Author Archives: astroteacherm8

Standing in the Shadow of the Moon

Posted on September 6, 2017

For two years and more, the total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 consumed my life.  From writing and rewriting activities designed to teach about the eclipse, delivering numerous professional development sessions and workshops to teachers around the country, planning … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Astronomical Phenomena as a Provocación for Learner Engagement

Posted on July 4, 2017

The total solar eclipse taking place on August 21, 2017 is a natural phenomenon on a grand scale. Though only those on the narrow swath cutting across the country from Oregon to South Carolina will see totality, everyone throughout the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Looking Afar to See Ourselves

Posted on April 15, 2017

Assimilating and accommodating new ideas and ways to do things is not always an easy task. Sometimes we find ourselves too close to old and comfortable ideas, unable to find a perspective from which to evaluate the potential for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Creating a Revolution, One Eclipse at a Time

Posted on January 17, 2017

Alex Longo is not a typical 16-year old. As an eighth grader, he submitted a proposal to the Mars Rover 2020 landing site selection committee. Now a high school junior, Alex’s proposal, and his in-person advocacy have resulted in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Education Matters, Science Education, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

This Land is Our Land, and Our Legacy

Posted on December 30, 2016

This week, President Obama declared the Bears Ears area in Utah, and the Gold Butte area in Nevada as National Monuments.  Designations not without controversy in some circles.  The primary issue those opposed to the designations have is related to … Continue reading →

Posted in Environmental Issues, Yosemite | 1 Comment

Reflecting on Deep Time in a Young Landscape

Posted on October 22, 2016

Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature’s darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings, Nature’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Earth History, Uncategorized, Yosemite | 1 Comment

Learning to See

Posted on October 13, 2016

This past August, I had eye surgery, an event giving me a renewed appreciation for what our brains are capable of, and their elasticity in accommodating and assimilating sensory input as well as ideas. My recovery reminded me of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment