Why Kids Talk Science?
Have you ever tried to explain something you half-understand?
There's nothing worse! When we try to explain an idea, to others or to ourselves, we end up understanding it better, or at least, figuring out what we don't quite get.
Having to come up with an explanation is crucial to learning, especially in science, where some concepts are difficult to grasp. Group discussions and debates are also crucial because they force us to make a very important decision: should we continue defending our ideas or should we accept we were wrong?
At Kids Talk Science we provide an environment where children have fun while learning, questioning, debating and expressing their thoughts creatively, very creatively, in fact!
Who’s behind Kids Talk Science
Graciela Flores
I am a nerdy science lover and I've always been. Over the years, I was lucky to be able to explore science from many different angles: as a biologist, teacher, writer and journalist. But teaching science to kids is what I’ve always enjoyed the most. One day, I started dreaming of a program where kids could explain what they learned in creative ways, through film, performance and other forms of art. In 2015, Kids Talk Science was born.
Soon after, Meredith joined me and we became a great team. It's so fun to discuss science and teach together, and her experience as an educator is invaluable. We hope the kids are enjoying learning and "talking science" as much as we are. It does look like it!
Graciela has a BS in Biology and a PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of Buenos Aires, and an MA in Science Journalism from New York University. She is the author of several biology books for students and teachers as well as science articles for the general public in English and in Spanish. She has taught science to undergraduates, teachers, and children.
Meredith Barish
I've always been curious about the world around me, especially the natural world! This love for exploration and observation led me towards a career in science education. In college, I studied Conservation and Resource Studies as well as Education with a focus on hands-on, inquiry based teaching methods. These methods capitalize on children's natural sense of wonder, letting their questions lead the investigations. Instead of being the receptacles of facts, children become the generators of discovery and knowledge. I put my education into practice at the New York Hall of Science where I worked developing programs and teaching school groups and after-school programs for children, as well as training teachers in experiential teaching methods.
Now many years later, I have noticed a need for science focused after-schools programs in our neighborhood. Last year, Graciela created such a program that provides for hands-on, inquiry-baseed learning while also engaging the creative process by having kids share what they have learned through video, audio, or written word. The process of explaining what they have learned through exploration reinforces that knowledge, as students become the teachers.
Meredith has a BS in Conservation and Resource Studies and a Minor in Education from the University of California, Berkeley, a BS in Nursing, and an MS in Midwifery from Columbia University.