Please send us your inquiries by completing the form below. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please direct all correspondence to:
Mail:
KnowAtom, LLC
45 Congress St.
Salem, MA 01970
Telephone: (617) 475-3475
KnowAtom Press
June 1, 2010
New Castle Elementary Students Tackle Oil Spills
Oil has made its way into the hands-on science curriculum at Maude H. Trefethen School in New Castle, New Hampshire. Inspired by the Gulf of Mexico catastrophe, science teacher Francis Vigeant challenged fifth and sixth grade students to design and build affordable devices that could reduce the oil spill’s environmental impact. (read more…)
March 24, 2010
Salem Chamber of Commerce Nominates KnowAtom for New Business Award
KnowAtom, LLC, is honored to be one of six nominees for the Salem Chamber of Commerce’s New Business of the Year 2009 award. The award goes to the best new business that opened in 2009 and will be presented at the 88th Annual Celebrate Salem Awards Dinner “Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea,” April 28, 2010, at the Peabody Essex Museum. For more information, please visit www.salem-chamber.org.
February 2, 2010
Lincoln-Thomson Elementary Adopts New Science Program
A new science program at Lincoln-Thomson Elementary comes with high expectations from Principal Helen Psallidas Mihos. Number one is that the adoption of this hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum translates into student gains on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Science and Technology/ Engineering exam.
Last spring, 64 percent of Lincoln-Thomson fifth graders scored a “needs improvement” in science. “It was time for action and to try something new and different,” Mihos says. (read more…)
February 1, 2010
KnowAtom, LLC, Joins Salem Chamber of Commerce
KnowAom, LLC, has joined the Salem Chamber of Commerce, adding an elementary science education company to the diversity of the city’s businesses.
KnowAtom, which supplies hands-on, 21st-century science curricula and kits for elementary schools, has been present on the North Shore for six years. Last August, KnowAtom moved to Shetland Park, Salem’s waterfront business center. The space, which was last used to manufacture wedding dresses, is now helping KnowAtom meet increasing demands for elementary science materials. (read more….)
KnowAtom in the News
3/31/10 – “North Shore slogs its way through near-record rain” (http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_089225756.html) – As seen in The Salem News
3/23/10 – “Chamber announces nominees for Celebrate Salem Awards” (http://www.wickedlocal.com/salem/news/x99764212/Chamber-announces-nominees-for-Celebrate-Salem-Awards) – As seem on Wicked Local Salem
2/17/10 – “Business Briefcase” (http://www.salemnews.com/permalink/local_story_048000555.html) – As seen in The Salem News
4/16/09 – ” North Shore Business Plan Competition announces 6 semi-finalists” (http://boston.citybizlist.com/yourCitybizNews/detail.aspx?id=47057) – As seen on Citybizlist Boston
1/15/09 – “Top 10 List: Jan 15-22” (http://www.wickedlocal.com/swampscott/fun/entertainment/arts/x1943020915/Top-Ten-List-Jan-15-22) – As seen on Wicked Local Swampscott
12/15/08 – “New ‘intro to soldering’ class planned” (http://www.wickedlocal.com/marblehead/archive/x1720694902/New-intro-to-soldering-class-planned) – As seen on Wicked Local Marblehead
6/3/08 – “A Business Lesson in Teaching Science” (http://www.sciencemetropolis.com/2008/06/03/a-business-lesson-in-teaching-science/) – As seen on ScienceMetropolis.com (A Boston/Cambridge Science Website)
4/17/08 – “Marblehead Rec Department Offers New Science Classes” (http://salemnews.com/punews/local_story_108002134.html) – As seen in The Salem News
Media Photos
For high-resolution photos, e-mail Media@KnowAtom.com
Media Contact
617-475-3475 x 2001
Frequently asked questions by KnowAtom customers:
- 1. What is a class like?
- 2. How many students are in each class?
- 3. Do you go by age or grade? What about in the summer time?
- 4. Do you do birthday parties?
- 5. Do you do large educational events?
- 6. What is your girl to boy ratio?
- 7. Will my son/daughter’s friend be in the class?
