September 26, 2012
Another slow work day, but we were able to get the water turned on (with only a few small leaks -- hose piping, toilet, kitchen faucet) and the remaining pieces of fence capping up. Also, the clubhouse received a good first water-based cleaning, as well as the bathroom. A first coat of paint was also added to the bathroom.
Work today began early again -- 8 am to 10 am -- and continued from 5 pm to 8:30 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Deidre Kling, Kelly Chamberlain, and my Mom and Dad for their work, and to Shannon Davis-Zippilli, TJ Hannon, Bob, Melissa, and birthday boy Bobby Loftus for stopping by, too!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 32
September 25, 2012
Today was a day that didn't see a whole lot of work accomplished -- instead, we opted to have a lot of batting/pitching practice. We were able to get the backflow regulator replaced, which is a big step to having water service on Saturday. We also got the delivery of our second advertising sign, courtesy of Johnnie Boy's Crave Cart (sign by Himmer Graphics). Additionally, the hole in the outfield chain link has been repaired.
"Work" began at 5 pm and ended around 8 pm.
Thanks to birthday boy Matthew Morgan, Thomas Nahill, my Mom and Dad, Damian and Will, and Fred Gunn Jr. for stopping by on Tuesday!
Today was a day that didn't see a whole lot of work accomplished -- instead, we opted to have a lot of batting/pitching practice. We were able to get the backflow regulator replaced, which is a big step to having water service on Saturday. We also got the delivery of our second advertising sign, courtesy of Johnnie Boy's Crave Cart (sign by Himmer Graphics). Additionally, the hole in the outfield chain link has been repaired.
"Work" began at 5 pm and ended around 8 pm.
Thanks to birthday boy Matthew Morgan, Thomas Nahill, my Mom and Dad, Damian and Will, and Fred Gunn Jr. for stopping by on Tuesday!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 31
September 24, 2012
Today was a day to get electricity and water, but only one was a success. The electricity was able to be turned on without much of a hitch, but thanks in part to a not-so-stable worker, the water was not able to be hooked up. We will need to get a new backflow regulator to complete that portion of the job.
Additionally, a drag net was worked on for the infield, but not quite finalized. Some more of the outfield fence capping was added today, too. The storage shed also got a good cleaning, but there were termites in the old signage from the Little League, so that problem has to be addressed -- quickly.
Work today began early -- going from around 8 am to 10:30 am -- and continuing from 5 pm to 8:30 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, my Dad, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Thomas Nahill, Deidre Kling, Kelly Chamberlain, and Fred Gunn for their work on Monday!
Today was a day to get electricity and water, but only one was a success. The electricity was able to be turned on without much of a hitch, but thanks in part to a not-so-stable worker, the water was not able to be hooked up. We will need to get a new backflow regulator to complete that portion of the job.
Additionally, a drag net was worked on for the infield, but not quite finalized. Some more of the outfield fence capping was added today, too. The storage shed also got a good cleaning, but there were termites in the old signage from the Little League, so that problem has to be addressed -- quickly.
Work today began early -- going from around 8 am to 10:30 am -- and continuing from 5 pm to 8:30 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, my Dad, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Thomas Nahill, Deidre Kling, Kelly Chamberlain, and Fred Gunn for their work on Monday!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 30
September 22, 2012
A long day of work brought about some great results! We were able to begin capping the outfield fencing with a nice yellow trim, place the right field foul pole, paint more of the clubhouse, darn near finish the warning tracks in left and right, as well as the slight hill in center, and build the center field deck! We also commissioned the design of the logo for Diamond City Park, which will be unveiled a week from today at the BWBL Autumn Classic.
Work began today at 8 am and didn't wrap up until 8:45 pm. There was a brief period of rain, but no more than 10 minutes was lost due to it.
Thanks go to: my brother Dave, Matthew Morgan, my Dad and my nephew Justin, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Bob, Andy Peck, Kelly Chamberlain, Jeremy, and Jesse Ragugini!
A long day of work brought about some great results! We were able to begin capping the outfield fencing with a nice yellow trim, place the right field foul pole, paint more of the clubhouse, darn near finish the warning tracks in left and right, as well as the slight hill in center, and build the center field deck! We also commissioned the design of the logo for Diamond City Park, which will be unveiled a week from today at the BWBL Autumn Classic.
Work began today at 8 am and didn't wrap up until 8:45 pm. There was a brief period of rain, but no more than 10 minutes was lost due to it.
Thanks go to: my brother Dave, Matthew Morgan, my Dad and my nephew Justin, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Bob, Andy Peck, Kelly Chamberlain, Jeremy, and Jesse Ragugini!
Friday, September 21, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 29
September 21, 2012
Today brought about just as much fun as it did work -- there needs to be room for both! More painting was done on the clubhouse, including some of the hard to reach areas. We also started to plan for the deck building tomorrow, as well as received the capping for the lower levels of fencing.
Work began today at 4:30 pm and finished around 7:30 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Steve Owazany, Kelly Chamberlain, my Dad, my brother Dave, and my nephew Justin for the help today!
Today brought about just as much fun as it did work -- there needs to be room for both! More painting was done on the clubhouse, including some of the hard to reach areas. We also started to plan for the deck building tomorrow, as well as received the capping for the lower levels of fencing.
Work began today at 4:30 pm and finished around 7:30 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Steve Owazany, Kelly Chamberlain, my Dad, my brother Dave, and my nephew Justin for the help today!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 28
September 20, 2012
Today brought about some good work that will go a long way to making things happen by next Saturday! A large portion of the mound of dirt in center field was leveled, the majority of the clubhouse wall that face the park is finished, the left field wall is painted, and the foul poles are under construction and partially painted! That's a lot of work for not a lot of time today.
Work began around 10 am, with a big break, and concluded around 8 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Will Markovich, Kelly Chamberlain, Bob and Melissa Loftus, and my Dad for the hard working day!
Today brought about some good work that will go a long way to making things happen by next Saturday! A large portion of the mound of dirt in center field was leveled, the majority of the clubhouse wall that face the park is finished, the left field wall is painted, and the foul poles are under construction and partially painted! That's a lot of work for not a lot of time today.
Work began around 10 am, with a big break, and concluded around 8 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Will Markovich, Kelly Chamberlain, Bob and Melissa Loftus, and my Dad for the hard working day!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 27
September 19, 2012
Cleanup, painting, and building preparation were all part of the docket today, with a little bit of dirt moving, too.
