We had the good fortune of connecting with Ronnie Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ronnie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a classroom teacher I contemplated leaving the profession to pursue a career in trucking! It was around this time that I begin to attend educational conferences and workshops to learn more about ways to engage students in science. Upon bringing these strategies to my students I witnessed a transformation in their excitement and engagement levels. Seeking to maintain this level of excitement in my classroom I increased my research and study into ways to engage students with hands on learning opportunities. After experiencing consistent success with my students, I then sought to return to conferences previously attended to share with educators the success I was witnessing in my classroom. I observed that other educators were excited to learn and replicate the presented hands-on learning strategies that I had documented to be successful in the classroom setting. It was at that moment that Fun Weird Science was created in 2014. I started offering summer and after school science workshops for students and professional development for teachers. To date I travel the world providing hands on learning opportunities for K-12 students and teachers through virtual learning classes; live science show demonstrations; professional development workshops and curriculum development.

What should our readers know about your business?
I feel like I have the best job in the world! I am afforded the opportunity to work in my passion. The path to the point has been extremely enjoyable however it was been a challenging journey being that my services are often times funded out of pocket. My time in the classroom adds great value to my transition into business. I speak authentically to students, teachers and parents about education and the message/interactions are received admirably. I possess a unique ability to make learning fun and attainable for students and teachers. I am very proud of the experiences I have had and the ability to translate those experiences into learning opportunities for my students and customers. Consistency and relevant offerings have been the biggest contributing factor to my success, I am constantly pursuing knowledge as a student and seeking ways to put it into digestible chunks for my target audience. My rallying cry to the world is to continue to make education a priority and support service providers like Fun Weird Science that provide impactful learning opportunities. Students need to be provided with positive and engaging learning opportunities early so that they are able to increase their confidence and competence.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The most memorable trip to Atlanta would have to include visits to learn about the contributions of Black Atlanta to include Auburn Ave; Trap Museum; Ponce City Market and the Beltline; a live show at St. James Live; a Hawks/Falcons/United game; and a ride on Marta to explore the diverse areas of the city. We would definitely grab a bite at Desta Ethiopian Restuarant, Paschal/Busy Bee/This is It and Slutty Vegan!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many individuals that have added to my success. Alabama State University prepared me to enter into the field of education. My foundation for how to become an effective educator was nurtured at Kelley Lake Elementary School in Dekalb County. My wings were strengthened and put into full action during my tenure at Parkside Elementary in Atlanta Public Schools. As a classroom teacher my early influences in science education would be attributed to Pat Poulos, a coworker that captivated my interest in using hands on science education to inspire students. As a business owner, Micheal Green “The Science Machine” and Noreen “The Science Queen” of “Big Thinkers” demonstrated how to use the wonders of science to monetize my passion. Dr. Chike Akua was pivotal in helping me to uncover the cultural contributions of African descendants in STEM and throughout history. Many more unsung heroes deserve acknowledgments for my success to include the staff, families and students of Kelley Lake Elementary, Flat Shoals Elementary, Charles Drew Charter School and Atlanta International School. I am additional grateful for my relationship with Dr. Donna Governor and Dr. Sally Creel for their relentless support and advocacy. Special shoutout StartMe team for helping me to frame the structure of my business and attaining funding. Brenda Coleman from Atanta Cares supported my early efforts to offer summer camps on the campus of Morehouse College. I am extremely thankful to Debra Watkins of ABEN for setting the stage for me to secure my first major contracts! Additionally, I am grateful to the many TRIO Upward Bound programs that continue to solicit my services.

Website: www.funweirdscience.com

Instagram: instagram.com/funweirdscience

Twitter: @funweirdscience

Facebook: facebook.com/funweirdscience

Youtube: Fun Weird Science TV

Image Credits
Fun Weird Science

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