Maker Genetics
In Development
How to integrate maker-based education into science classrooms has been a theme for my entire teaching career. Maker genetics is my latest endeavor to merge principles and processes of engineering design and science concepts and topics (e.g., genetic inheritance and natural selection).
The goal for this instructional material is to develop a series of learning activities where students utilize 3D modeling software (i.e. Tinkercad), 3D printing, electronics, and mendelian principles of genetics to create mini robots.
The vision is to then use these robots in a series of "natural selection" competitions to determine their "fit" for the environment. Students will then reimagine their "wobble bot" based on the limitations of their genetics and survivability to engineer a "more fit" wobble bot.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) has become a passion of mine recently and I enjoy creating AR activities my undergraduate elementary teachers can quickly access and learn from. JigSpace was where I caught the bug, unfortunately it has become rather pricey and I have had to discontinue many of these efforts until I can either justify spending the money or find a less expensive alternative.
Click image to view AR
Click image to view AR
Click image to view AR
evGrand Prix
evGrand Prix curriculum is focused on providing students with the opportunity to explore science and engineering concepts using a go-kart. This unique educational material is a series of hands-on activities appropriate for an introductory high school Integrated Chemistry and Physics (ICP) course or Career Technology Education (CTE) course. The merging of the Hardware Store Science experiments and evGrand Prix academic components lead to a stand-alone course that prepares students for competing in the Purdue evGrand Prix, The MSTEM Micro-Kart Competition, and or the RC Go-Kart Senior Capstone Project. During this process teams of students build, test, and race a remote controlled 24-volt electric go-kart, drivable 48-volt electric go-kart, or design and fabricate a “3-volt Micro-Kart.” In the process, students learn scientific concepts directly related to the engineering and technology associated with electric vehicle manufacturing.
Hardware Store Science
This Hardware Store Science program is set of classroom curriculum appropriate for an introductory high school Integrated Chemistry and Physics (ICP) course or as an introduction to Career Technology Education (CTE) courses. Each instructional module merges of an inquiry-based science experiment with the engineering design process resulting in a maker-based learning experience that prepares students for careers in STEM related professions. Throughout each module, students are immersed within a technology rich learning environment applying mathematical principles as they learn science content within an engaging engineering context. Students will utilize technology to explore engineering and math concepts directly related to the investigated scientific theme of conservation of energy, as it applies to the motion of objects, chemical interactions, and electricity. The purposeful integration of all STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) provides an authentic means of encouraging student engagement. In addition, all Hardware Store Science curriculum is grounded in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Technology Expertise
Diigo Badge
This is a social bookmarking tool which allows you to research, highlight text information, bookmark, tag, and take personal notes on web pages found on the Internet.
Snagit Badge
Allows you to create screen captures and video screencasts and easily share them with others via screencast.com, YouTube, or save to your computer
Kahoot Badge
Allows you to create poll questions to use in the classroom allowing students to respond via text or the Internet
Camtasia Badge
Allows you to create and edit videos and audio and then publish them to
YouTube, Facebook, and other similar services. (both PC and Mac)
iMovie Badge
Allows you to create and edit videos and audio and then publish them to
YouTube, Facebook, and other similar services. (Mac Only)
Movie Maker Badge
Allows you to create and edit videos and audio and then publish them to
YouTube, Facebook, and other similar services. (PC Only)
PowerPoint Badge
Allows you to create a slide show that can include pictures, video,
graphics, text, etc.
PowToon Badge
Allows you to create engaging animation presentations
Articulate Storyline 360 Badge
Allows you to create interactive learning modules that can incorporate
graphics, video, quizzes, and web interaction.