Our friend Steve Spangler is an absolute rock star in the worlds of science and education. His events draw teachers from all over the world, and his appearances on Denver's 9News (weekly) and the Ellen DeGeneres Show (a dozen and counting) are the kind of viral videos that you actually feel good about watching while you're supposed to be doing something else.
Best of all, Steve is the master of sharing a cool experience and then teaching the science behind it.
Today we stumbled across some video from one of his recent visits to 9News. In it, he shows meteorologist Becky Ditchfield how to pus …
If you're not familiar with the non-profit organization 826 yet, that's okay. You're about to be. And you'll be happy about it.
Founded by the author, screenwriter, publisher, and all-around creative genius Dave Eggers, 826 is an organization that supports eight writing and tutoring centers across the country. Those centers offer programs for young writers, aged 6-18, giving them opportunities to improve their skills and explore new facets of their creativity.
The programs at 826 centers include tutoring, field trips, in-school projects, student publishing, and workshops. Last year they serv …
Imagine that you’re no longer living in the 21st century, but instead struggling to survive in the past. I mean WAY in the past. You’re part of a group of twelve early humans, 15,000 years ago. There are eight adults and four children. You have no permanent home, because you move with the herds of animals upon which you survive. Your days are hard, and your nights are frightening; you’re not only a hunter, but sometimes the hunted. One person must be awake at all times to warn the others of dangerous predators nearby.
Every day seems just like every other, and yet you stil …
(I’ve spoken at middle schools and high schools for almost twenty years, so when people ask me what I talk about with students, it’s tough to narrow it down to just one topic. I talk about many things.
However, there’s one thread that comes up pretty often. It’s about choices. For students who have a hard time imagining WHY their education is so important, I like to use the concept of choices, or options. Everyone can relate to that.
I encourage you to share this with any middle school or high school students in your world. Read it with them, in fact.)
Suppos …
Are you afraid of spiders? Are you fascinated by them? Do you really know very much about them?
Our friends over at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science host a series of short videos on a wide variety of topics, with most running about two to three minutes in length. The program is called Science Bites, and it covers everything from earthquakes to tastebuds to, yup, you guessed it, spiders.
The videos are fun and informative, and they'll be interesting to curious people of all ages. Here's a taste:
Science Bites: The Truth About Spiders from DMNS on Vimeo.
What do you think? …
There truly are no age restrictions when it comes to innovation.
A pair of 17 year-old Canadian boys built a homemade spacecraft for a plastic Lego astronaut, and then successfully shot him 15 miles into the stratosphere. They even managed to return the Lego man back to Earth unharmed.
Matthew Ho and Asad Muhammad crafted a Styrofoam spacecraft and attached it to a weather balloon they ordered online. They then fitted a box with four cameras and a GPS tracking system, armed the brave Lego man with a nylon parachute, and filled the balloon with helium purchased at a party supply store. T …
We came across a neat blog post from Natalie Wolchover on MSNBC.com today, and it's a good bet that you might find it useful, entertaining, and possibly both. We're a public service, folks.
It seems that a survey of 2,000 parents in the United Kingdom identified the five questions that kids most commonly ask their parents. Those questions are:
Why is the moon sometimes out during the day?
Why is the sky blue?
Will we ever discover aliens?
How much does the Earth weigh?
How do airplanes stay up?
Can't we do something to stop Nickelback from making any more music …
How much time is too much time for students to be expected to sit in class? How much time is not enough? And how do you find the sweet spot -- that Goldilocks zone where it's not too much, not too little, but just right?
Teachers, parents, politicians and school administrators have been wrestling with that issue for many years, and as a result there are many different approaches in play all across our national landscape.
But there's a high-profile experiment going on right now in Chicago, and you can bet that its outcome will help shape not only local school policy, but also the fe …
(So much of what I write is aimed at parents and educators, but this article is different. I encourage you to share this with any middle school and high school students who are in your life.)
There are great lessons that nature teaches us, if we only pay attention. Sometimes they’re right before our eyes, but sometimes they’re light-years away from us...literally. Are we mature enough to learn from them?
This is the story of a star wanna-be, one that had all of the ingredients for being a star, but failed. It turns out that this true story could be more relevant to you …
People not only judge a book by its cover, they also judge each story within the first few lines they read. That's why your opening paragraph, whether you're writing a novel or a two-page short story, is so important. These are a few tips to stay on target.
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Many amateur writers make the same mistake over and over again: they try to tell the whole story within the first paragraph. Those first few lines, however, should have one purpose in mind, and that is to hook the reader.
Think of the last time somebody told you an interesting story. Maybe something funny had happened …
... and were wondering why you hadn't heard a response, please, let me explain.
The page here on our website that says Schedule an Appearance is supposed to generate an email every time someone submits an inquiry. For one reason or another, at some point in time, that stopped happening. We have no way of knowing how many of you tried unsuccessfully to reach us, and we have no way of retrieving those submissions. It's a bummer, I know.
But the good news is, it's fixed now. So we hope that you'll follow up with us, because I'd love to come visit your school, your business, your conference, or …
You may remember our friends over at Preston Middle School in Fort Collins. They were the first-ever in-school program partner of The Big Brain Club, and they've since gone on to win a state science Olympiad and a major national award from Intel.
Forever ambitious, Preston has put together a new program that stretches all the way across the world. Led by media specialist Tracey Winey, Preston students gather before school in the morning -- voluntarily -- to discuss books, culture and life via videoconference with kids from a school called Little Children of the Philippines. You can watch vide …
Part of the beauty of The Big Brain Club is that we're always on the lookout for tools and resources that will help writers young and old. Consider it a public service that we offer. And today we've got a good one.
Whether you're a closet writer that's still honing your craft, or an aspiring writer who hasn't yet gotten around to penning that masterpiece, or a student who just wants to get a little better at commanding the written word, you're in luck.
There's a website called 750words.com that aims to help you write three pages every single day. Here's how it works: Every month you get …
Braylon Edwards knows that he's been fortunate. His football abilities brought him to the University of Michigan, then on to the National Football League where he's had a long, if colorful, career.
But Edwards also knows that not every young person is so fortunate.
That's why, after signing a hefty rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns in 2005, he pledged $10,000 to 100 local eighth-graders to help pay for college. But as with any good receiver, there was a catch: the students each had to maintain a 2.5 GPA and donate at least 15 hours of community service.
Of the 100 kids who wer …
Here's a question for you: The average woman has nine pairs of shoes with this in common. What is it?
That's just one of the 100 puzzlers that have helped make The Mindbender Book Volume 1 the top paperback non-fiction bestseller in Colorado this week.
The Denver Post compiles their list of bestsellers based on sales figures from a wide range of local stores. Here's a partial list of Colorado locations that carry the book:
Tattered Cover Book Store (three locations)
Barnes & Noble (multiple locations, including the Park Meadows store at 8374 S. Willow Lane)
The Book …
It was Mark Twain's birthday recently. The late, great satirist would have been 176 years old on November 30. (And yet in this picture, he still doesn't look a day over 74.)
As a belated tip of the cap to one of the wisest and wittiest writers in our country's history, we thought we'd share this song from the terrific young Missouri band Ha Ha Tonka. It's called The Humorist, it's about Twain, it's very good, and it's embedded below.
As a bonus, we also bring you this interview with Ha Ha Tonka's Brian Roberts, from a blog called Songwriters on Process. It's a pretty fascinating look into …
A column focused on the world of education, from bestselling author Tom Friedman (author of The World is Flat and Hot, Flat and Crowded), appeared in this weekend's New York Times, and it's been popping up like wildfire -- or trending, in the language of the moment -- across social media outlets ever since. Some people wholeheartedly agree with everything he has to say. Others believe he's grossly off-base.
You can read his column in its entirety right here, but the gist of it is pretty simple: Stop making teachers the whipping boy for the shortcomings of American students, he says. Our schoo …
As the world's largest semiconductor chip maker and a Fortune 100 company, Intel knows a thing or two about the importance of scientific innovation. That's why each year, they honor a small number of U.S. schools demonstrating excellence in math and science education through innovative teaching and learning environments.
