Living the dream…Part 1
- Dr. Richard L. Biffle, III
- Apr 26, 2018
- 2 min read
“The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance, and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.”
-Oprah Winfrey
Once again, the information provided in this blog will be divided into two parts.
My experiences at HTHSCV have provided an extraordinary array of “connections and intersections” associated with problem-based and project-based learning. Students and faculty are the beneficiaries of critical discussions and work that moves from the theoretical to the practical. Many of the student projects are research based and also include the critical area of “communicative arts” involved in presentation and articulating design concepts, models and products for multiple audiences and clients. The depth of student writing, thinking, discussions and dialogues, activities and projects at this high a level of work is fascinating.
The importance of being a student-researcher creates a wonderful lens and platform in opening up a world of possibilities --- this can incorporate ideas, discussions and dialogues, advanced technical skill development, and “prototypes and products” that contribute to the global community.
Last week was the celebration of “Earth Week” that included thousands of local and global events associated with tackling the critical issues and challenges we face, as well as the stewardship of the planet. As I participated and read about many activities and engaged in many discussions, a collection of points associated with STEAM principles came to mind. This included many thoughts about how STEAM education informs and increases our knowledge and understanding of environmental issues associated with climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, resource depletion, and the critical importance of citizen activism and research.
After immersing myself in extensive reading and several discussions, I selected five ideas associated with critical societal and global issues that sparked my interest. Obviously, there are hundreds of efforts taking place at any given point in time, but these initiatives caught my attention and provide a diverse sample of what is going on in the areas of design thinking, planning, research, and product design. The “connection with STEAM” was at the forefront of my thinking --- product designs, models and production that involve the integration of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. I’ll leave it to the reader to “connect the dots” or ask questions.
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