Mark Gerl
@markgerl.bsky.social
Middle School Tech & Innovation Teacher, teaching Robotics, Programming, Game Design, Wearable Technology, VR Design & 3D Printing. Advocate for UX for Edu (LX). Presenting at SXSW EDU in March '25.
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome It is Spirit Week & today's theme is "Dress like something that starts with the 1st letter of your name".
I wore my Count shirt as he is a "Mathematical Muppet".
A student said "He doesn't count!"
I assure you ... He does. 🤓
#EduSky #Muppets #EduPuns #CountVonCount
I wore my Count shirt as he is a "Mathematical Muppet".
A student said "He doesn't count!"
I assure you ... He does. 🤓
#EduSky #Muppets #EduPuns #CountVonCount
November 19, 2025 at 8:22 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome It is Spirit Week & today's theme is "Dress like something that starts with the 1st letter of your name".
I wore my Count shirt as he is a "Mathematical Muppet".
A student said "He doesn't count!"
I assure you ... He does. 🤓
#EduSky #Muppets #EduPuns #CountVonCount
I wore my Count shirt as he is a "Mathematical Muppet".
A student said "He doesn't count!"
I assure you ... He does. 🤓
#EduSky #Muppets #EduPuns #CountVonCount
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
S1: "Bro, your thing is printing!"
S2: "YES!"
Somewhere between Ella Flagg-Young & Seymour Papert, I've learned that students making things & being proud of those things are the two best ways to assess learning.
I love to hear that excitement.
#EduSky #Constructionism
S1: "Bro, your thing is printing!"
S2: "YES!"
Somewhere between Ella Flagg-Young & Seymour Papert, I've learned that students making things & being proud of those things are the two best ways to assess learning.
I love to hear that excitement.
#EduSky #Constructionism
November 18, 2025 at 8:09 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
S1: "Bro, your thing is printing!"
S2: "YES!"
Somewhere between Ella Flagg-Young & Seymour Papert, I've learned that students making things & being proud of those things are the two best ways to assess learning.
I love to hear that excitement.
#EduSky #Constructionism
S1: "Bro, your thing is printing!"
S2: "YES!"
Somewhere between Ella Flagg-Young & Seymour Papert, I've learned that students making things & being proud of those things are the two best ways to assess learning.
I love to hear that excitement.
#EduSky #Constructionism
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome the student newsletter awarded me "Teacher of the Year" by the popular vote of students. I shall treasure* this crown always.
*I have to treasure it as it is way too small to actually wear
#EduSky #TeacherOfTheYear #GratefulForMyStudents
*I have to treasure it as it is way too small to actually wear
#EduSky #TeacherOfTheYear #GratefulForMyStudents
November 17, 2025 at 9:54 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome the student newsletter awarded me "Teacher of the Year" by the popular vote of students. I shall treasure* this crown always.
*I have to treasure it as it is way too small to actually wear
#EduSky #TeacherOfTheYear #GratefulForMyStudents
*I have to treasure it as it is way too small to actually wear
#EduSky #TeacherOfTheYear #GratefulForMyStudents
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 7th Grade 3D printing class has progressed to be able to change filament, adjust slicer settings, and decide between PLA PETG or TPU. Their designs are showing thought & depth about what they're making.
Next Stop ... Maker Faire!
#EduSky #MakerEDU #3DPrintingEDU
Next Stop ... Maker Faire!
#EduSky #MakerEDU #3DPrintingEDU
November 14, 2025 at 10:05 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 7th Grade 3D printing class has progressed to be able to change filament, adjust slicer settings, and decide between PLA PETG or TPU. Their designs are showing thought & depth about what they're making.
Next Stop ... Maker Faire!
#EduSky #MakerEDU #3DPrintingEDU
Next Stop ... Maker Faire!
#EduSky #MakerEDU #3DPrintingEDU
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 6th grade Design Studio has started turning in their designs for the Admissions Office. They've been incorporating the new logo and making some impressive designs.