- 8. Do you offer sibling discounts in after school programs?
- 9. Is this a talented and gifted program?
- 10. Are students encouraged to be “creative” and build their own things?
- 11. How does your program handle learning disabilities?
- 12. Who are your instructors?
- 13. Do you run criminal background checks or your instructors?
- 14. How do I bring KnowAtom to our school, after school program, or camp?
- 15. There are no programs in my area. Am I too far away?
- 16. What if I have a problem with a KnowAtom program?
- 17. I have a question not covered here. Who can I contact?
- 18. How can I join your advisory board?
- 19. Can I invest in KnowAtom, LLC?
- 30. What is a 21st- century curriculum?
A KnowAtom class begins with a short lecture, discussion, and dialog, followed by project building, troubleshooting, experimentation, and wrap-up.
2. How many students are in each class?
The average class size is 10 students for classes outside school hours.
3. Do you go by age or grade? What about in the summer?
We do our best to go by grade. If you have a question about the demands of a particular class please contact us, we’d be glad to help out.
In the summer we advise parents to enroll their children according to the grade they are entering if in an older group (grade 4 and above) or the grade they are exiting (grade 3 and below). However, this is only a guideline. We trust a parent’s judgment of their child’s ability to determine what age/grade grouping is best.
4. Do you do birthday parties?
No, we do our best to keep to our academic commitment and birthday parties are not well suited to a controlled environment of project-based learning that forms the basis of all our programs.
5. Do you do large educational events?
Yes, we work with many schools, districts, and organizations to create presentations and project-based learning opportunities that suit the needs of their students. Our events can accommodate several hundred participants at a time and leave students with a better understanding of science through projects they built themselves!
6. What is your girl to boy ratio?
This widely varies by community and personalities within each class. We cannot guarantee a specific ratio but classes of all girls and classes of all boys do happen. In our experience, those who enroll their sons or daughters are glad they did so.
7. Will my son/daughter’s friend be in the class?
We safeguard our students’ information and will not give out names or numbers to those looking for carpools or to confirm a friend is in the class. The best solution is simply to ask around or invite a friend to join up.
8. Do you offer sibling discounts in after school programs?
No, unfortunately. Our classes are intentionally kept small and the combination of teacher, insurance and materials costs are such that we are left with no room to discount.
9. Is this a talented and gifted program?
No, however, we tend to see many high performing children because the type of programming we offer is so different than what is often available at museums and school science shows.
10. Are students encouraged to be “creative” and build their own things?
We present all the materials to each student for the construction of a specific project related to the topic of the day and we encourage functional creativity. We do not merely put a bunch of materials in front of students and allow them to create art/play things that are off topic. We feel this is part of the educational structure we bring to the classroom and separates us distinctly from a play arts and crafts environment. However once students create a functional device we encourage them to explore the scientific method and engineering design process as they creatively modify their projects.
11. How does your program handle learning disabilities?
We are aware of the impact learning disabilities play in student learning, frustration tolerances, and attention span; however, we try our best to treat all children equally. There have been many occasions; particularly with children on the ADD spectrum where the hands-on environment brings out a different side to the point we wouldn’t have guessed the student had a learning disability.
Specific to in-school curriculum programming, students on Individual Education Plans can succeed in science through KnowAtom programming. Our program is unique as it offers many different three dimensional and functioning contexts for concepts being presented. Through the use of engaging hands-on projects and visual aids, special educators are given a number of tools for helping students visualize, contextualize, and engage scientific concepts.
Our instructors are people who love kids and science. We strive to find the right people and not merely degrees. The combination of teacher and scientist is a special mix. If you have a question for any of our instructors or if you are interested in applying for a position please contact us.
13. Do you run criminal background checks on your instructors?
Yes, absolutely. We run background checks on all our instructors in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If you have not already done so, you should ask the same questions of all organizations providing services to your children as a baseline precaution.
14. How do I bring KnowAtom to our school, after school program, or camp?
It’s easy. Simply contact us at Info@KnowAtom.com and we will help get the ball rolling.