To be considered as an Intel School of Distinction, schools must develop an environment and curricula that meet or exceed benchmarks put forth by national mathematics and science content standards. This year, six schools were selected as Schools of Disctinction at a Washingto …
Well, it's about that time again. The leaves have changed color, the weather's turned a corner... and we've once again arrived at the glorious time of year known as National Novel Writing Month!
A self-proclaimed "fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing," NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has that book inside of them -- but who's never gotten around to actually getting it down on paper. Beginning November 1 (or November 3, or November 7, or whenever), the goal is to crank out a 50,000 word rough draft by the end of the month.
If that sounds o …
There’s a popular movement to empower young people that is noble, yet dangerous. Countless programs have sprung up that offer to “teach young adults self-esteem.” They supply T-shirts with messages along the lines of “I’m worthy and valuable,” along with assorted books and videos that promise to grant this positive trait. But I ask you: How does one “teach” self-esteem to a child?
This is a subset of the Everyone Gets A Trophy mentality, where we won’t actually take the time to instill solid, positive work ethics in young people, but inste …
By now, you're probably aware that The Mindbender Book Volume 1 is available. You've seen the email, you've followed the Facebook posts, you've decked the Tweets.
But have you watched the video?
Fans in the Denver area will recognize some familiar faces (and voices). But even the uninitiated will get a laugh out of the delightfully silly, three-minute chuckle-fest that follows below. …
Every day, hundreds of thousands of people participate in the most popular radio contest in the world. It's not exactly trivia, and it's not really a logic puzzle, either. It's... the Mindbender!
For more than 18 years, Dom Testa has been sharing daily Mindbenders with Denver's highest-rated radio audience on Mix 100. As we've moved into the digital age, fans from all over the world now participate via streaming audio or online blog post. It's become an international -- and family-friendly -- phenomenon.
Now, for the first time ever, Dom has collected 100 of the best Mindbenders in book form …
There's a great article in the most recent issue of Fast Company, and it deals with all the ways that exercise stimulates creativity...
We tend to think of a year -- or any unit of time -- as a tangible, concrete thing. But the truth is not so black and white.
If you stop and think about it, a year is really just a form of measurement. Years, days, hours, minutes... these are all just specific ways of measuring and identifying time. We describe our lives in increments of years in the same way that a carpenter might describe the length of a wood plank in centimeters. It's a universally agreed-upon form of measurement that allows us all to work within the same frame of reference.
The thing about time, however, is that it's pin …
College football season gets underway this week, so what better time to focus our attention on the consensus best player in the country?
You might wonder why Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck would be of interest to The Big Brain Club. Then again, if you visit our site frequently you'll know that we like to highlight famous celebs who embody the notion that Smart is Cool. In the past we've looked at a world-famous musician, an Olympic figure skater, and two of the biggest movie stars in the world, among others.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please welcome Andrew Luck into the world of …
Salman Khan has always been good at math.
So when his niece needed tutoring, he was a likely candidate to lend a hand. In 2004 Khan began putting together short, simple videos to help illustrate his lessons and posting them to YouTube. There wasn't much flash to his presentation -- the videos consisted of little more than his voice imposed over a black backdrop with equations in his own handwriting. But out of that small kernel of an idea, the world of education has seen a major evolution take place in just a few short years.
Khan has been getting a ton of attention lately, and righfully so. …
One of the hot new trends in creative writing during the past few years is called Flash Fiction. Ever heard of it?
Basically, Flash Fiction means 'writing a very, very short story with a strict word count.' In most cases, stories can be no longer than 500 or 1,000 words, which equals out to just a few pages. But in some cases I've even seen Flash Fiction contests where the entries could be no longer than 250 words -- that's just one page of writing for an entire short story!
About a year ago, I was working with my son, himself a talented writer with a strong command of language. The problem …
If you're a Denver resident in the market for a terrific meal at a great price, you're in luck.
If you're also interested in benefiting a local charitable organization, even better!
Every weekend for the rest of the summer and all the way through Labor Day, The Melting Pot of Littleton is offering up the Wacky Weekend Meltdown. What is it? Well, it's a four-course gourmet dinner that includes their world-famous cheese, entree and dessert fondues, plus a salad of your choice, all for just $35 per person!
What's more, the offer comes with coupons to the Denver Zoo, Water World, and …
There are few people in the world of television with more creative influence, more of an 'it' factor, than Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane. In addition to creating, producing and providing multiple voices for his flagship animated TV show, which has aired on the Fox network in fits and starts since 1999, he's also the force behind top-rated hits like American Dad and The Cleveland Show.
In 2008 he signed a deal with Fox worth a reported $100 million (making him the highest-paid TV writer in the world), and earlier this year it was announced that he would be granted a life-long wish t …
What do you get when you put 100 science teachers from all over the country on a boat in the waters of southeast Alaska?
No, this isn't the set-up for a joke. It's the setting for Science at Sea, an incredible program run by our good friend (and mad scientist extraordinaire) Steve Spangler.
Steve is well-known nationally for his 11 appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and long-time Colorado residents will recognize him from his ongoing stint on 9News. But perhaps the most long-lasting impact Steve makes on education is through the work he does with teachers from all over the country -- a …
Welcome to this week's News for Nerds! This week we find out what video games have to do with high school physics, we get the lowdown on the future of space travel, and we deliver some bad news to Doc Brown and Marty McFly. But first: turn off the lights, the party's over.
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They say there are two things that are certain in life: death and taxes. Well, Robert Ettinger begs to differ. He's long believed that even if death isn't avoidable, it may only be a temporary state. Something reversible. Something that technological innovation can overcome.
And he died this week …
Like you, I enjoy a good book. But I have to say, the folks at San Jose State University make us love really BAD writing, too. These are the people who sponsor the annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, which seeks the worst possible opening sentence for an imaginary novel. Yes, you must be intentionally bad, and the results are consistently hilarious.
The prize is named for British novelist Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, who began one of his tales with the classic line, "It was a dark and stormy night..."
This year, the winner was Sue Fondrie, who penned this beauty:
" …
Among 10,000 students from 91 countries, girls from American schools finished in the Top 3 overall at Google's first-ever international science fair. A 17 year-old from Fort Worth won the grand prize, taking home $50,000 in college money for her research on ovarian cancer.
Not bad for a girl that's barely old enough to drive a car. …
After a one-week hiatus, welcome back to News for Nerds! This week we'll dive into the hidden benefit of contact allergies, the hidden perks of a dangerous playground, and the hidden side effects of over-Googling. But first: turn off the lights, the party's over.
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"Job well done, America."
Those were the words of NASA's Mission Control communicator Barry Wilmore after the shuttle Atlantis touched down shortly before dawn on Thursday morning, ending the space agency's 30-year shuttle program.
Beginning with the launch of the shuttle Columbia in the spring o …
Over the course of your school career, there are bound to be multiple people -- teachers, librarians, counselors -- who help you along the way and make a difference in your life. It's also true, however, that most of us recall that one person who really had a profound impact on us, who changed us for the better, and whose presence stays with us long after we're finished with school.
For Galahad series author Dom Testa, that person was 10th grade English teacher Mrs. Sherilyn Hanks. And the story of her impact on his life, and of their reconnection more than three decades later, was recently f …
There aren't many video games more universally popular than Guitar Hero, and it's easy to see why. At some point in their life everyone dreams of being a rock star, right? So there's a natural appeal in living out that fantasy by rocking to your favorite songs, one virtual power chord at a time.
Well, one educator took that appeal a step further. Follow this link to watch a short video about the class project that University of Virginia professor Gavin Garner came up with -- a build-your-own-guitar adventure that includes lessons on mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
It's …
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of The Phantom Tollbooth, a book that, in the words of one early critic, set about to “awaken the lazy mind.” In honor of its birthday I read it again, and found that it stirred some thoughts that I've been mulling for some time regarding the reputation of knowledge.
That's a funny way to put it, I know. But today it's not simply that education, or knowledge, is in peril; reading through the pages of Norton Juster's classic book for kids reinforced my suspicion that our 21st century attitude toward knowledge hovers somewhere between apathy and disdain. I have to believe that Juster had a foreboding of what was to come. …
Welcome back to another edition of News for Nerds. This week I've got some bad news about your favorite diet sodas, some good news about an asteroid that didn't kill us all, and some incredible news about the strangers who are living in a Brazilian rain forest. But first: a frog with fangs?
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The World Wildlife Federation has announced the discovery of more than 1,000 new species on the Melanesian island of New Guinea. Among them: a round-headed dolphin, a blind snake, and yes, a frog with fangs.
Not many people could find New Guinea on a map, but its rain f …
It's easy to write what other people expect, and to never surprise anyone. But the next time you sit down to compose a story (perhaps the leap year story assignment that I just posted), why not question yourself? Why not zag when everyone else is zigging? Here are a few thoughts on that...
One of the things that will often keep you interested in a book is a healthy dose of the unexpected. The best authors find ways to stand out, to keep their stories fresh, to mix things up a bit.
It doesn't have to be something outlandish. For instance, when a car is racing down the street, almost ever …
Here's a re-post of a popular writing assignment that I originally shared during our last leap year, in 2008. With our next leap year now just a few months away, I thought it would be fun to revisit it and see what else you could come up with.
But first, a little background information.
In order for our calendars to keep pace with the actual celestial time clock, it's necessary to shove in an extra day once every four years. People born on this day get to laugh about how they only have a birthday every four years, while other people celebrate with Leap Parties whether it's their birthday or not.
I started to think of a cool idea for a short story, and decided to give it to you for a little practice. …
One of the most exciting things about The Big Brain Club is when you actually see the light bulb go off in a young person's head that says: Hey, I get it! I don't have to choose between being smart and being cool! I can totally do both!
There are a lot of paths that lead to that realization, but one of the most common is when a student realizes just how many of their favorite celebrities are also big brains. …
There's a common question that students have been asking about math classes since the beginning of time, and it goes something like this: When will I ever use any of this knowledge in real life?
We get it. As you sit in school learning about, say, geometry, it can be hard to see any application for subjects like math or science outside of the classroom. It can feel like the kind of thing that's only useful to help get you to graduation. Are we getting warmer here?
But the truth is that math is everywhere you look -- even in the world of extreme sports. …
Can you believe that there's such a thing as the 'Best Illusion of the Year' contest?
Well, luckily for all of us, there is. It takes place in Naples, Florida, and from that great convergence of visual researchers comes this list of the top 10 coolest optical illusions of the year, as reported by New Scientist Magazine. …
One of the things that I constantly hear from students is that if they are perceived as 'nerds' in middle school or high school, they won't fit in with the so-called 'cool crowd,' and therefore they won't get to do all the fun stuff that the 'cool crowd' gets to do during their teenage years.
There are about a million reasons why that's just not true at all, and pretty much anybody who's ever lived through grades K-12 would tell you so. But that's not even the most important point that I want to make, so we'll just let that argument slide. If you want to believe that you have to dumb down in school in order to do fun things for a couple years with a bunch of temporary friends, fine. Whatever. It's not true, but we'll ignore that silliness for the time being. …
Our friends at Preston Middle School, the first-ever in-school partner of The Big Brain Club, are at it again.
This time, they've been selected as a finalist in the 2011 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards (SODA) -- one of 18 schools in the entire country, and one of just six middle schools! Each school is nominated based on their ability to implement innovative math and science programs and for serving as models for other schools. …
Looks like Colorado's Preston Middle School, the first-ever in-school program partner of The Big Brain Club, had a big weekend.
A team of students from the Fort Collins STEM school (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), won the Colorado State Science Olympiad on Sunday. For their efforts, they now move on to the National Competition in Madison, Wisconson, which begins May 18. …
Our friends at Panera Bread -- and by the way, do yourself a favor and try the Frontega Chicken sandwich -- have launched a pretty cool campaign over at this new website. The program is called Panera's Top Teachers, and it allows students to create and upload a one-minute video (or 200-word essay) about why their teacher is the best in Colorado. Prizes for the best entries include food and gift cards from Panera, as well as high-end Tablet PCs for both student and teacher. …
The fine folks at Colorado's Douglas County LIbraries will host Galahad series author and Big Brain Club founder Dom Testa at their Highlands Ranch location this Saturday, April 16. The event starts at 2:00 p.m. and is free to the public. Testa will talk with fans about the creation of the Galahad series, lessons learned from a life of writing, and the growing 'nerd revolution' at the heart of The Big Brain Club. …
The following is a personal narrative that was originally published in The Big Brain Club at Preston Middle School, a collection of creative writing that was produced entirely by 6th, 7th and 8th grade students at Preston Middle School in Fort Collins, Colo. The book was published as part of a partnership between the school and The Big Brain Club, who also donated new technology equipment to the Preston media center. …
A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to support The Big Brain Club at our special night with the Colorado Mammoth. Not only did you help the cause, but you were able to cheer the Mammoth on to a big win over the Edmonton Rush!
We even raffled off a commemorative Mammoth team jersey, signed by all of the players. Congrats to Jessica, who almost jumped out of her skin when we pulled her ticket out of the barrel! A hard-working college student, Jessica had earlier made a generous contribution to the foundation, and was delighted to leave the Pepsi Center with her prize.
You can still show …
The following is a short story that was originally published in The Big Brain Club at Preston Middle School, a collection of creative writing that was produced entirely by 6th, 7th and 8th grade students at Preston Middle School in Fort Collins, Colo. The book was published as part of a partnership between the school and The Big Brain Club, who also donated new technology equipment to the Preston media center. …
You may think that just because The Big Brain Club is making such a big impact in schools these days, we're all business, all the time. Not so.
This coming Tuesday and Wednesday, March 22 and 23, The Big Brain Club will be setting up shop at Cantina Laredo, a fantastic upscale Mexican food restaurant in suburban Denver. During those two evenings we'll be offering a gourmet four-course meal (along with specially-crafted Hornitos Tequila cocktails for those 21 and over), and we'll be sharing some stories and photos from our recent pilot program at Preston Middle School. …
Thanks to Chuck Sambuchino, who writes a terrific blog for writers and agents. He posted an article of mine that spotlights some of the things that authors must do to enhance their value for readers.
If you're interested in a writing career, it's good to know some of this stuff up front. …
Here's an unusual way to look at your education, one you've probably never considered before. We'll start with a quick mind game. What if you picked up a cigarette, lit it, inhaled one puff...and immediately fell over dead?Here's another thought: What if you ate a giant cheeseburger with chili cheese fries, along with a large milkshake, followed by a fudge brownie drenched in ice cream and covered with chocolate sauce...and then immediately fell over dead?The point is, it doesn't work that way. The cigarette doesn't kill you today, it kills you tomorrow. A diet that's filled only with the menu I described doesn't kill you today, it kills you tomorrow. And because there are no immediate consequences, most people ignore what's happening. If I don't feel any bad effects today, why worry about it, right? That's why people smoke, and why people stuff themselves with foods that have negative long-term effects. If the first cigarette killed you, how many people would light up, right? …
There aren't many stars in the world bigger than Matt Damon. For that matter, there aren't many cooler people in the world, period. The face of smash-hit films like Saving Private Ryan, Invictus, and the Bourne and Ocean's series, Damon is more than just a movie star. He's also an active philanthropist, a big sports fan, and by all accounts, a heckuva nice guy.But there's one other thing that you need to know about Matt Damon: he's a big brain, and not ashamed of it. …
I'm honest with you on the Big Brain Club site, and so let me say this up front: I don't do what I'm about to recommend?Sound strange?Ā Well, it shouldn't, because what works for me might not work for you, and vice versa. But there are many writers who employ this little trick, and it might really help you a lot.Ā Interested?Ā Here's what I'm talking about... …
Somewhere in a box in my basement I've tucked away a single report card from my days in elementary school. It's the one, lonely testament to twelve years of public school, twelve years of sitting up straight, learning multiplication tables, and memorizing state capitals.I haven't seen it in years, but I think it registers mostly A's, one B (I never could master art class), and a comment about my improving penmanship. It clearly spelled out my strengths and weaknesses, and neither I nor my parents were foggy about my progress.Now, fast-forward to our more 'Åenlightened'ģ³ age. I had an interesti …
During my writing workshops, I often talk about ways to spur your creative juices.Ā One of those methods is to start at the end (see my previous writing tip, "Writing Backwards").Ā So, this month your assignment is to do just that.Ā Here's the scoop... …
It's an annual tradition at The Big Brain Club...the October assignment always taps the scary side of your creativity.Ā Read all about it... …
One of the ways we keep the content at BigBrainClub.com fresh and diverse is by inviting friends and colleagues in to write occasional guest columns. This time around, the guest in question is more than just a friend and colleague. He's the executive director of our parent organization, The Big Brain Foundation, and he's also my son: Dominic III.Dominic came to us last year with a successful background in business and non-profit management, but the column that follows has more to do with the topic of reading. More specifically, he's addressing the future of books in a culture that seems to value the written word less and less. His insights might surprise you. And as always, your feedback is certainly welcome. …
I sat and thought long and hard about it, because I wanted to be sure.
