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Culturally Responsive Instruction: Teaching physics through the lens of photography By: Sienna A. Smoot (Ed.D)

I propose that there be an option provided to students that affords them an integrated Physics course that fosters culturally responsive teaching (CRT). One way of doing this, is to introduce physics through the lens of photography.  


Every child is a born scientist.  Their innate desire to touch and taste things is evidence that they are natural explorers who are driven by curiosity and interests. Nevertheless, when our children step into the education system, their natural desire for learning is deduced to their ability to pass a test likely not written by someone of their culture. Their curiosity is boxed in by projects designed and developed by the educator.  Our children are attempting to display what they know without respect for the culture that they know.  

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In recent years, there has been a major push for CRT, which is a researched-based approach that creates connections between what our children learn and their culture, experiences and language.  Educators are encouraged to innovate and insert culturally-responsive activities into their curriculum.  Nevertheless, how does one insert a culture they do not know themselves.  There are various projects in the works that address that. One such project is the MILOEDU.com project created by Gary Mack and Lybroan James.  After attending this training, I was able to view teaching some aspects of Physics from a culturally responsive perspective.   



I am a science teacher in Hawaii and I am also a part-time model.  Specifically, I teach high school Physics. I am also an adjunct faculty at a local medical college here in Hawaii. I know my “ISH” when it comes to science, culture and curricula.  Physics is the study of the motion of matter, force, energy and their behavior through space and time. This definition is simplified best by saying that Physics is the study of the universe and all that is moving around in it.  Among all of the other sciences, Physics focuses on the “how” things happen.  How does light work? How does the skin react to light? How does a photographer capture an image or theme with light? 



Nevertheless, it does not matter what I know. What matters is the environment surrounding the student that fosters creativity and innovation via culturally responsive teaching. Among the environments that can deliver a cultural, equitable, relevant and real world learning experience is the learning space of photography. 


I often work with Brooklyn photographer Jihaad Muhammad owner of  https://annurmedia.com/ .  I watch him set his lens, adjust and direct the lighting. Photography is a consistent struggle to get the skin tones, theme and lighting where it needs to be. The culture of the photographer bleeds through the lens and it shows in their work. Photographers spend a lot of time teasing out the imperfections and color nuances. They find the best angle to capture the structures of the objects in their focus. Photographers manipulate, bend, and refract light in order to get a perspective about the object with appreciation for the meaning of the photograph. 

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The shape and thickness of the lens, time and the velocity of light are all essential to the quality of the photograph. Sensors play a role in precision in obtaining optimal focal length. Some cameras use light fields to capture the image. A light field is a set of all light rays in every point in space. This means that the camera does not have to focus first before taking a picture. It captures all light vectors. 


What does this have to do with high school physics?  In short, all of these ideas are also taught in high school physics.  There are traditional labs that have been used for decades. Then students generate a lab report and move on to the next chapter. Where is the creativity and culture in that experience? What if students produced a portfolio of photographs that display their understanding of optics?  Think about how meaningful that kind of experience would be to the student. So again, I propose that there be an option provided to students where they can be afforded an integrated Physics course that fosters CRT.  One way of doing this, is to introduce physics through the lens of photography.


FOLLOW Sienna A. Smoot (Ed.D) ON IG @SCIENCESOPHIS



Edward L Hennings: From Bars to Business

Bio: Edward L. Hennings is beyond a survivor, he is successful award-winning Milwaukee based author, a world class entrepreneur, motivational speaker, life coach/mentor and policy reform advocate. He possesses a supernatural energy and drive for success like no other. As the owner of three businesses, Hair Code, a successful barber and beauty salon, Vision Universal Trucking and E.L. Hennings LLC, Edward has proven his strength and capabilities when many thought it was impossible.

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After being sentenced to 40 years in prison, he was forced to reconsider his way of thinking and the impact of his actions. While incarcerated, he participated in various initiatives to educate and mentor youth, which evoked a passion for speaking to others about his experience and dedication to overcoming adversity. After serving 20 years in prison, Edward now dedicates a large percentage of his time sharing how he turned “street skills” into key “life skills and business strategies”. Mr. Hennings revealed his collection of proven principles to passing various tests in his first book- The Answers: A Guide to Passing the Test of Your Life. Little did he know that the growing demand and popularity of his book would lead him to a new chapter as the founder of The Change Institute, an online, interactive course developed to educate, motivate and empower future entrepreneurs all over the world!

He has become a highly sought-after motivational speaker and prison reform policy advocate. Edward’s innate entrepreneurial skills has earned him a new title as a key business strategist and consultant. Previous speaking events include: Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Department of Corrections (DOC), Running Rebels, Milwaukee Police Department, and several area middle and high schools. He continues to make strategic yet impactful collaborative relationships with large organizations like the Milwaukee Bucks to help solidify and spread his message.

