October 13, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Kids Go To Mars In Search Of Aliens:

As youngsters, Professor Egghead Science Academy founders and brothers Gary and Shaun Tuch found science education lackluster and sought to redefine methods of teaching, one student at time.

Having played and taught soccer for their entire lives, the brothers knew the level of excitement needed to enthuse young minds about science.

“We actually have a sports background,” Gary said. “And we’ve always been coaching, and the way that you coach kids positively is with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of energy. We saw that there was a big need for exciting science.”

The brothers then began researching different methods of teaching, from projects to games and beyond, they found themselves enthusiastic about the potential effect their non-traditional program could have on students in Los Angeles County.

Some of the schools they work with in and around Santa Monica include Delphi Academy, St. Monica, Village School, and Seven Arrows.

“We’ve bought a totally different style of teaching,” Gary said. “We’ve developed a program that is really cool which has made us the number one STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) program in Los Angeles. We do after school classes, in-school workshops, summer camps, and birthday parties. Our whole goal is to promote cool science. We brought our excitement for science to the class room, and from there Professor Egghead started.”     

Each week the Academy focuses on a different topic. Recently, they launched a Mars Exploration instep with NASA’s Mars project. The students and professors discussed travel to Mars and how to sustain life once there.

“We discussed UV light, the conditions and properties of that planet, and greenhouses,” Gary said. “We can’t use the soil on Mars because it has different properties. Everything we do is for kids to think creatively and think outside of the box and have fun with it rather than play video games or watch television. We’re just trying to infuse excitement and creativity back into education.”

Today, the brothers and their specialized trained Egghead Professor staff of 24, work with 45 schools and about 1000 students per week.

Before the Professors are sent to schools they must undergo a specialized in-house curriculum, designed specifically by the brothers.

“We focus on engineering, using LEGO as a medium,” Gary said. “We do classical science, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and biology. We focus on kids from the ages of 4 to 12.”

From the San Fernando Valley to the Southbay area and back to downtown Los Angeles, the brothers are making “Eggheads” out of hundreds of students.

“Our kids earn Egghead degrees,” Gary said. “For example, they can get an Egghead degree in Rocket Science, an Egghead degree Inventor. They love it.”

Before launching Professor Egghead Science Academy, the brothers started ACE Enrichment, an after school program that offers dozens of fun educational activities.

“There is a big need today, especially with both parents working, sometimes more than one job and not being able to afford aftercare,” Gary said. “There is a real need from about 2:30-5:30 pm for kids to have some type of enrichment. Studies have been shown that is time of day when students need most structure. That is generally when trouble happens.”

Gary said the Academy is a for-profit organization, funded 100 percent by parents, that does a lot of outreach.

As for the name “Egghead,” Gary said there was a long standing stereotype that being an ‘Egghead’ is a negative thing.

“In fact, an Egghead is defined as an intellectual… who doesn’t want to be smart,” he said. “We are simply taking that name back.”

in News
Related Posts

­­Home Front Build Channels Energy of Original Designer to Revive Homes

October 11, 2024

October 11, 2024

By Susan Payne Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, Craftsman, Mid-Century and California Bungalows are just a few of the unique home...

Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office Reviewing Marilyn Manson Sex Crimes Case

October 11, 2024

October 11, 2024

Manson Accuser Takes Part in Press Conference to Accuse Gascón of Ignoring Her  The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office...

Run Malibu Half Marathon Returns with New Course and Scenic Coastal Views

October 11, 2024

October 11, 2024

Runners to Experience PCH’s Stunning Landscapes in 16th Annual Event The Run Malibu Half Marathon will return on Sunday, Oct....

Film Review: Joker: Folie a Deux

October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

FILM REVIEWJOKER: FOLIE A DEUXRated R138 MinutesReleased October 4th “Folie a Deux” is a French medical term for an identical...

122-Unit Affordable Housing Development Approved for 4th Street

October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

The Development, Spearheaded by EAH Housing, Will Include a Mix of Studio, One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Apartments The Santa Monica...

Five Arrested After Firearms and Drugs Discovered in Santa Monica Traffic Stop

October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

Officers Initiated the Stop for a Moving Violation When a Passenger Alerted Them About a Rifle A routine traffic stop...

Chef Jason Neroni Bids Farewell to L.A. with Exclusive “Biography” Dinner Series

October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

Renowned Chef to Host Intimate Dinners at Secret Locations Chef Jason Neroni has announced an intimate and reflective series of...

(Video) Notre Dame Academy to Host Open House on Oct. 27

October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

See How the All-Girls Catholic School is Empowering Young Women For The Future. For more info, go to academy.ndasla.org. @smmirrornews...

Socalo’s Pork Belly Guacamole Supports Childhood Cancer Fight with Every Bite

October 9, 2024

October 9, 2024

A Portion of Proceeds Will Benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Socalo restaurant is extending its support for Alex’s Lemonade Stand...

Santa Monica to Renegotiate Agreement to Host Olympic Beach Volleyball

October 9, 2024

October 9, 2024

After Reviewing the Agreement and a Fiscal Impact Study, Council Members Remained Confused Over the Potential Economic Benefits and How...

Castanea Sicilian Cafe: Bringing the Sweetness of Sicily to Venice Beach

October 9, 2024

October 9, 2024

THE CAFE Welcome to Castanea Sicilian Cafe: “Il dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing” arrived at Venice...

Venice Skatepark to Celebrate 15th Anniversary with Community Event

October 9, 2024

October 9, 2024

The Skatepark Stands as a Testament to Venice’s Rich Skateboarding Heritage Venice Skatepark, a landmark on the Venice Beach boardwalk...

(Video) Westside Neighborhood School: Where Kids Are Encouraged to Explore

October 8, 2024

October 8, 2024

For more info, go to wns-la.org @smmirrornews For more info, go to wns-la.org #school #education #teacher #teach #children #losangeles #california...

Eclipse School Helps Children Prepare for Kindergarten

October 8, 2024

October 8, 2024

By Susan Payne Transitional Kindergarten works. For Juliya Spiegel, mother to a now five-year-old kindergartener, a decision was on the...

Santa Monica Woman Sentenced to 8 Years for Attempted Meth Possession for Distribution

October 8, 2024

October 8, 2024

Drug Dealing Plot Stretched from Santa Monica to Wisconsin A Santa Monica woman was sentenced to eight years in federal...