ARTICLES TO READ
Entrepreneur Books: Essential Reads for Business Success
Top AI Tools: Transforming Work and Productivity
Science Teacher
The Browning School
Most
JOAN GILLMAN
Contents Table of
10. Joan Gillman - Science Teacher, The Browning School
Top AI Tools: Transforming Work and Productivity
Cityscape Chronicles - Rome, Italy: A Timeless Journey Through History, Culture, and Flavor
Entrepreneur Books: Essential Reads for Business Success
Cover Story
NEVER-ENDING LIST OF ACCOLADES
JoanreceivedtheUrhyTeacheroftheYearAwardin2017,amomentshecherishes asahighlightofhercareer.ShehasalsoearnednumerousMarquisWho'sWho awards,includingtheLifetimeAchievementAwardandrecognitionasa humanitarian.In2024,shewasfeaturedin National Digest Magazine, World Leaders Magazine,and Forbes,amongothers.
UpliftingVoyage
Joan's"StrawRocket"unitgainednationalattention,leadingtoworkshopsand inclusioninabooktitled Bringing STEM to the Elementary Classroom.Recently, shewashonoredwithseveralprestigiousaccolades,includingtheCXOTime Awards' Most Inspiring Educator in Science Education Award 2024 andCIOViews Magazine's Top 10 Empowering Women Leaders of the Year, 2024
CharginguptheFutureLeaders
AsascienceteacherandGreenTeamleader,Joannurturesherstudents'natural curiosityandempowersthemtocreatepositivechange.Sheemphasizesthat knowledgeisatooltoshapeabetterfuture.
EducatingforSustainability
Joanaddressesclimatechangeinherteachingbyencouragingstudentstoadopt simple,impactfulactionslikerecyclingandconservingenergy Throughweekly "GreenActions"andschool-wideinitiatives,shefostersacultureofresponsibility andenvironmentalawarenessamongstudentsandstaffalike.
ImbibingCuriosity
Inthestrawrocketproject,Joanlovesthefactthatstudentsusetheirmathand measurementskillswiththeirscienceknowledge.Studentsmeasuretheflightlength ofeachlaunchandthenanalyzetheresultstodeterminetheideallaunchangle, rocketlength,noseconesize,andfindesign.Withthisknowledge,studentsredesign andtesttheirrockets,applyingtheirinsightstoimprovetheirdesigns—amemorable learningexperience.Teachingscienceacrossmultipleagegroupsisbothchallenging andrewarding.InGrade2,thefallengineeringunitletsstudentsdesignandbuild skyscrapersandbridges,learningaboutstructuresworldwideandcelebratingtheir cultures.
Cover Story
Oil Spill Cleanup Simulation
Cover Story
Straw Rocket Launch
Marquis Who's Who Top Educators- Forbes Magazine Feature
Laterinhercareer,shebeganpresenting workshopsatconferencessuchasNSTA,NSTA STEM,STANYS,SCONYC,andtheNYSAIS DiversitySymposium.Topicsshepresented includeEquityandDiversityintheSTEM Classroom,MarsHereICome,Let'sPuttheFun BackinFungi,StrawRocketsareOutofThis World,andothers.Sheenjoyssharingherpassion foreducationandprovidingeducatorswithnew materialsandstrategiestoenhancetheirteaching. Sheaimstoinspireeducatorstostayinthefield andimpacttheirstudents'lives.Thispastspring, shehelpedorganizetheSCONYCConference,her firstexperienceinconferenceplanning.Thoughit wasalotofwork,itwasrewardingtoseeher effortscometofruition.Teachersleftwithpositive experiences,andshehopesfutureconferenceswill attractmoreNYCteachers.
EngagingEducation
Joanisastrongbelieverinhands-onlearningand interdisciplinarycurricula.Youngstudentshavea naturalcuriosityabouttheworldaroundthem,and asaneducator,shetapsintothissenseofwonderto createlessonsthatalignwiththeirinterestswhile helpingthemgainproficiencyinvariousscientific topics.HerFourthGradeStrawRocketunit exemplifieshowsheachievesthesegoals.Inthis unit,studentsarechallengedtodesignarocket capableofflyingthemaximumdistance.They workwithvariousvariables,includingthelength ofthestraw,thenumberandstyleoffins,thesize oftheclaynosecone,andtheanglesusedfor launchingtherockets.
Student-centricApproach
Joanhasoftenobservedthatschoolstendtoadopt a"onesizefitsall"approachtoteaching.This methodisineffectiveforbothclothingand education.Eachstudententerstheclassroomwith uniqueneeds,anditistheteacher'sresponsibility toidentifythebestapproachtohelpeachstudent achievetheiracademicgoals.Sheisdeeply
committedtoensuringthateverystudentunderher carefeelscomfortableandconfidentintheirabilityto learnthematerialbeingtaught.
