Picking Up STEAM

I have been teaching math and science to academically-gifted students for the past ten years. Prior to that, I worked as a consulting engineer doing field studies and permitting for major public-works projects in New England and the mid-Atlantic states. My students worked at a level one or two years above that of their age group peers, so some of the material I use with my fourth graders might be equally well suited for fifth or sixth graders.

I endeavor to share my enthusiasm for math, science, and engineering with my students. It is critical that students see that their teachers find the material engaging and fun, and I do. Teaching has been a second childhood for me and a chance to develop activities that I would have enjoyed when I was in school. As much as possible, I want students to learn by doing, and experimenting, and making mistakes. In addition to that, though, I want my students to have the practical skills necessary to be good scientists and to have the ability to apply their math "tools" to the world around them.

SENG honor roll, recognized for supporting the emotional needs of gifted students.

As a child, I enjoyed school but I found more excitement in doing my own work in my free time. I made my way through every science-experiments-for-kids book in the library. I built my own toys, and took things apart to see how they worked. As a young adult, I attended the University of Masschusetts in Amherst and completed BS and MS degrees in Botany.

The one additional benefit I had growing up, aside from a good education, was to have been raised into a family of educators. Both of my parents were teachers, and they were both very handy and practical people. They taught me to build and fix things, to work on my car, help them with home repair, sew, garden, and cook. As a teacher, I look to find ways to build practical skills into my lessons, and I work to include my students' parents in building these skills. Most of the activities I will post can also be repeated and extended at home as family activities.