Hands-on Art Museum - Why can't we do this in New Mexico?

This video was shot by a former colleague of mine, Taylor Sloan. We taught at another school together last year.  He actually interviewed for, and was offered a job here at our new school, in Albuquerque.  Unfortunately, it didn't work out and he moved back to Kansas in pursuit of employment.  I hope he can come back some day, and create a video like this, to spotlight all the good we are accomplishing at the Southwest Aerospace Mathematics & Science, SAMS Charter School.  Of course, this is for entirely selfish reasons, because I happen to think this school is at the forefront of learning in the nation.

The topic of study in this video has to do with integrating arts and the Common Core. It is such a simple notion and yet has such powerful implications.

 Mr. Sloan has such a good eye for seeing things we all take for granted. 

In his book, The Alchemist, Paul Coelho wrote, "...Wherever your heart is, there is where you will find your treasure."  That is what Libraries, Museums, Schools and school buses tell me about our society.   

Marshaling those opening and closing visuals of the big yellow school buses pulling up to, and away from the library, the video beckons us enter that world of the mind where institutions gather to become more than the sum of their parts.   Like the Library, a school bus is such a powerful image; they represent our investment, as a society, into our children and our commitment to the future. 

I am so impressed with the quality of thoughts captured from the young people featured in this video. As the New Mexico Legislature convenes, let us hope they have the presence of mind and ability to see that what we are doing in Charter schools is special. Moreover, our primary objective is to foster an environment where we are building World Citizens who have been equipped with the wherewithal to meet future challenges with confidence, and a deep understanding of the far-reaching implications of well-reasoned decisions based on the common good of this planet and all creatures which inhabit it.

There was a statement made by the artist/photographer, Terry Evans who said something about art that accurately reflects what it takes to accomplish any thing worth while;
 
"...If you think you love art, and want to be an artist, then you must just follow your heart.  And you must just keep making art. No matter how hard it is sometimes, and no matter how much sometimes you feel like giving up, or like what you are making isn't really worth it. It is. It really matters."

Never quit and always do your best,
Mr. M 

Note: This video qualifies as a 5 point maximum extra credit paper for your semester's final Science grade - that's a half a grade added to your final grade.  

However, it must meet the following criteria:  1500 word minimum (to 10,000 words maximum) to include a summary of the video and an exposition that discusses a topic of your choice mentioned in the video.  Make sure it is copy edited, spell checked and set-up in a word document.  

Should you elect to take this challenge, your essay on this post ought to be fun, and rewarding for you.  If you take any other approach to it, or if it ceases to be fun, then you are doing something wrong.

Nothing is Impossible...

"Just because I can't do it today, doesn't mean I'm not be able to do it some day..."

I watched this video and wondered how this could have anything in the world to do with science?  It came upon me that the power of the Human Mind is precisely what science has not yet completely tapped into.  More than that, I decided to post this video because it represents all that is good about the Human spirit.  

Lest we forget, many of us come from varied walks of life.  None the less, we all share a connectedness; our Humanity.  This post is important because it reminds me that we all face challenges.  Coming to a new school and adapting to a whole new way of learning has been your challenge, and each of you have come way with varied results.  I am impressed  because - to a person - you are proving that you have what it takes to be successful.  I admire the resolve each of you has demonstrated in this endeavor.  For what might have appeared impossible has become merely routine for each of you.  

To be certain, there is always room for improvement, but at least for me, that means there is hope, because the measure of any given person is not based upon whatever limitations have been put upon them.  It is gauged by their willingness to face those challenges.  It is based upon their refusal to quit despite the odds.  

Since Scientists have already discovered the existence of mirror neurons which account for our ability to mimic behavior, videos such as this are invaluable because they provide patterns which our brains are able to recognize and process.  Regardless of our present inability to vet out the nuances of how this happens at this point in Human history, I am willing to settle for a descriptive such as, 'inspirational' until which time we do grasp precisely what happens when we see fellow Human Beings meet their challenges and realize that we too can follow suit.

Undoubtedly, there are neural pathways being tapped into - through both sight and sound, through musical rhythms, and harmonies that we are only beginning to understand.  And that is what is most compelling to me; I may not understand all the complexities, but it is fascinating what role emotion plays in helping us to prevail over adversity, our ability to make connections and feel a sense of happiness for a complete stranger. 

Never mind that this gentleman's vestibular system and metabolic capacity is dramatically altered through Yoga - truly impressive - and yet, so much more is happening than the physics of motion, or potential and kinetic energy transformations as related to human movement, or the vectors tied to kinesthetic learning and its relationship to robotics etc.  The list could go on and on...  

Thus, my fellow students, regardless of how nebulous this 'inspirational' this video appears at first blush, I am confident your generation will make significant inroads to understanding the components and the roles they play in driving us to do more, discover more and be all that we are capable of being.

"Never give up"

What motivates you to learn?

This talking comic strip basically summarizes the book, "Drive" written by Daniel Pink.  It offers some interesting insights that seem counter-intuitive.

Pink talks about Autonomy, Mastery and Engagement.  Pay attention and see if you agree.

Check it out and if you like it, read the book - for anyone who wants to borrow the book from me, I have one.  Just ask.  

Happy New Year - 2013, Here we come