Every week down is another big step towards the opening of Neil Armstrong Academy. And, every week I seem to get more and more excited.
Last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday I was in Denver, Colorado visiting a group of STEM schools. What impressed me most of all was the ownership students took of their own learning experience. As we entered the classrooms (unannounced in almost every case), we were consistently greeted by a “student ambassador.” That student had the charge to welcome any guests, explain what activity the class was involved in, and answer any questions. Absent were phrases like, “Our teacher is having us . . .” or “We’re supposed to . . .” Instead I frequently heard things like,”We’re trying to figure out . . .” or “My partner and I think . . .” So many of the activities I watched were owned by the students more than by the teacher. During one observation at the STEM high school, students had a much more challenging time convincing their classmates of the logic behind their bridge design than they did convincing their teacher.
We learn what we do, and we do what authentically engages us. The world is full of an awful lot of wonder with no artificial flavors added.
