K-8 science education in California (as in many other parts of the country) is in a state of crisis. K-8 students in California spend too little time studying science, many of their teachers are not well prepared in the subject, ... Read… Continue

In these trying economic times, when it seems bad news and challenges abound, I am reminded of a story I used to tell my students when it seemed they just didn't 'get' math. It seems uniquely relevant to anyone who faces obstacles, challenges, or criticism in life, so I thought I'd share again.



A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule.



The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells.… Continue

As mentioned in our last post, we will be drawing 3 names each day, to give a 50% discount on any of our summer camps. We will notify each of the winners by email, but here are the names for everyone's information. There is still time to enter today's drawing, if you haven't responded to the survey. Just click on the link below and share your thoughts.





Parent Survey



The winners from Thursday's Drawing… Continue

We were just notified that Portland Wiz Kids is a Semifinalist in the 2009 New Venture Championship International Business Plan Competition being held in Portland, April 9- 11.



Our business plan is fairly complete, however we are in need of some quantitative and qualitative data for the Market Summary. In other words, we need to hear from you, parents who have kids ages 4 - 14 to answer a few questions regarding how you select activities for your… Continue

I am finishing up some last minute preparations for the Spring Break camps that are taking place tomorrow. All of our instructors and counselors are excited to meet our campers to lead them in creating some innovative technology inventions. This week, campers are going to invent some creative playful inventions using the PicoCricket programmable computer kit. The PicoCricket was developed by the MIT Media Lab, Lifelong… Continue