I asked friends. I flew from city to city and wandered the streets. I phoned random people at odd hours of the day. I drew up a pie chart, and then a bar graph, and then a Venn diagram. And then, just to be sure, I Googled it.Turns out that my suspicions were confirmed after all: Smart really is the new cool. What a relief. …
It's back-to-school time. Pretty soon the leaves will be turning, the winds will deliver cooler air, and it will even smell different when you walk outside. Fall is almost here, and it's a good opportunity for you to practice writing about change. …
What exactly does that mean?Ā Why would you intentionally turn off your editor?Ā The truth is, it will make you a better writer.Ā Sound crazy?Ā Here's what it really means... …
We at The Big Brain Club have adopted a few catchphrases that seem to have caught on with many of you. Smart is Cool is one of them. Overcome the peer pressure to dumb down is another. Those are both good.But it's probably true that the most popular of all our catchphrases is Gettin' My Nerd On. People seem to like it, understand it and even live it. With that in mind, we've developed the very hip shirt you see in the picture at left. It has the periodic table in the background -- note the newest element, called Nerdium -- and the phrase Gettin' My Nerd On splashed across the front.Would you, …
More than three hundred young faces stared down at me from the bleachers. I was on their turf, the echo chamber of a school gymnasium, finishing what had been an enthusiastic assembly on writing and creativity.I knew the question was coming before the seventh-grader posed it. It's always the first question at my school presentations. As soon as I hear the first word - 'Åwhere...'ģ³ - I can practically finish the sentence for them: 'Å...do you get your ideas?'ģ³It's a question that has an almost magical quality in the mind of many middle school students, because it implies that there's some mist-covered, dream-like dimension to which writers venture in order to pluck shimmering, ripe thoughts from the mystical Idea Tree.And, to be fair, I think some writers encourage this fantasy. They enjoy the aura that surrounds 'Åthe artist,'ģ³ one step removed from wizardry and the awe that accompanies it. It somehow endows them with a minor celebrity status: He Who Is Able To Conjure Insight From The Fabled Tree of Ideas. …
By now, nearly everyone is aware of Apple's latest techno-marvel, the iPad. It's been hailed as the next great gadget, and in just a few short months it's already become ubiquitous across the pop culture landscape. A popular sitcom even crafted an entire episode in which a central character goes to great lengths to get his hands on one.But beyond the 'cool' factor, what sorts of applications will the iPad -- and for that matter, any other technological innovation coming down the pike -- have on education? This article from OnlineColleges.net addressed that very issue, and we thought it was wor …
Can you be contrarian about being contrarian? Does that somehow cancel everything out? Is it like multiplying two negative numbers and ending up with a positive number?For years our culture has embraced - perhaps revered is a better choice - those whose thinking went against conventional wisdom. We held in high esteem one who zigged while the rest of us were still practicing our zag. The popular vernacular for this contrarian even segregated them from the masses, placing them outside the normal boundaries that we-who-plod-obediently have confined ourselves within.Yes, they think OUTSIDE THE BOX.But wait a minute. Elevate the status of anything, especially the perceived reverence of the uber-cool contrarian, and you immediately invite everyone into the pool. From far and wide there is a rush to crowd into that VIP box, where one and all are glorified for coloring outside the lines, for bucking the trend, for - yes, let's say it again - thinking OUTSIDE THE BOX. …
I get some curious looks when people find out that my educational foundation is not about collecting books for kids to read. After all, I'm an author of young adult books, and I frequently speak at schools and libraries. Seems natural that I'd be all about rounding up books for distribution.Book drives have their place, and if you participate, thank you. But my foundation, The Big Brain Club, is more about preparing the canvas. In this case, the canvas is the student.Correct me if I'm wrong, but today's young people aren't facing a shortage of books available to them. Classrooms generally have …
Most people only think about getting the words onto the paper, or the screen.Ā They rarely think about getting themselves into a zone to make it happen.Ā But guess what?Ā You'll find it much easier to create when you find the right zone for you.Ā Here's what I'm talking about... …
A long time ago I discovered a great little trick to help me practice creative writing.Ā Instead of coming up with a new story idea myself, I would find an opening line, or opening paragraph from an existing story, and then re-write the story in a completely different way.You might say, "Hey, you're stealing someone's work."Ā But this was never for anyone to see but me.Ā It was my way of taking a suggestion and seeing how quickly I could get my brain into that gear and tell the tale.Ā You're about to try it, too... …
The office was buzzing, and the bandwidth on Facebook was especially taxed in our zip code, because of Bikini Boy. Every hallway greeting was punctuated with 'ÅDid you see him?'ģ³, and there was an overdose of the already-crispy LOL abbreviation exchanged between 'Ėfriends.' Twenty-five million people in America had stared vacuously at their television screen the night before as a young man paraded across the very-staged stage of American Idol, dressed in a bikini.I work with him. It was one of those rare instances where you're actually acquainted with a person who is instantly - albeit briefly - thrust into the American public's consciousness. They're a flashbulb celebrity, shining brightly in front of a large audience before immediately fading back into obscurity, to be replaced by the next morsel demanded by an audience starved for distraction. They're the empty calories of today's entertainment buffet.Two days later I turned on one of the 24-hour news channels while I prepared a quick lunch. The host breathlessly introduced the next interview subject, a man whose lust for attention had steered him to this lightning bolt of creativity: Ultimate Fighting for Jesus. …
No, it doesn't mean writing something outrageous, or trying to shock people.Ā That's the cheap way out.Ā I want you to be a rebel by avoiding the obvious.Ā Here's what I mean... …
I know, I know, just the title of this month's writing exercise might make you say "forget it!" But listen, if you really want to become a writer, there are at least a few areas where you need to get your act together.Ā Here's the scoop... …
Stop me if you've heard this one before: Athletes are dumb, and they don't take their education seriously.Sound familiar? Is this something that you've heard others say? Is it something that maybe, just maybe, you've said (or at least thought) at some time yourself?Well, I'm sure that in some cases it's true. But it's definitely not true for Myron Rolle. …
Here at The Big Brain Club, one of the most common topics we address is how being smart and being cool are not mutually exclusive: you can be both. In fact, lots and lots of people are both. Like this Olympic athlete. And this astronaut. And now, joining the growing list of people who prove that being smart is cool, is a bona fide rock star.Ladies and gentlemen, meet Damian Kulash of the band OK Go. …
Space Shuttle Discovery docked with the International Space Station this week, and despite some technical glitches, so far the astronauts on board seem to be right on schedule.One astronaut in particular got our attention -- and not just because she's from the great state of Colorado (home to Big Brain Club headquarters). No, Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger got our attention because she's a somewhat unlikely candidate to be an astronaut, and also because she's another shining example that being smart is cool (and that being smart leads to cool things, like working in a space station 200 miles above the earth). …
Remember, one of your primary obligations as a writer is to keep your reader from getting bored.Ā You want them to turn the page!Ā Here are a few thoughts on one way to accomplish that, and it's probably something you've never considered... …
For those of you reading this in the southern hemisphere, you'll have to forgive me; I know you're trudging through winter right now.Ā For everyone else, it's heating up, and that's the subject of this month's exercise... …
The Big Brain Club is always on the lookout for new and interesting insights, and for that reason we occasionally post guest columns from esteemed writers or educators who bring a fresh voice to the conversation. What follows is another example of just that.Melissa Taylor is the Book Editor at Large for Colorado Parent Magazine, a freelance education writer whose work has appeared in a wide variety of print publications and online at sites like Bookmarkable and Imagination Soup, and, as if that weren't enough, a social media strategist and member of the Education Writers Association.Melissa wa …
