a taste of the Calgary Science School...

I think that Neil Stephenson's presentation was both interesting and motivating. I feel like he opened my eyes and introduced me to a different kind of inquiry that takes place within a school. His examples of his work and the magic that can take place in a classroom kept me engaged and intrigued as a future teacher...

"Lift the roof off of the school"

Neil used this phrase a few times during his presentation. His explanation, in my opinion, underlies the foundation of a wonderful school community. To lift the roof off of the school means to do whatever you can to open up to opportunity. It also means to share. Classroom discovery, inquiry documentation, presentations, workshops, connections, etc, are all things that "lift the roof off of the school". I realized how  important it is to keep connected to the education world and what it has to offer you. Exposing new ideas and sharing thoughts with other schools, teachers, etc. allows growth and to grow as an educational community is a beautiful thing.

YOUR ATTITUDE MATTERS---This is something that Neil spoke about and emphasized as something that is very important when it comes to inquiry. I realize that a positive attitude towards learning is necessary however the way in which he spoke about the teacher ALWAYS having the right attitude towards the topic content being taught excited me. Inquiry is a disposition. How you position yourself as a learner and how you bring your kids into a topic is what inquiry is all about.

**Inquiry needs to be LIVED out in the classroom...not just in the lesson.