Introduction
My name is Jaime Ford and I live on the outskirts of Farmington, WV in Katy Village just 7 minutes from Fairmont State University (FSU). I am the Coordinator and Education Specialist for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) based student programs at NASA's IV&V Educator Resource Center (ERC). After awhile you get used to all the acronyms when you work with NASA. How many people knew there was a NASA in Fairmont, WV? How many thought that IV&V stood for "Building 4 & 5?" How many people knew there has been a NASA in WV since 1991? Show of hands….
IV&V is an acronym and stands for Independent Verification & Validation. After the Challenger tragedy in 1986… I know most of you knew exactly where you were when this happened (I was nine and sitting on a cold gym floor)… NASA shut down the shuttle program until they could figure out the cause of the explosion that ultimately killed seven crew members. During the debate, NASA declared that if indeed this would have been a software malfunction an independent NASA facility that could verify and validate software may prevent another tragedy in the future. The Challenger malfunction was a mechanical issue, however NASA's IV&V Facility doors opened in 1991. Since then the engineers have corrected numerous issues including 5,000 critical errors on the International Space Station and continue to make sure satellites, robots, and rockets function properly in space. After all who wants the "Blue Screen of Death" during a space mission? Especially if the space mission is carrying human life.
All Girls FLL Team
How'd I end up at NASA's IV&V Facility? I have a Bachelor of Science in Animal & Veterinary Science and a background in animal research. I returned to school in 2010 to obtain a teaching license in biology, general science, and physical science. I learned my passion was in research and teaching science. My thought was, "A scientist in the science classroom is what we need in our school system." I was offered the position at the ERC shortly after I received my teaching license and this position has awed me from the beginning. Who wouldn't love teaching robotics, aviation, and rocketry? I also teach Planetary Geology, Living & Working in Space, and the Electro-Magnetic Spectrum. I've developed a few other classes since I've started that include "Our Solar System" and "Mission to Mars." I'm also working on a prototype class that utilizes our engineering 3D CAD software and our 3D printer. I also help with STEM challenges such as FIRST LEGO League (FLL), Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) and the Real World Design Challenge (RWDC). At the end of the day, I hope that I can show students a field of study in STEM that they didn't realize they could be pursue and continue to live here in WV.
Graduate Studies
I have declared Digital Media as my Masters in Education program at FSU. I hope to enhance my knowledge base in technology to continue teaching STEM based education in WV. In the last five months I have taught 750 kids from various counties in WV. My goal is always to improve my fluid classroom, which means improving myself as well. I have thus far completed 27 hours of my graduate program which includes:
I chose this video for a few reasons. First, I am biased as a STEM educator to make sure my students are exposed to up-to-date technology and have ready access in the ERC. Second, technology is our future. It is not slowing down, it is increasing… becoming more readily available… and humankind is evolving around it. Repost Wisely
The nice thing about the digital age is the fact that information is literally at your fingertips. When I earned my A&VS degree, research was long and laborious. Now I can bring a quote or statistic to the surface quickly. It doesn't mean that it is accurate but it's still instantaneous. Quotes on FB usually set off an alarm. Finding out if the quote is accurate is more difficult than I thought. I would love to think that Albert Einstein or Marilyn Monroe said half the things I've read but in the end I may find those quotes are from someone else's imagination. How disappointing...
I like how developed your blog has become through adding to it as you progress through your Grad classes. Nicely organized too! 27 hours, wish I was that far along. I will have 12 at the end of June. Hacking away slowly. Keep up the motivation!
Thank you Laura! I forgot to include my current classes for the summer which is EDUC 6809 (obviously, lol) and EDUC 6816. I'm a little nervous. I've never taken a summer class not even while obtaining my Bachelors of Science. I'm working on that motivation.
Jamie glad to see you are taking this class as well this summer. My jaw dropped when I read you have taught over 750 students! Do you teach any classes over the summer as well? Well good luck with this summer class.
The chemistry teacher at our school, Chris Tennant, has the rocket club and they just finished their project and went to the competition to set the rockets off. My students in my room went outside with him and his students set off trial runs for my kids. I teach science and it is often difficult for me to find things that are interesting to my students. I would love to find more activities/labs to do with my students!
Carolanne - Yes I do teach during the summer. I teach homeschool, after school, Boy & Girl Scouts, 4H, etc… Anyone who has a group and wants to explore STEM concepts with them. We also do camps like TARC and FLL this summer.
Candi - I know Chris, he's part of NAR (National Association of Rocketry) and the WV Rocketry club as well. And when he brings his students to TARC camp, I get to work with them. Candi, let me know if there is something I can do to help with your science class.
Jaime - congratulations on your achievements! I am so excited to be reading your blog. My 7-year-old son LOVES technology and science; I, unfortunately, am technologically-challenged, so I hope to garner some great ideas from your blog!!!
BTW, I see that little Carter is from your dojo? How long have you studied? This is my first year, but I take it with my kids so I'm happy just to be there! :)
Thank you M! It is always exciting for me to hear when kids are excited in technology and science. He may be able to teach you a few things. ; ) In fact, kids still teach me things regarding technology.
I've been at my dojo since Feb 2012. Almost 2.5 years. We just had a tournament in Pittsburgh yesterday. Really missed Carter and his brothers being there.
Jaime, Welcome to the class. Your intro was very exciting to read. I am impressed with all you have been able to accomplish and still continue to pursue higher heights! I think we may have had a Masters' level class together in previous semesters. I look forward to reading and seeing more of your work. Best wishes for a great summer!
I could not agree with you more in regards to needed a scientist inside the science classroom. That was an excellent point you made. Very nice to meet you and I look forward to reading your posts.
