Mar 03
What does it take to inspire sustained interest in science and inquiry? On Thursday, February 28, 2013, the LRDC (Learning Research and Development Center) of the University of Pittsburgh opened their first lecture of the 50th Anniversary Distinguished Speaker Series with the question. Dr. Resnick was introduced by Chris Schunn of the LRDC who …
Permanent link to this article: https://growageneration.com/2013/03/03/mitchel-resnick-sowing-the-seeds-for-a-more-creative-society/
Feb 23
How do kids learn to use new media? A leading researcher in the field, Mimi Ito, has proposed three levels of participation: Hanging Out, Messing Around, and Geeking Out. Her work (alongside numerous researchers experimenting with this inquiry based learning model) has inspired the new movement of libraries and community centers to create HOMAGO Labs. …
Permanent link to this article: https://growageneration.com/2013/02/23/homago-labs/
Feb 18
One of my part time hats includes serving as the Baden Academy Media Lab Director. I have the extreme pleasure of working with a number of very gifted 2nd and 3rd graders and a spectacular teaching staff. The twelve media lab students I see twice a week have just completed a four week unit on …
Permanent link to this article: https://growageneration.com/2013/02/18/scratch-programming-and-3rd-grade-common-core/
Feb 03
Here’s a challenge to parents… How often in a school day is your child disengaged from learning? PBS NewsHour ran a special on the Rocketship charter school network. They highlighted some of the spectacular elements of this ingenious charter school and pointed out some of its flaws. A section of the broadcast focused on their …
Permanent link to this article: https://growageneration.com/2013/02/03/dealing-with-distractions/
Jan 26
FIRST Lego League is a robotics competition for elementary and middle school students using the Lego Mindstorm robot kit. This is by far one of my favorite robotics programs as it emphasizes not just how to build and program a robot, but adds a judged element of gracious professionalism, a research component that has kids …
Permanent link to this article: https://growageneration.com/2013/01/26/models-for-coaching-first-lego-league/
Jan 19
I am having so much fun with the research fellows at Baden Academy! This group of gifted 3rd graders entered the doorway of the 50 year old science lab of the old Mt. Gallitzen and have begun to imagine with me a magical new media lab. While we wait for paint and supplies and continue …
Permanent link to this article: https://growageneration.com/2013/01/19/paintnet-green-screens-and-3rd-graders/
Jan 05
I am a huge Felicia Day fan (savvy 21st century business woman, star/creator/writer/producer of web series The Guild, and the Geek and Sundry YouTube channel). I listened to her interview with Matt Pizzolo (another person inventing the future with transmedia and multiplatform productions). What stuck with me was the image of her doing everything: the writing, …
Permanent link to this article: https://growageneration.com/2013/01/05/inventing-the-future/
Dec 22
The idea that an all perfect and infinite divine being could take on imperfect and finite flesh, that is to become incarnate, is at the heart of the Christmas message. Leave aside expectations of perfection and allow yourself to find joy in smelly stables. Challenge yourself to be gracious with the byproducts of overworked and …
Permanent link to this article: https://growageneration.com/2012/12/22/leave-aside-perfection-embrace-the-human/
Dec 14
Tragedy often lifts our face to seek comfort and understanding from the Divine. I share with you some thoughts and prayers from various faith traditions as you try to hold the victims of today’s tragedy in your hearts. Throughout history God has manifested his love and care for those who have suffered from violence, hatred, …
Permanent link to this article: https://growageneration.com/2012/12/14/a-prayer-in-the-face-of-violence/
Dec 12
I was so excited to get my hands on Jonah Lehrer’s book Imagine: How Creativity Works. I had read reviews when it first came out and put it on my request list at the library. The audio book came in and I couldn’t wait for each small trip in the car to hear more. His storytelling was extraordinary and …
Permanent link to this article: https://growageneration.com/2012/12/12/the-lies-we-tell-a-review-of-imagine-how-creativity-works/