15. There are no programs in my area. Am I too far away?
KnowAtom programs are offered in many areas and we are continually adding new venues. If you don’t see a venue near you please contact us at Info@KnowAtom.com and we will do our best to locate one or put one in your community.
16. What if I have a problem with a KnowAtom program?
KnowAtom instructors are committed to teaching science and engineering programs in a fun and educational way. We want parents and students to have a positive and satisfying experience with KnowAtom.
We ask that you speak with a class’ instructor as soon as an issue arises. If the problem persists or involves that instructor, please contact our program director at Director@KnowAtom.com
We are eager to address any issue that you may have. In the unlikely event of an unresolved issue, we will do our best to find a suitable solution.
17. I have a question not covered here. Who should I contact?
Please visit the contact us page and a KnowAtom representative will be happy to help address any question or concern you may have.
18. How can I join your advisory board?
Individuals with unique background in education, science, business or otherwise are encouraged to contact KnowAtom’s Director at Director@KnowAtom.com with a statement of interest and qualifications.
19. Can I invest in KnowAtom, LLC?
Yes, the first way to invest in KnowAtom is by enrolling your children in KnowAtom programming or by contacting us to start a program in your area. For those looking to make a larger financial commitment please contact our administrative team at Investment@KnowAtom.com with a statement of interest.
20. What is a 21st- century curriculum?
Elementary school science education has always fallen behind the pace of science. Everyday, news about personal genetics, climate change and digital technology flash on our computer and television screens. This is the scientific world that students live in.
Our curriculum provides the basics for 21st- century science exploration, bringing in topics–like DNA–that few regular classrooms entertain teaching at an elementary level. Our experience shows students not only can learn these topics but, that they help students make connections with other related topics and the world around them. With the basics in, students can engage in the news or when concepts are reintroduced in later grades.
What People are Saying About Our After School Programs:
“KnowAtom was one of the best after-school activities that we’ve come across. My son loved participating and he gained a deeper level of knowledge and understanding of concepts!”
Karen, Parent
“This is a great program to get your child excited about science as a fun learning experience vs. a chore.”
Heather & Jim, Parents
“You are doing these kids such a great service. My son has such a passion for science and math. It is great that he connected with you. You are fueling his imagination and his ambitions.”
Ginger, Parent
“My son is excited to go to KnowAtom every time. He has a great group of friends there and looks forward to every lesson, even forgoing a bowling birthday party with his school mates so he wouldn’t miss a session with his “science-mates”!
Morgan, Parent
“You are doing a fantastic job with the kids. The programs are so professionally presented and Dillon thoroughly enjoyed her time again.”
Jenn, Parent
Our Summer Programs:
“Our son, had a WONDERFUL time building the science projects with you at MENSA’s Kids Trek in Denver. His projects even made it home in the suitcases! He’s showing all his friends.”
Joan, Parent
Our Corporate Volunteer Programs:
“Our involvement with the KnowAtom Science program at Tracy School has been a rewarding experience for everyone. Aptly summarized by one of our volunteers, ‘It was the most fun I had all week and well worth the time spent.’”
Tony Mathis, General Manager – GE Lynn Turbofan & Turbojet, GE volunteer
Dear Visitor,
For decades, great minds have called for the improvement of elementary science education. Yet today, fewer than 30% of American 4th and 8th grade students perform at or above a proficient level in science, according to the National Science Foundation.
We at KnowAtom do not expect every student will be a scientist, but we do feel it’s important that every student understand the science and engineering concepts that will shape their future.
We founded KnowAtom with the belief that 21st-century science should be made accessible to students at an early age. Our hands-on approach is appealing to children and practical for parents.
Students keep their projects to extend classroom discussion with parents, friends, and siblings. Combining self-built, take-home projects with discussion and visual aids, gives kids a lot of incentive to engage in conversation about scientific concepts. Our approach gives students instant feedback on concepts through something they create. Through hands-on investigations students invest themselves in concepts while figuring out how things work through a project that is or isn’t working.
We look forward to helping your students reach new heights in science and engineering for the 21st century.