Even if they never say it aloud, people secretly hope to leave their mark on the world. There's a desire somehow either to make a difference in another person's life, or to do something that stands out, like a beacon that states, "I was here."In a world of almost seven billion people, it seems like a tough order. That's why so many people make the mistake of doing something shallow which draws attention, confusing the idea of "attention-getting" with the substance of "making your mark." One is temporary and selfish, the other one solid and selfless.I recently spoke with a teacher who's been in the classroom for twenty-five years. She told me that there is nothing more satisfying than to hear from a former student who, years later, tells her that she is the reason they're successful today. What was difficult for them for the to see through through the haze of their hectic days as a student became quite clear years later when seen through the lens of perspective. …
We at The Big Brain Club have never been shy about our mission, or about our conviction that being smart is cool. We talk about it at length (amongst ourselves and with others), we write articles and blog entries about it. We try as best we can to embody it.But there is a wholly different warm and fuzzy feeling that comes along with seeing similar sentiments echoed elsewhere in the media or in the pop culture universe. One recent example is this article by Daniel Roth, which first appeared in an issue of Wired Magazine late last year. Mr. Roth is an accomplished writer whose work has appeared in places like Conde Nast Portfolio and Forbes, but he's really struck a cord with The Big Brain Club staff by writing about education reform of a unique variety. …
The studies are in, and the word is out. Boys don't read as well, or as often, as girls. Boys aren't as passionate about reading, and their grades reflect that. Boys are far less likely to grow up to become reading adults, and book sales prove that. Boys are...Boys are lost.But, despite what some might claim, this is not a new phenomenon. It might be picking up steam, but the underlying problems have been around for a long time. It might now be trendy to spotlight the issue, but educators have grappled with the gender gap for years.It's time to help some of the boys find their way back to the book. In order to do that, it would help some parents - especially parents of young men - to understand three of the primary reasons for the gap. …
It's a common request that I hear from teachers: Can you speak to my students about what it takes to be a writer? I think what teachers are seeing, in a variety of forms, is a student's natural tendency to shrink away from any attempt to write. Students get frustrated by the daunting task of creating, looking upon it as something they can't do. They're intimidated, and educators know that the first step in creating a young writer is overcoming that fear.This will take you to an article that I've posted for young people. It's in the Extra! Extra! category on the student side of this web site. I …
Over the last few years I've come across many students, mostly in middle school, who allow fear to prevent them from following one - or more - of their dreams. In particular, at almost every school assembly I talk with young people who have a burning desire to write, and yet they're held back because of a mountain staring them down. It's the mountain of intimidation, the fear that it's too difficult and they're just not good enough. Sound like you? …
Here's the scene: you have a great story idea, and you've actually finished a chapter or two.Ā Now, however, you find yourself stuck.Ā What comes next?Ā How do you get to the next step?Ā Help!!Ā Well, the answer might surprise you... …
One of the challenges of writing fiction is getting into the heads of your various characters.Ā Sure, you might only have one or two points of view, but in order to make all of the characters seem real, it's often necessary to figure out what they're thinking and feeling.Ā Here are some thoughts on that, and this month's assignment... …
As the Olympic Winter Games wind to a close this week, one of the American athletes getting the most attention is 17-year old figure skater Rachael Flatt. She was the surprise winner of the 2010 U.S. National Championships, and even though she didn't medal in Vancouver, nobody doubts that she is one of the up-and-coming stars to watch out for in coming years. At just 17, she's now considered the 7th-best woman in her sport in the entire world.But believe it or not, that's not what makes Rachael so special. The more you learn about her, the more you realize that her athletic accomplishments are really just the tip of the iceberg. …
No groaning allowed!Ā For some reason, whenever we talk about dialogue at my writing workshops, people moan about it.Ā I think you're missing out on a vital part of your writing if you don't practice this important story element.Ā Here are a few thoughts, as well as your monthly assignment... …
One of your goals as a writer should be to get the reader to keep turning the page.Ā If they're so involved in your story that it's hard to put down, you've done your job.Ā Here is a quick tip to help you make that happen... …
His name was Kevin, and he was a friend of a friend. I didn't see him that often, but often enough to learn an early lesson. Kevin taught me everything I needed to know about perfection.Not about being perfect; no, he taught me how to avoid the perfection trap. …
We're a nation that worships the shortcut. If you want to avoid rush-hour traffic, you're always going to be on the lookout for the time-saving shortcut. Computer keyboards contain several shortcuts that can eliminate steps in your project. And the study of mathematics is made easier for some people when they employ shortcuts in their calculations.But we're spoiled by the shortcut, too. …
This month we're going to focus on a skill that the very best writers have learned to appreciate and use to their advantage.Ā It's the fine of interviewing...or, another way to look at it would be the fine art of listening.Ā Here's what it's all about... …
It seems that, as writers, we're too often in a hurry to get the story finished and move on to something else.Ā The problem is that it's very rare - I'd say almost impossible - to put out your BEST work in just one rough draft.Ā This is where true writers separate themselves from the rest... …
I love the way very profound concepts can often be expressed in very simple terms. We seem to automatically believe that in order for an idea to be life-changing it must be complex. But no.One of the best examples I've heard came during a discussion I had with a young man we'll call Derrick. He's in his 20s now, but he said that in his middle-teen years he used to hang out with his good friend, Jeffrey.Derrick and Jeffrey were typical teen boys. They enjoyed sports, video games, and hanging out with friends. Often they were driven to various activities by Jeffrey's mom. Derrick told me that every time they got to their destination, Jeffrey's mom would smile and say goodbye, but always added the same parting comment. She told them: 'ÅMake good choices.'ģ³Then she would drive away. …
We'll change her name to keep her anonymous, and call her Amanda. She's 14-years-old, enjoys sports, likes to read, and loves music. Amanda is a typical teenager in many ways, with several friends that she hangs out with, talking about school, about boys, and often about celebrities.What I found interesting, however, was the real Amanda that she disguises in order to fit in with the social circle. When I talked with her, away from her friends, I discovered that a lot of the music she listened to in front of those friends actually held no interest for her whatsoever. For that matter, she admitted that she claimed to like certain celebrities because - and these are her words - 'Åa lot of kids at school like them.'ģ³Wow. Amanda actually pretends to like some music and some celebrities only because a few of her friends do. A couple of these stars are 'Åstupid,'ģ³ she told me. So why, I asked, do you follow them? 'ÅThey're popular,'ģ³ she said. …
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Every few years you'll find surveys where young people are asked a simple question: What do you want to be when you grow up? For years the answers revolved around occupations. Firefighter, doctor, astronaut, and teacher were some of the most popular responses. But something has happened lately, and now the top answers no longer involve a career. Now, according to a Pew Research Center study, when asked "what do you want to be when you grow up?" the majority of young people said "rich and famous."Why this shift? I'm convinced it's a result of the combination of pop culture and the explosion of mass communications. Look at the hysteria involving so-called 'Ėreality tv,' with American Idol likely the driving force. Then there's YouTube and other assorted internet phenomena which distribute pictures and sound to a worldwide audience in seconds. …
As the author of a young adult book series and as someone who devotes a lot of time to visiting with schools and students, I'm fortunate to be asked to pen guest articles for national publications from time to time. I almost never turn down the opportunity to do so, because it's such a great platform to talk about the importance of initiatives like The Big Brain Club, and to spread the word that smart is the new cool.On newsstands this month is an article I wrote for VOYA Magazine, which you probably recognize as a leading youth advocacy publication. You can follow this link to read the articl …
