Do we present workshops for teachers and parents? Of course!
 Not only does Tom Smith own and operate Wonder Workshops, one of the world's must see websites for science amusements, puzzles, and media, he is also a full fledged science teacher. Having taught elementary and high school, undergraduate and graduate school, Tom brings excitement, enthusiasm, and understanding to the classroom and shares these infectiously with those around him. His presentations are fast paced, engaging, and mind-on / hands-on. “You mean it's lunchtime already?” is the usual comment heard after the morning session.
As well as Tom being an outstanding science teacher, his rich background lends to real life examples of science in action. He has been an amusement park ride supervisor, worked in movie theaters, taken care of animals as a department store pet salesman, and continues his life long interest in performance magic. What does this have to do with science? Well, why are you stuck to the back of your seat in the Tilt-A-Whirl; what causes skeletons to jump out at you in the spook house dark ride; and just why does cotton candy spin out into threads? Why is film put through a projector upside down; what causes popcorn to pop? Why are there so many colors of guppies when the originals were a drab gray; how can a mouse be taught to run a maze; and is a rat really one of the smartest animals? And magic? The Science of Magic was a Toyota Tapestry grant awarded to Tom's teaching group from the National Science Teachers Association. The grant was used to demonstrate how magic could be used to inspire students to analyze their world, establish scientific connections, and create cross curricular presentations demonstrating their new found knowledge, pretty heady stuff from simple magic tricks.
But, just what goes on in a workshop? The answers are varied. Workshops are tailored to meet the needs of the sponsoring organizations.  School administrator's interests may be staff training in standard's based science instruction with emphasis on grade expectations and curriculum development. Teachers may be interested in brushing up on content background and learning new and effective ways of capturing student interest through demonstrations, questioning and explanation techniques, and experimentation. Parents may be interested in activities that enhance school instruction, or to develop a better understanding of the mysteries of science themselves so that they can share it with their own children. All needs are met in an active, hands-on approach. Everyone gets involved and everyone leaves with information and activities that they will use!
Workshops / classes can be created to last from 45 minutes to five days, all based on the requirements of the participants. Previous engagements include: The University of Vermont, College of St. Joseph, Rutland Area Retired Educators, Green Mountain College, Vermont Camping Association, Castleton State College, and Purdue University.
Tom lives in North Clarendon, Vermont with his wife, three youngest children, two cats, two dogs, and the frequent foreign exchange student.
Call now to reserve your dates!
Limited time available in the Fall and Spring.
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