I first came across 826LA because of what they offer in their online store, but they have a nobler purpose. 826LA is a non-profit organization, located in southern California, helping kids aged 6 to 18 with creative and expository writing. They also help teachers who help those students. They offer tutoring, workshops, help for those […]
Continue ReadingAn eight year-old Thai boy with autism was frightened on his first day at a Bangkok special needs school. He climbed out on a third floor ledge and refused to come back inside. The Bangkok Fire Department was called to the scene when teachers efforts to coax the boy back in were unsuccessful. Authorities were […]
Continue ReadingMaybe it’s a California thing, but it seems like most schools around here are doing Leprechaun Trap projects at the Kindergarten and First Grade level. The idea is this: each kid builds a trap and leaves it at school the day before Saint Patrick’s day. On the morning of Saint Patrick’s day the kids come […]
Continue ReadingHas the direct-to-classroom publisher and bookseller lost its way, pushing cheap toys and video games straight into your kids’ backpacks, all in the name of promoting reading and kicking a few bucks back to our ailing schools?
Continue ReadingIn December of 1953, the Supreme Court of the United States heard arguments on what was to become a landmark case. Brown v. Board of Education lead to the Court striking down the "separate but equal" doctrine which had existed up until that time, making it illegal to segregate the public schools, based on race. […]
Continue ReadingDisclaimer: my wife, who is a high school teacher, came up with the idea for this article. As a fairly geeky person herself, my wife is often saddled with technology projects. Currently she is the Lead Teacher for the Information Technology Academy at her school. Her academy teaches students in Adobe Certification, Cisco Certification, Web […]
Continue ReadingPhysorg.com posts a story today about a study out of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee that reveals (shock!) instilling confidence in young girls improves their interest in math and science. While interest is certainly a factor in getting older girls to study and pursue a career in these disciplines, more attention should be given to building […]
Continue ReadingYesterday was that day (again). The first day of school for my (now) third and fifth graders. Both of them do well in school (definitely above average!), one is more naturally social, the other a better communicator. But after some tough occurrences last year, my wife and I had some concerns as to whether they’d […]
Continue ReadingIs it true? Could this favorite two-dimensional, globetrotting, camera hogging, celebrity-consorting, children’s book character really be going to The Slammer? The Big House? Well, fortunately that’s not going to happen. But that doesn’t mean the little guy isn’t in a mess of controversy and courtroom drama. I would have put up a photo, but you […]
Continue ReadingI remember a sense of joy and wonder walking into the big office supply store with my mom when I was a kid. There were so many cool things: strange and exciting writing implements, and elegant papers, envelopes and so on (red Swingline anyone?). One item for which the variety always seemed especially vast and […]
Continue ReadingChildren are often cruel. I certainly remember, growing up as a geek-in-training, the occasional bout with schoolyard bullies. And while I never actively joined in tormenting those poor souls even less "accepted" than myself, I also rarely went out of my way to defend them. Dr. Steven Parker discusses the "tribalism" of kids in his […]
Continue ReadingOK, the robots aren’t eating the pasta but this event sounds too good to pass up if you’re anywhere in the vicinity of Sonoma county, California next Friday night. Dylan Field sent out this notice about a Pasta Feed to celebrate and support the Tech High FIRST Robotics team, to be held Friday May 9th […]
Continue ReadingThe story is that some towns in England are equipping the "lollipop ladies" – their version of school crossing guards – with video cameras, empowering them to capture unsafe driving and other untoward behavior. The English are, of course, much more accustomed to the pervasive intrusion of the CCTV cameras all over public spaces, so […]
Continue ReadingOkay, it had to happen eventually. Before you know it, your precious little Geeklet daughter turns into a gawky, tween-age Geekgirl, who is thrown headlong into the wild, wild world of Middle School. What comes with Middle School? Enrollment in 7th Grade Health Class. And what comes with Health Class? Lessons about babies. Don’t get […]
Continue ReadingMy daughter, Natasha, came home from school last week and she was extremely excited about something her class had done. We’re talking wound up. Once we calmed her down enough to figure out what she was talking about we discovered that her teacher had videotaped her Grade 2 class as each of the students presented […]
Continue ReadingRobot-loving kids must be on cloud 9. Seems that every day someone’s making it easier to learn about and make robots. Start with countless mom & pop kit-sellers (Google “robot kit” if you don’t believe me.) How about LEGO MINDSTORMS? Even Zoob’s getting in on the action with their Zoob Mover set. Recently, Heathkit announced […]
Continue ReadingGeekDad friend Aaron Rowe points us to his very informative article up over at Wired Science: The National Science Foundation and many universities offer fantastic opportunities for college sophomores and juniors that want to get a taste of scientific research during the summer. The best part: each student gets paid to learn. Click THIS LINK […]
Continue ReadingHere in sunny California, 4th grade means learning California history, and a big part of that history are the California Missions. The 21 missions dotting the state, up and down the El Camino Real, were all built between 1769 and 1798, and represent (for good and/or ill) the spread of European (especially Spanish) culture in […]
Continue ReadingAccording to Wikipedia, today is Ask a Stupid Question Day, created by teachers to encourage kids to ask more questions without fear. What’s the stupidest question you’ve always wanted to ask? I’ll kick things off: If it doesn’t require a continuous supply of energy for me to stand 2 feet above the floor on a […]
Continue ReadingThe kids wrapped up school for their summer vacation yesterday and with that came a passing comment from my seven year old daughter that she’d be using the little computer at home for next while. Whoa. Average computer display sizes have continued to expand in the two years since I bought this model (my wife […]
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