Rick Crosslin Science

https://youtu.be/Nt1Wbs0IioU?si=a414b0U9TBnzzwCe
For nearly half a century, I have had the incredible privilege of teaching science to children — 48 years as a public school educator.

When I look back on those years, I realize that I was never really just teaching science. I was trying to spark something much bigger: curiosity, wonder, confidence, and the belief that science is something every child can do.

In 1998, my journey took an unexpected and life-changing turn when I received the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. I was the first elementary teacher in Indiana to receive this prestigious honor.

The award came at exactly the right moment in my career. It was an affirmation that there was value in the way I taught — getting children involved, putting science in their hands, and showing them that learning could be exciting, surprising, and even a little explosive!

It was also when I met Lowell Milken, the founder of the award program. Over the years, I have come to deeply admire Lowell for his extraordinary commitment to improving education and recognizing the teachers who make a difference in the lives of children.

Through the Milken Educator Awards, thousands of teachers have received not only significant financial support, but something perhaps even more important — recognition for the difference they make.

Lowell went on to create the Teacher Advancement Program, or TAP, designed to build leadership within schools and give teachers opportunities to grow and lead. He later established the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, continuing his work to promote meaningful, systemic improvement in education.

I have had the privilege of watching that commitment to teachers and children continue for decades.

If there is such a thing as a hero of American education, Lowell Milken would certainly be one of mine.

But enough about Lowell!

This video is supposed to be about me — Rick Crosslin.

And what a wonderful life it has been.

I have been blessed to find a job I love, and I have had the opportunity to share that love of science with tens of thousands of children, teachers, and families.

There is an old saying:

“If you find a job you love, you will never work a day in your life.”

I think I may be living proof.

Over the years, I have taught in classrooms, museums, universities, television studios, science centers, prisons, and school gymnasiums. I have written curriculum, produced television programs, traveled the world, stood in front of enormous audiences — and, most importantly, I have met thousands of students.

Some of those students I remember because of something they said.

Some because of something they discovered.

Some because they were absolutely terrified to try something — and then did it anyway.

And some I may never remember by name.

But I hope they remember the feeling.

The feeling that science is exciting.

That asking questions is important.

That it is okay to be curious.

That you can try something, fail, try again, and discover something amazing.

And maybe, just maybe, that science is for everyone.

This video is a journey through 48 years of teaching, science, students, friends, adventures, explosions, mistakes, successes, and a whole lot of fun.

It is really the story of a teacher who never quite grew up — and never stopped wondering, “What happens if I try this?”

I am incredibly grateful to the many people who helped make this journey possible, especially the students who gave me a reason to keep doing it.

And I am grateful to two very talented people who helped tell this story: the extremely gifted producer, Jessica Yingling, and my great friend and videographer, Aric Hartvig.

So, sit back and enjoy the journey.

This is my story.

I’m Rick Crosslin.

And after nearly half a century, I’m still doing science.

Because science is for everyone!

Igniting Curiosity Through Science | Rick Crosslin | Conversations with Lowell Milken In this episode of Conversations with Lowell Milken, Milken Educato...

Look around me and try to guess what topic I’m demonstrating at my last Science Spectacular school show? A should know. Hints: beach ball, TP, Stomp Rocket, compressor, Daniel Bernoulli, and a converted tire rim apparatus! Give up?