Back in December, I reflected on the robotics journey ahead, curious to see how the next two months would unfold as students prepared for their second qualifier. Yesterday was that day—and what a remarkable day it was! The secret sauce? It’s all about the students. Every contribution matters, no matter how big or small, because each piece adds to the collective victory. Everyone on the team comes with a unique level of commitment, balancing the time they have to share with the team and the roles they feel most passionate about. It’s a dynamic blend of perspectives, skills, and efforts, and that’s what makes the experience so meaningful. My only request is simple: that we all keep moving forward together. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect or linear—it’s about showing up, supporting one another, and striving to improve. Whether someone can dedicate hours each week or just a little time here and there, every effort helps the team grow and achieve its goals. This diversity in commitment and involvement is a strength, and as long as we maintain forward momentum, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish together. This amazing group has once again surpassed expectations, earning: 🥉 Third-Seed Alliance Captain 🏅 Top 5 Overall Performance 🎖️ The Inspire Award #FIRSTFTC #RoboticsCompetition #STEMEducation #InspireAward #Teamwork #LearnAndGrow #RoboticsJourney #FutureEngineers #PracticeMakesProgress #YouthInSTEM #RoboticsLife #InspirationThroughInnovation #NextQualifierReady #KeepPushing #STEMLeadership

Our second qualifier of the season has us finishing in 4th place, earning the role of 3rd Seed Alliance Captain! Elimination matches are up next—let's go, team! #FTC #Robotics #STEM #CodeMKE #FIRSTTechChallenge #Innovation

No pool? No problem! We're converting an IBC Tote into a testing tank for our ROV builds as we kick off a new semester of Underwater Robotics. Right from the start, we're diving into neutral buoyancy—a key concept for underwater exploration. But that's just the beginning. Students will collaborate in teams to design and build ROVs, integrating them into our science program. It's not just about communication—it's about open collaboration, iterative problem-solving, and finding creative solutions. First challenge: achieving neutral buoyancy using pool noodles, washers, and rubber bands. Let's do this! #UnderwaterRobotics #NeutralBuoyancy #Teamwork #STEMEducation #ROVBuilds #InnovationInAction #ScienceInTheMaking #MakerMindset #EngineeringAdventures

8th graders wrapped up their studies on Plate Tectonics and the Rock Cycle with an impressive Capstone Project. They showcased their work to 4th-grade students, who are just beginning to explore these concepts in their science classes. It was a fantastic opportunity for cross-grade learning and inspiration! #PlateTectonics #RockCycle #STEMEducation #ScienceShowcase #StudentProjects #PeerLearning #MiddleSchoolScience

No school due to the cold = extra time to: ✈️ Gather flight quotes for my Costa Rica trips 🤖 Refine my ROV curriculum to bridge science and robotics 🖨️ Keep the 3D printer busy with robot upgrades for this weekend’s qualifier Only 133 days until Costa Rica, which means just 130 days until the end of the school year… and wait, tomorrow’s Wednesday. Seatbelt on—it’s going to go fast! #CostaRicaCountdown #STEMEducation #ROV #Robotics #3DPrinting #SchoolYearFlyby #TeacherLife

Let’s Talk Communication. Ever sent an email or reached out about something you thought was important, only to hear… nothing? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? How long is too long to wait for a response? A day? A week? When timely communication isn’t happening, it can make you question how much value is placed on the issue—or even the people reaching out. Here’s what’s on my mind: 1️⃣ What does delayed or non-existent communication say about the organization? 2️⃣ How can you address it without constant follow-ups or being "that person" who has to nudge repeatedly? Clear, consistent communication shows respect and builds trust. Ignoring emails or dragging out responses does the opposite. Let’s commit to doing better—on both sides of the inbox! How do you handle situations like this? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #CommunicationMatters #TimelyResponses #Professionalism #DoBetter #InboxEtiquette #RespectInCommunication #Frustration #BetterTogether #BuildTrust #EmailEtiquette

When you’ve got an audio/visual guru in your robotics program, you don’t just spark their passion—you ignite it! Dual HP LED displays and dual TV monitors bring next-level digital storytelling to life! #STEMInnovation #Robotics #DigitalStorytelling #AVTech #FutureReady

Step into our 8th grade Earth Science classroom where students are taking on Mount Everest! Looking at these student projects, you'll discover how our young geologists are unraveling Earth's epic story. Proud to see these young scientists diving deep into Earth's mysteries. Every rock has a story - our 8th graders are becoming expert storytellers with our first Capstone Project. #StudentScientists #EarthScience #Geology #STEM #MountEverest #8thGradeScience #RockOn

