Jason O'Hare
Jason O'Hare is a veteran educator and Suite 101 contributor interested in all aspects of teaching in elementary schools but especially best practices in the social studies. Having graduated from George Washington University with a B.A. in International Studies and History, his first passion was politics and history before he developed a love for working with children on the Navajo Indian Reservation in northwest New Mexico, teaching special education with the Teach For America program. From there, Jason worked at New Dominion School in the hills of western Maryland helping youth offendors turn their lives around as part of their unique wilderness program.
Jason recently earned his M.A. in elementary education from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and now happily resides in a mixed fifth and sixth grade classroom in one of the most bucolic Catholic schools in west Michigan. From his classroom window, he can watch the corn grow or spot deer grazing the lawn around the school's butterfly garden.
When not teaching or preparing for class, Jason loves running, hiking, growing bonsai, drinking an occassional craft brew, and spending time with his wife Jenelle and son Philip.
Having recently sold his first article to Highlights Magazine, he has caught the writing bug and hopes to be a frequent contributor to Suite101.com.
Latest Articles
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Artprize in Grand Rapids
Artprize, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the world's largest and most unusual art contest with over 1,000 entrants and almost $500,000 in prize money.
Oct 2, 2009
- Jason O'Hare
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Returning Humans to the Moon
NASA's LRO mission is sending a satellite to orbit the Moon for a year. The data it gathers will aid NASA in planning future human explorations of the lunar surface.
Sep 22, 2009
- Jason O'Hare
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The Search for Water on the Moon
NASA's LCROSS mission is crashing a satellite into the lunar surface. The resulting impact will aid scientists in determining if water ice exists on the Moon.
Sep 18, 2009
- Jason O'Hare
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International Space Station's Population Boom
Global cooperation between NASA and other space administrations has led to breakthroughs at the International Space Station- including a growing space population.
Sep 12, 2009
- Jason O'Hare
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Using Flags to Build Classroom Communities
This lesson lays the foundation for a classroom community by helping students identify what is important in their lives and how they share these values with classmates.
Sep 6, 2009
- Jason O'Hare
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Totally Free School Field Trips in West Michigan
With shrinking school budgets, planning a field trip may be a challenge. But these ideas for free outings won't break the bank.
Aug 28, 2009
- Jason O'Hare
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Math and Science Lessons from NASA's Website
NASA's website is full of educational resources but navigating through the myriad choices can be confusing. This article breaks it down and provides highlights.
Aug 15, 2009
- Jason O'Hare
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Family Friendly Vacation Options in Grand Haven
With amazing beaches and plenty of options for low cost activities and dining, Grand Haven is an ideal midwest destination for families.
Jul 20, 2009
- Jason O'Hare
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Geography of India Lesson and Assessment
This straightforward project on the geography of India uses a unique approach to assessment to keep students accountable for their public speaking skills.
Jul 1, 2009
- Jason O'Hare
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Middle School African History Activity
This hands-on activity uses ordinary muffins to recreate the challenges faced by the builders of the ancient kingdom of Aksum.
Jun 24, 2009
- Jason O'Hare
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