Category Archives: Teaching

Engineering Is Egg-citing Day

Posted on June 25, 2018 by JohnHeffernan

I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for Engineering Day. I have received incredibly positive feedback from students and teachers. One student said it was the biggest highlight of the year! Kate Arsenault, Library/Media Specialist Wow! Thank you, … Continue reading →

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LEGO Education Master Educator Meet Up with Mitch Resnick

Posted on June 25, 2018 by JohnHeffernan

I was recently honored to be named a LEGO Education Master Educator (and an advisor to the group).   We met recently in Chicago for a day long event.  I got to chat a bit and hear the keynote from … Continue reading →

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PAEMST – Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching

Posted on March 1, 2018 by JohnHeffernan

I received this award a few years back and I encourage others to apply.  It’s a great experience to video yourself, really analyze what you are trying to do, and get feedback from the NSF reviewers. Here’s some info on … Continue reading →

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Two Speeds at Once

Posted on December 8, 2017 by JohnHeffernan

This photo shows one of the common issues I see with our grade 6 make your own dragster project.  Frequently, kids try to have different wheels on the same car go at two different speeds at the same time.  Not … Continue reading →

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Empowering Kids to Create with Technology – STEAM, Maker, & Design

Posted on October 13, 2017 by JohnHeffernan

Empowering Kids to Create with Technology – STEAM, Maker, & Design from John Heffernan on Vimeo.

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New versus Old Tech Labs

Posted on September 6, 2017 by JohnHeffernan

We recently went back to our old building as a staff to see how far we have come.  Here are photos of our new and old tech labs.  Can you identify the newer lab?  

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Going With the Ant Squad

Posted on May 22, 2017 by JohnHeffernan

This fall, I  had indoor recess duty (usually a dreaded duty) with a first grade class.  I noticed that many of them busily working on (some might say obsessed with) some ants that had been seen in the classroom.  They had … Continue reading →

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Robotics Day in Aidan’s Classroom

Posted on February 14, 2017 by JohnHeffernan

I had the chance to do a robotics day with my son’s fifth grade class thanks to his teacher.  What a smart and well-behaved class! They did some super thinking, programing, troubleshooting, and applied math and they seemed to have fun … Continue reading →

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First Experiences With 3D Printing in an Elementary School

Posted on January 20, 2017 by JohnHeffernan

  Ultimaker 2+ 3D Printer before it was ever used BACKROUND I recently purchased an Ultimaker 2+ 3D printer with some of my prize money from winning a Presidential Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Math and Science.  This is now … Continue reading →

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Dissertation Conclusion

Posted on January 14, 2017 by JohnHeffernan

Conclusion Development and gender were not significant factors in determining the EDP or the success of designs in this study with the exception of executive functions such as causal reasoning, which, in particular, showed some evidence of an age related … Continue reading →

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