Teacher Takes Off with New STEM Strategies
Cooper teacher fuses STEM and flight to inspire student curiosity
The John Cooper School is proud to highlight Middle School science teacher Bridget Guisinger, who recently spent part of her summer in Dayton, Ohio, participating in an extraordinary professional development experience focused on aviation and the science of flight.
Through this FAA-supported program, Ms. Guisinger explored the physics of flight, studied the Wright brothers’ early designs, and even flew a real P-28 Warrior aircraft with guidance from a certified flight instructor.
“This was one of the most exciting learning experiences I’ve ever had,” said Guisinger. “Not only did I get to see how the science we teach comes to life, but I also gained new tools and ideas I can bring straight into the classroom.”
She plans to kick off the school year with a hands-on investigation into rocket design, giving Cooper Dragons the chance to explore how nose cone shape, weight, and fin design affect flight. Using straw rockets and launchers she received during the program, her sixth-grade students will get to test their own designs as part of the space unit.
The trip also offered deeper lessons that go beyond science. While learning about Dayton’s history as a hub for invention, Guisinger was reminded how closely innovation and failure are linked. From the Wright brothers’ early experiments to her own attempt at building a model airplane that barely got off the ground, the theme was clear: setbacks are part of the journey.
“These kinds of experiences help students build resilience,” she said. “Most first attempts don’t work — and that’s the point. We learn by doing, reflecting, and trying again.”
This professional development opportunity reflects The John Cooper School’s commitment to Strategic Goal #4, which focuses on supporting faculty who are growth-oriented and passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences. The School believes that investing in teachers like Ms. Guisinger not only strengthens the classroom experience, but also helps Cooper remain a school of choice for top educators in the region.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this experience,” said Guisinger. “I came back energized and full of ideas. I can’t wait to bring this spirit of curiosity and problem-solving into my classroom!”
The John Cooper School
From Curiosity to Wisdom
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
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