Best Regards,
Francis Vigeant
CEO, KnowAtom, LLC
Our Team
Francis Vigeant
Francis graduated with honors from Gordon College in 2004 and began work as a teacher at Lynn Classical High School in Massachusetts. Francis has taught Kindergarten through 12th grade in a broad spectrum of learning environments ranging from remediation to self-contained, team-taught, 766, and inclusion classrooms to college prep and honors students.
Led by his passion for science, Francis created KnowAtom with the belief that science classes centered on hands-on projects would excite a broad range of children about the world of science. His dedication to the KnowAtom approach has led to an exponential growth of the program. Francis is an elementary science curriculum expert and regularly consults for private and public districts throughout New England.
When not teaching, Francis can be found pursuing a number of interests, including sailboat racing and board games. He is also a member of MENSA and enjoys traveling. Among his many travels Francis has also helped build and repair schools in Guatemala, Haiti, and Venezuela.
Support Team
Maryellen deLacy, M.Ed., Curriculum Specialist. As a master multi-age elementary teacher for 25 years, she led curriculum development in the areas of both science and math as well as data-driven decision-making. Maryellen has first-hand experience with KnowAtom as a pilot teacher. Presently she fills the role of curriculum specialist and is involved with marketing and sales efforts, meeting with curriculum directors and elementary teachers throughout New England.
Nicole Lanoue, Education Coordinator. For four years, Nicole has contributed to KnowAtom’s mission as a teacher, curriculum developer, afterschool science coordinator and site liaison. She is a devout student of science and enjoys sharing her love of the natural world with elementary school students.
Joseph Caputo, M.S., Curriculum Developer. Holds a Master ‘s degree in science and medical journalism from Boston University, as well as a B.A. in biology from Sarah Lawrence College. He possesses a strong interest in science education, having taught at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, NY, as well as the Early Childhood Center in Bronxville, NY. He has worked in a writing capacity for science-related institutions such as the Marine Biological Laboratory and Smithsonian Magazine and was the first recipient of the $10,000 Harold G. Buchbinder Entrepreneurial Media Studies Award.
Mission and Values
Our Mission
KnowAtom’s mission is to excite students and develop life-long learners in science, engineering and technology by providing elementary school students with 21st-century, hands-on curriculum that is relevant, memorable, and integrates the most important parts of a child’s education.
Instructional Approach
In each KnowAtom class, individual student projects bring scientific models and abstract concepts to life. We believe that by creating something tangible and relevant to each lesson, students develop personal connections that positively reinforce their learning experiences in science and engineering. This engagement inspires a love for the subject that goes beyond the projects. Students regularly walk out of our classes not just with the satisfaction of having built something, but also a solid understanding of how it works and why it matters.
Charge up your summer camp or community center’s programming with science. Our teachers come to you with hands-on projects that the children build and take home. Call 617-475-3475 x 2001 to find out how your campers could be soldering robots, launching model rockets, or designing hovercrafts. Each program lasts one week.
2010 Summer Programs:
KinderScience (ages 5-6)
Our KinderScience program brings early-awareness of the sciences to Preschoolers and Kindergartners. We believe children are natural scientists who are eager to learn about the world around them. Projects include building mini-ecosystems, dissecting flowers, making bubbles, experimenting with magnets, exploring sounds, creating kaleidoscopes and more.
Transportation (ages 7-9)
This program explores revolutionary transport technology from the perspectives of history and science. Each student will build a hovercraft, plane, magnetic levitating train, hot air balloon and alternative fuel vehicle.
Model Rocketry (ages 7-10)
In this program, students build and test rockets of their own designs that fly over 1,200 feet. Students discuss famous rocket researchers and important contributions that their research has made. All projects are tested on site (weather permitting) and taken home.
Build-A-Robot (ages 9+)
This program helps students understand how circuit boards are built and how each tiny component functions. Students learn the basics of soldering and circuitry using diodes, LEDs, capacitors, resistors, transistors, and switches. The program ends with each student soldering together his or her own robot.
