Dr. Art Sussman, keynote speaker
Dr. Art Sussman explains the Big Ideas in science to help teachers and students understand and enjoy science. Dr. Art shows the connections among these big ideas, and how this big idea framework helps learners understand and remember required science content. As part of his work, he helped California, Nevada, and Utah develop and implement high quality science education standards. These standards guide science instruction for millions of K-12 students.
Sussman received his PhD in biochemistry from Princeton University. He pursued scientific research at Oxford University, Harvard Medical School, and the University of California at San Francisco.
Planet Earth Show
Dr. Art's Planet Earth Show combines exciting scientific demonstrations with audience participation. Based on the books Dr. Art's Guide to Planet Earth and Dr. Art’s Guide to Science, the show provides an entertaining way to help people understand how our planet works.
Three principles provide a global perspective on Earth’s cycles of matter, flows of energy and web of life. Through the show, the audience learns that Earth is a closed system for matter, an open system with respect to energy, and a tightly networked system with respect to life. In addition to its simplicity, this framework provides an easy way to understand environmental issues. Global climate change, for example, is due to alterations in the cycles of matter that interfere with the planetary flows of energy, which can then impact the web of life in unpredictable ways.
Dr. Art’s Planet Earth Show models a variety of pedagogical approaches. It works well at educator conferences, science centers and schools (middle schools and high schools). The show addresses a large number of national Science Content Standards including those from the Earth/Space, Life and Physical Sciences, as well as Unifying Concepts, and Science in Personal/Social Perspectives.
When performed for educators, the presentation includes instructions for them to adapt from the show for their own situations. Teachers and students can go deeper into the science by exploring the new book (Dr. Art’s Guide to Science), its associated website (http://www.guidetoscience.net/), and a new DVD entitled Dr. Art Does Science.
Dr. Art Sussman, the show's developer and performer, is a scientist who has playfully labored the past 25 years in developing innovative methods to teach environmental and scientific concepts in ways that are meaningful, effective and fun. He directs science and environmental education programs at WestEd, one of the nation's ten Regional Educational Laboratories.
Dr. Art's books and show have received very favorable reviews. If you come to the show, you will find out why Dr. Jane Goodall said, "Art Sussman joyfully explains science we all need to know. His presentation captures the imagination of people of all ages and invokes a sense of wonder. I absolutely recommend it."
Dr. Art's Guide to Science, Art Sussman, 978-0-7879-8326-0 (hardcover), $22.95 retail
Dr. Art Does Science, Art Sussman, 978-0-914409-25-0 (DVD), $29.95 retail
Dr. Art's Guide to Science and Dr. Art Does Science set, Art Sussman, (hardcover & DVD), $42 retail
Dr. Arts's Guide to Planet Earth, Art Sussman, 189013273X (paperback), used