Cara, there is a big possibility we have. I think this "classroom" will allow us to get to know each other better. I definitely enjoyed reading your intro.
Keri, thanks! I look forward to hearing more from you and reading your posts.
Jaime- Your post was so interesting! I could not agree more than it would be and obviously is very beneficial to have an actual scientist in the classroom! Your students are very lucky! Thanks for the interesting post! Good luck this semester!
Jaime, Your introductory post is awesome. I'm so glad that you get to work with multiple students and incorporate STEM activities. I hope this course will help you include even more fun technology activities and improve literacies of all kinds in classrooms since you have such a reach with NASA. Good luck this semester!
I was a junior at Chico State University when the Challenger blew up. I was standing in my living room getting ready to bolt out the door so I wouldn't be late for class. I was so excited to see the blast off! Of course I didn't know what had gone wrong when the explosion happened but I decided not to go to class and was glued to the T.V for the rest of the day watching the news and crying. I was devastated.
It is nice to be in another class with you. I learned much more about you from this intro post... although after Video Games and Learning, I feel very well acquainted you and several others. Working with NASA sounds great. We may have to get in touch in the future because my son is very science-minded (logic, inquisitive, skeptical, mathmatical, etc.).
Jared - you definitely must bring your son to NASA to visit. We can definitely schedule this.
Denise - I always call the Challeger explosion a "I remember where I was..." day. I remember being ushered quickly back to my classroom as the teachers panicked. They didn't know what to tell us. From that point on, over the next couple of months I stayed glued to the news until they finally decided it was indeed mechanical. It was a very devastating day.
15 comments:
I like how developed your blog has become through adding to it as you progress through your Grad classes. Nicely organized too! 27 hours, wish I was that far along. I will have 12 at the end of June. Hacking away slowly. Keep up the motivation!
Thank you Laura! I forgot to include my current classes for the summer which is EDUC 6809 (obviously, lol) and EDUC 6816. I'm a little nervous. I've never taken a summer class not even while obtaining my Bachelors of Science. I'm working on that motivation.
Jamie glad to see you are taking this class as well this summer. My jaw dropped when I read you have taught over 750 students! Do you teach any classes over the summer as well? Well good luck with this summer class.
The chemistry teacher at our school, Chris Tennant, has the rocket club and they just finished their project and went to the competition to set the rockets off. My students in my room went outside with him and his students set off trial runs for my kids. I teach science and it is often difficult for me to find things that are interesting to my students. I would love to find more activities/labs to do with my students!
Carolanne - Yes I do teach during the summer. I teach homeschool, after school, Boy & Girl Scouts, 4H, etc… Anyone who has a group and wants to explore STEM concepts with them. We also do camps like TARC and FLL this summer.
Candi - I know Chris, he's part of NAR (National Association of Rocketry) and the WV Rocketry club as well. And when he brings his students to TARC camp, I get to work with them. Candi, let me know if there is something I can do to help with your science class.
Jaime - congratulations on your achievements! I am so excited to be reading your blog. My 7-year-old son LOVES technology and science; I, unfortunately, am technologically-challenged, so I hope to garner some great ideas from your blog!!!
BTW, I see that little Carter is from your dojo? How long have you studied? This is my first year, but I take it with my kids so I'm happy just to be there! :)
Thank you M! It is always exciting for me to hear when kids are excited in technology and science. He may be able to teach you a few things. ; ) In fact, kids still teach me things regarding technology.
I've been at my dojo since Feb 2012. Almost 2.5 years. We just had a tournament in Pittsburgh yesterday. Really missed Carter and his brothers being there.
Jaime,
Welcome to the class. Your intro was very exciting to read. I am impressed with all you have been able to accomplish and still continue to pursue higher heights! I think we may have had a Masters' level class together in previous semesters. I look forward to reading and seeing more of your work. Best wishes for a great summer!
I could not agree with you more in regards to needed a scientist inside the science classroom. That was an excellent point you made. Very nice to meet you and I look forward to reading your posts.
Cara, there is a big possibility we have. I think this "classroom" will allow us to get to know each other better. I definitely enjoyed reading your intro.
Keri, thanks! I look forward to hearing more from you and reading your posts.
Jaime- Your post was so interesting! I could not agree more than it would be and obviously is very beneficial to have an actual scientist in the classroom! Your students are very lucky! Thanks for the interesting post! Good luck this semester!
Jaime,
Your introductory post is awesome. I'm so glad that you get to work with multiple students and incorporate STEM activities. I hope this course will help you include even more fun technology activities and improve literacies of all kinds in classrooms since you have such a reach with NASA. Good luck this semester!
I was a junior at Chico State University when the Challenger blew up. I was standing in my living room getting ready to bolt out the door so I wouldn't be late for class. I was so excited to see the blast off! Of course I didn't know what had gone wrong when the explosion happened but I decided not to go to class and was glued to the T.V for the rest of the day watching the news and crying. I was devastated.
It is nice to be in another class with you. I learned much more about you from this intro post... although after Video Games and Learning, I feel very well acquainted you and several others. Working with NASA sounds great. We may have to get in touch in the future because my son is very science-minded (logic, inquisitive, skeptical, mathmatical, etc.).
Jared - you definitely must bring your son to NASA to visit. We can definitely schedule this.
Denise - I always call the Challeger explosion a "I remember where I was..." day. I remember being ushered quickly back to my classroom as the teachers panicked. They didn't know what to tell us. From that point on, over the next couple of months I stayed glued to the news until they finally decided it was indeed mechanical. It was a very devastating day.
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