Science teacher Peter Hedden. Submitted

BETHEL — When the pandemic hit, Peter Hedden, Telstar eighth grade science teacher, immediately thought group projects were out out due to social distancing. What he found was the students actually worked better when working individually on projects, specifically the mouse-trap car. He says the students felt more successful when working alone.

“Because they’re actually finishing them and doing their own versus working with somebody else and somebody else finished it,” Hedden explains. “Versus, oh! This is my car, and you’re going to make it work. I had the most success with those mouse trap cars that I ever had in my years prior.”

Although the students went to school year-round during 2020, there were bouts where they were working remote.

“You know, you had to view it as an opportunity, you couldn’t look at it, like, ‘oh this is horrible,’ though it was at times, you had to view it as ‘what can I do?’” explains Hedden. “What can I learn about and do something different, to try, you know.”

Working remotely meant using the computer. As the students were now on the computer full-time, he taught them some coding.

“It’s mostly block coding, they put blocks to make things happen. And instead of just doing fun stuff, I would have it coded to do, let’s say it’s a simple chemical reaction of the production of water,” continues Hedden. “If I made it wrong, if I made it incorrect, they would have to find what was incorrect and correct the code ….and the students, they like the coding piece, it’s sort of fun, and it’s not going to go away – computers are not going to go away.”

Talking with enthusiasm and an energy that is contagious, Hedden explains that he moved to Maine to work for Outward Bound. He ended up leaving to get his masters in Education at the University of Southern Maine before he began working for Telstar. He left to work for Gould for 11 years then came back to Telstar.

“Everybody is working hard. It’s tough times,” says Hedden. “Everybody is putting in their best effort. Everybody is just doing the best they can do.”

“We are so fortunate to have Pete on our middle school staff!” says Mark Kenney, Telstar Middle and High School principal. “He works tirelessly to make his units come alive with engaging and hands-on elements.

“All through last year and this year, he was able to adapt and still have kids doing hands-on labs, using their technology and 3D printers, and collaborating all while following all school and CDC safety and distancing guidelines.

“Kids love going to science class, feel empowered, and share their excitement for learning. His room is always  ‘abuzz’ with active learning and Pete gives them the opportunity to live and love science in the process.”

Note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Mark Kenney’s name.