Day 26: Axial Tilt

Finished with the chapter on telescopes!  Note to self: If I teach this course again, seriously edit this chapter, or move it to later in the year.  It was dull.

But now! Now we're talking about the Earth and the motion thereof!

I'm more into it, the kids are more into it and I'm feeling more like myself.  In writing the lesson, I referred to the Earth as "my whip" and told the kids that "it's fast as bricks!"

Since it was well received today and last night, my wife thought I had lost my mind, clearly I need to lose my mind more often to be a better teacher!

Insanity: Making Better Teachers!

Put it on a mug.


I was also fortunate enough to have a visitor today! Paula McPeake and young scholar Ethan stopped by and watched me pour my soul into my two more challenging classes.  I think they enjoyed the experience.

The magnificent @JustinAion scholar/entertainer. 12 yr old said he gave best def of rotation ever. pic.twitter.com/MY71j1DURJ

— Paula McPeake (@PMcPeake1) October 9, 2015

I love having visitors to my class.  If you are in the Pittsburgh are and have your clearances, you are more than welcome to join us.  I always appreciate outside perspectives and the list of guests that I've had is getting long.

I am deeply honored when someone is willing to spend their time in my room, helping me to become a better teacher.  These guests have no stake in my success beyond an investment in the future of all students.  Their salaries don't depend on my test scores or outcomes.  They want to see me be the best teacher I can be.

Before I get too emotional, here's the presentation that I used for my lesson today.  I hope you find it informative and entertaining.

I may have spent 10 minutes last night watching this gif.  I may also have started making sound effects to go with it...


Also, it appears as though I'm winning faculty homecoming court.

By, like, a lot.

Crap...I suppose I need to go buy a tiara this weekend...