Living On The Edge Of Chaos

TOPICS WE EXPLORE  What is a prototype?There a tension between a prototype as a question and a prototype as a statementThe struggle of the muckety muck phase of bringing ideas to life aka "the solution"It is really hard to sit in a room of silence and watch people think.Power of space and time to sit with ideas to marinatePrototyping with focus more on the learning journey vs. final productPerspective changing of seeing materials as valuable resourcesDisservice that when we need/want to be creative we also have to consider "garbage" as material to be able to create.When making a statement to convince someone of the idea vs. actually showing something to someone to ask a question.There is only value to be gained by engaging other people in the work.YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.What resonated with you?RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOW Read more about the book here - https://dschool.stanford.edu/book-collections/this-is-a-prototypeHBO's From Earth to the Moon (this

In this episode, I am sharing a session I was asked to present at the IASB conference. I have provided both the video and audio versions of this session. The beauty of this session is that we brought in a robust powerhouse of project based learning experts from around the country to help shape the narrative around why this work matters so much.The session description is as follows:Looking for ways to transform learning for your students? Join Pleasant Valley Schools and Mississippi Bend AEA to explore how they innovated to engage students and educators in authentic learning experiences and project-based learning. Attendees will examine real-world scenarios where teachers are weaving content standards, universal constructs and social-emotional competencies together—all while remaining collaborative and providing rigorous and authentic work. Give your students voice and choice, showcase their learning, and understand how this type of work can happen in YOUR classroom.Check out the perspectives and the challenge

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Loni Bergqvist. Loni Bergqvist serves as the Founder//Partner at Imagine If. Loni was (and always will be) a teacher. Loni started her career in education teaching at a traditional school in San Diego, California. She became a project-based learning 'convert' when she started attending night school in Leadership at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. She began to try (with little success) to do projects in her own class. Loni could see very clearly that her students needed real-world projects desperately but would probably never have access to this type of learning.  Loni left her school to teach at High Tech High, knowing one day her mission would be to bring project-based learning to students who needed it the most; the ones who were in traditional schools. Since 2014, Loni has been working with schools around the world to re-imagine education. Her project-based learning expertise has been used in several international initiatives, includi

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Stephanie Yeldell. Stephanie Yeldell serves as the education integration lead for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. She manages a portfolio of projects and partnerships engaging students and the academic community in NASA’s space technology development and missions, with a focus on supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the agency.She was awarded the NASA Headquarters Unsung Hero Award for her contributions to NASA STEM engagement in 2020 and previously received two NASA Headquarters group awards for innovation and teamwork. Prior to joining NASA in 2018, Stephanie worked in corporate partnerships at the National Park Foundation as well as development and public programming at the White House Historical Association. Throughout her career, Stephanie has focused on impactful storytelling and public private partnerships. She has a bachelor’s degree in art history from Furman Univer

TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Susie Wise?Define 'belonging' and 'design for belonging'Belonging is not an "it"Our experience of belonging comes from a series of small subtle cuesHow can we look at ourselves to become better aware of belonging?How can we create a sense of belonging if we don't feel like we belong ourselves?Emotional Journey Map - access with the toolkit on the book websiteParticipation methods beyond the extrovert signalsEverything is designed whether we fully acknowledge it or not. What is the experience that I am trying to create to support the range of thinkers and doers in my environment?Contribution - so powerful so listen, listen, listen to Susie!!!Power of repairDivergenet exitingYOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.Share how you are creating a sense of belonging in your spaces.Buy and read the book!Book WebsiteFollow and learn from SusieTwitterInstagramLinkedInResource mentioned in showGeoggrey Cohen Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Kallie Moore. Kallie Moore manages the paleontology collection at the University of Montana and co-host the YouTube channel PBS Eons. She has also consulted for Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park on renovations to the DINOSAUR ride, as well as hosted a livestream for the newly opened Deep Time Hall at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Kallie's debut nonfiction book, Tales of the Prehistoric World: Adventures from the Land of the Dinosaurs, released this fall from Neon Squid books.CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREPower of story and throughlines to makes sense of the worldHow did Kallie find her way to being a fossil librarian?How does inquiry and curiosity drive her work?How did her quality teams form and come to fruition?The importance of understanding your audienceProcess of writing the bookYOUR CHALLENGECheck out her website to learn not just more about the book, but h

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Tammy Watchorn and her latest book and work real truth about understand and creating change. In particular her book, Change Ninja Handbook, places the reader in an interactive approach that will appeal particularly to non-linear thinkers and those who learn best through action and application. It’s pragmatic, focusing on tips for getting people on board and on identifying small, doable ‘ninja moves’ that gain traction and build momentum by stealth.Dr Tammy Watchorn trained as a scientist before moving into the complex landscape of healthcare to lead change.After some slow starts she began to realise that her hard-won accreditation in the process of change leadership was meaningless: the only way to achieve success was to focus on people. By understanding those involved in change as individuals, not ‘stakeholders’, she developed a pragmatic way of making progress by stealth using ‘ninja’ moves. Her own neuro-atypical approach allows her to see things diff

