I tell the students that I am a polymath.  I explore and question the entire world and all of its ideas.  I have been teaching science, math, reading, information literacy, critical thinking, history, foreign languages, writing, poetry, art and nearly everything else for three decades.  I am a librarian, photographer, scientist, author, cartographer, and traveler.  I love Science Olympiad, blogging, and making lists; I have over 1000 reviews on Tripadvisor. I have worked in six school districts and Truman State University.  I have been honored with the St. Louis Science Center Loeb Prize for Science and Mathematics, the Emerson Award for Excellence in Teaching, and State Science Teaching Award.  Other awards include a state librarian award, the Apple for the Teacher Award presented to teachers who reach "all children", and district teacher of the year.  I make millions of mistakes a year, and I am still learning.  Most importanlty, I believe in engaging students with thinking while helping them create beautiful and publishable work.