A good sweeping was done within the lower portion of the clubhouse to help get things cleaned out. A full cleaning won't be able to be completed until water service is restored, but it's looking a LOT better than it did just two days ago.
More paint was added to the clubhouse wall that faces Diamond City Park, and fresh paint is a good thing.
The building supplies necessary for the construction of a 120-square-foot deck in center field were shopped for and purchased, as were supplies for both foul poles.
As has been the custom at the field over the last several work days, more dirt was moved to try to level out the areas near the outfield fence, too. There will be more of this to come in the next several days, too, as this is no easy (or small) task.
Work today began at 5 pm and ended around 8 pm.
Thanks to today's helpers, including: Deidre Kling, Matthew Morgan, my Mom and Dad, Kim Ava Hirel, TJ Hannon, and Christina Neishell!
Cleanup, painting, and building preparation were all part of the docket today, with a little bit of dirt moving, too.
A good sweeping was done within the lower portion of the clubhouse to help get things cleaned out. A full cleaning won't be able to be completed until water service is restored, but it's looking a LOT better than it did just two days ago.
More paint was added to the clubhouse wall that faces Diamond City Park, and fresh paint is a good thing.
The building supplies necessary for the construction of a 120-square-foot deck in center field were shopped for and purchased, as were supplies for both foul poles.
As has been the custom at the field over the last several work days, more dirt was moved to try to level out the areas near the outfield fence, too. There will be more of this to come in the next several days, too, as this is no easy (or small) task.
Work today began at 5 pm and ended around 8 pm.
Thanks to today's helpers, including: Deidre Kling, Matthew Morgan, my Mom and Dad, Kim Ava Hirel, TJ Hannon, and Christina Neishell!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 26
September 18, 2012
With rain pouring down on the Wyoming Valley all day, there wasn't much construction going on today, but that doesn't mean there was no work done!
The kitchen portion of the clubhouse got a decent cleaning out of garbage, and a minor sweep job. Much more will need to be done with this once we have running water.
The crow's nest part of the clubhouse was also cleaned out of garbage, as well as some minor cleaning.
All told, three cans of garbage and two bags of recycling were packed up from these two areas.
Work today began at 5 pm and ended around 7:15 pm.
Thanks to my Dad for his help today!
With rain pouring down on the Wyoming Valley all day, there wasn't much construction going on today, but that doesn't mean there was no work done!
The kitchen portion of the clubhouse got a decent cleaning out of garbage, and a minor sweep job. Much more will need to be done with this once we have running water.
The crow's nest part of the clubhouse was also cleaned out of garbage, as well as some minor cleaning.
All told, three cans of garbage and two bags of recycling were packed up from these two areas.
Work today began at 5 pm and ended around 7:15 pm.
Thanks to my Dad for his help today!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 25
September 17, 2012
Today was a day to work on the clubhouse as much as on the field. We changed both deadbolts on the clubhouse (one to the kitchen and one to the crow's nest) and painted a decent portion of the side facing the field of the clubhouse. We also did some dirt movement in the outfield area to try and level things off better, as well as painting of portions of the center field wall, and sanded the left field wall in preparation for painting.
Work today began at 5 pm and ended at 8 pm.
Thanks to Kelly Chamberlain, Deidre Kling, Matthew Morgan, my Dad, Thomas Nahill, Bob and Melissa Loftus, TJ Hannon, and Christina Neishell for the great work on Monday!
Today was a day to work on the clubhouse as much as on the field. We changed both deadbolts on the clubhouse (one to the kitchen and one to the crow's nest) and painted a decent portion of the side facing the field of the clubhouse. We also did some dirt movement in the outfield area to try and level things off better, as well as painting of portions of the center field wall, and sanded the left field wall in preparation for painting.
Work today began at 5 pm and ended at 8 pm.
Thanks to Kelly Chamberlain, Deidre Kling, Matthew Morgan, my Dad, Thomas Nahill, Bob and Melissa Loftus, TJ Hannon, and Christina Neishell for the great work on Monday!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 24
September 15, 2012
What a great day of work at new Diamond City Park! From early on, there was lots to accomplish, and plenty of hands to help! The large wall in left was caulked and prepped, another coat of paint was put on the right field wall, plenty of dirt was moved around the infield, the dugout fencing on the third base side was painted, we got the shed cleaned out as well as the clubhouse key, we dug and put dirt into the new home plate area, and were able to hit some balls, too!
Work today began at 8 am and ended at 8 pm.
Hope I don't miss someone, as there were so many to help, but here goes - thanks to: Matthew Morgan, Thomas Nahill, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Steve Owazany, Andy Peck, my brother Dave, his wife Jesse Shergalis Sickle, my nephews Justin and Ryan, Kelly Chamberlain, my Mom and Dad, and the three neighborhood kids who volunteered their time!
I can't thank everyone enough for the great work today -- we're going to be all set for opening day on the 29th!
What a great day of work at new Diamond City Park! From early on, there was lots to accomplish, and plenty of hands to help! The large wall in left was caulked and prepped, another coat of paint was put on the right field wall, plenty of dirt was moved around the infield, the dugout fencing on the third base side was painted, we got the shed cleaned out as well as the clubhouse key, we dug and put dirt into the new home plate area, and were able to hit some balls, too!
Work today began at 8 am and ended at 8 pm.
Hope I don't miss someone, as there were so many to help, but here goes - thanks to: Matthew Morgan, Thomas Nahill, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Steve Owazany, Andy Peck, my brother Dave, his wife Jesse Shergalis Sickle, my nephews Justin and Ryan, Kelly Chamberlain, my Mom and Dad, and the three neighborhood kids who volunteered their time!
I can't thank everyone enough for the great work today -- we're going to be all set for opening day on the 29th!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 23
September 14, 2012
Today was a light duty day, but some good got done in preparation for a big day tomorrow. The base paths were given a layer of dirt to get ready for rolling tomorrow morning. There is a lot of dirt to move, but we should have lots of help tomorrow!
Work today began at 4 pm and ended around 8 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan and my Mom and Dad for the help on Friday!
Today was a light duty day, but some good got done in preparation for a big day tomorrow. The base paths were given a layer of dirt to get ready for rolling tomorrow morning. There is a lot of dirt to move, but we should have lots of help tomorrow!