I’m thrilled to share a competition in S.E. Wisconsin I help organize—this time, we’re making waves with an exciting water-based challenge in partnership with @RoboNationInc and #SeaPerch! It's a true #WATERGAME! What makes this competition unique? Teams don’t need to be school-sponsored to participate! Whether it’s a group of neighborhood friends or scouts eager to earn badges, anyone can form a team. Each team includes 4-5 students, and the kits are budget-friendly to purchase. The real excitement begins with a $25 budget to design engineering elements that tackle challenges and navigate the underwater course. Want to dive in and learn more? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Proudly sponsored by the! @NavyLeagueUS and hosted by the @waterscienceUWM. #EngineeringFun #WaterGame #Teamwork #StudentEngineers #InnovationInAction #DIYRobotics #FutureEngineers #HandsOnLearning #STEMForAll #BuildCreateCompete #STEMEducation

Last challenge of the semester for my robotics students, and it's coming down to the wire! Students are integrating Arduino components into their REV-based robots to create hybrid TerraROVERs. These ROVs will collect temperature and humidity data throughout the high school hallways as part of an in-house pilot project. This final NASA-inspired challenge sets the stage for exciting possibilities next fall! #STEMEducation #Robotics #Arduino #REVRobotics #NASAInspiration #FutureEngineers #DataCollection #Innovation #HandsOnLearning

Reflections on our 8th Grade Research Capstone Project As our Plate Tectonics & Rock Cycling unit culminated in this research project, I witnessed students dive deep into their chosen topics. Each student selected a unique focus – from plate tectonics to earthquake patterns – pursuing their scientific curiosity. ⭐ Breakthrough Moments The most inspiring moments came when students surpassed their own expectations within their chosen topics. Whether analyzing seismic data or investigating metamorphic processes, each discovery showed their growing confidence as researchers. 🧗‍♀️ Overcoming Challenges The journey had its difficult moments. Some students needed time to adjust to independent research, while others required alternative approaches to explore their topics. As their teacher, I learned to better recognize when and how to offer additional support and encouragement. 🧭 Key Insights Our first implementation revealed the importance of: 1️⃣ Clear research pathways for each topic 2️⃣ Targeted support resources 3️⃣ Regular progress check-ins 🗺️ Looking Forward While future projects will benefit from these insights, there's something special about this first attempt. Students have proven to themselves and their peers what they're capable of achieving through focused research. Their successes and challenges will help shape an even stronger experience for future classes.

Why, Why, Why @FIRSTweets? You've done it again. For the love of robotics, can we please see the same energy, creativity, and excitement poured into the @WeLoveFTC game as you consistently deliver for FRC? This year, even @VEXRobotics managed to outshine FTC. How can I help? Do you want input from students? Let’s collaborate! Let’s apply the same iterative #designprocess we teach student teams for their robots to the development of the FTC game. It’s time to stop leaving FTC behind when it comes to game design. Let’s make it as engaging and inspiring as it deserves to be! #FIRSTInspires #MoreLoveForFTC #STEMEducation #FTCGameDesign #RoboticsForAll #MakeItBetter #StudentVoice #IterateToInnovate

After 2,731 days of searching and for the right price, our STEM Machine project is finally taking off! I've secured a vending machine that's about to become an innovative learning hub for 4th-12th grade students. The machine just arrived at our lab today, and now comes the exciting part - filling it with STEM treasures! I'm envisioning Arduino kits, custom 3D-printed gadgets, and all sorts of hands-on STEM goodies designed to spark young minds and fuel their curiosity. Has anyone else tackled a similar project? Can't wait to share this transformation journey! #STEMEducation #MakerEducation #ArduinoProjects #3DPrinting #HandsOnLearning #K12Education #VendingMachineHack #EdTech #MakerSpace #STEMInnovation #StudentEngagement #CreativeLearning #MiddleSchool #HighSchool #FutureEngineers #TinkererCommunity #STEMforKids

