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Physics is Elementary

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  On Friday, I was so pleased to be able to return to one of my favorite days of the year, High-Interest Day at Brookfield Elementary School. This is a day where I have been able to bring the concepts of physics to k-5 graders. You may be asking yourself, "Elementary students doing physics?" YES! Not just experimenting, but understanding the concepts behind the physics of electricity and sound.  This is a very special day I have had the opportunity to be involved in since 2017. So, how are we able to bring the concepts of electricity and sound traditionally taught to high school 11th and 12th graders to the elementary level? There are a few keys 1) make it a hands-on experience 2) remove the mathematical calculations and make it practical. In the past, I had the luck of bringing a handful of my physics students with me to guide the elementary students through the concepts that they had learned over the course of the year. But in my new role as a Teaching and Learning Speciali
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My Professional Learning Universe

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As the Thanksgiving break comes to a close, I’ve had some time to reflect on all of those who shape my work in education.  I wanted to take a few moments to thank them for being a part of my work in the classroom with my students.  The all inform different parts of my practice. Much like the Marvel superheroes play their role in a bigger universe, the individuals form my Personal Learning Universe. You don’t need to acquire any infinity stones to gain their power, just follow them on Twitter.

Thought Leaders

These are the ones who help clarify my why. When I look for someone to challenge my thinking, this is where I start.
Dave Burgess
@burgessdave
Barbara Bray
@bbray27
George Couros
@gcouros
Kathleen McClaskey
@khmmc
Institute for PL
@Institute4PL
Allison Zmuda
@allison_zmuda

The How

It’s one thing to have a goal, it’s another thing to know how to use tools you never heard of.  This is where I go to discover new tools and strategies.
Matt Miller
@jmattmiller
Alice Keeler
@alicekeeler
Pear Deck
@PearDeck
Kasey Bell
@ShakeUpLearning
AJ Juliani
@ajjuliani
John Spencer
@spenceridea

Local Power

I’ve had the privilege to meet all of these local change agents face to face. They are the ones bringing great educational change to the state of Wisconsin.

Elmbrook Pride

At the end of the day, I need to have the support of those in my building and my district. These are the faces I go to when I need help or support.  They never fail to deliver in abundance.




Brett Gruetzmacher
@BGruetzmacher
Andelee Espinosa
@AndeleeEspinosa
Jeff Gryzwa
@gryzj
Dana Monogue
@DrMonogue
Katie Spadoni
@katie_spadoni
Amie Farley
@amielfarley


#IMMOOC

In the age of social media we can find inspiration from those who are practicing what they preach.  We never may meet face to face, but their words inspire me to keep going.

Carolyn Cormier
@ccormier_edu
Tamara Letter
@tamaraletter
Katie Martin
@katiemartinedu
Tara M Martin
@TaraMartinEDU
Meghan Lawson
@Meghan_Lawson
Annick Rauch
@AnnickRauch
Kristen Nan
@nankr1120
Lynn Thomas
@THOMLYNN101
Shauna Cornwell
@slcornwell

Of course there are many more who influence me. Any list formation is destined to be limited by the time one has to create it. But, I think this is a great start.  Thank you so much for your support of our shared work.

My first blog post was in November of 2014 and it’s become a great tool to reflect and share.  Thank you all for reading this far.  

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