Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Teachable Moment?

Posted on June 1, 2019 by

This past April, while attending the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference in St. Louis, Missouri, a friend came up to me and asked what I thought of the image of the black hole.  My reply: “what black hole?” The … Continue reading →

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

Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Doors to the Universe

Posted on May 10, 2019 by

The phrase a “window to the universe” has become ubiquitous every time a new observatory or astronomical instrument is built. While there is a certain aesthetic to the phrase, when applied so often it becomes easy to not think about … Continue reading →

Posted in Education Matters, Science Education, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Feats Above

Posted on January 12, 2019 by

That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.  – Neil Armstrong This is the moon landing of free soloing.  – Tommy Caldwell Driving around a corner, you go through a tunnel.  Coming out, it is all … Continue reading →

Posted in Space Exploration, Stories, Uncategorized, Yosemite | Leave a comment

The Eternal Recurrence of the Mars Hoax

Posted on August 22, 2018 by

It is a testament to how people tend to hear what they want to hear.  The first time was in August 2003 as people were preparing to observe the closest Mars opposition in approximately 60,000 years.  A fairly innocuous statement … Continue reading →

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A Pilgrimage to a Volcano

Posted on July 4, 2018 by

At approximately 8:30am on Sunday, May 18, 1980, I unexpectedly woke from a sound sleep.  At the time it seemed odd I woke at that particular time.  As the morning progressed, it was evident many others around western Washington state … Continue reading →

Posted in Earth History, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Standing in the Shadow of the Moon

Posted on September 6, 2017 by

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 by

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