Edward Hennings brings a unique perspective, genuine passion and personal mission to inspire the lives of individuals who are currently, or have previously, experienced adversity and/or trauma, through motivational speaking, coaching, and mentoring. With all that he has done, it’s just the beginning!

www.edhennings.com

Queen Naija’s Debut Is Now No. 1 On Billboard’s Top R&B Albums Chart

Queen Naija, who is a singer/songwriter and is platinum-certified, has managed to become a part of the Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart,

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At the MTV EMAs, Doja Cat Performs “Say So” and is later declared Best New Artist

This year, during the MTV Europe Music Awards, Doja Cat, who is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter made use of the platform to demonstrate her versatility by singing “Say So” in a metal version.

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New Video Released For “Don’t Need Friends” by Nav Features Lil Baby

Last Friday, latest mixtape of Nav has been released titled Emergency Tsunami. It was produced by Wheezy, who has been a collaborator

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The 1st annual Bike Show at the Venue Night club presented by Blood Line was a Hit

May 11th, 2019 we kicked off the 1st annual Bike Show at the Venue. According to the Weather Channel the day prior, it was said to be 100% chance of rain. Los, who was the head promoter of the event and spoke person for Blood Line Riders assured the team the weather will clear up in time for the bike show. It was shaky, but we followed Los’ lead and just as he stated the weather cleared up right on time for the Bike Show to start.

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In attendance was our inhouse radio D.J. King D, Daze, Rock, a few models, our in-house photographer Phew, and even Daze’s pops Shannon came down from New York to enjoy the festivities. The event was hosted by Yung Joc, Lil scrappy from Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta plus Greg Street and Bubby Love of V-103. The event featured 100’s of customized bikes and lots of women. The event started off a little slow due to the weather scare but gradually picked up once the sun showed who was superior. Fun in the sun in the presence some of the most exotic bikes Atlanta’s ever seen. Vendors showcased their products while some provided food and other entertainment to keep viewers and bystanders’ eyes balls occupied.  Venue is known for its beautiful woman on staff, and some of the woman took the time to step outside to serve the guest Hookah. The event got better and better as the day went on. Keep on reading and I’ll show you what I mean.

As I said, the night got better and better the later it got. The alcohol started to kick in and more bikes began to pull up. Even though it was a bike show you would think it was a concert from all the celebrities that pulled up along with the latest music being played by the DJ duo. It was a great night over all. Just to think if we had listened to the weather channel none of this would have taken place. At the end of the event Yung Joc presented awards with some cash the best bikes based on categories while telling a few jokes here and there giving the crowd a reason to wait on his every word till the next bike is presented. I’ll let the rest of the photos tell you the rest of the story. One thing I’ll say is damn, Los put on one hell of a show. Can’t wait to the next one. Peace.

Nipsey Hussle memorial service slated for Thursday at Staples Center, according to report

LOS ANGELES (FOX 5 DC) - A memorial service for slain rapper Nipsey Hussle will be held this week at the Staples Center, according to reports.

According to TMZ, the service will take place Thursday morning, and tickets for the event will be sold through a website. 

The 33-year-old rapper was shot dead last Sunday outside of his clothing retail store Marathon Clothing Company in Crenshaw.

His death sent shockwaves throughout the hip hop community.

Hussle was born and raised in the Crenshaw neighborhood of South Los Angeles.

The father of two opened the shop back in 2017.

The rapper broke on to the U.S. Billboard's Hot 100 when he was featured on fellow rapper YG's 2012 hit "Snitches Ain't" with Tyga and Snoop Dogg. Nipsey Hussle's debut studio album Victory Lap was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2019. Cardi B ended up winning the Grammy Award for her album Invasion of Privacy.

The man suspected of shooting him, Eric Holder, was arrested Tuesday and pleaded not guilty on Thursday.Holder has been charged with murder and two attempted murder charges over the Sunday's attack on Hussle and two other men 

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SXSW 2017 Recap w/ Jenna Herche

As I sit in Charlotte for a layover, I have had more and more time to think about why I love travelling so much. In the last year, I have tackled Austin, Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans and Austin again this weekend. I attended SXSW for the second consecutive year, and plan on making the annual trip to SXSW going forward.

My reasons are simple. The minute you land in a new city with a Yankee fitted on, you are embraced immediately; I do not care where you go. The people want to know all about you, they love our style and our accent apparently; who knew? SXSW was no different than last year in this respect. In a radius of roughly six blocks, the streets were lined with live entertainment and revelers of all sorts, each with a game plan in mind. Flyers, CD’s and other promotional goodies are swapped, ideas are discussed and connections are made.

