The major challenge I face in writing curriculum based on my Kenan Fellowship is scaling down cutting edge technology and research to something my middle school students can appreciate and understand.

In my fellowship, I am spending time with several different researchers. I have found videotaping their explanation of their research, and then playing the video back as I write curriculum to be more beneficial than traditional note taking. When not using video, I am using a voice recorder, which offers the same flexibility.

I find by viewing/listening to these segments, I am able to focus on small aspects of the research which may translate to my 11-13 year old students.

There is obvious limitation in replicating the research/experiments being conducted at my externship, but there are many practical applications as well. For example, finding surface area, or even gaining a better understanding of biomass, or renewable vs. non-renewable resources. I am finding it is easier to write small lesson plans that will build foundational knowledge of the overall big picture of the project.

As I am writing, I am also reflecting on my experiences. The process of writing this curriculum is providing me with a deeper understanding of my externship.

I shadowed a doctoral student today who is working to find the best balance of chemicals toward creating biofuels. He explained how he uses the pore space of the supporting material in a method to introduce one of the chemicals.

In using pore space, he creates more surface area. I think I can use this part of his very complicated research in my classroom by creating a lesson that mimics his use of pore space.

It would seem that traditional educational environments have lagged behind trends in using technology in the classroom.

My school is no different. We have three computer labs, and one student computer in each classroom. However, since our class sizes range from 28-32 students, it is not feasible to use the student computer for a class project.

Historically, my challenge to use technology with my students has been met by the assigning of individual assignments with deadlines of a few months. That way been able to provide access to the classroom computer for each of my100+ students.

Happily, the start of the 2014-2015 school year brings the reintroduction of a one-to-one environment for middle schools in my district. The pilot program began last year, but the tablets were recalled, so we didn’t get much accomplished.

It is my hope the reinstallation of this program will eliminate my greatest challenge to using technology in my classroom – the basic lack of equipment.

Hopefully, we will have a flawless implementation, and I can dedicate this year to change in technology use by my students.

I experienced so many great opportunities this week, it is difficult to choose one!

But, if I have to…

My highlight was the professional development in and of itself. This experience was like none other. Everyday was jam packed with useful tips and tools for use in the classroom. Sure, we were tired at the end of the long day, but it was a “good” tired, a productive tired. Somehow, even with everything that happened each day, there was a good balance. I never felt overwhelmed. I never felt it was too much.

I feel refreshed and renewed. I have excellent notes, recordings, and wonderful shared posts of information I know I will use in my internship, as well as my classroom.

What a super start to a terrific experience!

So many things.

In just the first 24 hours, I’ve learned lots of fresh ways to “skin a cat.”

All of the fellows have been welcoming and encouraging.  They’ve willingly shared super cool tips and tricks on topics ranging from engaging students to additional fellowships that extend the Kenan Fellows experience.

My hope is by the end of my fellowship, I will emerge a refreshed, and better equipped educator who will inspire my students to excellence.

After almost 14 years, I’ve finally made it to NCCAT. And, I’m here with a great group of Kenan Fellows! We are having so much fun networking, learning about each other’s projects, and learning how to be better educators.

I’m excited to be on this journey with all these talented folks, and I couldn’t have picked a better group to experience NCCAT for the first time. I look forward to saying at least a quick hello to the rest of the fellows.

So.Much.Fun.