ATTENTION STUDENT LEADERS - Submit your Woodie Flowers Awards

[Mr.B]

Through 30 years of teaching I've heard the same refrain..."I love science, I love math but I can't stand my language classes".

Well enough is enough. Get over it.

Scientists, engineers and technologists share certain skill sets. These skill sets include math and science literacy, and the ability to use the "Minds eye" to envision complex relationships. These shared skills also include the ability to communicate and share ideas.

In fact, one might be hard pressed to put that particular competency anywhere other than the top of the list of shared skills.

Has Dean ever been at a loss for words? Not!

One of my favorite examples of great communicators, Richard Fenyman, Nobel Prize Physics 1965, authored lectures and books that inspired thousands of young scientists and engineers. Want to read the writings of a great communicator, look no further than a collection of Fenyman's physics lectures. Want to read an inspiring biography...read his.

And of course there are many many more great examples.

OK, so I know good writing can be taxing, and there are no adjectives in algebra, but it is an essential skill, and the hallmark of successful scientists and engineers.

In order to help first students craft clear and concise WFA nominations, I cobbled together a WFA writing guide that I hope will be of help to the young authors who make the effort to honor some deserving mentors.

Think of this as a "White Paper" on writing a WFA nomination. This is good advice that has been gleaned from some very smart people. (People other than myself) Please, accept it as a gift, and use it to create a wonderful and loving gift for someone on your team.

Remember, every team can choose their own WFA recipient. That's the special prize, knowing the people you love and care for, received some joy from your efforts. So share the joy and let those special mentors know that you know they are special, appreciated and loved.

And show the WFA judges that you can engineer a great nomination, with the same passion and commitment you put into engineering a great robot!

All the best and I look forward to reading about the marvelous mentors on your team.