Jun 9, 2006 | Educational, Informational
I never thought I’d choose as a mate someone who was in the same field as I was in, but, as is often the case in my life, God had other plans. As time goes on, the wisdom of that move becomes more apparent. Only another teacher can understand 13-hour days to get the latest round of mandated paperwork. It’s nice to have someone to go in to work with you on Saturdays or Sundays to get individualized lesson plans done. And of course it makes for good “quality time” to have someone to grade papers with of an evening over a mug of hot chocolate.
Many people outside of education don’t really understand a teacher’s calling. In fact, there are those out there who try to minimize the job of school teacher. Never mind that a very high number of teachers get out of the profession within the first few years, and for those who stay, burnout is a disproportionately high occupational hazard. Teaching requires more time, effort, and energy than most people realize. Plus, no one gets rich off a schoolteacher’s salary, and for those who think that the real benefits of being a teacher come in “cushy” hours and summers off, think again!
Our contract time is for 40 hours per week, barring any extra duties such as coaching, clubs, or other sponsorships. There is, of course, time spent at home grading, planning, researching and contacting parents. Actual in-school time for us averages 56 hours per week, which, by simple mathematics, is much more than enough when spread out to cover 40 hour workweeks for summers and other vacations. (more…)
Apr 29, 2006 | Educational, Personal
Mar 31, 2006 | Educational, Informational, Personal
I guess I can’t take full credit for jinxing this mission. After all, the mission had already been canceled once, uncancelled, and then put on “stand down” status before I even got involved in the project. The mission of Dawn is to study Vesta and Ceres, two bodies in the asteroid belt, and Dawn will be the first to visit multiple bodies under its own power, in particular using its new ion thrusters. And my involvement … well, I am one of the space enthusiasts whose name (and Angie’s, I take full responsibility for that) is carried on the craft embedded in a microchip mounted between the forward thruster and the high gain antenna.
Of course, after we became involved the mission was canceled.
Then, the manufacturer of the Dawn spacecraft, Orbital Sciences Corporation, appealed, offering to finish Dawn at cost in order to gain experience in this new field. Just a couple of days ago, the mission is back on again. Angie and I are going into space.
That is, if we don’t jinx it again….
Mar 6, 2005 | Educational, Informational, Miscellany, Personal, Recreational
Jan 30, 2005 | Educational, Informational, Miscellany
Albert Einstein. “The process of scientific discovery is, in effect, a continual flight from wonder. “
An interesting quote. Sure, discovery removes the shroud of the magical unknown and gives us the tools to understand and tame these processes. For me, though, reading about discoveries inspires me to wonder even more. Wondering is exciting. It’s what humans were made to do. The dance of discovery between the mind and nature casts light on things that had been dark. But with new illumination, comes new shadows.
Here are some recent discoveries that have given me a “wonder-rush.”
Scientists Scan Data From Saturn’s Moon (AP). AP – Saturn’s largest moon contains all the ingredients for life, but senior scientists studying data from a European probe ruled out the possibility Titan’s abundant methane stems from living organisms.
Those who follow this weblog know I’ve been eagerly anticipating this one. I can’t stop looking at the pictures and imagining what it’s like there. Yes, I’m quite clear on the fact that it’s deadly to life as we know it, but I’ve been imagining things like that ever since I read a book in grade school, Mission to Mercury (at least I think that was the title, I can’t find it on Amazon to make sure). With lakebed coastlines, flowing liquid methane rivers, soft “soil”, rains, winds, storms…yes, I know we have much less toxic versions of those things here. Why am I entranced by a sunset over the lake when I’ve seen hundreds of them before? (more…)
Nov 12, 2004 | Educational, Informational
The courts are hearing another complaint brought by parents.
Judge to Rule on Georgia Evolution Disclaimers (Reuters). Reuters – A public school board in Georgia violated the U.S. Constitution when it placed stickers that challenge the theory of evolution on biology textbooks two years ago, a lawyer for a group of parents said on Friday. [Yahoo! News: Science]
If you’re curious about what the stickers that “promote religious dogma” say, this is the text of the stickers: “This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered.”
Evolution is the epitome of a scientific theory. Why would anyone be up in arms about that? Has evolution become the “new religion?”
On a completely unrelated note, don’t forget to watch the Leonids next week. This year should be a good one for this annual meteor shower!
The Leonid Meteor Shower 2004: Modest Peak Expected Nov. 16-19 (SPACE.com). SPACE.com – Next week brings us the return of the famous Leonid Meteor Shower, a meteor display that over the past several years has brought great anticipation and excitement to sky watchers around the world. [Yahoo! News: Science]
