The Rock in the Stream

The rock in the stream

So, this week  at the institute, I have learned so, so, so, so, much.  I have learned about everything from project-based learning, citizen science projects, STEM integration strategies, computational thinking, branding, to culturally responsive teaching, just to name a few things.

 

At one point, I felt like it was just too much.  Then, I thought back to the trip to the Tuckasegee River during the Goose Chase activity.  I remember seeing a rock in the middle of stream and I reflected on Michelle’s, Peter’s, and Mark’s messages about the necessity of moving water to increase the dissolved oxygen of the stream so life can happen.

 

Surely, on that rock in the stream with water gently flowing over and around it, Michelle showed us a small speck invisible to the naked eye, but revealed, nonetheless, using our macro lens under the rock was a crane fly nymph.  Life.

 

I felt a little like that rock at times this week.  The information flowed endlessly over and around me.  But, as I quietly reflected, ideas began to emerge about how I can incorporate all of it into my lessons and in my class.

 

My big takeaway this week is to going back to my district and having meaningful conversations with my colleagues and students about all that I have learned this week.  Additionally, I am planning to implement project-based lesson units with my classes, with the idea that this will become my product for the year.

 

This week at the institute changed me and challenged my thinking in a drastic way.  I plan to go back to my classroom and continue to add as much “dissolved oxygen” as possible to my class and beyond so that new life will continue to happen.

 

I don’t want to be the stagnant pond.