SPECIAL PROGRAM IN CAPE ANN
The first annual MERSD Science Academy@ Manchester-Essex Regional Middle School. For all incoming 6th, 7th and 8th graders in Cape Ann. Courses will meet 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Monday-Thursday. Limited Space. Sign up now with Manchester Park and Rec! Online: http://www.manchester.ma.us/Pages/index or call 978-526-2019. $195 per week.
WEEK 1: The Ultimate Mousetrap
July 12 – July 15
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist who imagined very complicated contraptions that did very simple tasks – like buttering toast or mailing letters. Students learn to use the Engineering Design Process to create their own over-the-top mousetraps using hydraulics, pulleys, motors, circuits and anything imaginable.
WEEK 2: Physics: The Ride
July 19 – July 22
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Take a trip with Isaac Newton. Students learn that for every action there’s an equal reaction by designing and building their own roller coasters. They then discover how energy is never used up by engineering solar cars with working solar panels. Hands-on projects are taken home.
WEEK 3: Build-A-Robot
July 26 – July 29
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Learn how circuit boards are built and how each tiny component functions. Students are shown the basics of soldering and circuitry using diodes, LEDs, capacitors, resistors, transistors, and switches. By the end of the week, each student solders together his or her own robot.
WEEK 4: Outrageous Oil Spills
August 2 – August 5
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Why do humans drill for oil, mine for coal, and cut down trees where it is ecologically sensitive? Students learn the potential consequences of environmental degradation as they focus on finding solutions to industrial disasters, specifically the challenges around the recent Gulf of Mexico catastrophe. Students design technologies to stop a simulated oil spill.
Sponsored by the MERSD Stem Initiative, Parks & Recreation and KnowAtom, LLC.
Pre-K to Kindergarten
KinderScience
Our KinderScience programs bring early-awareness of the sciences to preschoolers and kindergartners. We believe children are natural scientists and engineers who are eager to learn about the world around them. KinderScience students complete projects hand-selected from our advanced programs and modified to meet the specific needs of this age group.
- KinderScience Discovery: Topics include ecosystems, inside a flower, circuitry, sundials, compass and magnetism, kaleidoscopes, polymers, sense of hearing, sense of sight, and moon mud.
- KinderScience Build: Topics include float or sink, reaction engines, center of gravity, metamorphosis, keystone bridges, solar houses, and muscles and the food chain.
Grades 1 to 3
Science Fair Programs
Our Science Fair programs are an opportunity for students to explore a whole range of scientific topics. Whether life science, earth science or physical science, KnowAtom’s combination of classroom discussion and hands-on learning helps students discover which areas of science they enjoy and are interested in learning more about. Children create projects that complement each week’s topic and help to facilitate their own learning.
- Tornadoes to Telegraphs: Topics include tornadoes, bridges, walls and dams, periscopes, boats, fossils, water filters, torsos (age appropriate), volcanoes, and telegraphs.
- Cells to Skyscrapers: Topics include animal cells, DNA, airplanes, skyscrapers, prisms, our atmosphere, the solar system, weather, lungs and propeller cars.
Discover Electricity
This program is designed to help children understand electricity by focusing on key discoveries concerning atoms, electrons, and electricity. Following in the steps of history, students discover electricity through hands-on projects. They learn what electricity is and how it was first discovered, stored, and produced in large quantities. Students also discuss the benefits of using renewable energy to satisfy our growing need for electricity. Projects include: Modeling the aluminum atom, experimenting with a Van de Graff Generator, vegetable batteries, compasses and electromagnets, electric motors, electric generators, circuits, testing filaments, and thermostats.
Simple Machines with Legos
Students will be placed in rotating teams of two to face a series of design and construction challenges. These challenges will make use of the six simple machines: The screw, pulley, lever, inclined plane, wheels & axles, and wedge. Each team will be asked to design a solution that transfers power from a hand or motor source to solve a problem that students are given. Through teamwork, as well as task work, each student-built machine will accomplish grand tasks such as shimmying across a chasm on a rope. Some challenges we face include building cranes, hoists, drawbridges, merry-go-rounds, winches, turnstiles and conveyor belts. We will also be learning about the practical use of simple machines in early siege warfare.