The prototypes should finish printing by Friday, we'll get feedback after then.
#EduSky #CocoaPress #❤️🍫🖨️
The prototypes should finish printing by Friday, we'll get feedback after then.
#EduSky #CocoaPress #❤️🍫🖨️
November 13, 2025 at 12:28 AM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 6th grade Design Studio has started turning in their designs for the Admissions Office. They've been incorporating the new logo and making some impressive designs.
The prototypes should finish printing by Friday, we'll get feedback after then.
#EduSky #CocoaPress #❤️🍫🖨️
The prototypes should finish printing by Friday, we'll get feedback after then.
#EduSky #CocoaPress #❤️🍫🖨️
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Went to the AATE meeting about Data Visualization... Met up with some great friends and we talked about how to change education and our classrooms. There is something encouraging and energizing about sharing ideas with great minds.
#EduSky #GreatFriends #ChangeTheWorld
#EduSky #GreatFriends #ChangeTheWorld
November 10, 2025 at 9:33 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Went to the AATE meeting about Data Visualization... Met up with some great friends and we talked about how to change education and our classrooms. There is something encouraging and energizing about sharing ideas with great minds.
#EduSky #GreatFriends #ChangeTheWorld
#EduSky #GreatFriends #ChangeTheWorld
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome This is Tina. She does ballet, and likes to go on quests.
Her best friends are twin foxes, David and Leela. David is smart, likes to play games.
Leela is an adventurer. They go on quests together.
I was introduced by a student who was incredibly proud of her. 😁
#EduSky
Her best friends are twin foxes, David and Leela. David is smart, likes to play games.
Leela is an adventurer. They go on quests together.
I was introduced by a student who was incredibly proud of her. 😁
#EduSky
November 7, 2025 at 7:56 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome This is Tina. She does ballet, and likes to go on quests.
Her best friends are twin foxes, David and Leela. David is smart, likes to play games.
Leela is an adventurer. They go on quests together.
I was introduced by a student who was incredibly proud of her. 😁
#EduSky
Her best friends are twin foxes, David and Leela. David is smart, likes to play games.
Leela is an adventurer. They go on quests together.
I was introduced by a student who was incredibly proud of her. 😁
#EduSky
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 3D print class has the challenge "Design & print something that moves" implying print in place / gears
student is designing planetary gears, which lead to "How many teeth on a gear?" which lead to "How far apart are they?" which lead to geometry & algebra
#EduSky #MakerEdu
student is designing planetary gears, which lead to "How many teeth on a gear?" which lead to "How far apart are they?" which lead to geometry & algebra
#EduSky #MakerEdu
November 6, 2025 at 10:34 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 3D print class has the challenge "Design & print something that moves" implying print in place / gears
student is designing planetary gears, which lead to "How many teeth on a gear?" which lead to "How far apart are they?" which lead to geometry & algebra
#EduSky #MakerEdu
student is designing planetary gears, which lead to "How many teeth on a gear?" which lead to "How far apart are they?" which lead to geometry & algebra
#EduSky #MakerEdu
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome I absolutely love when students have that "Look what I did!" moment. Today's 8th grade Robotics was filled with shouts of pride & accomplishment. This is why I teach. Each team was able to code the square.
@sparkfun.bsky.social XRP Robots are amazing!
#EduSky #Robots🤖
@sparkfun.bsky.social XRP Robots are amazing!
#EduSky #Robots🤖
November 5, 2025 at 8:27 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome I absolutely love when students have that "Look what I did!" moment. Today's 8th grade Robotics was filled with shouts of pride & accomplishment. This is why I teach. Each team was able to code the square.
@sparkfun.bsky.social XRP Robots are amazing!
#EduSky #Robots🤖
@sparkfun.bsky.social XRP Robots are amazing!
#EduSky #Robots🤖
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome I enjoy giving students room to be creative in class. It helps me learn who they are as people.
It also makes moments like this possible. You don't get this from a scripted curriculum.
