Little Shop of Physics (Who we are) visits many schools
throughout Colorado each year. We also bring our program to several
schools in neighboring states, and have 
been
to various countries as well! Our program is suitable for many different age
groups – we like to say the experience is for “K to Gray.” We have also
worked with community groups, universities, and anyone else who would
benefit from what we offer.
Though we tailor each visit to the organization's individual needs and age groups, our usual program involves an introductory 5-minute presentation, where we set the tone for our visit and dazzle the audience with a demonstration or two! We then divide the group of students (max size of 75) into two groups, allowing them to explore and try our 100+ experiments that are set up in two rooms. Finally, we close with another 5-minute presentation, at which time, students receive a Little Shop science gift, encouraging them to continue experimenting at home.
All of our projects are made with the
express purpose of being investigated by children as young as
preschoolers but still of interest to those of mature scientific mind.
Our projects are divided into two categories, those made for the
daylight and those that are best seen in the dark with ultraviolet or
infrared lights sources (that we bring). Within each room there are
various projects involving basic science concepts: motion 
&
waves, sound, pressure, electricity & magnetism, light
& color, atmospheric processes.
In addition to classroom teachers or school personnel, Little Shop’s tie-dyed crew helps supervise and guide the visitors.
After approximately 45-60 minutes, the students return to their classes, while our crew gets ready for the next group. We see as many students as the time allows. We usually serve all of the students in an elementary school, and try to squeeze in as many science classes as we can, in middle schools and high schools.
*We bring our crew of
tie-dye wearing undergraduate students and 100+ experiments.
* We arrive 60 minutes before we see our first group of students. With your help, we set up our equipment.
* A group of up to 75 students arrives, though we prefer smaller
groups. We give them a brief presentation of 5 minutes.
* Classroom teachers and the Little Shop crew supervise as students
work with experiments for about 45-60 minutes.
* We have a 5-minute closure and then students return to class.
* The next group of students arrives, and we take it from the top.
We can work with groups of mixed
age. In fact, if we are to work with kindergartners or preschoolers
(which we can!) mixed-aged groups work better. The older kids can work
with the younger kids to help them work with the different experiments
- which is good for everyone!
^top
The Details:
what we
need | the cost | how to sign up
What we need:
* Someone to meet us at the front of the school.
We’ll arrive approximately 60
minutes before you want us to see your first group, 
as
it takes an hour for us to set up. We would like someone to meet us at
the front of the school and guide us to where we will be located for
the day. A few students/staff who can help us carry boxes at the
beginning (and end) of the day is a nice touch.
* Two rooms or areas.
We need one area that is well lit,
and another that can be kept dark (we have a number of our coolest
experiments that really need to be in the dark.) If you need ideas
please Contact Us.
* 24 Tables–12 tables per room.
If the tables are ready to go in the
rooms, we will arrange them into a configuration once we’re there. We
can be flexible; we can use student desks, counter tops, the edge of a
stage, we can use ping-pong tables... We have never been at a school
yet where we have not been able to find the necessary horizontal
surfaces!
* Electrical outlets.
We need a minimum of one, but a room
with more is a bonus! We’ll provide all the power strips and extension
cords that we need.
* Create a schedule & give us 2 copies. 
That way, we can stay on top of the
time. Please try to schedule groups of students for 45 – 60 minute
sessions if possible.
* Teachers/Parent Volunteers to help supervise students.
The students work with the
experiments in an unstructured environment. Teachers are encouraged to
help us keep things running smoothly! For most situations, if teachers
accompany their classes, this will be plenty of supervision. If we are
working with very young children (Kindergarten or 1st grade, say) then
a few parent helpers might be nice, so there are more adults about.
* Lunch and a lunch break.
As you plan the schedule, please
include a lunch and a lunch break for us. Some schools have ordered
food for us, others have had their parent organization feed us, and
some have had our crew eat in the school cafeteria. We really
appreciate whatever you do!
*Donations!
The cost:
We have no set fees
for our program - we have never declined to visit a school based
on finances. However, we are supported by grants and donations, and so
we do accept donations from the schools that we visit. Donations from
schools allow us to develop new exhibits, repair equipment, and
purchase supplies. It costs us about $300-$500 per school visit,
depending on travel and number of students, to stay in operation. We
believe that this is a very reasonable cost for the program we present.
But we will not rule out a visit to any school based on how much (or
whether) they can donate!
Send an email request to Brian Jones,
Director of Little Shop or Contact
Us. Please send an email by the end of April to be considered
for next year’s tour. We try to
have our schedule completely set up for the next year by mid summer. We
will put your request in a next year’s possible
school visit file and then keep your fingers crossed! We receive many
more requests than we can fill each year. We don’t choose by first come
first served, as we have to consider the parameters of several grants
that provide us funding.
In the email, please include the following information:
Please share any other information that you find special about your school.Again, please send an email by the end of April.
Thanks so much for your interest in our Little Shop science program!
Site © 2009 Little Shop of Physics.
