My Inspiration… Don Herbert – The “Original” Mr. Wizard
A popular guest on the Johnny Carson Show, Don Herbert was truly an inspiration to an entire generation of science enthusiasts. I remember watching him as a kid and being impressed by the fact that while he was amazing, he didn't have a laboratory…
News Anchor Gets Soaked! Mentos Experiment Sets a New Record
Kim Christiansen thought that Monday would be just another fun, hands-on science segment with Steve Spangler. Little did she know that the bottles of soda would explode and she would be wearing the experiment. This is not the first time I've…
When the tie dyed lab coat comes out, it’s time for science
You're in for a treat today, because I'm posting my very first podcast interview.
Listen in on my discussion with Julie Gintzler, kindergarten teacher extraordinaire and instructor at the Hands-on Science Boot Camp as she shares one of her…
Magicians do the impossible first
People often ask how I got excited about science. Who was the great chemist who influenced my life?
I grew up in an unusual family. My first recollection was when I was three years old, peeking through the curtain at the Paramount Theater,…
Floating Bowling Balls
Some of my television segments get more email feedback than others... and this one got a ton. Why? Probably because most people don't know that you can make a standard, regulation size bowling ball float in water. Yes, you can make a bowling…
The hardest thing about teaching science – not enough hours in the day
In a 2003 survey, elementary teachers said the hardest thing about teaching science was "I don't have enough time in the day"?. In that survey supervisors were asked the same question. Their responses related to not enough materials or staff…
Teacher evaluations – the great dinner table experiment
During my first year in teaching, my first evaluation revealed I wasn't as terrible a teacher as I thought. My principal said: "I notice when I come into the room you go into performance mode. It makes learning so much fun but I am not sure…
Lights! Camera! Action! Enter the amazing teacher
A teacher is always on stage. The lights come on. The sound comes up. And the teacher is on stage for six hours guiding the kids through the learning process.
I am often invited to attend conferences and speak to audiences. The last thing I…
Teaching teachers to do magic
A teacher can be an amazing teacher. In science workshops and seminars, I teach teachers how to do magic.
I grew up in a family of professional magicians, but my 13 years in the classroom didn't involve a lot of magic other than science magic,…
Home schooling – make science come alive
One of the benefits of home schooling is you can take time to wonder, discover and explore. Science instruction can be a really difficult area, however, because you may have limited resources such as chemicals and equipment.
So why not go to…