*Used with their permission.
#EduSky #LetKidsBeThemselves #WhyITeach
It also makes moments like this possible. You don't get this from a scripted curriculum.
*Used with their permission.
#EduSky #LetKidsBeThemselves #WhyITeach
October 30, 2025 at 7:02 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome I enjoy giving students room to be creative in class. It helps me learn who they are as people.
It also makes moments like this possible. You don't get this from a scripted curriculum.
*Used with their permission.
#EduSky #LetKidsBeThemselves #WhyITeach
It also makes moments like this possible. You don't get this from a scripted curriculum.
*Used with their permission.
#EduSky #LetKidsBeThemselves #WhyITeach
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome The 8th grade Robotics class got their robots today! They assembled the XRP robots from @sparkfun.bsky.social in a single class. The only disappointment is I only had 1 frost blue sparkly filament chassis. Guess what I'm printing this weekend.
#EduSky #Robots #XRPRobots
#EduSky #Robots #XRPRobots
October 28, 2025 at 7:19 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome The 8th grade Robotics class got their robots today! They assembled the XRP robots from @sparkfun.bsky.social in a single class. The only disappointment is I only had 1 frost blue sparkly filament chassis. Guess what I'm printing this weekend.
#EduSky #Robots #XRPRobots
#EduSky #Robots #XRPRobots
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome VR is an amazing technology, allowing us to explore worlds we can't go to physically. It can also be an incredible art platform, making beauty you can walk in.
A student made this piece, complete with unicorns.
@delightex.com
#EduSky #VREdu #NeedsMoreUnicorns
A student made this piece, complete with unicorns.
@delightex.com
#EduSky #VREdu #NeedsMoreUnicorns
October 27, 2025 at 10:46 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome VR is an amazing technology, allowing us to explore worlds we can't go to physically. It can also be an incredible art platform, making beauty you can walk in.
A student made this piece, complete with unicorns.
@delightex.com
#EduSky #VREdu #NeedsMoreUnicorns
A student made this piece, complete with unicorns.
@delightex.com
#EduSky #VREdu #NeedsMoreUnicorns
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 7th/8th grade AI Exp fine tuned their Teachable Machines to finally complete a maze! The cheers were very human as the "You Win!" signs popped up on screens.
teachablemachine.withgoogle.com
playground.raise.mit.edu/create/
@nancyeblairblack.bsky.social
#EduSky #AIEdu
teachablemachine.withgoogle.com
playground.raise.mit.edu/create/
@nancyeblairblack.bsky.social
#EduSky #AIEdu
October 24, 2025 at 7:15 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 7th/8th grade AI Exp fine tuned their Teachable Machines to finally complete a maze! The cheers were very human as the "You Win!" signs popped up on screens.
teachablemachine.withgoogle.com
playground.raise.mit.edu/create/
@nancyeblairblack.bsky.social
#EduSky #AIEdu
teachablemachine.withgoogle.com
playground.raise.mit.edu/create/
@nancyeblairblack.bsky.social
#EduSky #AIEdu
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome AI Exploration for 7/8th gd. Learning the importance of data, and good data, in training systems to be accurate with Teachable Machine. They learned when you game the system to get results in training it leads to bad results in production.
#EduSky #AIEducation #DataIsLife
#EduSky #AIEducation #DataIsLife
October 22, 2025 at 7:20 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome AI Exploration for 7/8th gd. Learning the importance of data, and good data, in training systems to be accurate with Teachable Machine. They learned when you game the system to get results in training it leads to bad results in production.
#EduSky #AIEducation #DataIsLife
#EduSky #AIEducation #DataIsLife
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome The assignment was a brief portfolio slide deck of what you've learned this term. One student ended her presentation with this.
I'm not crying, my lab is just very dusty.
#EduSky #StudentAppreciation #IDeserveAMedalMyStudentSaidSo
I'm not crying, my lab is just very dusty.