Work today began at 4 pm and ended around 8 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan and my Mom and Dad for the help on Friday!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 22
September 13, 2012
Today brought dirt - a LOT of dirt (a shade over 65 tons of infield mix)! Delivery began early (around 7:30 am), but was finished by 10 am. Early on, some of the mix was placed along the first base side, and later in the day, a good portion of the main infield was given a starter layer. Once a roller can be purchased (heading to Stroudsburg tomorrow morning for the right sized one), it can be compacted, with more layers to be added.
Work began around 7 am, with a break from about 9 am to 5 pm, continuing from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan for the big hand today with delivery, as well as my Mom and Dad for helping to get a good amount of the dirt set up!
This weekend has a lot of opportunity for work, especially Saturday, so if you are available, stop on by and lend a hand!
Today brought dirt - a LOT of dirt (a shade over 65 tons of infield mix)! Delivery began early (around 7:30 am), but was finished by 10 am. Early on, some of the mix was placed along the first base side, and later in the day, a good portion of the main infield was given a starter layer. Once a roller can be purchased (heading to Stroudsburg tomorrow morning for the right sized one), it can be compacted, with more layers to be added.
Work began around 7 am, with a break from about 9 am to 5 pm, continuing from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan for the big hand today with delivery, as well as my Mom and Dad for helping to get a good amount of the dirt set up!
This weekend has a lot of opportunity for work, especially Saturday, so if you are available, stop on by and lend a hand!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 21
September 12, 2012
Things are beginning to come together for a busy and exciting weekend at our new field. There was some touch-up done to the first base dugout, more sanding done on the outfield wall, and the first paint is now on the fence, too! There was some grass cutting going on, as well.
Work began today at 5 pm and ended at 8 pm.
Thanks to Deidre Kling, Matthew Morgan, Kelly Chamberlain, TJ Hannon, Christina Neishell, Andy Peck, and my Dad for stopping by and lending a hand with work and/or planning today!
Infield dirt delivery tomorrow!
Things are beginning to come together for a busy and exciting weekend at our new field. There was some touch-up done to the first base dugout, more sanding done on the outfield wall, and the first paint is now on the fence, too! There was some grass cutting going on, as well.
Work began today at 5 pm and ended at 8 pm.
Thanks to Deidre Kling, Matthew Morgan, Kelly Chamberlain, TJ Hannon, Christina Neishell, Andy Peck, and my Dad for stopping by and lending a hand with work and/or planning today!
Infield dirt delivery tomorrow!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 20
September 11, 2012
Today brought about the removal of all of the excess 4" X 4" posts above wall level. Additionally, the warning track was raked and prepped for dirt delivery. We were able to purchase a new gas weed wacker, as well!
The dirt prep is a big step to help make sure we are ready for the upcoming opening day, and the gas weed wacker will help make field maintenance and curb appeal so much easier!
Work today began around 6 pm and ended around 8 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Shannon Davis-Zippilli, Joe Zippilli, TJ Hannon, and Mike White for their work at the field today!
Today brought about the removal of all of the excess 4" X 4" posts above wall level. Additionally, the warning track was raked and prepped for dirt delivery. We were able to purchase a new gas weed wacker, as well!
The dirt prep is a big step to help make sure we are ready for the upcoming opening day, and the gas weed wacker will help make field maintenance and curb appeal so much easier!
Work today began around 6 pm and ended around 8 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Shannon Davis-Zippilli, Joe Zippilli, TJ Hannon, and Mike White for their work at the field today!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 19
September 10, 2012
More digging needed to be done today for the warning track. The right field area was all dug up and leveling was attempted in order to be prepared for dirt delivery within a few days.
Work today began around 5:30 pm and ended around 8 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, TJ Hannon, Christina Neishell, and my Dad for the help!
More digging needed to be done today for the warning track. The right field area was all dug up and leveling was attempted in order to be prepared for dirt delivery within a few days.
Work today began around 5:30 pm and ended around 8 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, TJ Hannon, Christina Neishell, and my Dad for the help!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 18
September 8, 2012
With the threat of rain supposed to last all day, we got off to a fast and furious start, only to stop shortly after two o'clock for the remainder of the day. There was a good deal of digging out of the warning track done (in fact, all of the left field wall area), as well as touch-up painting along both dugouts, as well as some scraping of old paint off the clubhouse.
Work began around 8:30 am and ended around 2:30 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Kim Ava Hirel, Andy Peck, and my Dad for the help!
With the threat of rain supposed to last all day, we got off to a fast and furious start, only to stop shortly after two o'clock for the remainder of the day. There was a good deal of digging out of the warning track done (in fact, all of the left field wall area), as well as touch-up painting along both dugouts, as well as some scraping of old paint off the clubhouse.
Work began around 8:30 am and ended around 2:30 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Kim Ava Hirel, Andy Peck, and my Dad for the help!
Friday, September 7, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 17
September 7, 2012
Although there wasn't a whole lot of heavy lifting being done, there was some very important work that got accomplished today, and we had a new helper stop by and put in some good time!
The top wooden layer of the dugouts was painted, and boy do they look sharp! Also, we went with outdoor caulking to seal up the spaces between the boards in the outfield wall -- it should be ready for some painting tomorrow! Also, the rest of the third base line was dug out in preparation for dirt delivery early next week.
The work day began at 5 pm and ended around 8:15 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Bob, Timmy McGraw, and my Mom and Dad for their help today!
Tomorrow is a big 12-hour work day, starting at 8 am -- stop on by and lend a hand to help us reach our goal of opening up on September 29th!
Although there wasn't a whole lot of heavy lifting being done, there was some very important work that got accomplished today, and we had a new helper stop by and put in some good time!
The top wooden layer of the dugouts was painted, and boy do they look sharp! Also, we went with outdoor caulking to seal up the spaces between the boards in the outfield wall -- it should be ready for some painting tomorrow! Also, the rest of the third base line was dug out in preparation for dirt delivery early next week.
The work day began at 5 pm and ended around 8:15 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Bob, Timmy McGraw, and my Mom and Dad for their help today!
Tomorrow is a big 12-hour work day, starting at 8 am -- stop on by and lend a hand to help us reach our goal of opening up on September 29th!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 16
September 6, 2012
Today was a great day of infield dirt prep! We Charlie Kenzakoski in to grade the dirt between first and second, and second and third -- huge help! There was also plenty of hand digging done, as well as the bulk of the painting finished up around the dugouts.
