the Experiential Educators of Connecticut
Providing quality Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) enrichment programs to CT elementary schools since 2014
About Us
The Experiential Educators of Connecticut (EEofCT) was established in 2014 and is owned and operated by Mike Caouette.
EEofCT is dedicated to providing quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) based enrichment programs to all Connecticut elementary schools.
EEofCT STEM programs are specifically presented at grade level and align with NGSS standards.
Our programs engage student interest in STEM by utilizing inquiry-based, hands-on, experiments that inspire students to acheive a team based goal based upon the Scientific Method.
EEofCT works collaboratively with CT elementary schools to provide a lower cost, proven science enrichment programs for all students.
Scheduling a Program
- To schedule a program or to inquire for further information by phone, please call us at 860.919.3459.
- To schedule a program or to inquire for further information by email, please email, Mike@EEofCT.com.
- Our base program fees are $100 per hour for each single classroom of up to 25 students.
- If your student numbers exceed 25 students per classroom on your program date, the program fee will be $4.00 for each additional student.
- There is a minimum program fee of $200 on each day that we visit your school.
- We do not charge a mileage fee, a layover fee or a setup fee.
- Upon scheduling your program you and your school will be sent an email confirmation/invoice.
- Your confirmation/invoice will contain any requirements that we may need to provide your programs during that program date.
- We look forward to visiting your school.
Our Programs
Wave Energy-1.5 hour program -$150 per classroom of 25 students
Students will learn what makes a wave, how it travels and the different types of waves, (Electromagnetic, Mechanical and Seismic).
They will learn the parts and properties of of a wave and will create and observe longitudinal, transverse and standing waves in action by using a 30 foot wave modeling springs. Students will use Mini-Ripple Tanks to create water waves to observe the wave properties of Reflection, Absorption, Diffraction, and Refraction. A wave Interference experiment will challenge students to match the resonance of a Tuning Fork with that of a Boomwhacker Tube. Seismic Waves will be created and examined with a magnifying glass in a team experiment when 2 one pound ball bearings are struck together to create a pattern of seismic waves in a sheet of aluminum foil.
Forces and Motion I- 1 hour program -$100 per classroom of 25 students
Students will learn about Newton's Three Laws of Motion and how they affect our world through interactive experiments. In Newton's First Law, teams will conduct experiments with inertia and discover how forces determines whether an object will remain at rest or why it will stay in motion. Newton's Second Law will have student's off to the races, as they use wooden race cars to investigate the relationships between force, mass and acceleration, F=m x a. Student's will then launch into Newton's Third Law by using accelerator tracks to prove that any force action causes an equal and opposite reaction.
Forces and Motion II- 1 hour program -$100 per classroom of 25 students
In this sequel program to the Forces and Motion I program student teams will utilize critical thinking skills as they further investigate Newton's Three Laws of Motion. Teams will conduct experiments with the push/pull forces of magnetic fields, kinetic and potential energy and inertia. Teams will need to solve a magnetic field challenge and will need to brainstorm how to overcome an inertia apparatus challenge based upon non-contact and contact forces. Spinning Eggs, Phi-Tops and a Midway Carnival Attraction based on Newton's Three Laws of Motion will conclude the program.
The States of Matter- 1 hour program -$100 per classroom of 25 students
Students will learn the properties of the four common states of matter, Solids, Liquids, Gases and Plasma. Student teams will conduct experiments and observe the phase changes of a solid to a liquid, a liquid to a gas, a gas to plasma and then back again! Students will measure temperature during phase changes by using a handheld infrared thermometers to verify that energy is required to change matter. Students will conduct experiments with density and will discover why an object sinks, floats or "flinks". The presentation will conclude with an "enlightening" experiment with plasma as they illuminate a fluorescent bulb and create flickering lights and produce eerie sounds with the touch of their hand.
The Properties of Light-1 hour program -$100 per classroom of 25 students
Students will learn about light as a form of energy. Students will learn how light travels as the observe transverse waves in motion. Students will conduct experiments with the properties of light, scattering, absorption, transmission, refraction, reflection and interference to discover how light is affected by objects. Teams will learn about the color spectrum and by using a prism and a spectrometer will observe that visible light is composed of different color wavelengths. Teams will use color mixing paddles and light mixing boxes to demonstrate subtractive and additive color mixing. Teams will learn about lasers and will aim a laser across the classroom to mark a target.
The Properties of Sound-1 hour program -$100 per classroom of 25 students
Students will learn about sound as a form of energy. Students will observe how sound travels as compression and standing waves. Student teams will conduct experiments with a Standing Wave Machine to demonstrate changes in wave frequency. Students will learn how sound is created by vibrations and will learn how frequency affects pitch and amplitude by experimenting with buzzing magnets, a balloon 'Vuvuzela', Thunder Drums, Chinese Spouting Bowls, Singing Rods and Music Boxes. Teams will conduct experiments with a set of eight tuning forks to discover that vibrations can be sensed by hearing, touch and sight.
