Where I've Been

I have pretty much spent most of my life in Western Pennsylvania but often  long to spend time in other parts of the Hemisphere.  Right out of college, I went to work in Virginia.  Being a birdwatcher, this was one of the best places in the United States to be.  Upon meeting my wife in Virginia, I moved to Northern Virginia to work closer to her.  We moved back to Western Pennsylvania when we decided to have children so we could have more parental support and lower our cost of living.  We now have two cute little boys and most of our time is occupied keeping them busy :)

My Life as an Educator

I have been at this profession for 10 years.  Cannot believe it.  It seems like yesterday when I was at Penn State getting my education.  My first job was in Hanover County, Virginia by Richmond.  Upon meeting my wife, I moved and started working at Luther Jackson Middle School in Fairfax County, Virginia.  We then moved to Western Pennsylvania when I got word I was employed at Derry Area School District.  I teach science in the middle school.  I really love teaching seventh grade. 

I tend to get bored very quickly and like to change what I am doing every year.  This is really tough on me because I am continually creating new lessons, units and to a lesser extent plans.  I suppose that I get the most enjoyment out of watching students learn and get excited about the projects that I have them do.  A few kids that I have in my 7th period have given themselves an acronym of SMAEA (Simple Minds Are Easily Amused).  When they get super excited over the simplest thing, I say simple minds are easily amused.  I guess it caught on.  

When I'm Not Working...

As all of you know that have children, when I am not working I am chasing after the two boys, taking them to learn to swim classes, gymnastics or anything else to keep them active.  They have more energy than any three people I know, except the gifted and talented teacher at my school. 

My other endeavors include birdwatching.  I get out at least twice a year for the Christmas Bird Count and the North American Migration Count.  I wish my boys were a little more into it so I can get out more. I also like to star gaze.  I have taken astronomy classes the last two semesters and it has peaked my interest.

My favorite TV show has to be Coupling on BBC America.  I laugh harder at that sitcom then at any other show I have ever seen.  I am also a sports fan with my favorites being less than mediocre this year:  The Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers, The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

I love to be outside.  I love my boys right now and also cannot wait for them to play sports outside.  My favorite being Ultimate Frisbee.

I am not much of a reader but boy am I hooked on those Harry Potter books. 

Web Sites I Feel are Very Useful

Here are some website that I use on a weekly basis or are very useful for the classes I teach.
 

• This Sky & Telescope website allows you to view the night sky and adjust it to your area of the world and even isolate a section of the night sky. Click View Sky Chart. 
• This Sky and Telescope site give you the highlights of the week's night sky and where the planets are located.
• The Westmoreland Bird and Nature Club has weekly field trips dealing with my favorite hobby.
  
• Check out these cool images of the Sun. 
• Check out NASA's Picture of the Day and then read and learn something about the universe :)
• See if you are an expert at water and land management with the Watershed Game.
• Here is an interactive Recycling and Waste Management Activity.