Work today began around 6:30 pm and ended around 8:15 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Kelly Chamberlain, Deidre Kling, and my Dad for their work today!
Today was a great day of infield dirt prep! We Charlie Kenzakoski in to grade the dirt between first and second, and second and third -- huge help! There was also plenty of hand digging done, as well as the bulk of the painting finished up around the dugouts.
Work today began around 6:30 pm and ended around 8:15 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Kelly Chamberlain, Deidre Kling, and my Dad for their work today!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 15
September 5, 2012
Work today consisted of cutting some of the 4X4 posts, finalizing infield prep, painting dugouts, getting material to support dirt near the wall, and puttying all of the screws below the four foot level.
A chainsaw was used to level off half of the posts in the fence, with the other half to be completed soon. The last few shovels were dug to prepare for the backhoe that is scheduled to come tomorrow to help remove the dirt from the infield base paths. Lots of painting was done on the dugouts, including the majority of the green for this area. Asphalt felt was purchased to place in the gap under unlevel spots near the fence in order to hold dirt from sliding underneath. The screws were all puttied up to a height of four feet. That means all that needs to be done now are the knots and the screws on the big wall up to 12 feet.
Work began at 5 pm and ended around 8:15 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Curtis Ely, Kelly Chamberlain, Deidre Kling, and Bob and Melissa Loftus for their help on Wednesday! If I forgot anyone, please give yourself some credit for work that day!
Work today consisted of cutting some of the 4X4 posts, finalizing infield prep, painting dugouts, getting material to support dirt near the wall, and puttying all of the screws below the four foot level.
A chainsaw was used to level off half of the posts in the fence, with the other half to be completed soon. The last few shovels were dug to prepare for the backhoe that is scheduled to come tomorrow to help remove the dirt from the infield base paths. Lots of painting was done on the dugouts, including the majority of the green for this area. Asphalt felt was purchased to place in the gap under unlevel spots near the fence in order to hold dirt from sliding underneath. The screws were all puttied up to a height of four feet. That means all that needs to be done now are the knots and the screws on the big wall up to 12 feet.
Work began at 5 pm and ended around 8:15 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Curtis Ely, Kelly Chamberlain, Deidre Kling, and Bob and Melissa Loftus for their help on Wednesday! If I forgot anyone, please give yourself some credit for work that day!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 14
September 4, 2012
Rain kept things in question the majority of the day and into the evening, as periods of drizzle, downpour, and just plain rain prevented a lot of work from being done. Half of the third base path was able to be dug out by hand, however, as well as painting in both dugouts - including the green paint.
The work day began at 5:30 pm and ended at 8:15 pm.
Thanks to Kim Ava Hirel, TJ Hannon, and Matthew Morgan for helping out in between raindrops today!
Work is scheduled to continue tomorrow from 5 pm to dark -- hope to see you there!
Rain kept things in question the majority of the day and into the evening, as periods of drizzle, downpour, and just plain rain prevented a lot of work from being done. Half of the third base path was able to be dug out by hand, however, as well as painting in both dugouts - including the green paint.
The work day began at 5:30 pm and ended at 8:15 pm.
Thanks to Kim Ava Hirel, TJ Hannon, and Matthew Morgan for helping out in between raindrops today!
Work is scheduled to continue tomorrow from 5 pm to dark -- hope to see you there!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 13
September 3, 2012
Yet another solid day of work accomplished! Although it might not look it to the untrained eye, quite a bit of important work got done today. Some putty work and sanding was done, more painting of the third base dugout, and lots of outlining of the warning track and base paths.
Work began today at 8:15 am and ended at 8:15 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Charles, Andy Peck, Bob Loftus, Kim Ava Hirel, and my Dad for all of their efforts today -- drizzle and all!
Weather permitting, we will be working tomorrow from 5 pm to dark.
Yet another solid day of work accomplished! Although it might not look it to the untrained eye, quite a bit of important work got done today. Some putty work and sanding was done, more painting of the third base dugout, and lots of outlining of the warning track and base paths.
Work began today at 8:15 am and ended at 8:15 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Charles, Andy Peck, Bob Loftus, Kim Ava Hirel, and my Dad for all of their efforts today -- drizzle and all!
Weather permitting, we will be working tomorrow from 5 pm to dark.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 12
September 1, 2012
The last day of our second week of construction saw a great milestone -- all of the fencing - including the 12-foot monster in left - is up and primed! We even included two gates, one in left center and one in right center, to help retrieve home run balls (thanks to my Dad for being the first one with that idea)! Some more mound leveling was done today, too.
The work day began at 8:30 am and concluded at 5 pm. Today was another hot one!
Thanks to Ryan Hart, Matthew Morgan, Steve Owazany, Andy Peck, and my Dad for some great work today!
The last day of our second week of construction saw a great milestone -- all of the fencing - including the 12-foot monster in left - is up and primed! We even included two gates, one in left center and one in right center, to help retrieve home run balls (thanks to my Dad for being the first one with that idea)! Some more mound leveling was done today, too.
The work day began at 8:30 am and concluded at 5 pm. Today was another hot one!
Thanks to Ryan Hart, Matthew Morgan, Steve Owazany, Andy Peck, and my Dad for some great work today!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 11
With the wall set to be completed tomorrow, we decided to start leveling off the mound -- what a task! The heat of the day didn't help, either. It's going to take a while, but it's also going to look good! Lots of scraping and painting was done on the third base dugout, and we even got access to the shed, which meant grass cutting!
Work today began at 8:15 am and ended at 8:30 pm.
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Steve Owazany, Ryan Hart, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Fred Gunn Jr., and my Dad for the help today!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 10
August 30, 2012
What a fantastic day of construction at the field! Although it was another short day due to work schedules, a lot got accomplished in a few short hours. The entire center field curve is complete, and there are only a few more four-foot boards to be placed. Lots of curb appeal was improved, with the Madison St. tree lawn getting some great attention, thanks to my Dad.
The dugouts also got a good scraping for more painting improvements to come over the next several days.
Work today began at 5 pm and ended at 8:30 pm.
I had to stop and just be in awe a few times today at how great things are looking!
