“We provide the lesson plan, several hands-on activities and our WOW! wizard who physically goes to the school and presents the lesson to the students,” said Angel Callahan, program manager for Wizards of Wright. “We ensure all lesson plans and demonstrations meet or can be connected to Ohio state standards.”
Each lesson is about 45 minutes, about the same time given to teach one subject in school.
“Our volunteers are active-duty members and civilians who work across the base and are subject matter experts in their respective career fields as scientists, engineers and researchers,” said Callahan.
Due to the successful response to the program, Callahan received nearly 700 requests last year for the WOW! program to be implemented in classrooms.
“I was a classroom teacher for 22 years and very lucky to be in a school system and classroom where students didn’t want for much. However, not all teachers can say that,” said Callahan. “We’re able to help schools by putting materials in kid’s hands that teachers, principals and school districts simply can’t always afford to buy for themselves.”
Volunteers teach students a multitude of STEM lessons that focus on STEM subjects, such as math, electricity, chemistry, magnetism, robotics, geology, optics and much more.
“We definitely need more volunteers. Currently we have about 20 active WOW! wizards to work the program,” said Callahan. “You don’t have to be a teacher to do this, have experience or be an expert in anything specific because all of the lessons are geared toward kids.”
Callahan says as long as there is a passion in sharing your interest in STEM and helping kids learn, the WOW! program will provide an activity that a wizard will enjoy teaching and leading.
“We’re looking for anyone who is interested in just getting out there to volunteer with a minimal time commitment,” said Callahan.
If you would like to know more about the WOW! program or how you can become a WOW! wizard, contact Callahan at antoinette.callahan.ctr@us.af.mil or call 937-938-4868.
About the Author