Whew. What a whirlwind of a week.
I am doing an intro to aerodynamics course with my students (so basically, I’m bringing them over to the dark side that is aerospace engineering) but they’re really getting into it, so I’m pretty proud. Today’s lesson was all about simplified motion. The classroom teacher, Mr. D, took some pictures of me teaching today.
Explaining how friction works. |
Haha, this was supposed to be a demonstration about lift on an aircraft wing. I don’t remember it being that funny…but this is just proof that aerodynamics is fun. 🙂 |
The next lesson is going to be way more fun: we’re going to observe the flow around objects and also do an activity using a computer simulation (with a program available for FREE through NASA). If I have learned one thing about teaching it is that free resources are a Godsend. Especially with budget cuts. And at our school, we don’t even have physics labs or equipment, so the more I can work technology into the lessons, the better!! The students love activities and there are tons of great teaching resources out there…for free!!
I have a lot of respect for teachers. Teaching is so rewarding, yet very challenging. I think we should pay our teachers more. I’ve found the challenges become less the more you get to know the students. I’m actually going to miss these guys when the school year ends. We’ve had some good times together.
I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to teach over the past school year because there is a good chance that will be my job once we get to Germany. The aerospace industry in the tiny town we will live in isn’t exactly booming, but there is a school on base and they are always looking for teachers. The good part is, DoD teachers get a little bit better paycheck and that is never a bad thing!
After school, I had a meeting and had to work on stuff for my thesis paper (which is now up to 37 pages…maybe 3/4 complete…that’s progress!!). I came home, mowed the lawn and then packed up the house. Since I’m driving to Texas tomorrow, we figured it would make sense for me to bring a load of stuff.
The house is really starting to get barren…it’s exciting and sad at the same time. Empty houses are just sad. It’s like it is void of life and soul. Elle was just beginning to adjust to having two houses, but now she’s getting worried again…she doesn’t really like change but she’s an AF dog and she’s starting to get a feel for the lifestyle. We’ve noticed that she only gets nervous when her people (the Viper Pilot and I) are apart. When we all live under the same woof roof, it’s much easier for her to accept change.
Elmer checking out the dust in the corner of the empty dining room. |
On the bright side, the Texas house is beginning to fill up!
Well, I have a long day tomorrow (boo 12 hour drives…) so I’d better get some shut eye. Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week and I’m sure I’ll be back atcha sometime this weekend!
Get excited: I have someone to cook for, so there will be food posts again!! WOOP! 🙂
For all you grad students out there, you may get a chuckle or two out of this…if nothing else, you can at least relate…ha!
Cheers!