Thanks to the helpers for today: Matthew Morgan, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Fred Gunn Jr., Roger Sanson, Bob, and some great yardwork by my Dad!
What a fantastic day of construction at the field! Although it was another short day due to work schedules, a lot got accomplished in a few short hours. The entire center field curve is complete, and there are only a few more four-foot boards to be placed. Lots of curb appeal was improved, with the Madison St. tree lawn getting some great attention, thanks to my Dad.
The dugouts also got a good scraping for more painting improvements to come over the next several days.
Work today began at 5 pm and ended at 8:30 pm.
I had to stop and just be in awe a few times today at how great things are looking!
Thanks to the helpers for today: Matthew Morgan, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Fred Gunn Jr., Roger Sanson, Bob, and some great yardwork by my Dad!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 9
August 29, 2012
Day #9 is over and done! The second layer of the wall is virtually finished (a few more screws will fully secure the sucker) and lots of painting got done on both dugouts! This thing is really starting to come together!
Thanks today go out to: Kim Ava Hirel, Kelly Chamberlain, Deidre, Bob and Melissa Loftus, TJ Hannon, Christina Neishell, Matthew Morgan, Fred Gunn Jr., Lesley Stefansky Gunn, and my Mom and Dad for helping to not only continue construction, but to do a great job of sprucing the place up more!
Work began today at 5 pm and wrapped up around 8:15 pm.
Day #9 is over and done! The second layer of the wall is virtually finished (a few more screws will fully secure the sucker) and lots of painting got done on both dugouts! This thing is really starting to come together!
Thanks today go out to: Kim Ava Hirel, Kelly Chamberlain, Deidre, Bob and Melissa Loftus, TJ Hannon, Christina Neishell, Matthew Morgan, Fred Gunn Jr., Lesley Stefansky Gunn, and my Mom and Dad for helping to not only continue construction, but to do a great job of sprucing the place up more!
Work began today at 5 pm and wrapped up around 8:15 pm.
Construction continues tomorrow from 5 pm to dark, Friday from 8 am to dark, and Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm.
Be on the lookout for a BWBL field story in the Times Leader -- scheduled for press either Sunday or Monday!
Be on the lookout for a BWBL field story in the Times Leader -- scheduled for press either Sunday or Monday!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 8
August 28, 2012
Day 8 of BWBL field construction is in the books! We were able to get the right field wall up, as well as the start of the second layer of the left field wall. All of the four foot posts are primed and ready for hanging. The majority of the field side of the first base dugout was also painted today. Thanks to Ryan Hart, Matthew Morgan, Kelly Chamberlain, Deidre, Andy Peck, and my Dad for the help today.
Work will continue tomorrow and Thursday from 5 to dark, Friday from 8 am to dark, and Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. Stop on by and lend a hand! If you know you can make it, shoot me a message so we know who all is coming, but you can also just show up, too!
Day 8 of BWBL field construction is in the books! We were able to get the right field wall up, as well as the start of the second layer of the left field wall. All of the four foot posts are primed and ready for hanging. The majority of the field side of the first base dugout was also painted today. Thanks to Ryan Hart, Matthew Morgan, Kelly Chamberlain, Deidre, Andy Peck, and my Dad for the help today.
Work will continue tomorrow and Thursday from 5 to dark, Friday from 8 am to dark, and Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. Stop on by and lend a hand! If you know you can make it, shoot me a message so we know who all is coming, but you can also just show up, too!
Monday, August 27, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 7
August 27, 2012
Following a day of much needed rest, construction got back underway today!
The day didn't start off too well, with some issues with board length, but it was nothing a circular saw and some electricity from some great neighbors couldn't solve. We were able to complete the first layer of the left field wall, finish priming the posts (except for the top layer of the large wall poles), and even begin painting the dugouts!
The work day started at 4 pm and ended around 9 pm.
Thanks to those who helped out today: Steve Owazany, Ryan Hart, Matthew Morgan, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Kelly Chamberlain, and my Dad!
Work will continue tomorrow at 5pm until dark.
Following a day of much needed rest, construction got back underway today!
The day didn't start off too well, with some issues with board length, but it was nothing a circular saw and some electricity from some great neighbors couldn't solve. We were able to complete the first layer of the left field wall, finish priming the posts (except for the top layer of the large wall poles), and even begin painting the dugouts!
The work day started at 4 pm and ended around 9 pm.
Thanks to those who helped out today: Steve Owazany, Ryan Hart, Matthew Morgan, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Kelly Chamberlain, and my Dad!
Work will continue tomorrow at 5pm until dark.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 6
August 25, 2012
Saturday marked the end of the first week of BWBL field construction, and it also marked the end of concreting the outfield fence poles, as well as the placing of the first piece of the left field wall. Things really have come along well so far, and the field is beginning to take shape!
Work today began at 8 am and went until 3 pm.
Thanks to: Fred Gunn Jr., Matthew Morgan, Steve Owazany, Andy Peck, and my Dad for the help today in making the concrete happen!
We will take off tomorrow, but get back to things from Monday to Thursday, 5 pm to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday 8 am to 9 pm.
Saturday marked the end of the first week of BWBL field construction, and it also marked the end of concreting the outfield fence poles, as well as the placing of the first piece of the left field wall. Things really have come along well so far, and the field is beginning to take shape!
Work today began at 8 am and went until 3 pm.
Thanks to: Fred Gunn Jr., Matthew Morgan, Steve Owazany, Andy Peck, and my Dad for the help today in making the concrete happen!
We will take off tomorrow, but get back to things from Monday to Thursday, 5 pm to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday 8 am to 9 pm.
Friday, August 24, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 5
August 24, 2012
Day five was another hot day, but some important things got accomplished. We got the foul net re-hung thanks to the use of a bucket truck. It was scary to use it for the first time, but it got really fun after that! We got the priming basically completed (one side of ONE piece needs to be done) on the plywood, as well as 24 posts primed. We also poured concrete for three more poles and were able to end on a positive note.
The day began at 8 am and ended around 8:30 pm.
Thanks to: Fred Gunn Jr., Matthew Morgan, Kim Ava Hirel, Dan William, Bob, Jim Flaherty, Jim Hummer, TJ Hannon, Kelly Chamberlain, Christina Neishell, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Lesley Stefansky Gunn, and my Mom and Dad for the help and support on day five!
