It doesn’t take long watching any type of media to be reminded that we change as we get older. There is no shortage of products claiming to help us preserve our youth–dyes for our hair, creams for our wrinkles, and any number of prescriptions about which we are charged to “ask our doctors.” But perhaps … Continue reading
Not long ago, one of my favorite very bright young people gave up the opportunity to go to a prestigious math/science high school because they didn’t have an orchestra. Or much of a music program. While I suspect this young man will one day make a career in the sciences, life without music was just … Continue reading
Did you know there was an actual Mr. Ferris behind the Ferris Wheel? I didn’t. Like so many inventions, the Ferris Wheel originated with a challenge. In 1890, as the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago was being designed, the builders had a problem. Just the year before, France had created the Eiffel Tower for their … Continue reading
Eric Weiner’s recent essay in the Wall Street Journal, “The Secret of Immigrant Genius,” suggested an unusual take on today’s immigrant debate—How many of the world’s greatest creative achievements have come via immigrants or refugees? Einstein was one, emigrating from Germany to Switzerland. The article cites others clearly recognizable as having sparked creative change: Sigmund … Continue reading
One of the books that has helped pushed questioning to the front-and-center of the education agenda is Warren Berger’s A More Beautiful Question. A More Beautiful Question is not a book about education specifically, but a book about the way raising questions changes human learning, interaction, and invention. This is a book focused on innovation, … Continue reading
This summer, at the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, I had the chance to see Lisa Kristine’s photography. To say it is stunning is to underestimate the impact. Lisa Kristine creates more than beautiful art. She inspires. The biography on her website states: Acclaimed humanitarian photographer Lisa Kristine creates more than images, she inspires change. A … Continue reading
Recently I had the chance to snuggle down with some of my favorite young people to watch the movie Big Hero 6. I’ll admit I did not have high expectations, given that the hero of the movie bears a striking resemblance to Ghostbusters’ Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. But Big Hero 6 was not just delightful … Continue reading
Where do creative kids get their dreams? Some of them look at the skies. And maybe some of them learn about others’ dreams and go looking for their own. One of the gifts we can give young people is the lesson that they can look for the thing that inspires them. And one way to … Continue reading
Arvind Gupta is one of those people every educator should know. Wonder why? Take a look. Gupta believes that children learn best by touching, feeling, cutting, sticking — pulling things apart, putting things together. And he’s devoted his career to providing children all over the work with the inspiration and tools to do so. And … Continue reading
Do you know someone with Alzheimer’s Disease? If you do, you’ll wish you lived across the street from this remarkable young man. 15-year-old Kenneth Shinozuka followed in the footsteps of many great inventors when he looked at a problem near to his heart and was spurred to action. He is a fine example of real-world … Continue reading
