

I went sky diving.  (And I didn't tell anyone!)

And this morning at 7:45am, I would have rather been sky diving instead of setting up for the big share.  At least I was one of five presentations.  That made me feel better.  Sorta.

However, when all was said and done, even though I was still trembling five hours after presenting, it was actually really fun to share my passion with my district.  And yes, I would do it again.

For those who want to see the presentation, I'll post the link when I get it.  In the mean time, enjoy the dive...

Not At ISTE 2014

I may not be at ISTE this year, but boy, am I loving it! I've learned so much just by following #ISTE2014 on twitter - it's almost (not quite) as fun as being there. (I might just be trying to convince myself of that, though.....)

Anyway, here are a few gems that have flowed through the rapidly moving twitter stream.  It's hard to keep up with all the juicy bits of learning!!

Kinda cool to think about....... Kids come in with dreams, let's join them in keeping them.....

And I've yet to see a 4 year old with technology wait for directions on how it works........

My new favorite analogy.

Week One Fun!

What a week!

The Henry Ford Innovation Institute is smack in the middle of the Downtown Campus of the hospital.  And the place is beautiful.  Seriously, meticulously planned and restored..... The island where I've chosen as my work space is made out of recycled tail lights!  Walking in to to the building I can't help but smile, knowing all the innovative thinking that takes place inside!  I will say this, it's about as opposite as you can get to the classroom, it's going to take me a while to get used to the quiet!

Maker Faire Meeting at the recycled tail-light counter!

My week started with a Maker Faire meeting that got me even more excited about the event.  Henry Ford will have a booth (for lack of better word?) there to help build awareness about organ donation.  They have a really neat project people can do!  More details later as I get a better understanding of it!

My view from the Fisher Building!
The marble is over a foot thick!

Another highlight of my week was meeting the neatest guy, who is literally a jack-of-all-trades. He works with Dr. Dulchavsky on a variety of projects, including the ultra sound technology that is used in space!  Jack took me on a tour of the Fisher Building, which is where his company has their office.  The richness of the Fisher Building's history, well, let's just say if history was taught through pictures and stories instead of facts? I may very well have become an historian.

Reminded me of an aquarium accessory!

The final highlight of the week was watching the 3D printer work! I know, that may sound boring to some, but to me, it was fascinating!  Even more fascinating is how they have been able to use 3D printing to aid in medical procedures!  Mind boggling!

The rest of my week was spent brainstorming activities for Maker Faire, and building a social media list to use to promote Maker Faire, and encourage people to come to our booth while there.

I had a great conversation with Dr. Dulchavsky on Wednesday afternoon that really helped me understand more of what The Henry Ford Innovation Institute is doing.  The short version? HFII is working toward discovering inventions and innovations to improve the medical community.  They are also working to build interest and enthusiasm in STEM education for grades 6-12.  (That's what I'll be helping with this summer.)

And on that note..... I can't wait to see what next week brings!

The Best Summer Ever!

I'm taking a line from my students, cause this really is gonna be The Best Summer Ever!

Why?  Because tomorrow I start my internship at the Henry Ford Innovation Institute!  Last Thursday, I spent a few hours down there meeting everyone, and learning a bit more about what happens there, and all I can say (again) is that this is going to be The Best Summer Ever!

The institute is housed in the auditorium (renovated!) where Henry Ford used to hand out nursing degrees!

I will be spending two days a week working with a crew of incredible Thinkers, helping out wherever I'm needed.  While I don't know specifically what I'll be working on each week, I do know a few things, and those alone are enough to make this The Best Summer Ever!

One of the tasks I'll be helping with is assisting the team in developing a STEM curriculum for for grades 6-12.  Another task will be helping out at Maker Faire Detroit on July 26-27.  Um, hello? I'm gonna be helping with a weekend event where over 400 "thinkers" are sharing their projects?  Go ahead, twist my arm.

Anyway, I plan to document this learning experience as it happens, so if your summer isn't looking to be awesome, you are welcome to share in The Best Summer Ever with me!  (though, if you're reading this, you're likely an educator, and I know that you need no plans in place to enjoy summer!)

P.S.  Come to Maker Faire.  Seriously.  You won't regret it.  Click HERE to learn more!

P.P. S.  Check out the Institute, too!  You'll be amazed at what they're working on these days!

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