Rocks and Minerals- 1 hour program -$100 per classroom of 25 students
Students will learn about the rock cycle and the three groups of rocks, Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic through a hands-on exploration of 12 Connecticut rock samples. Students will discover the history of rock and mineral use in Connecticut. An examination of unique rock and mineral samples gathered throughout the United States will stimulate student interest in geology. The program will conclude with a hands-on mystery rock identification team challenge of eight CT rock and mineral samples
Properties of Minerals- 1 hour program -$100 per classroom of 25 students
Students will learn the properties of minerals by using a mineral test kit containing a magnifying glass, streak plate, plate glass, penny, nail and a steel file to test and record the results of mineral hardness, streak, color, fracture, luster, specific gravity and more with a collection of 16 mineral and ore samples. Students will discover the many uses of minerals in our daily lives.
Electricity and Magnetism- 1.5 hour program -$150 per classroom of 25 students
Students will conduct experiments with electricity and magnetism. Students will learn the difference between Alternating and Direct current. Students will learn the parts of a simple circuit and will observe a simple circuit at work. Students will discover the differences between a series and parallel circuit. Students will learn the parts of an alkaline battery and how batteries work. They will construct a simple, series and parallel circuits using labeled circuit boards and will measure the voltage in each circuit by using a voltmeter. In experiments with Lenz's Law, they will learn how a moving magnet creates an electric force and how moving electrons generate a magnetic force. Teams will observe an electromagnet at work and will then construct an electromagnet in a timed challenge using an electromagnet circuit board.
Optics- 1.5 hour program -$150 per classroom of 25 students
Students will learn the external and internal anatomy of the human eye and the form and function of each the part. By examining a 1925 Eastman Kodak Camera, they will discover how the parts of a human eye are analogous to a camera. Students will conduct experiments to find the blind spot in their eye and learn how their eyes work together to share information. Experiments with afterimages and a Benham disk will demonstrate the role of rods and cones in vision. Students will learn how light enters the eye and how images are projected onto the retina in reverse. Each student will construct a "camera obscura" project that demonstrates this principle. Students teams will then dissect a preserved cow's eye. Teams will first identify the external anatomy, fat and muscle tissue, cornea, sclera, optic nerve and will then dissect the eye to identify the iris, pupil, lens, cilliary bodies, aqueous and vitreous humour retina, tapetum lucidum and the optic disc.
The Experiential Educators of CT Programs in Action
Testimonials from our Collaborative Education Partners
"Mike has presented several labs /programs to our fifth graders, including Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, and most recently, Cartesian Divers. His knowledge base is expansive, and he is amazing with the students. Mike brings his passion for science and his enthusiasm for teaching to everything he does. The labs are aligned with science standards. More importantly, however, Mike shows the students how their learning is relevant to the world around them. There is a perfect balance between his sharing information and hands-on experiments. He is a pleasure to work and communicate with. Mike's programs promote a deeper understanding of science and enrich the science inquiry experience."
Kim Jackson, Ed.S. 5th grade teacher, Duffy School, West Hartford
"The Electricity and Magnetism program engaged students in structured, hands-on activities right in our classroom. My students were excited to build several types of circuits, and even create electromagnets! They came away with a deeper understanding of how electricity works, as well as the vocabulary to discuss it."
Laura Hurwitz, 4th grade teacher, West Bristol School, Bristol.
"Your programs on Light and Sound took a challenging topic and effectively brought it to a level first graders could understand. Every minute of the program was engaging. The students had fun and learned so much at the same time. We will definitely be booking your program for years to come to help enhance our curriculum."
Amy Battisto, 1st grade teacher, Harry S. Fisher School, Plymouth.
"Mike Caouette is a passionate educator who is extremely knowledgeable about science content. He is masterful at engaging students in hands on activities that help them understand abstract concepts. He builds both conceptual understanding and vocabulary to extend learning and helps students see the real world applications of what they are doing. We host Mike's programs each year in grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and in each case have found him to be organized, well prepared and reflective. He tailors his programs based on what has been done in the classroom and always provides activities and insights that spark new learning for students and staff. Booking a workshop with Mike is a breeze and he comes with extensive, organized and effective resources that transition easily into the classroom. Mike definitely enhances classroom science instruction."
Kirsten Sanderson, former International Baccalaureate Coordinator, The Charter Oak International Academy, West Hartford.
Our Collaborative Educational Partners
- West Bristol School, Bristol.
- Harry S. Fisher Elementary School, Plymouth.
- Plymouth Center Elementary School, Plymouth.
- Casmir Pulaski Elementary School, Meriden
- Duffy Elementary School, West Hartford.
- Intensive Education Academy, West Hartford.
- Norfeldt Elementary School, West Hartford
- Braeburn Elementary School, West Hartford
- Charter Oak International Academy, West Hartford
- Rotella Interdistrict Magnet School, Waterbury
- Burnham School, Bridgewater
- Whiting Lane Elementary School, West Hartford
- Aiken Elementary School, West Hartford
- Anna Reynolds Elementary School, Newington.
- Plainville Early Learning Center, Plainville.
- Elmer Thienes-Mary Hall Elementary School, Marlborough
- Washington Primary School, Washington
- Bugbee Elementary School, West Hartford
- Brewster Elementary School, Durham
- Wolcott Elementary School, West Hartford
- Woodrow Wilson School, Waterbury
- CREC Discovery Academy, Wethersfield
- CREC University of Hartford Magnet School