My name is Brian Jones. In December, 2022, I retired from Colorado State University. I describe myself as a science educator.

During my time at Colorado State, I taught introductory physics to over 10,000 students, and I founded and directed the Little Shop of Physics program.

The Little Shop program is still going strong—and so am I. I still find wonder in the world around me, and I am still looking for ways to share this wonder with folks.

If you are a fellow educator, I’d love to work with you. I’d be happy to:

• Present at a workshop, in person or virtually. I have done workshops with thousands of teachers over the years, and I am keen to do more! I can talk about activities for hands-on science instruction, demonstrations, techniques for interactive engagement in classes.
• Brainstorm ideas for teaching science topics. What things are you curious about? What ideas do you have for engaging your students? I love nothing more than to brainstorm with fellow educators.
• Help you figure out what all the things in your classroom or equipment closet are. I’ve been teaching for a long time, and I’ve developed dozens of kits that are in local schools. Let’s go through your closet and see what hidden gems are there!
• Work with a student or a group of students on a project. I’ve worked with Odyssey of the Mind students, IB students doing projects, classes looking to save energy in their buildings. I am happy to share ideas and expertise.

Workshop and Class Materials

• Front Range Forum, Fall 2024
• Science and Life

In September, 2024, I was back in Norway with my Science Circus colleagues (as well as my US colleagues Chris Chiaverina and Adam Pearlstein) to present a pair of workshops to Norwegian teachers.

We had a blast presenting a workshop on Electricity and Magnetism and Playful Physics, and sharing ideas with each other. One of my favorite moments: Making a capacitor that would light a neon lamp using Norwegian brown cheese….

In July, 2024 I worked with Misty Brave at Oglala Lakota College to present a 2-day workshop on The Science of Life to a group of teachers in Pine Ridge reservation schools.

I’ve rarely met a group of teachers as passionate, as knowledgeable, and as creative. Over two days, we explored the science of living systems, as well as ideas about teaching, and the workings of the natural world.

In October, 2023, I spent several days with colleagues at the Science Circus in Norway. They are a great group with very creative ideas for sharing science with people. We shared a lot of ideas, set a few things on fire (mostly on purpose) and I learned a lot about chemistry and math demonstrations.

And here’s a nice variant on a classic demonstration—why levitate one balloon when you can levitate a circle of 10 balloons? This will be part of my updated presentation on “Pushing Air”.

In June, 2023, I had the chance to be part of a science festival in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The highlight, for me, was doing a presentation called “Pushing Air” in the central square. We used a giant school parachute, played volleyball with an eight foot weather balloon, and more.

In Spring, 2023, I worked with local schools on ways to teach electricity, magnetism, and states of matter.

I have a lot of experience to draw on, and a lot of cool props. I look forward to doing more work like this.

In April, 2023, I attended an award ceremony for Eric Hazlett, who teaches at St. Olaf. He won a social justice award for his work developing a remarkable and inclusive hands-on science outreach program. Eric and I had a chance to work together during his time at Colorado State, and I was so happy to see what he’s done since his graduation. Way to go, Eric!