Hello, my name is Jon Bartell, and I own Science Quest, a company that provides science classes to children in private schools, day care facilities, and public schools throughout Harris and Montgomery counties. Contact me at 281-732-9327, or from the web site at http://science-quest.com/. I am a retired scientist with over 25 years of experience.
I have been providing these services for over seven years. Science Quest classes are perfect for all age groups. Classes are 45 minutes in length. A class could include a number of animals – for example, rabbits, turtles, birds, lizards, ferrets, hedgehogs, snakes, chinchillas. All animals are rescues and come from interesting parts of the world. There is a world of discovery and great stories surrounding each of these animals. The children are allowed to touch the animals to their hearts desire. I teach the importance of being gentle, kind, and patient when dealing with the animals. For example, if the animals are hungry we might offer them food – the rabbit is always up for a carrot!
In addition, I bring a number of scientific experiments to the classroom. I selected each of these experiments because of their great WOW factor. Each has a story of basic chemistry or physics that is explained in an age-appropriate fashion, and is always entertaining. After all, no matter what we teach our students, if they aren't listening, it is for naught.
I provide classes covering a wide range of science topics. Many of the schools and centers I attend have a science curriculum that I’m able to parallel with school projects and combine with hands-on activities. I have other activities for older students including The Egg Drop Contest, Float Your Boat Contest, a working hovercraft the kids can ride, Build a Bridge Contest, Rocket Building (Alka-Seltzer as well as larger water rockets) and making Slime. This is not the white glue slime but real Polyvinyl Alcohol based slime (yes it is very safe).
I hope this information provides an overview of what Science Quest is. I look forward to coming to your school.
Following are references from school districts and organizations which have benefited from my programs:
Conroe Independent School District 3rd grade teacher writes: "I am writing this letter to recommend a wonderful program for your school or campus. As a teacher, I see programs every year aimed at motivating our students to succeed and look to their futures. Mr.Bartell, the Science Guy, came to our campus last semester and I must say his presentation is one of the best I have seen. He does not just "talk" about science, he brings science alive. His program is interactive and exciting for students. Mr. Bartell's program reinforces how important reading and math are to anything the students hope to accomplish. He reminds them that they are the future of science and exploration. That there are great discoveries yet to be made and they can be a part of them. His program began with our affect on the environment. The students loved the variety of animals Mr. Bartell brought to share and the first hand stories of their rescues. The kids were amazed with his friend the bird and their wonderful relationship. The snake was also a big hit! Mr. Bartell's knowledge of the animals and the environmental dangers they face was spell-binding. His down to earth "things everyone can do to help" showed the students that they can make a difference. They are part of the solution. Mr. Bartell's program continued with ways to use everyday items and trash to create exciting science adventures at home. He takes science out of the realm of text-books and into the real world. His easy to do experiments make science accessible and meaningful to all types."
From ParentsConnect Average Parent Rating: "This is a real Scientist with a gift for getting kids (and grown ups) excited about science and learning. There is no crazy wig or lab coat. There are a dozen or so animals that the kids LOVE, there are interactive experiments, crazy fun toilet paper tricks, and an infectious sense of humor that grown ups will appreciate. Jon is amazing!" A Happy Parent Writes: Thank you Mr. Jon for the best Birthday party ever. My son and his friends couldn't stop talking about it. I was surprised to see how many parents decided to stay. I think we had as many adults as kids. It was a blast. Thanks again for making my son's birthday one he will not forget. Pictures of a few Science Quest “assistants.”
Mr. Peabody
Spike
Tommy
26-Jan-10 11:00 PM