Mar 03
What does it take to inspire sustained interest in science and inquiry? On Thursday, February 28, 2013, the LRDC (Learning Research and Development Center) of the University of Pittsburgh opened their first lecture of the 50th Anniversary Distinguished Speaker Series with the question. Dr. Resnick was introduced by Chris Schunn of the LRDC who …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.ellencavanaugh.com/2013/03/03/mitchel-resnick-sowing-the-seeds-for-a-more-creative-society/
Jan 26
FIRST Lego League is a robotics competition for elementary and middle school students using the Lego Mindstorm robot kit. This is by far one of my favorite robotics programs as it emphasizes not just how to build and program a robot, but adds a judged element of gracious professionalism, a research component that has kids …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.ellencavanaugh.com/2013/01/26/models-for-coaching-first-lego-league/
Sep 28
I am so excited about the recent Beaver County STEM Education Advocacy Coalition (long name – but it explains what we do) meeting. The meeting focused on assembling the numerous people in the county using robotics to share ideas and inspire those that have yet to foray into this technological jungle gym. As you read …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.ellencavanaugh.com/2012/09/28/robots-a-fun-context-for-learning/
Aug 03
I just finished five fantastic mornings with some brilliant hardworking middle schoolers, CMU Robotics Academy Curriculum on Robotics Engineering, seven Mindstorm robots, and five robot challenges. Life is good. Thank you to CCBC and the Beaver County STEM for sponsoring and encouraging such a great week, but most of all thank you to the parents willing to …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.ellencavanaugh.com/2012/08/03/curiosity-for-curiosity/
Feb 15
A friend, a phenomenal mom who helps provide her family a safe and loving home, who drives her kids from martial arts to sports to scouts to dance to Church, who volunteers alongside them with the handicapped and the poor, recently returned from a parent conference for her daughter. The school apologized they didn’t recognize …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.ellencavanaugh.com/2012/02/15/surprising-new-resources-rising-up-in-gifted-education/
Sep 15
Tuesday night over forty people gathered in a Community College classroom focused on how the FIRST series of robotics competitions can empower our children to develop 21st century skills. Co-presenting with me were five area young people experienced with FIRST robotics, Katrina, a 7th grader who had been competing with the FIRST Lego League …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.ellencavanaugh.com/2011/09/15/leadership-opportunities-needed/
Aug 25
Innovation is an essential skill for the 21st century. Can it be taught? Absolutely! Skills are taught through modeling (that is surrounding the student with effective models and examples), by opportunities to practice the skill (project based learning), and by feedback that helps them internalize the changes they need to make to improve their practice …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.ellencavanaugh.com/2011/08/25/teaching-innovation/
Aug 16
I watched video footage of the London riots dismayed by images of young people striking out with such violent fear of the future and utter disregard for the property of others. No one explanation suffices. One writer, picking up on tweets and social media posts, claimed these teens and young adults are frustrated by unemployment …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.ellencavanaugh.com/2011/08/16/london-riots-and-first-robotics/
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