Yeah. What comes to mind for you? I have y version of this, too. One of the first things I experienced as a sub, aside fro the shock of not knowing how to control a classroom, was the brain-numbing lessons that I was required to teach. Oh God, it was awful. I felt so bad for those kids.

There were a few instances of enjoyment and deep interest, that both the kids and I experienced, and this was both instructing and inspiring.
I would like to hear your stories, especially coming from a season veterans of the education world, your lens will be illuminating...no pun intended.

Hey Rick. You've been enjoying your interests. Wow...I used to yearn to go on a dino dig. Then I grew up, got responsibility and got lost in life. This is so enjoyable to reconnect with childhood interests. Good for You Rick!!! The Sugar Shot is very interesting. I'm not necessarily into rockets, but the challenge of using only s sugar-based fuel to launch into space...that is quite the feat. How far up have your rockets gotten so far?

One of my favorite classes as a Bio undergrad was "Dino Biology" taught by Nick Geist at Sonoma State university. He's an amazing instructor, very charismatic and an outstanding scientist. He's down at Zzyzx often for reptile research. I learned so much fro him and that class rekindled my long, lost love of dinosaurs. So, this is what retirement is for!?

Rick, I loved your sounding off. Don't stop on my account.

On a few occasions I've had the good fortune to sub for a scinece class and I loved it. I had a chance to do some big picture analogies and diagramming for mitosis and meiosis...I was in heaven. Ahhhh...! Not many subs don't have a science background and anythng complicated is beyond many of them. In my district I encounter subs who are coming from another country and frequently their background is in Composition and or art, or who are in between jobs. A few who are engaged in the teaching credentail process. It generally is a grab bag of expereinces and abilities. I did sub for a english teacher who was teaching scinece and I had to follow the sub plan...awhhh. That was awful.

Personally, I feel composition fits perfectly into science as a lesson in comparative composition exploring the APA vs, MLA style, purpose, scientific method, peer review process, intended audience, accumulation of empirical data, etc. And art....I love art, and am pretty creative myself. I see no disconnect between science and art. It's just applied in a different manner. I've seen some very elegant experiments conducted. Each was a thing of beauty.

Looking at the roster and backgrounds of these people coming to the Mojave trip...this will NOT be the case. There are some very smart and interesting science types showing up here. I'll learn so much! Have you checked out the bios of the scientists who will be leading us? Wow...some very sharp cookies.

Well, I haven't built up a collection of things to bring in, but as you told your story I felt it. Cool stuff. I am so sorry that you were prevented from enriching the lives and interests of young people. I a completely green and wet behind the ears in regards to teaching science class full time. One of my fellow students in the MA ITEC program is a 3 year science teacher, earth science, and he's been kind enough to both share critique of my work and show me what has worked for him. He also spoke about not expecting to sleep for a few years. I've already heard that. I'm very much a tech person so I expect I'll accumulate a database of lesson plans that I've combine from other lesson plans and my own ideas, as well as hard copies, to page through. I'm open to suggestions.

Rick, great ideas! It seems natural that I would create a feedback loop for myself...especially in the first year or two. I do love computer resources for the ease with which this can be done. However, I have recently begun to think I may have a hard copy in binders by class topic that I can page through as it is much easier to "see" on a page versus on the screen. Unfortunately, I can not seem to get away entirely from paper use.

Science Art...I really like that. I'd love to see pics of science art your kids have produced over the years. From your description, it truly is beautiful and creative. I spent years in art class and I still paint and raw fro tie to tie. My mother was a draftsman and patent artist and used her art talent for the renderings of cogs and schematic diagrams of structures. She created industrial art and her ability was sought after. 3-D Topo maps using the modern resins, clays and paints would be fantastic.


I just bought a camera that has 10 minute video capabilities and I'm planning on bringing my computer to download video and pics onto Flickr. I know how much I have always loved watching y teachers go and do things overseas or on research expeditions....I'll start y collection of "Walking the Talk" photos on this trip. I'm so glad you mentioned this. I know this stuff...but being reminded is very helpful. May have to ask or you and others to take my pic.

By the way...where did you get the dinosaur skeleton to plant in the unused weed patch at your school? Is there a kit or supplier for this type of school project? Of course...tying it to anatomy. That's a "no brainer". Yuk, yuk.

Mr. Maschek~ I'm sure you probably don't remember me, but I was a student of yours about 12 years ago at Ranchero. My name is John Char (Chongwon). You also helped me with a science project involving fruit flies while I was at Sultana.

I was looking for your email address on the HUSD site when I came across this page on Google. I tried to come by your class many moons ago, but they told me that you were at Hesperia High. I've been away for a while and just got back to California in August, so every now and then I think of memorable people from my past.

If you do remember me :), I'd love to catch up. my email is jchar0219@ucla.edu. hope to hear from you soon.