EmpoweringFutureChangemakers
Oneofthechallengesfacingscienceeducationtoday inK-12settingsisensuringthatstudentshavethe opportunitytolearnaboutallbranchesofscience.This pastsummer,TheBrowningSchooldecidedto implementtheNGSS(NextGenerationScience Standards)acrossalloftheirMiddleSchoolScience courses.Sheworkedcloselywithhercolleaguesto bringaboutthenecessarychangesinthecurriculum.
Oneofthebiggestchallengesineducationtodayis addressingclimatechangeissueswithoutcausingfear amongstudents.Childrenneedtounderstandhowthe worldworkssotheycanmakeinformeddecisionsas adultsandcontributetopositivechangesinsociety. Withoutadequateknowledge,studentswillbe unpreparedforthechallengestheywillfaceasadults. AsaleaderofTheGreenTeam,sheaimstoempower herstudentstoengagewiththecommunityand demonstratehowevensmallactionscanmakea significantdifference.
EquityinEducation
JoangreatlyadmiresteachingatTheBrowningSchool, particularlyforthewaythestudentsareengagedwith andexposedtoequityworkthroughitsintegrationinto thecurriculum.Duetotheschool'scommitmentto equityanddiversity,shewasabletodevelopandteach auniton"HurricaneReliefandEnvironmental Racism"tohersixth-gradesciencestudents.Theunit focusedonthemissionstatementsofthreerelief organizations.Thestudentsevaluatedwhetherthese organizationsfollowedtheirmissionswhenproviding reliefaftermajorhurricanes.Basedontheirfindings, thestudentsweretaskedwithdevelopingsolutionsto eliminatethebiasestheydiscovered.Althoughthis couldbeachallengingconcept,shefoundthatwiththe rightapproach,thestudentswereeagertogaininsights anddeveloprelevantideastoaddresstheinjustices theyuncovered.
Given the success of the curriculum with her sixth graders, she decided to present a workshop at the NYSAIS Diversity Symposium based on the course. She used some of her students' slideshows and presentations and prepared materials for participants to use with their own students.
The Browning School's mission is to “create men of intellect and integrity to contribute meaningfully to our world.” The four guiding values—Curiosity, Honesty, Dignity, and Purpose—are emphasized throughout the year. The school's commitment to equitable practices and social impact is woven throughout all aspects of its curriculum. The Browning School celebrates boys' unique strengths with researchbased strategies tailored to meet their developmental needs at every stage.
A Noble Career
Teaching is a highly rewarding career. Over the span of 43 years, much has changed, and this longevity is attributed to the continuous embrace of new techniques and ideas acquired through workshops, courses, and science conferences. This commitment to professional development has not only helped maintain enthusiasm for the profession but also provided opportunities to interact with other educators, gaining new perspectives and ideas to bring into the classroom.
One important piece of advice is to maintain a sense of humor. While there are days when students may present challenges, keeping a sense of humor and not losing patience allows educators to overcome obstacles while continuing to enjoy teaching. Additionally, it is essential to seek help when needed. Schools are filled with professional educators who can offer valuable advice and strategies.
Teaching is a demanding and exhausting career, but it remains one of the most rewarding professions. With perseverance, the best days are always ahead.
Kappa Delta Pi Legacy Member Certificate
AIToolsforProductivityandTask Management
BoostingproductivitywithAItoolsis nowagame-changerforbusinesses andindividuals.
13.NotionAI
● Features:
○ AI-assistedtask managementandnotetaking.
○ Summarizesand organizeslarge amountsof information.
● Applications: Projectmanagement, documentation,and collaboration.
14.Otter.ai
● Features:
○ AI-powered transcriptionservices.
○ Real-timemeeting notegeneration.
● Applications: Meetingsummaries,webinars, andinterviewdocumentation.
15.Trello(EnhancedbyButlerAI)
● Features:
○ Automatesrepetitive workflows.
○ AI-poweredtask recommendations.
● Applications: Taskprioritization,workflow automation,andteam collaboration.
AIToolsforDevelopers
AIhasintroducedremarkableinnovationsinsoftware development,improvingcodingefficiency.
16.GitHubCopilot
● Features:
○ AI-drivencodesuggestionsand autocompletion.
○ Supportsmultipleprogramming languages.
● Applications: Speedingupdevelopment,reducingerrors,and enhancingcollaboration.
17.TensorFlow
● Features:
○ Open-sourcemachinelearning framework.
○ AItoolsforbuildingandtrainingmodels.
● Applications: Deeplearning,AIresearch,andprototyping.
