I believe science classes are to prepare people to ask (and possibly answer) questions about the world around them.  In light of this, I teach my courses as “concept-driven.” 

I consider it more important for students to learn concepts they can apply to new situations rather than just having them memorize a bunch of terms.  Facts are easy to find.  What's not easy to find is understanding how to use or evaluate the volume of facts your phone sends your way.  What facts matter?  When?  Why should you care?  

Being able to sort through a jungle of information to find the key ideas, and being able to judge if facts are true (or not) is more important to your future than memorizing everything that's already on your phone.  I don't remember a lot of facts, but I do know some key concepts that help me navigate life.  

Because of this, I teach in an active "semi-flipped" way where students engage with the material by doing daily case studies, worksheets, and other forms of learning.  Yes, I'm one of those teachers who still writes on the board.  

Life on the outside?  Yes, I do have one.  

• I own the family farm.  My children will be the third generation living on the place.

• I like working with my hands and am an avid "shade-tree mechanic" of older farm equipment.   My "newest" piece of farm equipment is from the early '80s.  That's the combine in the picture below.  My oldest is a 1945 tractor (and a 1921 Model T, but that's a different story).  I enjoy the feeling of taking an old piece of broken iron and making it run again.  

• I'm a proud member of the FFA Alumni.  

• I can shear sheep, but not as well as the pros.