Grades 4 to 6
Inventions
Our Inventions programs teach students about the greatest of human innovations, from pre-civilization to the Industrial Revolution.
- In Early Inventions, students learn how ancient technologies shaped modern civilization by changing warfare, architecture and transportation. Topics include cannons, pulleys, ball bearings, water wheels, catapults, balances, hot air balloons, submarines, balances, windmills and hydraulic cranes.
- In Modern Inventions, students revisit the 19th and 20th century advancements responsible for many of the convenient technologies we enjoy today. Topics include automation, traffic lights, electronic pass cards, electroplating, solar energy, solar water heaters, thermostats, steamboats, Maglev trains and hovercrafts.
Circuit Board Circuitry (soldering)
Electronic items have all kinds of functions and are used for many different purposes. On the inside they are all similar because they all contain a circuit board. This class will help students understand many of the electronic pieces found on a common circuit board, how they work, and why circuit boards that look so similar can do such different things. Students will discover what is happening to electrons on their own circuit board, as they test and create simple devices to illustrate the function of basic circuit board components such as capacitors, transistors, resistors, diodes, and choke coils. Projects include automatic night-lights, burglar alarms, lie detectors, fish callers, ultrasonic pest repellents, metal detectors, FM transistors, digital dice and reaction testers.
Build a Robot (advanced soldering)
In this program students will learn how common circuit boards are built and how each tiny component functions. Students will learn the basics of soldering as they work to assemble their own robot which will respond to a stimulus and can navigate with sensors. This is an advanced class which provides a unique opportunity to interact with circuitry like a real engineer. (The materials we use for this class require attention to detail which can be challenging for some students)
Forensics
This program focuses on the science behind crime investigation. KnowAtom’s intent is to create a fun, informative, and age-appropriate learning environment that helps kids understand how investigators find the clues that criminals produce and what technologies are used to help prevent, research, and uncover crimes. Projects include: Fingerprinting ink and cards, lifting fingerprints, testing mock blood types, extracting DNA, cracking codes, engineering locks, and testing and identifying unknown substances. [Due to the nature of the topic "crime" and children's imaginations, this class is not recommended for those who are particularly squeamish or sensitive to possible student discussions.]
Science Programs for 21st-Century Students
KnowAtom gives your child the opportunity to engage with 21st-century science. Through innovative hands-on projects, students can visualize and troubleshoot while enjoying the challenge and experiencing genuine success.
Each project is brought home to discuss with parents, creating a positively reinforced image of science. Through take-home materials and classroom visuals, KnowAtom builds the scientific vocabulary of children at an early age so they are better equipped to engage scientific media and articulate their own thinking with scientific terms.
Watch one of KnowAtom’s programs in action:
At home, with their completed project and an accompanying KnowAtom explanation sheet, students can revisit the lesson, modify their project, and continue the learning process. Through KnowAtom programming, children can learn fundamental concepts and engage in personal discovery with parents, siblings and friends.
Parents choose KnowAtom supplementary programming because:
- We go beyond the typical school day curriculum with topics relevant to students’ lives.
- Our projects often use recycled materials and day-to-day items, prompting students to consider the importance of our environment and recycling as well as alternative uses for commonly discarded resources.
- Lessons supplement and reinforce in-school learning with regular classroom teachers.
- Classes engage the entire spectrum of learners.
- Most classes are offered on school premises, allowing for an extended work day.
- Classes are small and teacher staffed.
- No specialized prior knowledge is required.
- We offer parents a choice of real science among after-school activities.
- Programs are competitively priced among many less-involved programs.
KnowAtom afterschool programs bring science, engineering and technology to life for children ages Pre-K to Grade 6. Our afterschool and summer science programs engage students with hands-on projects, activities and digital technology. KnowAtom’s 21st-century hands-on science approach makes science relevant and exciting; creating an atmosphere of achievement where all students can and do excel. KnowAtom science programs, by design, require no prior knowledge of science or engineering, just the desire to learn.
45 Congress St., Salem, MA, 01970