Physical Science, Space, Stem Teacher
CurrentExperiential, science educator passionate about STEM and women in science and engineering issues. I am a team-oriented teacher recognized for integrating new technology into the classroom through innovative lesson design focused on student-driven learning. Designed and implement STEM lesson plans aligned with the NGSS Standards resulting in comprehensive understanding of physical science topics to better prepare female students for the upper-level curriculum. Special emphasis is placed on space-related implementation. Chair of middle school innovation committee in charge of facilitating the push for innovative curriculum into the classroom including maker spaces and design-thinking practices. Actions will result in the implementation of a multi-million dollar innovation center on campus and professional development. Member of an elite team of five Cranbrook educators that has collaborated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Edgerton Center to deliver design thinking workshops to faculty and other schools. Develop 100+ science content videos (www.youtube.com/smithsciencegms) which have resulted in a flipped classroom yearlong experience for students. Student achievement, engagement and class time have increased. Create and implement lessons incorporating various forms of technology such as augmented reality, 3-dimensional design, computer coding and programmable robotics. Facilitate Cubes in Space program (www.cubesinspace.com) funded by idoodlelearning, inc as well as the Colorado Space Grant Consortium, NASA Wallop’s Flight Facility and Langley Research Center, Lockheed Martin and Captainjudy.com. Outcomes of past programs have led to student-designed experiments launched on sounding rockets and high-altitude balloons.
