Author: sbarnes20

As I thought about how I wanted to teach, I knew I would be using my document camera often, but I didn’t like the idea of just sitting and writing notes in front of my class. I wanted my class to be more active and engaging.

So I made a standing desk on locking casters that allows me to easily move it where I want it. There is also plenty of space for my computer, notes, and other materials I might need during the lesson.

Of course I now use this as an example of effective problem solving. I tell my students, if you’re working on a math problem and you can’t figure out the answer, a good strategy is to make a table. That’s what I did.

If you’re a teacher and would like one of these for your classroom, I sell them for $150. Order here.

Three years ago, I started teaching math at Lincoln High School. My classroom had bare walls and no windows, so I decided to fix that with what I refer to as the Window of Opportunity.

I open the Window of Opportunity before every quiz and test and make some silly comment about getting some fresh air in the room to stimulate their brain waves. I’ll admit it’s one of my dumber jokes, but my students seem to enjoy it.

Side note, the landscape pictured is taken on my family’s ranch where you can see cows running around with the Heartbeat Brand.

Side side note, look at the rickety picnic table I used to use as a workbench. I’m so happy I’ve moved up in the world…

A couple sets of bags boards that I made.

What you can’t see is that the back hinges to create the appropriate elevation during play but then latches flush to provide storage for bags. I also attached a handle on the side to make carrying easier.

My wife, Niki, and I spent the first year of our marriage without a TV, but then we inherited one from her grandma.

So we needed a TV stand.

This is where things really got started for me. I was getting married and needed to get my groomsmen and ushers a gift.

I saw these cool balancing wine bottle holders on the internet, but they were $20 a piece. I went out and bought the materials, a circular saw, and had them custom etched all for less than I would have paid online.

Turns out buying tools is addictive…