(Sometimes I have musings that aren't directly connected to the work I do with students...but in the grand scheme of things they help. This article falls into that category, and hopefully might spark something within you as well.)I have a great friend of mine who is all about texture. Whether it's her clothes, her home, or the design of her workspace, she is drawn to the concept of texture. I'm often blind to subtle shades and layers, but I'll see her run her hand across something and murmur, 'ÅI like the texture.'ģ³So lately I've become a budding student of texture. Rather than immediately dismissing something offhand, I'll step back and examine it for the nuances that otherwise would escape me. And, as I sat quietly the other evening in front of a fire, I realized that in order to fully enjoy life, it should have texture as well. …
How many times have you read a story that really made you feel as if you were right there?Ā It's easier to write a compelling story like that when you use all of your senses.Ā Here's how... …
When creating a character, we're often putting them into fictional settings, too.Ā This month, what would happen if you created a fictional character and placed them into YOUR world?Ā Let's find out... …
From time to time I come across articles and surveys that drive home the basic principles of The Big Brain Club. A new survey from the web site Classmates.com illustrates what our foundation is all about, and will make its way into every school presentation that I do over the next year.Part of that presentation already focuses on the fact that young people have a difficult time focusing on the future; teenagers are convinced that NOW is all that matters, so why worry about the future? It's one of the reasons that peer pressure to fit in is so powerful: kids are willing to sacrifice a future that they can't imagine for the sake of being popular right now.Then along comes this latest survey, which asked adults to name their biggest regret from high school. Drum roll, please, as we open the envelope and discover that the top two answers were (1) not thinking about their future, and (2) not studying harder and performing better in the classroom. …
We're going to play psychologist with you.Ā You're on the couch, and we're going back in your life. This month's assignment is based on the best day you've ever had.Ā Here's how it works... …
Writing backwards is something I recommend in my writing workshops.Ā No, it doesn't mean literally writing backwards, where you would have to hold it up to a mirror in order to read it.Ā Here's what it really means... …
A friend of mine is in the process of earning her CPA license. She completed an exhausting schedule of classes, and has now begun the rigorous testing necessary to complete the process. Anyone who has been down this road knows how challenging it is. She spends hours and hours studying for each of the four major exams which are tackled over the course of one year.I talked about it with her husband while we sat in the stands at a baseball game. After listening to his description of her grueling journey, we chuckled and agreed that we both want that person preparing our taxes.In previous articles I've championed the cause of tougher challenges for students, rather than the cake walk prescribed by a few misguided souls bent on artificially boosting self-esteem. I've spotlighted the fundamental errors of that flawed approach, and how it ultimately fails the student. …
I'm a sucker for a good scary book. I've been kept awake at night after reading stories by masters like Edgar Allan Poe (I recommend The Cask of Amontillado) and Stephen King (his collection called Night Shift is chilling). To be able to frighten a movie-goer is not that tough, because you have sights and sounds to help you. With writing, however, it's more of a challenge... …
I know this sounds obvious - and perhaps it is - but when you sit down to write, have you given enough thought to what your ultimate goal might be? Trust me, it can make a world of difference in your writing. Here's what I'm talking about... …
There's a scene in the Bruce Willis movie Die Hard where the police have surrounded the besieged Nakatomi Plaza and have arranged giant spotlights to bathe the building in brilliant light. The bad guys bust out a few windows and proceed to shoot out the lights in order to restore the cover of darkness. It's obvious what's happening; in fact, the street-wise patrol officer on the scene keeps saying, "They're shooting at the lights."Well, it takes the befuddled deputy police chief a while to catch on. You can see the exasperation on the patrolman's face when the chief finally looks around and says, "Hey! They're shooting at the lights!"I experienced a similar exasperation when I stumbled across a story in USA Today. The headline read: Low Standards Are a Hurdle to Graduation.In essence, the piece stated that researchers have made an astounding discovery: students, it seems, do better when challenged! …
Remember reading To Kill a Mockingbird when you were in school? How about The Great Gatsby or The Scarlet Letter? Chances are that you read at least one of those titles as part of an assigned reading program when you were a teenager. But there's a controversial movement afoot, as more and more schools are allowing students to choose their own books in hopes of encouraging young people to take a more active interest in what they read.This first showed up on our radar via this article, penned by a librarian in Fredricksburg, VA. She's kind enough to reference a certain young adult book series th …
When I was writing The Comet's Curse, I spent a lot of time writing things that would never make it into the book. No, they weren't unused scenes or chapters; I'm talking about background information for me to use, the stuff you compile to create what we call backstory. Here's more on that... …
You would think, with everything that goes into writing, that this would be the easy part. And yet it's often quite difficult for young writers to find the courage to actually open up and allow others to read their work. Let's talk about that... …
It's no coincidence that Dom Testa's Galahad book series centers on 251 of the best and brightest kids on Earth (and beyond). The Big Brain Club founder has long been a believer in bringing out the best in young people, in real life and on the printed page. After all, that's what the Big Brain Club is all about -- not necessarily that everyone has to be a straight-A student all the time, but that it's okay to be the best version of yourself. It's okay to be smart, and to pay attention in school, and to avoid the peer pressure to constantly dumb down.With that in mind, it's interesting to watch …
Yes, that's me in the picture, visiting the famous Keck telescopes on top of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. It's breathtaking up there, with more than a dozen observatories peering into the depths of space. While you're there you can't help but wonder 'what if?' And that's exactly what this month's exercise is about... …
I'm a bit of a planner, and when it comes to writing I try to organize my thoughts into a loose outline of sorts. That gives me some direction and helps to keep the storyline moving forward. However, there are times when I have to admit that it's best to abandon the plan. Here's what I mean... …
Meet Karl Iagnemma. He's a leading researcher in robotics. He works for MIT, one of the best schools on the planet. He helps create the robots that roam Mars. He's a big brain.Meet Karl Iagnemma. He's an acclaimed fiction writer. He's won awards for his short stories. He's been featured in famous magazines. He's published a book. He's a big brain.So how can someone be both of these things at once? Well, we don't want to spoil the surprise, so you'll have to meet Karl Iagnemma for yourself.
Inspired by a Texas educator with big ambitions, a teacher from Colorado has developed this cross-curricular lesson plan for use in grades 5-9. Based around Dom Testa's award-winning YA novel The Comet's Curse, it's a terrific way to bring together various subjects -- everything from math and science, to reading and writing, to art and history -- in one big project that kids love. Download the lesson plan for free, and if you use it, let us know how it turns out. If you send pictures along, we'll even post them on this site and the official Club Galahad site.For a better understanding of how i …
You probably have heard the old saying: A picture is worth a thousand words. Well, for this month's exercise you'll actually get to put that to the test. Be prepared, however; this particular Big Brain Club exercise is a bit more challenging than others you might have tackled...but you can handle it!It happens in three steps. Read on to find out how it will ignite your creative powers... …
When I look back at some of my earliest attempts at writing, one particular mistake pops up over and over again. I didn't know any better, so I was constantly shifting the story's point of view within chapters, even within paragraphs. Yikes!Believe it or not, as long as you only use it to practice, that error might actually be helpful. Read on to get a new look at your story... …
Ever heard of the game called Mancala? It originated as a board game in Asia and Africa hundreds of years ago, but now, through the magic of science and technology, you can play online. You should go to this website and give it a try. But consider yourself warned... it's going to be hard to stop playing once you've started!
