Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Green.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The year is 1997.
I am a recent graduate of Morehouse College.
My thoughts center on the most effective way to begin my meteoric rise up the corporate ladder.
Translation:
“Mom, please call some of your friends and help me get a job.”
My first day at SciTrek is everything!
SciTrek is a family science museum formerly located in the heart of downtown Atlanta.
To familiarize myself with the 80,000 square foot behemoth of a facility, I decide to check out the science show in the auditorium.
There’s an open seat at the end of the first row.
I grab it.
Then, I immediately notice the many five and six-year-olds staring at me as they await the
start of the program.
At 6’4″, wearing a navy blue suit, tie, and black wingtip shoes, I stick out like a sore thumb.
By the conclusion of the show, however, it is difficult to discern the 5 and 6-year-olds from the 6’4″ adult.
I’m that excited!
Never before have I experienced science learning in such a fun and interactive way. Looking back, it’s truly a life-changing experience.
Upon entering the President’s office, still bursting with enthusiasm, it is clear to her that something has enlivened my spirit.
“I’ve got a great idea!” I announce.
“Let’s hear it,” she replies, seemingly unbothered by the fact that I just barged into her office completely unannounced.
“We need to create a science show we take to schools,” I declare. “The only kids we touch are the ones that come here. We’re missing lots of kids!”
Without giving it a second thought, the president replies, “Wow, that is a great idea! Why don’t you make it?”
“Well, I think it’s a good idea, too,” I reply. “But, you know, I’m an English major. Science isn’t really my strong suit.”
“Don’t worry about that,” she replies. “My speech calendar is light, and I’ll give you all the leeway that you need.”
I soon realize that I’m being entrapped by my own “great” idea.
“See what you can come up with,” she continues. “I think you’ll be perfect! But right now, I have to get ready for my lunch meeting.”
With much less excitement now pulsing through my body, I exit with great thoughts of uncertainty.
Six weeks later, “Professor Weebil and The Science Machine” launches to rave reviews.
It’s amazing!
In fact, as the program’s success grows over the ensuing months, the Subaru of America Foundation awards SciTrek with 2 brand new automobiles to further the program’s outreach; one of two such awards made annually.
Then, everything changes, again.
It’s May 1999.
My son, Mason, is born!
He’s a Gemini, too.
Coupled with my beautiful daughter, Mara, born in ’94, my wife and I are now blessed to have two amazing, healthy children.
As if things can’t get any better, the Georgia-Pacific company comes calling in search of an executive speechwriter. As a Fortune 500 company with seemingly unlimited human and financial resources, it’s difficult to say good-bye to my friends at the museum.
As a father of two young children, however, now being presented with an opportunity to triple my current salary, following the money is an easy decision.
Good-bye SciTrek… hello Georgia-Pacific!
Day 1.
If I thought the SciTrek museum was huge, then the 51-story GP building is gargantuan.
In fact, the structure boasts so many amenities and comforts of home that you could live there. They won’t let you, but you could.
For example, there’s a fitness center, a cafeteria, a drycleaner, a Starbucks, a shoe-shine spot, a childcare center… and more.
You can even get an oil change in the basement garage.
It’s incredible!
From my vantage point – the Office of Corporate Communications on the 33rd floor – I see all the way to Stone Mountain.
If I turn 180°, then my view extends down Peachtree Street towards the legendary Fox Theater. I also take note of the fact that my office plant will get lots of light. My mom always said, “You don’t really have an office until you have an office plant.”
In retrospect, I’ve never quite fully understood the meaning of this saying. I am, however, always keen to bring a plant on my first day at every job.
As I sit back in my chair, resting my wingtips comfortably on the desk, I think I’ve arrived. My personal secretary, Ms. Cynthia Robinson, sits just outside my door. She’s extremely detail-oriented, and I sense that she’s going to be a great asset moving forward.
“I’ve never had a personal secretary,” I think to myself. “How cool is that?”
The first person to enter my office to welcome me is Mrs. Carol Mitchell. Carol is a gentle woman with a “grand-motherly” spirit. Her many years at GP will prove invaluable to me, and I grow to be very grateful for her wise and consistent counsel. If truth be told, we are still friends to this day.
As Carol leaves my office, my thoughts of having “made it” are soon interrupted by the
the realization that I left a job I love to chase “The Almighty Dollar.”
I think I’ve made a huge mistake; failing to realize that God is simply ordering my steps, anonymously.
Fast-forward.
My employment at Georgia-Pacific comes to an end when I accept a job as the speechwriter to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Delta Air Lines – the largest airline in the world.
Growing up, I was blessed to travel a lot thanks to my mom’s fundraising work with the Peace Corps.
The position at Delta affords my family a similar opportunity to experience different people, places and cultures; perhaps one of the greatest gifts that you can give a child, I think.
