After school demos make great teachers
So you want to be an amazing teacher? Start with the parents. Back to school night is a great time to do some science demonstrations.
Imagine yourself doing an experiment right in front of the parents' eyes, like filling a Ziplock bag with…
Baby Soda Bottle – test tube in a bottle
Some of the products you see in the Steve Spangler Science catalog were born because science teachers found it difficult to get the supplies they needed. One such product is the Baby Soda Bottle. If you haven't seen one, Baby Soda Bottle is…
International Toy Fair open to all – yes, even teachers
If you are ever in New York in February you have to visit the International Toy Fair. It's a kind of convention where the latest and greatest toys are rolled out for buyers across the world to stock their shelves. It's a wonderful experience…
How to be an amazing teacher by taking the lid off the box
How to be amazing teacher? Try this! Get organized. The hardest thing is to take all the ideas we learn at conferences, workshops and seminars and put them to use.
Don't put science demonstrations in a closed box - because they will stay there.…
Education science toys – from idea to sales and everything in between
People are sometimes confused to walk through a toy store and see this kit designed by Steve Spangler Science under the brand name Be Amazing Toys. How come a science teacher is doing this? It is all because a group of science teachers got together…
The Science of Leadership – Using Cool Science Demos to Increase Participation in Student Council
In 1996 I was asked to be a student council sponsor at Willow Creek Elementary. We had a problem getting kids to show up to student council meetings at 7.30am.
Working with Dr. Earl Reum, we came up with the idea of using engaging science demonstrations…
Be Amazing Toys – a great way to “learn” a living
As teachers, we learn how to do different jobs to supplement our income. One of the ways was to take things we worked on during class and come up with ideas for science toys. In 1991 a collaboration of science teachers got together to invent…
Science teachers, purple cows and the case of the flaming wallet
So you want a book to read? What's it to be? 103 Ways to become a more effective standards-based teacher. No? Well, here's a great little book called Purple Cow by Seth Godin, a truly incredible mind in marketing. You want to go to the local…
The 15-second sound bite – TV vs. classroom teaching
People often ask me if teaching on television is different to teaching in the classroom. Let me tell you a secret.
It is a completely different experience. First, I was told I was not on TV to educate. I was on TV to entertain!
But wait! What…
Active things parents can do to help kids learn science
It doesn't all rest in the hands of the teacher. If you are a parent there are some active things you can do to help your kids prepare for a lifetime of science or inquiry. Help by reinforcing what your teacher is doing in class.
When your…
