Design Inquiry Learning Thinking

I keep coming back to this, but I think that it’s important.  As teachers, we explore different ways of setting up learning experiences for students.  We play with pedagogies, keep ideas that ...

Mousetrap Vehicle Project – Teacher Reflection

This is a cross-post that originated on the blog of my Fusion (STEM) Cohort at St George’s School.  References to location of student blogs and further details are available at https://sgsfusi...

What’s a STEM?

So… You’re wandering down the halls of your local school and you see a STEM… or a STEAM… or something that resembles one… you think.  But how do you know?  What is it t...

Fusion – A new beginning

This year is the beginning of a new programme at my school and I’m at the heart of it.  It is a STEM programme aimed at our grade 10 level and has enrolled 21 boys (reminder: we are an all-boys...

STEM – Doin’ it right on the other side of town

After yesterday’s heavy dose of skepticism, I headed out to day 2 of Vancouver’s Mini Maker Faire with the hope of finding someone who was doing STEM right.  Recognize that I’m not ...

STEM Education: Have you made promises you can’t keep?

Two years ago, I made my first visit to a Maker Faire. I wrote about that trip and about how I was both excited and confused by what I saw. I loved the fact that there were far more different kinds of...

Design Sprints

Today, I’m thinking about design sprints.  I was introduced to the concept of design problems that are tackled in very short amounts of time.  High level of intensity, but a relatively simple ...

Transcending Learning Tools

Have I ever told you how lucky I am?  Over the last week, I’ve gone from a Design Thinking for School Innovation course to our school’s Arts Week where I got to hang out with some incredi...

Design Thinking – A New Tool

I’ve been shopping for a new tool, lately.  I’ve spent time doing the research.  I’ve read (and continue to read) books, I’ve talked to people and I’ve played with idea...