Engaging science

darcy.tamayose — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 19:01:05 +0000

In high school, Jared Heidinger (BSc/BEd ’00) was banished to the hallway for clowning in class. He continued to listen through the door, however, and when the instructor asked a question Heidinger shouted the answer through the grate. Grinning, his teacher opened the door and invited him back in. That day Heidinger learned a lesson in classroom management. Today he carries that lesson – striking a balance between clowning and control – into his own teaching practice.

Jared Heidinger shepherds students through the complexities of science by engaging them on their terms.

At Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge, Jared Heidinger shepherds students through the complexities of science by engaging them on their terms. He often uses popular movies and YouTube to explain concepts. His students learn about photosynthesis and anaerobic respiration by baking bread, and they learn cell structure by building pizzas with toppings representing various cell components. A remote control “news helicopter” delivers quizzes.

“I fly the chopper around the class, land it, then put on a video as if it’s reporting from a live scene,” says Heidinger.

Personalities such as professional hockey player and former pupil Kris Versteeg deliver the assignment.

“The kids aren’t as bitter about a quiz when they see the chopper,” says Heidinger.

For Heidinger, YouTube and Twitter are educational aids. For example, students who participate in a weekly Twitter chat at #scistuchat earn extra credit.

“Some students now see Twitter as a resource,” he notes. “Parents are also realizing its educational value.”

Connecting with students as individuals is important to Heidinger.

“I’m passionate about kids knowing someone cares,” he says.

He shares his life through stories, hoping to reach students who might undergo similar circumstances.

“When you can relate your life to kids they know you’re a person,” he says.

His stories range from comical to poignant, and often illustrate points in his teaching.

“I love teaching. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I like seeing kids learn new things and view the world differently than they did before.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community loses alumnus (Robson) Heidinger

trevor.kenney — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:40:36 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community suffered a very difficult loss over the weekend as alumnus and Pronghorns women's basketball assistant coach Krista (Robson) Heidinger (BA/BEd '01) passed away suddenly.

The 34-year old Heidinger is survived by her husband, Jared (BSc/BEd '00), newborn daughter Sophie, and children Jaxson (age 6) and Grace (age 4).

Originally from Calgary, Heidinger played four seasons for the Pronghorns women's basketball program (1994-95 through 1997-98) after transferring from Mount Royal College. She played a total of 68 games as a Pronghorn before graduating and establishing a career as an elementary teacher. For the last two seasons, in addition to teaching at Mike Mountain Horse Elementary School, Robson served as an assistant coach for Donna Branch with the Pronghorns program.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects to the family on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Martin Bros. Riverview Chapel, 610 4th St. S.

A funeral service will take place Friday, Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. at the Evangelical Free Church, 4717 24th Avenue S.

As well, a trust fund has been established in the name of Jared Heidinger for donations to the family. The fund is being administered at TD Bank, 2033 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge. Donations may also be made at the U of L Athletics Department.

UNews - Jared Heidinger

Engaging science

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��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ community loses alumnus (Robson) Heidinger

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��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community loses alumnus (Robson) Heidinger