18.PyTorch
● Features:
○ Dynamiccomputationalgraphfor flexibility.
○ SupportsAImodelexperimentationand deployment.
● Applications: Naturallanguageprocessing,computervision, andAIexperimentation.
Conclusion
AItoolsarerevolutionizingthewaywework, streamliningoperations,andunlockingunprecedented efficiency.Whetheryou'reacontentcreator,dataanalyst, customersupportagent,ordeveloper,there'sanAItool tailoredtoyourneeds.EmbracethesetopAItoolsto staycompetitive,savetime,andachieveexcellence.
Discover the Eternal City's Rich Heritage, Iconic Landmarks, and Hidden Gems
Introduction
Rome,theEternalCity,iswherehistorycomesto life.Withitsancientruins,vibrantculture,and mouthwateringcuisine,thisItaliancapitalisa destinationthatresonateswithtravelersfrom aroundtheglobe.Whetheryou'rewandering throughitsancientstreets,indulginginauthentic Romandishes,ormarvelingatcenturies-oldart andarchitecture,Romeoffersauniqueexperience thatblendsthepastwiththepresent.Inthisblog, we'llguideyouthroughsomeofthemosticonic spots,aswellasuncoverlesser-knowngemsthat makeRomeatrulyunforgettabledestination.
1.TheColosseum:AnIconofRoman Grandeur
TheColosseumisundoubtedlyoneofRome's mostfamouslandmarks,asymbolofthecity's imperialpower.OriginallyknownastheFlavian Amphitheatre,thismagnificentstructurewasbuilt inAD70-80andcouldholdupto80,000 spectators.Itwasusedforgladiatorcontests, publicspectacles,andanimalhunts.Walking throughitsgrandarchesandexploringthe undergroundpassageswheregladiatorsand animalsawaitedtheirturnislikesteppingbackin timetoancientRome.Whilemuchofthe Colosseum'smarblehasbeenstrippedaway,its sheerscaleandhistoryarestillawe-inspiring.
● HistoricalSignificance:Oncethesiteof epicbattlesbetweengladiators,the Colosseumwasalsousedforanimalhunts andnavalreenactments.Theeventsheld herewerebothaformofentertainment andadisplayoftheEmpire'swealthand power
● ArchitecturalMarvel:TheColosseum's designwasrevolutionary,featuringan advancedsystemofelevatorsand
trapdoorstotransportgladiatorsand animalsintothearena.
● VisitingTips:Aguidedtourwillhelpyou betterappreciatethehistorybehindthe Colosseum'sbattlesandspectacles.To avoidthecrowds,visitearlyinthe morningorlateafternoon.
2.TheRomanForum:WheretheHeartof AncientRomeBeats
AdjacenttotheColosseum,theRomanForum wasthepolitical,commercial,andreligious centerofancientRome.Here,emperorsgave speeches,citizensgatheredtodiscusspolitics, andgreattemplesandbasilicasoncestood. Walkingthroughtheruins,you'llencounterthe remnantsoftheTempleofSaturn,theSenate House,andtheArchofTitus,eachtellingastory ofRome'sgrandeur.TheRomanForumprovides afascinatingglimpseintothedailylifeofancient Romansandoffersoneofthebestviewsofthe PalatineHill,wherethewealthiestcitizenslived.
● MajorLandmarks:TheTempleof Saturn,theSenateHouse,andtheArchof TitusstandasiconicmarkersofRome's politicalandreligiouslife.
● TopViewingSpots:Don'tmisstheview fromthePalatineHill,whichoverlooks theForumandoffersoneofthebest panoramicviewsofthecity
● BestTimetoVisit:Arriveearlyforfewer crowdsandtoexperiencetheForum beforetheheatofmidday.
3.ThePantheon:AMarvelofAncient Engineering
ThePantheon,anancientRomantemple dedicatedtothegods,isatruearchitectural masterpiece.Itsmassiveconcretedome,which wasthelargestofitskindintheworldforover 1,300years,isatestamenttoRomanengineering.
AN ICON OF ROMAN GRANDEUR
7.Trastevere:Rome'sCharmingBohemianNeighborhood
Trastevereisacharmingneighborhoodonthewestbankofthe TiberRiver,knownforitsnarrowcobblestonestreets,colorful buildings,andvibrantnightlife.It'saperfectareatoexploreon foot,withhiddengemsliketheBasilicaofSantaMaria,oneof theoldestchurchesinRome,andthebeautifulOrtoBotanico (BotanicalGarden).Intheevening,theneighborhoodcomes alivewithlocalsandtouristsenjoyingalfrescodininginits manyrestaurantsandtrattorias.Trastevereoffersamore authenticandlaid-backsideofRome,awayfromthebustling touristcrowds.
