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Physics is Elementary

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  On Friday, I was so pleased to be able to return to one of my favorite days of the year, High-Interest Day at Brookfield Elementary School. This is a day where I have been able to bring the concepts of physics to k-5 graders. You may be asking yourself, "Elementary students doing physics?" YES! Not just experimenting, but understanding the concepts behind the physics of electricity and sound.  This is a very special day I have had the opportunity to be involved in since 2017. So, how are we able to bring the concepts of electricity and sound traditionally taught to high school 11th and 12th graders to the elementary level? There are a few keys 1) make it a hands-on experience 2) remove the mathematical calculations and make it practical. In the past, I had the luck of bringing a handful of my physics students with me to guide the elementary students through the concepts that they had learned over the course of the year. But in my new role as a Teaching and Learning Speciali
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A Word from our Sponsors

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Our 3rd EdCamp Elmbrook is coming up on March 2nd. From communication to organization, the planning of this event has required me to grow in many different ways. The biggest area of growth for me has been asking for help. Not simply asking for help from colleagues in the district. Part of hosting the event has been asking for help from potential sponsors.

Seeking out sponsors used to mean going from business to business asking for donations face to face.  Or, getting a list of phone numbers and calling them one by one with a prepared script. Oh how times have changed. In the age of social media and email, it has become so much easier to reach out to and find potential sponsors.

Sponsors of events no longer need to be local.

The ability to connect with companies digitally has been a great boon for our EdCamp. It creates a wonderful two way street where they can help us with support for our event while we can share out their presence at our event and help build brand awareness not simply within our event, but beyond.

What has been amazing is how many of our sponsors I already had a relationship with. Not because they sponsored us in the past. No, they are already a part of my personal network. From EdTech companies whose services I use to authors who I follow on Twitter, potential sponsors are everywhere.

So while a few years ago, I would have been terrified to have to reach out to businesses for sponsorship. It has become a true area of growth. In a simple ask, I am able to speak to our brand, make the pitch personal based on my experience with the product or service the sponsor provides, and communicate potential sponsorship ideas.

It has become a source of pride that so many are willing to donate to our cause. Our great team of organizers have gone all out looking for potential sponsors and have done an amazing job locally and nationally.

If you are interested in attending EdCamp Elmbrook on March 2nd, find more info and register here: bit.ly/edcampelm 


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