A new experiment!

My name is Amanda and I love science. My background is in chemistry and biochemistry (I have a M.S. in chemistry from University of Washington and a B.S. in biochemistry from College of Charleston) and I get excited about the fascinating ways in which our world works. I live for the WHY. Why are dogs so lovable and why do volcanoes erupt and why does bread smell so good when it's baking in the oven? Why why why!

I have spent a few years working in research labs investigating biochemistry and chemistry mysteries, and I've spent a few more years teaching college chemistry labs in Charleston, and I've spent about a dozen years so far raising my children (they're not done yet!). I've found that many of my adult students are afraid to fail and they are uninterested in asking questions. I've also noticed that my own children don't get much hands-on science at school. There's a large focus in academic settings (from kindergarten to college) on getting the "right" answer. While I understand that there is merit in being able to learn from text books and lectures in a classroom setting, I also feel strongly that there is a HUGE benefit in being able to ask questions and investigate the answers without knowing how it'll turn out.

Which brings me to my new experiment! How can I put myself in a position to nurture the innate curiosity of our children and encourage their ability to solve problems creatively? How can I spark wonder in their growing minds so that they marvel at the world around them and want to ask "why?". My goal is to inspire children to ask questions, make observations, test hypotheses and ask yet more questions!

So the experiment begins! I'm starting a business to provide STEAM enrichment classes for preschool children, hopefully branching out to provide some hands-on experiments for K-12 classes as well, but one thing at a time! I've never started a business before, and I don't know anything about building a website or marketing. But I'll learn as I go, asking questions, making mistakes, and improving as I learn more. It's the next adventure, the next experiment, and I'm excited to get started! (And only a little terrified.)