Getting off the train…

Sometimes life presents us with a variety of opportunities and gifts --- the sabbatical has been a wealth of these experiences. I often share with students that now and then one must take the time and re-energize the spirit and soul. It is what I call “getting off the train” --- stopping at various places and spaces on the life journey where we can gain further insight into our own thinking and beliefs, as well as the diverse ideas and thoughts of others. Travel, reading, meditation, wonderful conversations and discussions are a few ways to inform oneself about the world and its many pathways and destinations.

In addition to being an extensive traveler, I am a voracious reader. I have selected (and continue to find) a wide variety of books and articles in broadening ideas, discussions and research associated with STEAM. Several of you have asked what I’m reading (or finished reading) --- here is a brief summary:

Books

• “Tesla: Inventor of the Electric Age” (W. Bernard Carlson, 2013)

• “The Jazz of Physics: The secret link between music and the structure of the universe” (Stephon Alexander, 2016)

• “Blink: The power of thinking without thinking” (Malcolm Gladwell, 2005)

• “The Future of Humanity” (Michio Kaku, 2018)

• “Inspiration, Not Replication- How teachers are leading school change from the inside” (Stephen Hamilton & Randy Scherer, 2017)

• “Hands and Minds: A guide for project-based learning for teachers by teachers” (Tom Fehrenbacher & Randy Scherer, 2017)

• “The Learning Tree” (Shel Silverstein, 1964)

Magazines

• Diversity in STEAM Magazine

• MIT Technology Review

• Stanford Social Innovation Review

• American Scientist

• Wooden Boat Magazine

Articles/Special Editions

• “Through the lens of The Big Bang Theory – the television show is not just an insight into how the public views science but also how scientists and engineers see one another.” (Henry Petroski) In American Scientist, March-April 2018.

• “La Vie En Rose – A collaborative masterpiece by owner, designer and builder.” (Bruce Halabisky & Neil Rabinowitz) In Wooden Boat, February 2018.

• “The Artificial Intelligence Issue – MIT Technology Review.” Nov/Dec 2017.

• “Design Thinking for Higher Education.” (C. G. Gilbert, M.M. Crow & D. Anderson) Stanford Social Innovation Review, Winter 2018.

There are many more readings to share and I will do so at a later time.

The experience at HTHSCV has confirmed my belief that a thoughtful and thought-provoking educational experience is project-based, hands-on, interdisciplinary, diverse and inclusive. This is complimented by informative and engaging discussions that are keys to student and teacher success. And lastly, an environment that is student-centered and providing for the creation of a “community of inquiry” that is open to ideas, and associated with engagement, curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving --- truly a caring, passionate and beautiful place!

My next “stop” is the University of California at San Diego!