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_INFINITE_LOOP_COUNT = 300;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_MAX_HIGHLIGHTS = 50;
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_TOP_ID = "leoHighlights_top_iframe";
var LEO_HIGHLIGHTS_IFRAME_BOTTOM_ID = …
Newsweek has released its list of the Top 1,500 public schools in America. As to the criteria those rankings are based on, they've created a ratio consisting of the number of advanced placement, international baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students at a given school in 2008 divided by the number of graduating seniors.Whether you're a fan of that methodology or not, let's just say it's safe to assume that these are all very, very good schools. And it's interesting to note that each of the top two schools (and three of the top 10) are in the Dallas area.Conspicuously absent: R …
Seems that every summer we hear parents and teachers lamenting the fact that the long break from school impacts a student's overall knowledge base in a negative way. Often referred to as "the summer brain drain," the idea is that too much down time allows kids to not only fritter away what they might have learned in the previous school year, but also gets them out of learning mode.If you're concerned about this, let me suggest a few things that might help ease the problem... …
[caption id="attachment_274" align="alignleft" width="100" caption="Photo: Robert Giroux"][/caption]Thirteen year-old Kavya Shivashankar won the 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee this week, but it wasn't easy. The Kansas native beat out 292 other big brains, all between the ages of 9 and 15, by correctly spelling laodicean in the 15th round of the championship finals.This was Kavya's fourth trip to the championship round of the spelling bee, and she had gotten progressively better each time. At age 10 she placed 10th overall; she tied for 8th place the following year; and she tied for 4th pla …
Big Brain Club founder Dom Testa is featured in this month's issue of Colorado Parent magazine. The Q&A covers a wide range of topics, including the biggest issue facing today's students, Dom's award-winning Galahad book series and his secret alter-ego ambitions.Pick it up in stores now, or follow this link to read the full interview online.
Here's a story that may make you feel guilty for not getting around to fixing that leaky bathroom faucet -- the astronauts of the space shuttle Atlantis have just completed the final spacewalk to complete repairs on the Hubble Space Telescope, a mere 350 miles above the Earth. Now that's what it means to be handy. …
Recommending books can be tricky: personal tastes vary, and what is relevant or interesting to one person may seem less so to another. That said, we've got a recommendation that you're sure to find both relevant and interesting, even if you disagree with some of its positions.The book is called Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth and Happiness, and while only a small part of it deals with education directly, the book's central premise is widely applicable to the learning process. …
Writing, singing, sky diving, running marathons, fighting global warming -- these are just a few of the activities that keep some of our best and brightest young people busy. USA Today has announced its list of 20 College All-Stars, and you might be surprised at just how diverse (and how cool!) they are. See anything you have in common?This link will take you to the story.Sometimes we tend to think that kids like this are somehow different -- as if they are from another planet where everyone gets good grades and no one has to deal with challenges or obstacles. But the truth is that these kids …
I once wrote a short story that had a lot of promise, but I couldn't decide how I wanted it to end. So you know what I did? I wrote three different endings. I lost the story long ago, but always remembered the lesson I learned from that experience. Now it's your turn to try it... …
Writers often try too hard to dress up a sentence, to make it seem much more brilliant than the simple sentence it was meant to be. Often that means giving up on using "said" and replacing it with something colorful and descriptive. Please, don't fall into this cheap habit. Here's why... …
Some of the best fiction writing involves the art of taking a reader into an alternate reality, often because of some tweak in history. I happen to love this exercise, because it allows you - the author - to take liberties with real people and real events, and filter them through your own imagination. Let's explore... …
The dictionary describes a quirk as a "peculiar action or behavior." That may be, but a quirk is also a very important element in your writing when you define your characters. Here's how you add a bit of flavor... …
Some of the best stories ever written involve a character who has to make a very tough decision. As readers, we really get to know what's on the inside of a person when we watch them struggle with that dilemma. This month, you get to practice this... …
This one always raises an eyebrow. You've just finished writing a great story, you've gone over it a dozen times, and you think it's perfect. Well...what if I told you to throw away the first page? Here's what I'm talking about... …
On my morning radio show, I received a call from a teacher who mentioned something interesting about writing and text messaging. She said a few of her students had turned in papers that included a few 'text phrases,' as she put it. I've heard a few people suggest that this might be a problem...but is it really any different than other ways kids push the boundaries? Here are some thoughts... …
Just hours ago, as I was getting ready to jot down a completely different writing exercise for this month, I took some time to go outside and look up into a crystal clear sky. I knew that the International Space Station was going to be passing overhead, and I wanted to watch that amazing sight. Well, I did, and it made me think of a completely different writing exercise. Here's what it's all about... …
After a recent presentation, I received a lot of interesting feedback regarding my "box of memories." Well, I didn't exactly call it that, but a lot of people did. The more I think about it, it's not just a matter of saving memories, but probably a terrific learning tool to help you become a better writer, faster. Here's what happened... …
The Big Brain Club welcomes your thoughts for the Guest Column section, on any issue or element surrounding education and literacy.Shanna Swinehart teaches sixth grade at Castle Rock Elementary, in Castle Rock, CO. She has penned a great article regarding the need for teachers to keep up with an ever-changing tech world. I would love to see your thoughts on Shanna's theme, so feel free to post them.This will take you to a PDF of Shanna's article: technologyinschools1
I personally think that this is ultra-cool stuff for everyone, but it might be especially helpful - and fun - for teachers.It's a daily podcast to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy. Why 2009? Because this year marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first observations through a telescope. This is truly a global project, with the podcasts written and produced by people all over the world.The subjects are diverse, and while you might not want to use allĀ of them in the classroom (for instance, the story about beer produced from barley that was grown on the International Space Statio …
There are two types of creative writers: those who simply sit down and begin writing, watching the words tumble out onto the page, and those who insist on planning everything first. This month's tip addresses the subject of planning and plotting. Here are some quick suggestions... …
One of the most rewarding aspects of creative writing is the freedom to invent. You're inventing not only people, but the circumstances in which they find themselves. Sometimes a great way to exercise your creative juices is to spend fifteen or twenty minutes jotting down a journal entry from one single day in the life of (fill in the blank). Here are some examples... …
We can all name someone from the past who either inspires us or intrigues us. Well, what if you had the chance to sit down with them and ask any questions you want? That's the idea behind this month's writing prompt... …
Many young writers face the same challenge every time they sit down to write: Their own mind says "I'm no good at this," and they never make it past page one.For this final tip of 2008, I'm going to ask you to give yourself a break. Here's why it might make all the difference in the world...
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If you're like me, you're always on the hunt for something new - and good - to read. Well, the American Library Association has compiled lists of some of their favorite recommendations over the years, and there's a bunch to choose from.This might be a good site to bookmark for future reference. This will take you right to it! Happy reading!
When I saw this story, and the video that goes along with it, my mouth fell open. Here is a woman who completely personifies the idea behind The Big Brain Club.I recommend that you not only watch it, but watch it with your students and/or your children. The message of tBBC is sprinkled throughout. Plus, it's just a great feel-good story.This will take you to the story.
I spend a good portion of my writing workshops discussing the importance of dialogue, and how it drives the emotion of a story. That means you must keep your dialogue interesting, and I've found that props are a good writing trick to do that. Here's what I'm talking about...
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At its core, writing should be fun! I remember the first time I read a story aloud to an audience and received a positive response. It was an assignment in sixth grade to write a tall tale, and it really lit a creative writing fire in me, and made writing fun. It might do the same for you... …
Why is that adults can't seem to enjoy the moment, or "the now," as many pop-psychology authors put it...and yet kids can't seem to do anything BUT that? The sad truth is that it's one of the reasons that young people fall prey to the peer pressure around them. To read Dom's article on the subject, "The Concept of Now," just click here.
This one might sound a little tricky, but with just a bit of practice you'll get it. We all read for enjoyment, and we love the way a writer pulls us into a story. But have you ever really thought about how the writer did that? Here's what it's all about...
