Never Give Up

"...Between stimulus and response, there is a space.  In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response.  In those choices lie our growth and happiness..." 

 As you watch this video, keep in mind that while each of us might like to believe that success is something we achieve on our own, and failures are something that falls on solely on our shoulders, we never are really alone.  

When you think about it, there are people in your life who contribute to your success, and support you when you fall.   Take some time to think about those people - your parents, your family, your teachers, coaches, others very special to you, and to whom you are also very special.  Thank your lucky stars that they are in your constellation, because when you succeed, they are there to cheer you on, and when you fall, they are there to support you all the way to the finish line.  

You are never alone.

My take away from this video is that bad things are bound to happen - they are a almost necessary part of life.  However, it is how we choose to react to adversity demonstrates our character.  In other words, we really do have a choice over how we react to challenges.  

Keep up the good fight, and never give up.
Mr. M

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. H. and Mr. Mrs. S.

Be humble for you are made of Earth.  Be noble for you are made of stars. - Serbian proverb

String Theory - Freddy Mercury Style - Bohemian Gravity

Body Mechanics and How it Affects Your Running Efficiency & I've Got a Good Feeling

"That flow, that spark, that crown, you looking at the King of the Jungle now..."

 - Flo Rida

* Here's my suggestion,

1]  Go to the bottom of this video and start up Flo Rida's song in the YouTube link below.  

2]  Then come back up here and scroll through the pictures.

3]  When you are done, play the video on running, located here at the top.  

4] Enjoy

 I attended the Cross Country event this past Saturday,

I had a chance to see our runners, and I've Got a Good Feeling...

They have a lot of heart,

and Coach T. is doing an awesome job.

I decided to start posting some videos that have to deal with the science of running.  

The video at the top of this post was created by Ken Taylor, aka "The Speed Doctor."  This man knows about running, and his videos offer excellent pointers for running that are based on scientific principles.

I will be posting more videos that cover the Physics of running plus other sports, the science behind them, and how to optimize movement with the aim of increasing efficiency while reducing the risks of injury.

Check with Coach T. or any of the CC team members to find out where and when their upcoming competition is scheduled to take place.

Make sure you get out to see them, and show your support.

Always do your best, and never give up.

Mr. M

How does water get to the top of a tree?

Flying into Los Alamos

This flight instructor has some very interesting observations.  He offers insights and tips regarding high altitude flying. 

The next video is just a cool song playing as this aircraft comes into Los Alamos.

Arugument; Is it worth it?

Dr. Cohen discusses arguments, the kinds of argument, and utility of argument.

I eagerly anticipate your arguments on argument.

How the SI System came to be - and the Roundest Object on the Planet

Thanks again MiniFitz.

Self Confidence - Its About Deliberate Practice

Catch yourself doing good.

No one will believe in you unless you do.  

Believe in yourself.

 

Oops, I almost forgot!  

Happy Birthday to me.

Meaningful Work - The Utility of Outlined Notes

I like Dr. Dan Ariely.  I like him because he has the ability to explain what motivates Humans.  

I understand this is a 20 minute video, and I understand you have many things that you could probably be doing, but this video is important for two reasons; 

1]  It helps you understand the reason behind my requirement for notes.

2]  It helps you come to realize that your the quality of your education depends on what you put into it.  Simply requesting a re-take for your Assessments, Quizzes and Tests does little for you unless you put some work into understanding the reason for requesting a re-take.  

Something to keep in mind...

Your reward is not in getting the re-take.  Rather, it is in having the opportunity to learn from your mistakes on an immediate level; Learning, and by extension, school is about making mistakes.  The more mistakes you make, the more opportunity you have to learn.  Just so long as you realize that your learning requires that whatever challenges you face must be meaningful.

Now, what I have written here relates to my reasoning behind requiring notes, there are many ways you could interpret this video.  And that is the beauty of learning how to learn; you can apply these lessons to many different situations in life.  These concepts work for relationships, for work, and for motivating people to do something, and even for establishing policy or running organizations from small businesses to government.

Here at SAMS, we have an agreement; you work and we make sure your work is at a certain quality.  Each teacher has a different approach, and mine includes, "Trust but verify."  This means, I want you to do you work, but I cannot force you to care about your work.  

This is why I do not require notes to be turned in at the end of the semester.  Yes, it gives you the opportunity to walk away from your responsibility.  However, it also gives you an opportunity to get "paid" a potentially higher grade.  My question is, If someone offered you an opportunity to paid more for just trying harder, why wouldn't you take it?  The way I see it, you would have to be nuts to not get paid for just loving your job! 

Finally, remember anyone can copy and paste - but your challenge is to make what you have learned your own.  It makes no sense to have beautiful notes that someone else put the effort into.   Using notes created by others makes as much sense as expecting a plant to grow from planting cut flowers.

I would love to know what your thoughts are on this video, how it relates to you, and how you think you can apply this knowledge to your life, or how this information can be related to others in your world.

For those of you who would like to read more about the phenomenon of meaningful work, this is the book where Dr. Ariely explains it in more detail.  I will offer 5 points - that's a half a grade added to your end of semester grade - for anyone who reads the book and gives me a 1200 - 1500 word summary and discussion of what you have learned from what you have read.

The Price of Kindness

 

It costs you very little - if anything - to be kind. 

Years may pass before you ever get to realize the good you have done.  That's one of the big payoffs for being a teacher.

Look up the "butterfly effect," and see if you can make a scientific connection.

What is your "take-away" after watching this video?  I can't wait to read your Feedback Responses.

Always do your best, and never give up.
Mr. M. 

High on Stress? You've got to be kidding! - Stress Resilience & the Biology of Courage

Have you ever  heard people say, "Bad things happen to everyone" or, "How we deal with those bad things reflects our character"  or, "Happiness is a choice."   It appears some of that folksy wisdom may have a biological relevance to it. This is what Science is telling us about the stress response, and here are a couple of the take-aways I got from Dr. Kelly McGonigal's lecture;

• "Character creates  resilience..." 
• "Chasing meaning is better for your health than trying to avoid discomfort. And so, I would say that is really the best way to make decisions.  My advice is, 'go after what it is that makes meaning in your life, and then trust yourself to handle the stress that follows.'"

Here's something to keep in mind;  "Helping others helps me."   

Make your profound statement in life.

Let me know what you got out of this Ted Talk.  You can feel free to expand on what I saw, or discuss whatever you found most compelling.  I can't wait to get your Feedback Responses. Also, this is one of the books written by Kelly McGonigal ph.D.
 

 

Mini Fitz's Favorite - A Toy Robot in Space

 On occasion, one of my students will offer up a suggestion of something interesting to post.  

This one comes to us on recommendation from one of my favorite students.

Thank you Mr. Mini Fitz!