REMINDER: Construction will only be from 8 am to 3 pm Saturday, and we are taking Sunday off. Construction will re-commence Monday at approximately 5 pm.
Day five was another hot day, but some important things got accomplished. We got the foul net re-hung thanks to the use of a bucket truck. It was scary to use it for the first time, but it got really fun after that! We got the priming basically completed (one side of ONE piece needs to be done) on the plywood, as well as 24 posts primed. We also poured concrete for three more poles and were able to end on a positive note.
The day began at 8 am and ended around 8:30 pm.
Thanks to: Fred Gunn Jr., Matthew Morgan, Kim Ava Hirel, Dan William, Bob, Jim Flaherty, Jim Hummer, TJ Hannon, Kelly Chamberlain, Christina Neishell, Bob and Melissa Loftus, Lesley Stefansky Gunn, and my Mom and Dad for the help and support on day five!
REMINDER: Construction will only be from 8 am to 3 pm Saturday, and we are taking Sunday off. Construction will re-commence Monday at approximately 5 pm.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Day 4
August 23, 2012
Day 4 was a much harsher day weather-wise -- temperatures reached the upper 80s with very little cloud cover all day, so work was much harder to accomplish, but we got things done!
The day began around 8 am and concluded around 9 pm.
Approximately 10 poles were placed in concrete and all but six of the holes are completely ready for concrete. Lots of priming got done for the outfield fence, so we may even be ready to hang some of the plywood tomorrow!
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Fred Gunn Jr., Kelly Chamberlain, Bob and Melissa Loftus, TJ Hannon, Christina Neishell, and my Mom and Dad for their help today! Thanks also to Kim Ava Hirel for lunch, and for Eric Negron for making some terrific gyros! Tomorrow's goal -- get all of the holes finished and all of the posts in the ground. Perhaps even some plywood hanging!
Day 4 was a much harsher day weather-wise -- temperatures reached the upper 80s with very little cloud cover all day, so work was much harder to accomplish, but we got things done!
The day began around 8 am and concluded around 9 pm.
Approximately 10 poles were placed in concrete and all but six of the holes are completely ready for concrete. Lots of priming got done for the outfield fence, so we may even be ready to hang some of the plywood tomorrow!
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Fred Gunn Jr., Kelly Chamberlain, Bob and Melissa Loftus, TJ Hannon, Christina Neishell, and my Mom and Dad for their help today! Thanks also to Kim Ava Hirel for lunch, and for Eric Negron for making some terrific gyros! Tomorrow's goal -- get all of the holes finished and all of the posts in the ground. Perhaps even some plywood hanging!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
BWBL Field Construction, Side Note
One of my favorite parts about building our
field is talking to neighbors and kids and seeing how interested they
are in us fixing the place up, and in the possibility of playing
Wiffle(R) ball! Overheard today, in reference to Jim Hummer: "I don't
care if he's a teacher -- I'm just glad they are fixing up the place."
This was not said by an adult, but rather a teenage girl -- way to go,
unknown teenage girl!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 3
August 22, 2012
The third day was a very productive day. We were able to at least start all of our holes with the auger, and were able to finalize 20 of them (only 14 more to go)!
The day began around 8 am and didn't end until almost 9:30 pm.
We picked up all of our plywood for the outfield fence, as well as the remainder of the posts for the fencing and a few extra to support the center field seating area! We also purchased 83 more bags of concrete -- this should be enough to cover the entire outfield fencing.
Thanks to: Matthew Morgan, Fred Gunn Jr., Eric Negron, Angelo Marino, Jim Hummer, Kim Ava Hirel, Kelly Chamberlain, TJ Hannon, Christina Neishell, Andy Peck, and my Mom and Dad for a great day of work at the new field!
The third day was a very productive day. We were able to at least start all of our holes with the auger, and were able to finalize 20 of them (only 14 more to go)!
The day began around 8 am and didn't end until almost 9:30 pm.
We picked up all of our plywood for the outfield fence, as well as the remainder of the posts for the fencing and a few extra to support the center field seating area! We also purchased 83 more bags of concrete -- this should be enough to cover the entire outfield fencing.
Thanks to: Matthew Morgan, Fred Gunn Jr., Eric Negron, Angelo Marino, Jim Hummer, Kim Ava Hirel, Kelly Chamberlain, TJ Hannon, Christina Neishell, Andy Peck, and my Mom and Dad for a great day of work at the new field!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 2
*NOTE: This posting is being done one day after the fact, but the thoughts are still fresh.
August 21, 2012
Day 2 of BWBL field construction brought on more hole digging and post placing, but not before a little furry friend recovery. Matt was able to pull a baby rabbit from one of the poles, and the little one scampered off to freedom shortly thereafter. We were able to get all of the 16-foot beams in place, as well as the first eight-foot pole. The eight-footers will eventually be a four-foot ball from left center all the way around to the right field foul line.
The day began at 7:45 am and ended around 8:30 pm.
Additionally, we were able to line out the where the fence will go for the entire field, so things are getting done!
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Fred Gunn Jr., TJ Hannon, Chris Anthony, birthday boy John Mooney, Kyle Fedor, Andy Peck, Christina Neishell, and my Mom and Dad for the help and support today!
August 21, 2012
Day 2 of BWBL field construction brought on more hole digging and post placing, but not before a little furry friend recovery. Matt was able to pull a baby rabbit from one of the poles, and the little one scampered off to freedom shortly thereafter. We were able to get all of the 16-foot beams in place, as well as the first eight-foot pole. The eight-footers will eventually be a four-foot ball from left center all the way around to the right field foul line.
The day began at 7:45 am and ended around 8:30 pm.
Additionally, we were able to line out the where the fence will go for the entire field, so things are getting done!
Thanks to Matthew Morgan, Fred Gunn Jr., TJ Hannon, Chris Anthony, birthday boy John Mooney, Kyle Fedor, Andy Peck, Christina Neishell, and my Mom and Dad for the help and support today!
BWBL Field Construction, Day 1
*NOTE: This posting is being done two days after the fact, but the thoughts are still fresh.
August 20, 2012
Today was the first day of field construction for what will be the new BWBL field, on the site of the former North End Little League field. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be transferring a no-longer-utilized piece of land into a great place for members of the City and surrounding community to have lots of fun!