My game plan this year, was to formally promote www.senecavillage.net, a virtual marketplace for minority and black owned businesses to progress and prosper; a site co-founded with Mr. Nice Tie, aka Petty Post. The site boasts talent of all sorts on a national and international level and is set up demographically. It is complimentary for up and coming businesses and talent and funded by sponsors. I dusted Texas with about two-thousand flyers; the concept was received well. Petty Post and I look forward to working with new talent and moguls in the making; their stories will be told on www.senecavillage.net and we encourage you to check it out.

Another reason I love to travel, is the insight it offers you on your peers in the game. Who takes themselves seriously and who is just talking. This is important to me as it allows me to dismiss people before I invest too much time, energy, effort and money into situations that will ultimately go nowhere. It exposes one’s level of awareness on expanding brands and the value of promotion and marketing on a grander scale. I hate to admit it, but I find New York flooded with talent in an already saturated market; it makes it complicated to stick out. Conversely, out-of-towners are all dying to come to New York with the hopes of making it big. In my opinion, this is why “The New Yorker” is such a coveted visitor in other states. We offer invaluable insight as to what to expect and not expect from New York and the politics that come with the territory.

New York was well represented. Some notables from this weekend were Math of the Vandal Hour, featured on DTF Radio Saturday nights at 11pm. He had a staffed table at Peckerhead’s, complete with step and repeat, cameras and marketing goods. He was in prime position to capture key footage of TI’s performance. Jack Thriller, a SXSW staple, held his annual showcase; the house was packed. What I enjoy most about Jack’s showcases is the variety of talent; demographically and creatively speaking. He is able to attract this caliber of talent because of his fan base; an investment worth every penny for the right artist.

Torae and K.Fhox have been everywhere lately, so I wasn’t surprised to run into Torae personally; I didn’t catch up with K.Fhox but her marketing was all over the place. Choppa Zoe, of Money & Violence, was there promoting his music; his street team was in full effect. D-Teck of Konvict Music and Success of Atlantic Records were there to judge the Coast 2 Coast Showcases back to back on Friday and Saturday night; there was a great turn out of talent there as well.

I ran into Kwan Lee of Kwan Lee TV; it has been a minute since our last encounter and I can see why. He literally had his hands full; one with a camera, the other with business cards. I follow his social media and see him working on quite a bit; consistently. I highly recommend him for your photography and videography needs. He takes himself and the people he works with very seriously; it is clear in his work ethic. In his company, we ran into Cortez, another New York native on a mission.

Yannie, a personal favorite of mine for some time now, was in the mix like no other. She is an absolute powerhouse. I first met her through my work with Money & Violence; she is their publicist and a woman who wears many hats. Yannie is always surrounded by talent who are invested in their careers. This weekend she was with Phresher Dygz, a break-out artist from New York I’m also partial to. He tore the stage down with his hit “Wait A Minute”. I would be remiss if I did not mention Malcom X. He is also an artist, but filled the roll of hype-man in such a way, Spliff Star and Flavor Flav would tip their hats to.

Chase Baker, D. Chamberz, Bad Girl Cris, the Popular Stranger, Berri Life and Twan Da Dude were also in Austin, however, I did not cover their shows personally. I am privileged to live locally to these artists and am well aware of what they have to offer. What I really went to SXSW for was to scout talent from out of town; I had my pick of genre and venues to say the least. The first act I caught, The Wistful Larks, was a Rock’N Roll Group from Chicago. I had just landed and had to hit up a familiar spot, The Nook, for my first Blue Moon; they were mid performance and their energy kept me in the building. SXSW was one leg of their tour on the West Coast; I look forward to more from them in the future.

I happen to love John Legend’s “All of Me”, so when Paul and Julian were doing their rendition of it on the street, I just had to stop. This is part of the beauty of SXSW, literally every corner has its own vibe, complete with its own audience. You never know who you will encounter or impress, so everyone is on their A game. Press and media are key in this industry. I bumper into longtime acquaintance Gray Rizzy, of Shade 45 and Sirius XM, on Sixth; he was a panelist this year. Essince and Brooks, contributors for Hip Hip Weekly, were there to push their newest medium, Royal Heir Magazine. While there promoting www.senecavillage.net, I made it a point to pick up every CD, flyer and business card I could find. I am currently listening to new music from across the United States; reviews will follow on an independent level.

If you are an upcoming artist, looking to break out, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Planning and preparation, as with life, are key here. You should have your hotel booked by the end of the summer and your airfare handled by December 2017 for the best prices and hotel locations. The badges are expensive. I had one last year and opted to go without it this year; in my opinion I saved about $700.00. The key things to bring are business cards, the goods you are marketing, a street team and an amazing attitude. With that said, I look forward to seeing you next year.

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