Sunday, November 25, 2012

Learning About Energy With Steve Spangler

Steve Spangler Gave My Class Some Energy Sticks!
Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting YouTube Headquarters in San Bruno, California for the first ever YouTube Education Summit. It was an amazing experience and I felt very honored to be invited. I had the opportunity to meet some incredible education innovators including Sal Khan (of Khan Academy), Sir Ken Robinson (via G+ Hangout), several representatives of Ted-ED and the most exciting celebrity of all - Steve Spangler, the legendary science guru of Steve Spangler Science
Fan Girl Moment! 
I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw that Steve Spangler was one of the speakers at the EDU Summit, and was captivated along with the rest of the audience as he got about 75 adults actively engaged in several hands on science experiments, right in the middle of YouTube headquarters. I'd been a Steve Spangler fan for many years (as any elementary school teacher probably is) but watching his entertaining science in person, kicked up my respect for him to an entire new level! 
Human Energy Circuit
One of the many experiments he had us participate in at YouTube, was creating a human energy circuit using his cool, interactive Energy Stick. He gave everyone one of these fabulous devices and there were a few extras left and he generously gave me those to take back to my class! 
The students had a great time learning about electrodes, circuits, energy and electricity experimenting with the energy sticks. As a class, we also sent Steve Spangler a few tweets during the lesson and he responded! 
The energy sticks brought our science lesson to life and the students were able to correctly explain what we had done at the end of the period. 
We also created a brief video demonstrating our new knowledge. Who knew science could be so much fun? Click below to watch the class in action!
Thanks again, Steve Spangler! We loved the energy sticks, learned a ton and had a fabulous time!

1 comment:

  1. You are truly an inspirational teacher. And one that isn't afraid to shock her students! Looks like a very memorable lesson.

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