#EduSky #StudentAppreciation #IDeserveAMedalMyStudentSaidSo
October 9, 2025 at 7:16 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome The assignment was a brief portfolio slide deck of what you've learned this term. One student ended her presentation with this.
I'm not crying, my lab is just very dusty.
#EduSky #StudentAppreciation #IDeserveAMedalMyStudentSaidSo
I'm not crying, my lab is just very dusty.
#EduSky #StudentAppreciation #IDeserveAMedalMyStudentSaidSo
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
Due to a schedule change we had a shortened class. They asked if they could do Formula 1 Robot Races. @spheroeducation.bsky.social
"We imagine a school where teachers & students stretch themselves with projects of their own design." -Seymour Papert
#EduSky #Formula1
Due to a schedule change we had a shortened class. They asked if they could do Formula 1 Robot Races. @spheroeducation.bsky.social
"We imagine a school where teachers & students stretch themselves with projects of their own design." -Seymour Papert
#EduSky #Formula1
October 8, 2025 at 6:47 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
Due to a schedule change we had a shortened class. They asked if they could do Formula 1 Robot Races. @spheroeducation.bsky.social
"We imagine a school where teachers & students stretch themselves with projects of their own design." -Seymour Papert
#EduSky #Formula1
Due to a schedule change we had a shortened class. They asked if they could do Formula 1 Robot Races. @spheroeducation.bsky.social
"We imagine a school where teachers & students stretch themselves with projects of their own design." -Seymour Papert
#EduSky #Formula1
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome I love discovering new tools, new ideas, new curriculum. I ordered this XRP Robot kit from @sparkfun.bsky.social & the frame is currently printing. Excited to code soon.
#EduSky #XRPRobot #NewCurriculumExcitement
#BuildABot
#EduSky #XRPRobot #NewCurriculumExcitement
#BuildABot
October 6, 2025 at 7:03 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome I love discovering new tools, new ideas, new curriculum. I ordered this XRP Robot kit from @sparkfun.bsky.social & the frame is currently printing. Excited to code soon.
#EduSky #XRPRobot #NewCurriculumExcitement
#BuildABot
#EduSky #XRPRobot #NewCurriculumExcitement
#BuildABot
September 28, 2025 at 2:42 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Working the CocoaPress booth at @3dprintopia.bsky.social my 1st 3D print event
Walking around, talking to people, seeing the amazing ideas that come from Cartesian planes & melting plastic to become absolutely incredible designs.
11/10 would recommend
#EduSky #MakerEdu
Walking around, talking to people, seeing the amazing ideas that come from Cartesian planes & melting plastic to become absolutely incredible designs.
11/10 would recommend
#EduSky #MakerEdu
September 27, 2025 at 7:20 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Working the CocoaPress booth at @3dprintopia.bsky.social my 1st 3D print event
Walking around, talking to people, seeing the amazing ideas that come from Cartesian planes & melting plastic to become absolutely incredible designs.
11/10 would recommend
#EduSky #MakerEdu
Walking around, talking to people, seeing the amazing ideas that come from Cartesian planes & melting plastic to become absolutely incredible designs.
11/10 would recommend
#EduSky #MakerEdu
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Preparing for @3dprintopia.bsky.social 6th Grade interviewed a 3D Print Enthusiast Teacher "What would impress you about printing in chocolate?"
Based on his responses, they made Gaming Icons. 🤓
@ellierose.me @mattstultz.bsky.social
#EduSky #MakerEdu #♥️🍫🖨️ #3DChocolate
Based on his responses, they made Gaming Icons. 🤓
@ellierose.me @mattstultz.bsky.social
#EduSky #MakerEdu #♥️🍫🖨️ #3DChocolate
September 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Preparing for @3dprintopia.bsky.social 6th Grade interviewed a 3D Print Enthusiast Teacher "What would impress you about printing in chocolate?"
