Category Archives: Teaching

Computer Programming at Williamsburg Schools

Posted on March 5, 2013 by JohnHeffernan

There’s been a lot of buzz about a recent video featuring Mark Zuckerberg (founder of FaceBook) and Bill Gates (co-founder of Microsoft).  You can watch it at http://www.code.org/.  The video advocates the teaching of programming to students (including young students).  … Continue reading →

Posted in Robotics, Teaching, Technology | 2 Comments

English Language Arts Common Standards That Relate to Technology

Posted on January 30, 2013 by JohnHeffernan

Massachusetts Common Core Writing Standards with Explicit Technology Integration Compiled by John Heffernan, Williamsburg Schools Guiding Principle 3 An effective English language arts and literacy curriculum draws on informational texts and multimedia in order to build academic vocabulary and strong … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching, Technology | 1 Comment

Preparation

Posted on December 7, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

Well, our NSF National Robotics Initiative (NRI) grant is pretty much done as well as my class in Research in Science, Math, and Learning Technologies so I can get back to some blogging. I am teaching in a second school … Continue reading →

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The Times They Are A Changing

Posted on November 8, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I was teaching robotics today at a new school and the 6th graders were timing their cars to determine the velocity.  I started to tell them to use the second hand of the classroom clock to time their cars going … Continue reading →

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Robotics Starts!

Posted on September 23, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I had my first robotics class last week.  In order to get every grade level done, I need to start in September.  I am starting with grade 4 (2 sections) this year.  The kids were very eager to get going.  … Continue reading →

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Robot Kits Stacked and Ready To Go

Posted on September 19, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I am looking forward to starting 4th grade robotics this week.  We will do the LEGO WeDo Soccer Unit and then an open ended challenge.  Here’s how I store the robot kits in my “new” space.

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Local teacher poised to make mark in Lego world

Posted on September 16, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

WILLIAMSBURG – John Heffernan, who teaches technology in Williamsburg elementary schools, has been using Lego educational materials in his classrooms for years. He has developed a pre-K through sixth grade robotics curriculum involving the popular building toys. And he has … Continue reading →

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Elementary Engineering Survey of Practice and Attitudes

Posted on July 20, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I am seeking to determine how schools support or don’t support the natural engineering instincts of children through the use of a survey. The working thesis is that the natural engineering and building instincts of children are supported in preschool … Continue reading →

Posted in Research, Robotics, Teaching | 2 Comments

Teacher Interview – How Is Robotics Different Than More Traditional Activities?

Posted on June 8, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I found this grade 5 teacher very inspiring in her willingness to try something new.  Her experience with robotics was obviously very affirming to me  because what I have been trying to do is having an impact on teachers and … Continue reading →

Posted in Robotics, Teaching, Technology | 2 Comments

Science Fair Take Apart Center

Posted on May 9, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

Students excitedly take apart old computers at our 2012 Williamsburg, MA Science Fair and learn about computers in the process.

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