TOPICS WE EXPLOREWho is Jessica Vance?How can we consider what is happening in our practice and connect with others?The issue of disconnect that happens between leaders and staff.How do we recalibrate our brain to support the work we know is best for kidsThe difficulty of letting go and truly listen to where to go next.The power of community and not going alone in the ambiguity of inquiry.Inquiry can be profound in moments of quiet, pause, and reflection.Set an intention to listen, notice, and observe. Be present.How do we begin with inquiry?How can we be intentional with listening? What is something I am working on or challenged by?What do your actions say about your values?I notice that some of you are sharing.....I notice that some of you have noticed......What are your learners telling you?Jessica on InstagramJessica on TwitterYOUR CHALLENGECheck out the Leading With Inquiry websiteBuy and read the book!Listen with intention when we ask questions of our learnersProvide space for the provocations that aris

In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with two of the most wonderful people I know, Robyn Hrivnatz from Microsoft and Scott Bricker, a Director of Educational Technology & Innovation for district in California. This conversation was part of the Microsoft  EDU Live. Join @RobynHrivnatz and @ScottBrickerEDU as our friend Aaron Maurer joins #USMicrosoftEDULive to talk about how building community can transform your approach to learning. An author and host of the successful blog & podcast, "Coffee for the Brain," Aaron will also share about his current project with NASA and how you and your school can get involved. Join at https://aka.ms/usmicrosoftedulive #MicrosoftEDU #MIEExpertPermission was granted to share the conversation via my podcast. The original conversation was hosted September 13th at 5 PM PacificCHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREIt's time to step up and rethink how things should be in educationHow do we keep the nimbleness and innov

In this episode, Aaron Maurer (Coffee For The Brain, Smart Robotics with LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor), Beth Campbell (teacher-librarian, Forest Grove Elementary), and Sarah Vice (6th grade educator, Forest Grove Elementary) discussion how education is hard. Rebalancing our mindset and learning space can be even harder when so much is swirling in the realms of chaos. Let's take a breath and explore how a year of pushing our growth edges in authentic learning and project based learning transformed learning for students and educators. Come discover what happens when we give ourselves permission to draw on our courage to navigate ambiguity!  Beth CampbellBeth Campbell is currently the teacher librarian at Forest Grove Elementary School in Bettendorf, IA and an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa in the Library and Information Science Department.  During her lengthy career in education, she has advocated for the school experience to be relevant, authentic and meaningful,  while also elevating opportunit

In this episode, Aaron Maurer (Coffee For The Brain, Smart Robotics with LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor), Beth Campbell (teacher-librarian, Forest Grove Elementary), and Sarah Vice (6th grade educator, Forest Grove Elementary) share many ideas to enhance authentic learning for students. This is not a list of apps or tools, but examples of teachers who have crafted quality projects, authentic learning opportunities, and the space to learn deeply to take learning to the next level by empowering students to take the driver seat in learning.This conversation was first published by Comic Con  in January of 2022, but was recorded prior while in the middle of what would soon become this  powerful classroom project that you can find here Permission was granted to share the conversation via my podcastCHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLOREWhat does it actually mean for authentic learning experiences where students own their learning journey?Prioritize the need to create the cu

In this episode, I speak with Steven C. Smith is the Education Specialist for NASA’s Educator Professional Development Collaborative at the Johnson Space Center. Steven helps to develop, package, and deliver professional development and STEM Engagement opportunities that translate the work and discoveries of NASA for use in the classroom. His work allows students to participate directly in NASA’s missions, and helps teachers make content more accessible for all their students. Steven has the great privilege of working with educators all over the country, helping them create culturally responsive lessons that will engage students that have previously felt left out of the amazing work NASA is doing.He holds degrees from the University of Washington, Brigham Young University, Georgia College and State University, and Middle Georgia State University. Prior to his work with NASA, Steven spent 20 years in K-12 education coaching educators and teaching special education, regular education, honors, and AP students in

In this episode, I speak with Jeff Robin, a former art teacher at High Tech High and one of the original founders of the campus. Jeff has a long career of doing what is needed most for education and not being afraid to disrupt the system that does not work. It is a complete honor to have a chance to talk with him for an hour to learn more about the keys to learning and education. This is my second time having him on the show. This was recorded back in April of 2022 after we connected in person at the Deeper Learning Conference at High Tech High.Direct Link: Episode:CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNESThe show is on Spotify!TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Do the project first as the educaor2. Document everything in the process3. Everything is about communication4. Screw test scores…. They just show how successful teachers were to get everyone to think alike.5. IF you don’t see work up in the school and hallways, then we know real work is not being done. If things are not hanging up, then it means there are not things