Based on his responses, they made Gaming Icons. 🤓
@ellierose.me @mattstultz.bsky.social
#EduSky #MakerEdu #♥️🍫🖨️ #3DChocolate
Based on his responses, they made Gaming Icons. 🤓
@ellierose.me @mattstultz.bsky.social
#EduSky #MakerEdu #♥️🍫🖨️ #3DChocolate
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome "Boardwalk Adventures" a mix of Monopoly and Clue, continues to make progress. Board layout and design and token production finished today.
#EduSky #GameDesignForLearning
#EduSky #GameDesignForLearning
September 15, 2025 at 7:43 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome "Boardwalk Adventures" a mix of Monopoly and Clue, continues to make progress. Board layout and design and token production finished today.
#EduSky #GameDesignForLearning
#EduSky #GameDesignForLearning
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome. Most students in Game Design class make video games. Now and again I'll get a few who make board games.
My favorite part is when they design the board and see the first glimpses of their world emerging.
#EduSky #GameDesign #MakingGamesToLearn
My favorite part is when they design the board and see the first glimpses of their world emerging.
#EduSky #GameDesign #MakingGamesToLearn
September 9, 2025 at 9:40 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome. Most students in Game Design class make video games. Now and again I'll get a few who make board games.
My favorite part is when they design the board and see the first glimpses of their world emerging.
#EduSky #GameDesign #MakingGamesToLearn
My favorite part is when they design the board and see the first glimpses of their world emerging.
#EduSky #GameDesign #MakingGamesToLearn
When the supplies for next term's class come in early, so you get to dream up new project standards.
"One of your prints must glow in the dark".
"Yes, you must print in neon pink"
"Include LEDs using the translucent filament".
@polymaker.bsky.social 😁😁😁
#EduSky #3DPrinting #HappyNerdTeacher
"One of your prints must glow in the dark".
"Yes, you must print in neon pink"
"Include LEDs using the translucent filament".
@polymaker.bsky.social 😁😁😁
#EduSky #3DPrinting #HappyNerdTeacher
September 9, 2025 at 7:18 PM
When the supplies for next term's class come in early, so you get to dream up new project standards.
"One of your prints must glow in the dark".
"Yes, you must print in neon pink"
"Include LEDs using the translucent filament".
@polymaker.bsky.social 😁😁😁
#EduSky #3DPrinting #HappyNerdTeacher
"One of your prints must glow in the dark".
"Yes, you must print in neon pink"
"Include LEDs using the translucent filament".
@polymaker.bsky.social 😁😁😁
#EduSky #3DPrinting #HappyNerdTeacher
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome trying AI feature on @spheroeducation.bsky.social web app. I had students flow chart a program, then had the AI explain it. It found little places I had missed like "If colors are the same on start".
Love that it reviews but doesn't code for them.
#EduSky #RobotsAI
Love that it reviews but doesn't code for them.
#EduSky #RobotsAI
September 8, 2025 at 7:14 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome trying AI feature on @spheroeducation.bsky.social web app. I had students flow chart a program, then had the AI explain it. It found little places I had missed like "If colors are the same on start".
Love that it reviews but doesn't code for them.
#EduSky #RobotsAI
Love that it reviews but doesn't code for them.
#EduSky #RobotsAI
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Mobile App Design explored @danlockton.com "Design With Intent" cards, so today was "An app that evokes emotion or inspires behavior".
One emotion was "Staring into The Abyss".
On one hand, they got the emotion perfectly. On the other hand...😨
#EduSky #DesignSkills
One emotion was "Staring into The Abyss".
On one hand, they got the emotion perfectly. On the other hand...😨
#EduSky #DesignSkills
August 29, 2025 at 7:15 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Mobile App Design explored @danlockton.com "Design With Intent" cards, so today was "An app that evokes emotion or inspires behavior".
One emotion was "Staring into The Abyss".
On one hand, they got the emotion perfectly. On the other hand...😨
#EduSky #DesignSkills
One emotion was "Staring into The Abyss".
On one hand, they got the emotion perfectly. On the other hand...😨
#EduSky #DesignSkills