Look what I learned on Duolingo in 2024! #Duolingo365

Dive into Collaboration at the Next Learn Deep Collab Lab! Join me on December 12th at the We Energies STEM Center at MSOE for the next @learndeepmke Collab Lab, where we'll take an exciting first dive into how underwater ROVs—designed and built by my middle and high school students in St. Francis—might support the research of university experts like Dr. Ashley Lemke from UWM. This discussion will serve as the launching point for December’s Collab Lab exploration. We’ll explore the capabilities of underwater ROVs in exploration, sampling, and data analysis. Together, we’ll identify challenges that K-12 students and teachers can tackle in a collaborative effort to develop a unique set of capabilities for Milwaukee. Why This Matters It’s simple to enroll, instruct, and repeat in a traditional school model. But what if we aimed higher? What if we focused on empowering students to work collaboratively to address real-world challenges? Through opportunities like this, students gain so much more than curriculum knowledge—they learn teamwork, explore diverse career paths, and discover their potential to make a meaningful impact. Ready to join the conversation? Sign up online: #CollabLab65 #UnderwaterROVs #STEMEducation #K12Innovation #RealWorldLearning #TeamworkInAction #LearnDeepMKE #MilwaukeeSTEM #FutureReadyStudents #HandsOnLearning

Walking into a 4th-grade classroom can lead to unexpected adventures! You might pick up two laser-cut continents for a class discussion on movement along the mid-Atlantic Ridge and exploring data sources to uncover what’s happening, and then... unexpectedly score a bonus photo op in front of a castle. Never a dull moment in my world! Don’t worry—I’ve wrapped up my “sightseeing” and am safely back across the Atlantic now. #STEMEducation #GeologyFun #LaserCutting #MidAtlanticRidge #TeachingAdventures #NeverABoringDay #CastleViews #4thGradeLife #BackToTheLab

Let’s brainstorm a class-wide Exhibition of Learning! I'm starting to plan a grand finale for our Plate Tectonics/Rock Cycling and Ecosystem Dynamics modules and could use some fresh ideas. Themes and Concepts 1️⃣ "Everest Base Camp" 🔍 Focus: Plate Tectonics and Rock Cycling 💡 Idea: Students’ learning products will be grouped into “Camps,” like actual Everest Base Camps, showcasing different aspects of the module (e.g., rock cycle processes, tectonic plate movements, geohazards). 2️⃣ "Eco-Pitch" 🔍 Focus: Ecosystem Dynamics 💡 Idea: Students will pitch creative solutions or innovations addressing human impacts on the environment (think Shark Tank meets sustainability). Showcase Setup Students will get choice and voice within these themes to create individualized products that demonstrate their learning. The Exhibition will be open to other grade levels and parents/guardians, giving everyone a chance to celebrate students’ hard work. Your Turn! Have you hosted something like this before? Any ideas to enhance these themes? Suggestions on layout, activities, or ways to engage visitors? And if you’ve experienced any “good, bad, or ugly” moments in similar events, I’d love to hear them! Drop your thoughts, stories, and suggestions.

Join Us as a Judge for the FTC Frozen Frenzy I & II! SFROBOTICS is excited to host the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Frozen Frenzy Qualifiers on December 14 and 15, 2024, in St. Francis, WI (just south of Bay View, WI). As the Tournament Director, I’m reaching out to invite you, my Greater Milwaukee friends, to be part of this exciting event as a judge. I'm Looking for Judges (no experience needed)! 1️⃣ Dates: December 14, December 15, or both! 2️⃣ Role: Engage with FTC teams, review their presentations, and help select award winners. Judging will begin in the morning and continue with deliberations throughout the day. 3️⃣ Need: 8-12 judges per day. Why Join Us? 1️⃣ Witness innovation, creativity, and teamwork as students showcase their talents. 2️⃣ Inspire the next generation of engineers, problem-solvers, and leaders. 3️⃣ Be a crucial part of a fun, rewarding, and impactful event. Interested? 1️⃣ Let me know your availability by emailing or reaching out directly if you're interested and in the Greater Milwaukee area. 2️⃣ Have someone in your network who’d be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with them or forward their contact information! I would love to have you join us in making this event unforgettable for our students. Thank you for considering this opportunity, and I look forward to collaborating with you at Frozen Frenzy!

Casting Dreams.

Last week, over 60 students from the St. Francis Public School District teamed up with the "Admiral" to design and create scratch molds during workshops offered through a partnership with @AmerFoundrySoc and the "Casting Dreams" program. Tonight, the excitement culminated in an iron pour at @AmorphicBeer, where a group of talented volunteer artisans cast over 1,000 lbs of molten iron into hundreds of sand molds. From the glowing iron to the atmospheric music, the nighttime event was nothing short of incredible! #CastingDreams #IronPour #StudentCreators #AmericanFoundrySociety #MoltenMagic #STEMInAction #ArtAndScience #StFrancisProud #CommunityEvent #MetalCasting