Topics We Explore1:20 - Who is Jacqueline Russell2:00 - Exploring MakeCode4:30 - micro:bit update to hardware coming November5:00 - Using micro:bit in remote environments8:30 - What is difference between micro:bit and Raspberry Pi and Arduino?11:47 - Going through the updates of new micro:bit18:45 - How to access block coding, Javascript, and Python19:30 - More features of the micro:bit28:30 - Using the micro:bit simulator for remote and hybrid teaching31:30 - Connecting micro:bit with arcade shield to use as game cartridgeYour challengeComplete the Learning Pathway – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/stem-cs-makerspace/the-new-microbit

Topics We Explore1:40 - Who is Mark Sparvell?3:49 - What is some of current research and ideas in the field of SEL across the globe?10:30 - What can we do for the legit concern of educator burnout with all the pressures in schools?18:00 - How do we integrate SEL that does not feel fake or forced?25:40 - The importance of collective efficacy, isolation, and trying to find ways to come together.33:15 - How does one get started to create legitimate changes or improvements in SEL?40:36 - How do we produce first class humans and not second class robots?Your challengeComplete the Learning Pathway – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-5/sel-with-mark-sparvell

Listener Participation.Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a replyOption 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) comTopics We Explore1:30 - Who is Scott McLeod?3:30 - What are schools doing to find success in this hybrid, online, and F2F teaching?8:30 - How do we begin to tackle engagement when it is more important than ever before?13:50 - Why we need to do less, not more! 20:00 - How do we blend the online, hybrid, F2F worlds into one cohesive thought process, lesson planning, etc.?25:30 - How do we make better use of the live time we have with our students whether that is in person or through a screen? Your challengeComplete the Learning Pathway - https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-5/scott-mcleod

Listener Participation.Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a replyOption 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) comTopics We ExploreWhy is Flipgrid such a wonderful tool for educators to consider using?How is Kerry-Ann using Flipgrid to help manage the hybrid teaching?How can a teacher use Flipgrid for assessment?What are some ways to integrate Flipgrid with other tools such as Wakelet?How does Kerry-Ann handle all the videos and organizing time and energy to review and give feedback?19:00 - The power of taking small steps in our learning23:00 - Final thoughts from Kerry-Ann Here is the video version if you prefer videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr70UzUq3WI&feature=youtu.beYour challengeComplete the Flipgrid Learning Pathway - https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-3/flipgrid

Listener Participation.Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a replyOption 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) comTopics We ExploreLearning Outcomes Understand the science and research about online teaching and learningApply the concepts of F2F teaching to online/hybridEngage students in exploring their curiosityDevelop lessons to move our thinking to deeper connection What I will DO in this module:Watch/listen to the conversation with Doug BergmanAnswer the questions provided to engage in the learningComplete challenge 1 or 2 or bothShare your findings with other educators Your challengeCome join the learning here – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-4/teaching-strategies-for-online

Listener Participation.Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a replyOption 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) comTopics We Explore Learning OutcomesDifferentiate between planning for various modes of engagement, representation, and expression, with a focus on engagement.Provide choice and autonomy in order to promote expectations and beliefs that optimize motivation.Design for engagement in both synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences.Design intra/interpersonal routines to foster behaviors for engagement. What I will DO in this module: Explore how Flipgrid works for both synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learningCreate a sample activity to create engagement within a lessonUnderstand how to access the data to use to determine needs of studentsRevise an existing lesson to add layers of engagementQuestions to ConsiderIs there something missing in your online aspect of teaching that you wish you could get more engagement, student voice, and understanding of student thinking?Wha

Topics We Explore5:30 Why wonder is so important? How did Jason create wonder in museum settings and convert that to online spaces?6:30 What is the illusion of knowledge?8:00 How does the right question change everything?11:00 When does a revolutionary idea start off popular?14:30 What is process to creating magic and wonder?16:20 Magic is everything we don’t understand19:00 How do we organize the process to create a need to know?(applying magic to all teaching practices)28:00 How you can apply these concepts even if you don’t consider yourself a “magician”?38:00 Take on a challenge and learn magic to experience the power of wonder!42:30 Look around to see how the message of Jason is exactly what the world needs!44:30 Where to learn more about Impossible Science and what is to come48:00 Why  “I don’t know” is not a wrong answer, but the foundation to all scienceYour challengesCome join the learning here – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-3/magic-illusion-of-knowledge