The day began at 8 am and didn't wrap up until around 9 pm. Plenty of holes were dug (17, to be exact), and the first three posts were put in place. These posts started at the left field foul line and went toward center. Each of these, as well as the first 11 posts from the left field corner, are 16 foot beams. Eventually, this will be the formation of a 12-foot wall in left (yet to be named).
We bought 60 bags of 80 lb concrete today, as well as picked up the 16-foot beams, as well as 10 eight-foot beams.
Lots of people were able to help for various amounts of time throughout the day, including: Matthew Morgan, Fred Gunn Jr., TJ Hannon, Ryan Hart, Angelo Marino, Kyle Fedor, John Mooney, and my Dad.
Be sure to keep tuned to my blog for updates (hopefully on a daily basis)!
August 20, 2012
Today was the first day of field construction for what will be the new BWBL field, on the site of the former North End Little League field. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be transferring a no-longer-utilized piece of land into a great place for members of the City and surrounding community to have lots of fun!
The day began at 8 am and didn't wrap up until around 9 pm. Plenty of holes were dug (17, to be exact), and the first three posts were put in place. These posts started at the left field foul line and went toward center. Each of these, as well as the first 11 posts from the left field corner, are 16 foot beams. Eventually, this will be the formation of a 12-foot wall in left (yet to be named).
We bought 60 bags of 80 lb concrete today, as well as picked up the 16-foot beams, as well as 10 eight-foot beams.
Lots of people were able to help for various amounts of time throughout the day, including: Matthew Morgan, Fred Gunn Jr., TJ Hannon, Ryan Hart, Angelo Marino, Kyle Fedor, John Mooney, and my Dad.
Be sure to keep tuned to my blog for updates (hopefully on a daily basis)!
Monday, June 11, 2012
How Technology Standards Can Be Implemented with Project-Based Learning
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has developed standards for educators to use in their classrooms to help guide instruction into the 21st century. By utilizing Web 2.0 applications, educators can help their students reach these standards through the use of communication, collaboration, and publishing tools.
Communication tools like chat rooms, VOIPs, discussion boards, social bookmarking, and blogging are great ways to reach several of the ISTE standards, namely Standard 1 (Creativity and Innovation), Standard 2 (Communication and Collaboration), and Standard 5 (Digital Citizenship). When students work in teams and utilize communication tools, they are able to come up with creative ways to plan out projects and group activities. While talking with each other using these devices, they get to discuss and communicate their thoughts, ideas, and opinions, all while showing respect and courtesy for those involved in their group and in their discussion. The same skills that are used in the classroom can be done using Web 2.0 tools like Today's Meet, WiZiQ, or Edmodo.
Collaboration is done through communication, but it can also be done using other Web 2.0 resources to share student work. Wikis are a great way to post and then edit work together to produce a group project. Each student has the ability to have their own input into the work, and it is done for all to see via the wiki. Standards 1 and 2 are well-represented with collaborative Web 2.0 technology, but collaboration also hits heavily upon Standard 3 (Research and Information Fluency) and Standard 4 (Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making). To work together and complete a class project, students must learn how to gather valuable information and to place it appropriately into the wiki or a Google Doc. After information is gathered, the students must work together to decide which information is most important to their project and which information should be altered, or perhaps removed altogether. Google Docs, Edmodo, and Wikispaces are great examples of how students can put collaborative technology to work.
Perhaps the most enjoyable for the students, and easiest to connect to standards, are publishing tools. Pod- and vodcasting, digital storytelling, and multimedia publishing tools allow the creativity of our students to flow freely, while allowing them a medium to explain all that they have learned. This type of technology really hits on all six standards very well. The publication of a project is really putting all of the previously discussed elements together to make one (or perhaps even more than one) great presentation for all to see. By incorporating technology, students then not only have the opportunity to share their project with their classmates, teachers, and parents, but they can share it with family and friends (and even strangers) all around the world! Animoto, Wix, VoiceThread, Prezi, and Zooburst are just some of the wonderful publishing tools available for classroom use, many little or not cost.
The advent of technology standards is something that can really benefit our teaching, but more importantly, our students. Web 2.0 tools help make things more engaging for our students, all while teaching many of the same concepts that used to be taught the "old fashioned way" -- without computers and interactive boards. In today's culture, hands-on, interactive, (and yes, electronic) tools are great ways to impact student learning. With communication, collaboration, and publishing technologies, we can tap into each students creativity and potential for success in the developing world of project-based learning.
Sources:
"NETS for Students 2007" - International Society for Technology in Education
http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx
"NETS for Students 2007 Profiles" -International Society for Technology in Education
http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-for-students-2007-profiles.aspx
Communication tools like chat rooms, VOIPs, discussion boards, social bookmarking, and blogging are great ways to reach several of the ISTE standards, namely Standard 1 (Creativity and Innovation), Standard 2 (Communication and Collaboration), and Standard 5 (Digital Citizenship). When students work in teams and utilize communication tools, they are able to come up with creative ways to plan out projects and group activities. While talking with each other using these devices, they get to discuss and communicate their thoughts, ideas, and opinions, all while showing respect and courtesy for those involved in their group and in their discussion. The same skills that are used in the classroom can be done using Web 2.0 tools like Today's Meet, WiZiQ, or Edmodo.
Collaboration is done through communication, but it can also be done using other Web 2.0 resources to share student work. Wikis are a great way to post and then edit work together to produce a group project. Each student has the ability to have their own input into the work, and it is done for all to see via the wiki. Standards 1 and 2 are well-represented with collaborative Web 2.0 technology, but collaboration also hits heavily upon Standard 3 (Research and Information Fluency) and Standard 4 (Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making). To work together and complete a class project, students must learn how to gather valuable information and to place it appropriately into the wiki or a Google Doc. After information is gathered, the students must work together to decide which information is most important to their project and which information should be altered, or perhaps removed altogether. Google Docs, Edmodo, and Wikispaces are great examples of how students can put collaborative technology to work.
Perhaps the most enjoyable for the students, and easiest to connect to standards, are publishing tools. Pod- and vodcasting, digital storytelling, and multimedia publishing tools allow the creativity of our students to flow freely, while allowing them a medium to explain all that they have learned. This type of technology really hits on all six standards very well. The publication of a project is really putting all of the previously discussed elements together to make one (or perhaps even more than one) great presentation for all to see. By incorporating technology, students then not only have the opportunity to share their project with their classmates, teachers, and parents, but they can share it with family and friends (and even strangers) all around the world! Animoto, Wix, VoiceThread, Prezi, and Zooburst are just some of the wonderful publishing tools available for classroom use, many little or not cost.