● LocalFlavor:ExploretraditionalRomantrattoriasthat servelocaldisheslikeCacioePepeandSaltimbocca allaRomana.
● CharmingStreets:Wanderthroughthenarrow,winding streetsofTrastevere,whereyou'llfindhiddenboutiques, vintageshops,andquaintcafés.
● EveningAtmosphere:Astheeveningsunsets,enjoya leisurelydinnerandaglassofwineinoneof Trastevere'spicturesquepiazzas.
8.RomanCuisine:AFeastfortheSenses
Rome'sculinarysceneisafeastforthesenses,offeringdishes thatreflectthecity'slonghistoryanddiverseculturalinfluences. Onemust-trydishisCacioePepe,asimpleyetdeliciouspasta madewithPecorinoRomanocheeseandblackpepper.Another RomanclassicisSaltimboccaallaRomana,asavoryvealdish toppedwithprosciuttoandsage.Don'tforgettoindulgeina Maritozzo,asweetbunfilledwithwhippedcream,often enjoyedforbreakfast.And,ofcourse,avisittoRomewouldn't becompletewithoutsavoringascoopofgelatofromoneofthe city'smanygelaterias.
● ClassicDishestoTry:Don'tmissthefamousRoman pastadisheslikeCacioePepe,Carbonara,and Amatriciana.
● SweetTreats:TryMaritozzo(asweetbunfilledwith cream)orTiramisuforaclassicItaliandessert.
● Gelato:TreatyourselftogelatofromoneofRome's famedgelaterias—tryascoopofpistachioorhazelnut.
Conclusion
Rome is a city where the ancient and modern coexist in harmony, creating an experience that is both timeless and ever-evolving. From its iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Pantheon to its charming neighborhoods and mouthwatering cuisine, Rome has something for everyone. Whether you're exploring its historical sites, indulging in local flavors, or simply enjoying the ambiance of its streets, Rome promises a journey through the heart of one of the world's most influential cultures. So pack your bags, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime in the Eternal City.
6. Atomic Habits by
JamesClear
KeyTakeaway:Small,consistentchanges compoundintosignificantimprovements.
Whilenotatraditionalbusinessbook, Atomic Habits providesactionable strategiesforcreatinghabitsthatenhance productivityandfocus—skillsevery entrepreneurneeds.Clear'sframework includes:
● The1%improvementprinciple: makingsmallgainsdailyfor exponentialgrowth.
● Systemsthinking:creating environmentsthatsupportsuccess.
● Overcomingbadhabitsby identifyingtriggersandreplacing themwithpositiveactions.
7. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by
BenHorowitz
KeyTakeaway:Prepareforandtacklethe toughestchallengesinentrepreneurship.
BenHorowitz,aveteranentrepreneur, sharescandidadviceaboutnavigatingthe complexandoftenambiguousrealitiesof runningabusiness.Hispracticalwisdom covers:
● Managingthroughcrisesand uncertainty.
● Makingdifficultdecisions,suchas layoffsorpivots.
● Buildingandmaintainingstrong companyculturesduring challengingtimes.
Thisbookresonatesdeeplywith entrepreneurswhofacereal-world problemsthatcan'tbesolvedbysimple formulas.
TipsforMaximizingLearningfromEntrepreneur Books
Toextractthemostvaluefromthesebooks,consider thefollowingstrategies:
1. TakeNotes:Documentinsightsthatresonate withyourchallengesorgoals.
2. ApplyLessonsImmediately:Experiment withnewstrategiesorframeworksinyour business.
3. EngageinDiscussions:Sharinganddebating ideashelpsdeepenyourunderstanding.
4. RevisitRegularly:Asyourbusinessevolves, revisitingbooksrevealsnew,relevantinsights.
HowtoChoosetheRightEntrepreneurBooks
Selectingthebestentrepreneurbooksdependson youruniqueneedsandgoals.Here'saquickguide:
1. DefineYourObjectives:Areyoulookingfor motivation,practicalstrategies,orindustryspecificknowledge?
2. VettheAuthors:Ensuretheyhavecredibility andexperienceinentrepreneurship.
3. ReadReviewsandRecommendations: Learnfromothers'experiencestomake informedchoices.
4. BalanceClassicandContemporary: Combinetimelessprincipleswithmodern strategiestostayrelevant.
Conclusion
Entrepreneurbooksareindispensabletoolsfor anyonestrivingtoexcelinthebusinessworld. Whetheryouneedmotivation,practicaladvice,or innovativeideas,thebookslistedaboveoffer unparalleledvalue.Theycoverawiderangeoftopics, frommindsetandhabitstostrategyandinnovation, ensuringthere'ssomethingforeverystageofyour entrepreneurialjourney.
