App Development and Pasco Scientific Integration

My Students

The day might start with a MS math intervention class where we blow bubbles to learn about radius and get excited about math. Then APCS A where we make silly objects in Java. My day often concludes with calculus and then RTI. Next year: bio, physics, App dev.

My students are great kids who love to learn when they have something engaging in front of them (be it a question, a hooking video, a card trick, a set of materials laid out before class, a crazy teacher or a TABLET...).

These students have parents who want the best for their kids even if they cannot provide their kids with the best things. These students have a school where every staff member truly believes that all students can learn at the highest level and go on to college to pursue their dreams. We also believe that it is our place to provide them a space and time to dream. Our school has the most decrepit facilities that I have ever seen in any school. Our students learn in converted trailers. We don't have gyms, lockers, staff room, labs; however, we do our best to stay positive about it for the kids. Our students are 70% free-lunch in a struggling city in a thriving metropolis. They see opportunity 30 miles away and yet they live with crime and poverty.

My Project

I teach mathematics (Calculus and intervention), science and computer science. I envision using these android tablets in all three classes. I also envision assisting with the professional development of my colleges in these three departments. Science: Years ago, a faculty member purchased thousands of dollar worth of Pasco scientific lab equipment. After five years of non-use, I hope to revitalize this equipment through the use of these tablets with a wireless add-on. We will be able to go outside to measure pH, walk position and velocity curves, explore forces and so much more. Computer Science: Next year we will offer the new AP Computer Science Principles through the mobile-csp curriculum. Students will learn about creating android apps. It would be great to test the apps they make on realistic devices as opposed to emulators on desktops. Mathematics: We use a a curriculum called CPM which utilizes online math help, desmos graphing and a digital textbook. Tablets = access!

The classroom will be improved by providing ease of access to digital content, enhanced learning opportunities and hands-on exploration in science, and, most crucially, run apps that students develop.

There will more opportunities for learning in more ways. Student lives will be improved by having the opportunity to collect data and see the data instantly. They will get to touch graphs and bend them and stretch them. They will get to interact with their own apps that they developed.