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playing poker and teaching science: November 2009

playing poker and teaching science

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Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

I'm a middle school science teacher, wrestling coach, poker player, scuba diver, aikido black belt, amateur writer, and student of life. In the past I have tried to give back a little by volunteering at a children's home in Belmopan, Belize, Central America. I also love Frosted Flakes. I took a year-long sabbatical from my science teaching position in order to sail the Caribbean, retired from teaching in Indiana and now teach at a Honolulu middle school.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Reed Has Right Stuff

Nice article in the paper today:



By peggy georgi
Posted: November 09, 2009

Terry Reed, Hamilton Heights Middle School 8th grade Science teacher, has been selected by Honeywell as a Right Stuff winner for 2009. Reed, along with more than 300 educators from around the world, participated in one of three classes of the 2009 Honeywell Space Academy for Educators Program last summer.

Not only was Reed selected from thousands of applicants, he was also one of six to be chosen as a Right Stuff winner. Little did Reed know that his participation at the 2009 U.S Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, would bring about an opportunity for one Heights Middle School student to receive an all-expense paid trip to Honeywell’s space camp in June 2010.

During the five-day, 45-hour plus program, Reed investigated space science and exploration at the NASA training facilities. He also participated in astronaut-style training and simulation. He attended presentations by a number of individuals who have been associated with the space program during his adventure in Alabama. He also earned college credits along with intensive classroom, laboratory and training time. All lessons and activities at the camp link to National Science and Math Standards for use in the classroom

On the last day of camp, Reed was recognized during a graduation ceremony and given the Right Stuff Award, which is presented to six of the 100 teachers attending per session who demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity, courage and teamwork among their colleagues. He also received a medal in recognition of his prestigious honor.

The “Right Stuff” refers to the unspoken code of bravery and determination of the earliest test pilots and NASA astronauts. Reed, who believes in the value of innovation and creativity in the classroom, said it’s important for students to ‘think outside’ the box and use their imagination to reach the goals.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in a historic venture that enabled me to network with other educators and bring back valuable ideas and information to the classroom,” noted Reed, who thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

All Hamilton Heights Middle School students interested in Space Camp are encouraged to complete an application to be considered for selection. The application consists of an application page, a letter of reference and two essay questions. The application deadline is Tuesday, November 24, 2009. Applications are available at the office.