Pittsburgh’s teachers are some of the most involved and dedicated in the nation, and here at the Spark network we like to keep our city’s educators up to date on all the exciting and engaging opportunities our city has to offer. In other words, we want to help local Pittsburgh teachers become even more awesome than they already are. That’s why we’re so excited about an event happening this Saturday at The Ellis School.

The event, called Story Time Slime, will equip early childhood and elementary teachers with the learning tools they need to craft engaging lesson plans, to thrill students and to fit even more STEM learning into each school day. Steve Spangler Science will sponsor the event. Spangler, the organization’s founder, boasts credentials as a teacher, science author, professional speaker, toy designer and an Emmy award-winning television personality. But you may know him best for his T.V. appearances and YouTube videos — including his Mentos Geyser Experiment that went viral in 2005. Spangler’s videos and events help make understanding science fun and easy. With sparks, explosions and yes, even a little slime, Story Time Slime will pile teachers’ toolboxes with “hands-on science to teach critical thinking skills and to create unforgettable learning experiences.”

Here’s what teachers can expect when they attend Story Time Slime:

• Uncover the secrets to developing an integrated curriculum that teaches science through the medium of children’s literature.
• Use elements of the story line to introduce or reinforce fundamental parts of your early childhood science curriculum.
• Learn how to present hands-on science activities that boost creativity and help to develop critical thinking skills
• Take home more than twenty kid-tested, teacher-approved activities that are guaranteed to get young learners doing more science the very next day.

Julie Gintzler will lead the event. With over 20 years of experience teaching full-day kindergarten, Gintzler is an expert on capturing kids’ attention and keeping learning fun. Gintzler was recognized as a Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2007 and she currently serves as a traveling instructor for the National Hands-On Science Institute, which offers science training to educators across the country.

“Not only is Julie an amazing kindergarten teacher,” says Steve Spangler, “Her strategies for connecting science with children’s literature really work. I attended her first workshop in 2003 and I was hooked. Her library of children’s books and collection of hands-on science activities is amazing – she could do a week’s worth of teacher training. Julie is a fantastic trainer and the perfect addition to our selection of teacher training programs.”

Still on the fence about whether or not you should attend the event? The Steve Spangler Science team offers these reasons why you should:

Here’s Why YOU Should Attend…

• Participate in more than 20 ready-to-use science activities that are inquiry-based, standard-related and kid-tested
• Use elements of the story line in popular pieces of children’s literature to teach and reinforce fundamental building blocks of your science curriculum
• Learn how to become a more effective early childhood teacher without spending more money on stuff you won’t use
• Gain a better understanding of the real science behind all of fun activities
• Turn ordinary science activities into unforgettable learning experiences

Are you a local Pittsburgh teacher who’s ready to get slimed? Then head to The Ellis School’s website to register for the event. Tickets are $80 and include a continental breakfast, lunch, and a take-home science kit. The event also fulfills Act 48 and DPW. Story Time Slime happens this Saturday, September 29 from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm. Space is limited so register now to reserve your seat.