My First Kosciusko Junior Scientist

I was unpacking one day and went by the counselor's office. Her two kids were with her for the day, and I asked if they would like to help me. They were dazzled and amazed with my physics demos.

The next day the older brother was not there but his sister was. She quickly became my apprentice. I would show her a demo like the mirage and then she would take it throughout the building and show others. I would show her the center of gravity cone that rolled up hill. Ditto. And on the wonders of science spread throughout the building.

When we made her hair stand up, it took a team effort.

And another day we got into my chemistry demos and took this potent and the next thing I knew . . .

We found the antidote - come back for another day.

A Second, Second Chance at Kosciusko High School

Signing my contract

When I went to my last teaching assignment four years ago, it was a great second chance. I thought I would teach physics and AP physics and set the world on fire. To save a lot of time and heartache, suffice it to say, things did not go as planned. However, while sequestered at Madison Central High School I did create an action hero – Super B – that can dispel ignorance with the wave of his wand. Interestingly enough, the inspiration came from my worst student in my worst class my first year.

No child left behind, I guess.

Therefore, I have looked for inspiration and motivation from anyone and everyone I teach. My students loved me and I loved teaching them even thought it was not my first love – physics. Even though I was looking for inspiration to hang on another year, I was really thinking about retiring and not having to deal with the daily frustration of survival in the Jungle (apt nickname for Madison Central).

Then I got a call on a Monday morning. The principal (John-Mark Cain)

at Kosciusko High wanted me to come talk about starting a physics program at his school. I could not believe my ears. Here was my second, second chance. After an energizing interview,  I was ready to sign on. Ever since I have been moving my very large bag of teacher tools (four truck loads) and dreaming new lesson plans in my mind.

Some people get a second chance in life. I am one of those fortunate ones who has gotten a second, second chance. I am doing everything I can to welcome and to nurture this second chance. I feel like a kid again, which is amazing at my position on life’s timeline.

Let’s get started, Kosy.