Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, use hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilities
Learn to see
problems as
opportunities
for solutions!

Jim McMillan, Dallas, Home School Teacher, uses hands-on projects, teaching, Robotics, Electonics, Science, and Technology. Learn electrical & mechanical problem solving skills, creative techiniques, simplified engieering principles and divergent thinking abilitiesWhat & Why I Teach, My qualifications - Get A Head Start, Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, use hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilitiesFree downloads - Get A Head Start, Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, use hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilitiesCollection of class and camp pictures plus some submitted by my students, see electronic art, warbots, individual, group and project pics, Jim McMillan, Kinetic Learning Center, Dallas


 


Jim McMillan, Robotics, Creative Design, Problem Solving, home school materials -  Registered Trademark

®



Get A Head Start,Go to Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, using hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilities
Developing creative problem solving skills
& abilities through practical application of
Math, Science and Engineering principles!
Get A Head Start,Go to Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, using hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilities
Jim McMillan teaching Robotics class at Providience Christian School. Hands-on projects develop creative problem solving skills.

Jim McMillan teaching a
class at Providience School





Get A Head Start,Go to Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, using hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilities




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Get A Head Start,Go to Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, using hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilities


WHY I TEACH

Problem solving is fun and exciting. I have developed a system using fun hands-on projects to explain and help understand scientific and math principles. We develop creative problem solving skills through logical thought, divergent thinking and practical application.

One of my first problems to solve as a kid was how to crack the lock on my father's toolshed. Later on, it was what to do after my father discovered and pulled out all my bugging equipment in the attic.

Many incidents (and "inventions") later , I wound up with an honorable discharge from the Air Force, a Degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University, a Top Secret Security Clearance and gainful employment as a Research & Product Development Engineer. My father was relieved!

With my own son
came many years (18) as an Assistant Scoutmaster, T35 Highland Park and a growing interest in sharing my "stuff" with kids. With my daughter came time in Indian Princess and the need to supplement her lifestyle as a foreign exchange and international college student.

But it was my wife and friends who talked me into teaching in 1994 at RHSA (Richardson Home School Association) and now into offering my projects and ideas to a wider group of parents and kids or anyone who wants to learn.

I still like toys and projects - especially inventing them and using their appeal to demonstrate scientific principles. Its exciting to see a student get turned on to the fun and joy of learning.

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Get A Head Start,Go to Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, using hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilities



Qualifications & Other Facts


* Asst. Scoutmaster for 18 years. Troop 35, Highland Park.
* Co-Started BSA Troop #125 at Northwest Bible Church.
* Served on BSA Circle 10 Health & Safety Committee.
* WOODBADGE #45: Scouts highest level of adult training.
* SMU '71, Research, Design & Product Development Engr.
* Developed Patented Designs for several local companies.
* Won SCCA Championship in a car he designed & built.
* 33 years President of ACS Inc, a consulting company.
* Designed, Built and/or Remodeled several houses.
* Teaching 15+ yrs at Private & Home School Co-Ops.
* Runs annual Science, Technology & Robotics Camps
* Most class projects are original copyrighted designs.
* Kinetic Learning Center is a Registered US Trademark.
* You must have written permission to use KLC materials.

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Get A Head Start,Go to Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, using hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilities


CLASS GOALS




To teach students how to apply mathematical & scientific theory and facts to solving real life problems. A step beyond the 'ought & should' to the developing of how-to abilities needed to accomplish goals. To encourage them not to be intimidated by mistakes or failures but to see them as part of the discovery process and learning curve. Students learn to see 'problems' as opportunities & challenges. They use divergent thinking & creative problem solving skills to find quick solutions.
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Get A Head Start,Go to Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, using hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilities

METHODS & TIMING



This school year program uses kinetic (hands-on) methods to develop critical & divergent thinking. The specially designed projects reinforce application and problem solving skills while building confidence and self esteem. I will teach a basic foundation of mechanical and electronics theory. The students will actually use power tools and soldering irons to build both mechanical, electrical and/or electronic devices.
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Get A Head Start,Go to Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, using hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilities



THE PROJECTS

The projects are fun. Most are my original, copyrighted designs, developed and/or chosen for kid appeal. These classes are about seeing problems as opportunities for solutions. With a wide range of ages (6-17) and skill levels, there are many variables. As in all classroom instruction, the students will have different degrees of success. Success is measured by what is learned, not what is made. The projects are designed to teach, apply and practice specific skills. Although I can't guarantee that a student's project will be successful, most usually are.
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Get A Head Start,Go to Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, using hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilities





Covered Subjects

The class is a combination of math, science, physics, and engineering principles. The projects help hone those skills. Two former students were given pre-engineering credit (at A&M) for my courses. The order of subjects and projects is adjusted throughout the year, so as to challenge but not overwhelm the students. The following is what I plan to cover:


(a) Mechanical theory and tool use. We will learn to safely use basic & power tools and build projects that apply and develop those skills.

(b) Electronics principals, basic theory and application. We will build several fun projects from beginner to more advanced.

(c) Practical methods of design and problem solving techniques. How to plan, organize, develop and carry out an idea from the original, initial concept to an out-the-door finished product.

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