The advent of technology standards is something that can really benefit our teaching, but more importantly, our students. Web 2.0 tools help make things more engaging for our students, all while teaching many of the same concepts that used to be taught the "old fashioned way" -- without computers and interactive boards. In today's culture, hands-on, interactive, (and yes, electronic) tools are great ways to impact student learning. With communication, collaboration, and publishing technologies, we can tap into each students creativity and potential for success in the developing world of project-based learning.
Sources:
"NETS for Students 2007" - International Society for Technology in Education
http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx
"NETS for Students 2007 Profiles" -International Society for Technology in Education
http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-for-students-2007-profiles.aspx
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Project-Based Learning: An Introduction
We have all thought about how we can better teach concepts to our students so that they will not only retain enough information for a test, but so they will be interested in the material and use it as a real-world learning step. With project-based learning, we can do just that.
Newsome Park Elementary School works with students in thematic units that are not just cookie-cutter units, but units that apply to their own lives. Students learn all about works, cystic fibrosis (a student at their school has CF), and how to run a business (http://www.edutopia.org/more-fun-barrel-worms). At Mountlake Terrace High School, Geometry students finish off the year by planning a school for the year 2050 (http://www.edutopia.org/geometry-real-world-students-architects). Prior to retirement, Fran Koontz worked with her third-graders at Rockledge Elementary school to track migration patterns of monarch butterflies and solve "mystery classroom" locations based upon sunrise and sunset times (http://www.edutopia.org/march-monarchs).
All of these examples from www.edutopia.org show project-based learning succeeding, usually with students who previously had trouble with more traditional teaching methods. Each different project featured: personal and social responsibility; planning, reasoning, analyzing, and creativity; increased communication skills; decision-making skills; and appropriate use of technology.
In addition to all of the above, project-based learning also encourages active research, cross-age communication, and independent learning. Students have the desire to learn more and gather more information, rather than them being "forced." Teachers and students get to interact on a more individual level to achieve student success. Students are permitted to think "outside the box," rather than just conforming to what the teacher wants them to "learn." When students are interested and engaged in their own learning, they actually want to learn -- they yearn to learn!
All three of these projects are wonderful examples of project-based learning at its finest. There is collaboration - both between students and between students and teachers (and community members) - the kind that simply cannot be achieved through pencil-and-paper learning. Students get to use real-world communication and presentation skills, but what is more impressive is how interested they are in being at school and learning. With some time, a lot of effort, and more funding, this kind of learning can be brought back to our classrooms. Remember, all things are cyclical!
To complete my discussion, I just wanted to make three brief points that helped make these project-based learning examples a success:
Sources:
"More Fun Than a Barrel of . . . Worms?!" - Diane Curtis, Edutopia
http://www.edutopia.org/more-fun-barrel-worms
"Geometry Students Angle into Architecture Through Project Learning" - Sara Armstrong, Edutopia
http://www.edutopia.org/geometry-real-world-students-architects
"March of the Monarchs: Students Follow the Butterflies' Migration"
- Diane Curtis, Edutopia
http://www.edutopia.org/march-monarchs
Newsome Park Elementary School works with students in thematic units that are not just cookie-cutter units, but units that apply to their own lives. Students learn all about works, cystic fibrosis (a student at their school has CF), and how to run a business (http://www.edutopia.org/more-fun-barrel-worms). At Mountlake Terrace High School, Geometry students finish off the year by planning a school for the year 2050 (http://www.edutopia.org/geometry-real-world-students-architects). Prior to retirement, Fran Koontz worked with her third-graders at Rockledge Elementary school to track migration patterns of monarch butterflies and solve "mystery classroom" locations based upon sunrise and sunset times (http://www.edutopia.org/march-monarchs).
All of these examples from www.edutopia.org show project-based learning succeeding, usually with students who previously had trouble with more traditional teaching methods. Each different project featured: personal and social responsibility; planning, reasoning, analyzing, and creativity; increased communication skills; decision-making skills; and appropriate use of technology.
In addition to all of the above, project-based learning also encourages active research, cross-age communication, and independent learning. Students have the desire to learn more and gather more information, rather than them being "forced." Teachers and students get to interact on a more individual level to achieve student success. Students are permitted to think "outside the box," rather than just conforming to what the teacher wants them to "learn." When students are interested and engaged in their own learning, they actually want to learn -- they yearn to learn!
All three of these projects are wonderful examples of project-based learning at its finest. There is collaboration - both between students and between students and teachers (and community members) - the kind that simply cannot be achieved through pencil-and-paper learning. Students get to use real-world communication and presentation skills, but what is more impressive is how interested they are in being at school and learning. With some time, a lot of effort, and more funding, this kind of learning can be brought back to our classrooms. Remember, all things are cyclical!
To complete my discussion, I just wanted to make three brief points that helped make these project-based learning examples a success:
- Small class size - Each of the classes presented in the videos appeared to be no larger than 20. With the increase in class sizes in many districts today, this can make these takes more challenging for the teacher, but not impossible. It depends on ...
- Teacher buy-in - As with any new approach, the administration and classroom teachers need to buy-in to project-based learning. If teachers aren't willing to break out of their old mold and try something new, it cannot be successful. Adequate training and opportunity to and appreciation of mistakes and the ability to learn from them are key to making project-based learning a success.
- Budgetary cooperation - In today's economy, it is often hard to be able to successful back new program ideas well enough to ensure their success. The worst thing that could be done is to agree to have new and improved educational ideas but not give them the funding needed. Districts around the country (and most of the world, for that matter) are faced with decreasing funding for education. If we are to become the educated and successful society that we all hope for, education has to be placed back in a position of priority when the time comes to draft and approve the yearly budget.
Sources:
"More Fun Than a Barrel of . . . Worms?!" - Diane Curtis, Edutopia
http://www.edutopia.org/more-fun-barrel-worms
"Geometry Students Angle into Architecture Through Project Learning" - Sara Armstrong, Edutopia
http://www.edutopia.org/geometry-real-world-students-architects
"March of the Monarchs: Students Follow the Butterflies' Migration"
- Diane Curtis, Edutopia
http://www.edutopia.org/march-monarchs
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