Sometimes the creativity in the world just makes me chuckle. It happened this week as I reviewed the materials for the 2017 Dance Your Dissertation Contest. Yes, dance. For most of us who managed the dissertation process, any dancing that occurred was at a post-defense party at which we celebrated our academic survival. But the … Continue reading
Every significant creative project comes with struggles—at least mine certainly do. I’m in the midst of a large mosaic project, or, to be more accurate, I’m stalled. I only have one evening a week in the mosaic studio, and those have been rare lately. Other life circumstances have made even one day a week difficult … Continue reading
This week I saw two very different musicals. Well, to be honest, I saw all of one and parts of another. I was one of millions who have had the opportunity to see the PBS documentary on Hamilton, the Broadway smash musical that combines hip hop and history to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton, … Continue reading
You know how easy it is to get lost in online searches for something interesting—one thing leads to another and before you know it, it’s time for dinner—or bed. While writing the last post on integrating math and art, I discovered the beauty of the Vizzie Awards. The Vizzies, sponsored by the National Science Foundation … 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
How would you like to explain the Theory of Relativity? In seven minutes? On video? That’s the task Ryan Chester took up when entering the Breakthrough Junior Challenge. Not only did Ryan succeed in creating his video, but he won the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, earning a hefty college scholarship and a prize for his high … Continue reading
Which is denser, concentrated detergent or regular strength? Which fish swim more quickly, those with plants in their tank or a mechanical aerator? Which cleaner kills more bacteria on cafeteria tables? What would happen if we poured milk instead of water on bean plants? These are just a few of the questions from my elementary … Continue reading
Curating a museum of imaginary things could be an interesting challenge. What, of all that the human imagination can call forth, would be included? For Deirdre Loughridge and Thomas Patteson, the answer was a museum of imaginary instruments. The co-curators’ collection is not all light-hearted fantasy. The Museum of Imaginary Musical Instruments is a serious examination … Continue reading
Teaching students to “think like a scientist” is a tricky thing. Many of us have experienced science classes that required memorizing seemingly irrelevant from ancient textbooks. On the other hand, other activities include spectacular demonstrations or hands-on activities, but do not lead students to scientific understanding, operating more than a magic show than a lesson. … Continue reading
I had a lot of fun this summer, but one of the most delightful mornings was spent with five young friends and a 25-foot long solar balloon. Take a look. We had a grand time watching the balloon expand and contract, rise and fall, with changing temperatures (and, OK, having the occasional giant balloon wrestling … Continue reading