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With fall in the air, that means sports, sports, and more sports! Football is underway, volleyball is in high gear, baseball playoffs are here, hockey is ready to go, and more! So, for something a little different this month, we're going to put a reporter's hat on you. Here's how it works... …
We've discussed the idea of not relying on adverbs too much in order to color your stories...but that doesn't mean you shouldn't paint pictures in the mind of your reader. This month we'll focus on language that does just that...
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For many people, the idea of getting away - or escaping - is a powerful emotion. That's why the concept of being stranded on a deserted island is so powerful in literature and film. This month you're going to be that castaway. Here's what you'll do... …
You might be tempted to allow your readers access to every character's thoughts, but please don't! Read on to learn about point of view...
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When I conduct writing workshops at schools, I'm often impressed by the number of students who write poetry. And, by the way, both girls and boys use this as an outlet for their feelings. So this month let's try this poetry exercise... …
This month's writing tip is almost controversial, and I'll admit that not every writer agrees with me. But I'll say it anyway: Get rid of your adverbs! Here's why...
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There's something about summers at the beach that create an air of romance, adventure, or mystery. The sea can be quite an interesting backdrop for one of your stories. Let's try it...
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It's summertime! When hot weather rolls around, I want to get outside. So, here are some "get outside" books that you can take to the pool, or on road trips, or even just to read sitting under a tree! They all scream adventure and fun...
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Is it true that homework is responsible for the decline in reading for pleasure? Or is it possible that the problem is too much reality? Read all about it...
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Although it can be overdone, I find a particular joy when I discover an author who incorporates sound into their stories. So, take a few moments to see how sound can affect your writing, too...
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I recently re-read a classic young adult novel called "Mrs. Frisby and The Rats of NIMH." It made me think about animal stories, and led to this month's assignment. Read all about it... …
Apparently hitting bottom will no longer apply in education; now there's a safety net that will stop you halfway to the bottom. It's another in a long line of terrible ideas that come across as compassionate, and yet once again send a ridiculously bad message. Here's what's going on...
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In Hollywood, before a director begins to film a movie, he/she will often sketch a rough layout of how the scenes will fall into place. They call it a storyboard, a collection of pictures in sequence. You can do the same thing with your writing. Here's how...
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Have you ever daydreamed that you could stop time? What if you could freeze everything and everyone around you...but you could still move about? That's the bizarre concept behind this month's writing assignment. Read more about it... …
This is the very essence of The Big Brain Club, and occasionally I'll write a new column to address the issue. This particular article is directed at teachers, librarians, and parents, and helps to explain the pressure that kids feel to dumb down.
To read a PDF version of the article, just click here.
I have been hosting writing workshops at schools and libraries for several years, and I put an emphasis on the word WORK. As far as I'm concerned, the best way for kids to improve their writing skills is to actually work at it.
Some of the best feedback I get from teachers involves an exercise I do with writing prompts. If you'd like to try it in your classroom, here's what I do...
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How many times have you done something, or said something, and later wished you could go back in time and get a "do over." That's the seed for this month's creative writing assignment. Here are the details... …
Your characters obviously supply your story with most of its emotion, which means you're putting a lot of responsibility in their hands. The question is: Do you know your own characters that well? Here's a tip to help you understand not only what your characters look like, but what makes them tick... …
When you create dialogue in your stories, remember to include character movement and activity. It's important for many reasons, two of which we'll cover in this month's tip...
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During my writing assemblies and workshops at schools, I'm impressed by the number of students who keep a journal. That's a great way to grow comfortable with writing on an everyday basis. Your assignment for this month allows you to transform the idea of a journal, or diary, into a vehicle for creative writing. Here's what it's all about... …
The Big Brain Club is happy to accept guest columns from teachers, librarians, parents, or anyone else interested in the evolution of education and literacy. If you would like to submit your thoughts, you'll find the information here.Jen Byrne, a 6th grade teacher in Jefferson County, Colorado, has written a terrific piece that examines the need to enhance traditional learning methods with technology that kids embrace. She calls it "Today's Language," and I couldn't agree with her more. …
We have arrived at a time and place where effort and sacrifice are becoming extinct. Today, it's all about immediate gratification, and that applies to parenting as well as teaching.
I've been sitting on this article for about three weeks, but it's demanding to be published. As always, I'm prepared for a mix of responses. This link will take you to the article.
I have heard from so many teachers, librarians, and parents who have responded enthusiastically to what The Big Brain Club represents. Remember, your opinions are not only appreciated, but solicited!
The Big Brain Club will always be open to guest columns. If you would like to submit an article, simply follow these guidelines:
1. The topic must center around education, student behavior, classroom activities, parental involvement, etc.2. Articles/columns may not exceed 500 words.3. By submitting, you agree to allow the article/column to be posted on this site, and agree to be open to feedbac …
Something odd happens within the brains of your typical teenager (well, besides some of the obvious), and it involves sleep. As a result, some schools have shifted their start times...and not everyone is happy about it. Here's the story...
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2008 marks the beginning of the sixth year for The Big Brain Club. Thank you very much to everyone who has participated over the years, from teachers, to parents, to students. And sincere thanks to all of the teachers who have incorporated the monthly assignments and writing tips into their classroom activities.
The goal for this year is to spread the word. If you have a vested interest in the education of young people, read on to find out more...
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We don't often focus on deeply personal writing, but that's exactly what we're going to do as we jump into 2008. Many people keep personal journals; if you don't, now would be an excellent time to start. Here are a few tips, and a challenge for you... …
It's happening slowly, but surely. It started with one whine, and has now spread. The latest to succumb? Boulder Valley Schools. Bravo to their school board; they have now joined the ranks of the spineless and misdirected. How, you ask? Prepare to be disgusted...
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Some parents invest little or no time in their child's education. Others, it seems, don't know when to stop. How about we all meet in the middle? Here are some thoughts...
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I happen to be passionate about not only getting kids interested in reading, but in writing as well. So I'm tuned in to a recent debate that has popped up over what exactly qualifies as writing. Let's talk about that...
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Hundreds of articles have touched on the Harry Potter phenomenon, excited that the teen wizard has inspired so many kids to read. But many teachers and parents have noticed something interesting about this: the kids are reading only Potter books. Here's a possible explanation...
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When I heard he was advocating that kids be paid to go to school, I simply shook my head. When I found out he was a former teacher, I grew irritated. But when I found out he is now a county commissioner (and might actually have some real influence), I decided to speak up. Here's the story...
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Finger pointing is big. It might have surpassed baseball as our national pastime, especially since it takes no special talent. Anyone can do it, and apparently most people are. Education is an active arena for finger pointing, that's for sure. But parents, this article is about you. Read it only if you're prepared to point the finger at yourself...
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I'm prepared to face some strong disagreement on this one, but that's what the Teacher Forum is about, right? In an age where many people believe that we should eliminate any and all educational competition, I'm here to take a contrarian stance. In fact, here's my suggestion for propelling some of your better students into a new level of learning...
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Sometimes I have to laugh. Recent articles have been published that claim - oh my! - boys and girls are different!! Wow! Who would have ever thought THAT?
Okay, sarcasm aside, isn't it time that people began to accept that this means boys and girls will also learn in different ways? Let's talk about that...
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Sure, 100 teachers will have 100 ideas when it comes to lighting a fire under kids and encouraging them to write. But that's what this forum is all about...exchanging ideas. Here's a very popular exercise from my writing workshops...
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This week we're talking about the best ways to inspire students to write. In her classic "The Art of Teaching Writing," Lucy McCormick Calkins stresses the importance of reaching into a child's own personal well of experiences...
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People talk all the time about the peer pressure that young people face. Pressure to try drugs, to try alcohol, to try sex. There's a lot of time and money spent on these issues, and that's fine. But you never hear anyone express concern over another form of peer pressure that is suffocating young people: The peer pressure to dumb down. Until now, that is...
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