Then, it happens.
9/11.
I’m actually in the air when the second plane hits, traveling to a Flight Attendant Forum with the Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. Vicki Escarra.
The FAA shuts down all commercial airspace.
There’s a limousine waiting for us when the plane lands. It’s a tense 8-hour drive back to Delta headquarters.
For the next few months, chaos reigns supreme.
In order to save the industry, the major airlines are in desperate need of a congressional bailout.
Things at work are uncertain. The general public is still scared to fly.
In a drastic measure to cut costs and curb losses, Delta announces the downsizing of 10,000 employees system-wide.
I am asked to assist in drafting of the company-wide memo.
To this day, it remains the most challenging writing assignment that I’ve ever been given; simply too personal and life-changing.
By this time, it’s no longer enjoyable for me to work at Delta.
Company morale is low. Employees are justifiably concerned about their futures. And I’m beginning to wonder if I’ve got what it takes to sit behind a desk for 8 – 10 hours every day for the next 40 years.
That night, my wife and I agree that it’s time to make a change and take that “leap of faith.”
“Why don’t you go back and do the science show?” she asks. “That’s when you were the happiest.”
Science for Everyone launches in 2000.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road is never smooth when you’re a pioneer.
My greatest challenge… the lack of accountability as it relates to science education.
Think about it… the term S.T.E.M. isn’t even coined yet. Science instruction still takes a back seat to math, language arts and reading. State standardized tests like the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test do not even include science-based questions. And, with an increased focus on student test-taking performance nationwide, many teachers are encouraged to teach only content that appears on the test.
This means, in many schools, science is simply not taught because it does not “count.”
So, there I am.
I’ve just left my “good” job.
A wife and 2 young kids are at home.
Two private school tuition payments loom on the horizon.
Bills mount, but somehow we manage.
Deep inside, I know the program is academically-proven. It’s both fun and exciting. And it captures the attention every student…every age… every race… every show… every time.
But no one wants it… yet.
My patience pays off thanks to an almost perfect storm of events – some good and some bad.
The first occurrence to unfold is the signing of the “No Child Left Behind Act” by President George W. Bush in January 2002. Though I do not agree with the majority of his policies, the language in the bill mandates nationwide science testing to begin in 2010.
Finally, accountability is coming.
My resolve to “hang in there” now grows exponentially.
The second trigger comes in the form of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The destruction to the Gulf oil pipeline causes GA gas prices to skyrocket, making it too expensive for most school systems to justify the gas cost for field trips.
One afternoon, while discussing the current landscape with my mom, she suggests, “Why not have an In-School Field Trip with each child bringing in a couple of bucks?”
Genius idea!
Using this model, which virtually eliminates the financial concern, principals everywhere begin to bring the program in-house. Most importantly though, the students never have to leave the building – one of the chief concerns of any principal.
Trigger #3
America elects President Obama.
The straw that finally breaks the proverbial camel’s back is the inauguration of our 44th president. If you listen carefully to his words, then you’ll notice that it’s almost impossible for him to put together a sentence without including the words: science, technology, engineering or math.
Science now has a seat at the table, and its importance is being touted by the most powerful man on the planet.
In fact, some may argue that in terms of its relevance, S.T.E.A.M. learning (Art is now included) has superseded math, language arts, and reading.
I prefer to think they complement each other. However, the data that shows students who perform well in science generally tend to perform well in their other subject areas.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Science for Everyone story. Tell us more about the business.
Science for Everyone (SFE) is a 19-year-old Atlanta-based science and technology company committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of scientists, inventors, engineers and innovators.
This mission is accomplished by presenting the most educational, dynamic, hands-on, minds-on, interactive science show on planet Earth!
“Why Do So Many Educators Choose SFE?”
In addition to traveling the United States and abroad to present the most incredible and jaw-dropping science shows EVER!… being featured on the ABC, CBS and NBC television networks… serving as a featured education presenter for the Atlanta Braves, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Over Texas, and The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation… and being recognized as “The Best School Assembly in Georgia” by more than 30,000 elementary, middle and high school principals and teachers for an unprecedented 11 consecutive years and counting… SFE also has appeared as the featured presenter at:
• Atlanta Science Festival
• Back-to-School Science Jam sponsored by the Hampton Academy in Freeport, Bahamas
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
• Cobb County Science Olympiad
• Dekalb County Title I Conference
• Fayette County Science Olympiad
• Fulton County Science Olympiad
• Georgia Science Olympiad at KSU
• State Farm Arena – Home of NBA Atlanta Hawks
• Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ
• StemFest at Georgia Tech University
• St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, and…
Of course, there’s The Science Machine cartoon – the first animated S.T.E.A.M. cartoon in history based on a real, living African-American!
I think it’s also worth noting the educational partnership with Six Flags Over Georgia (SFOG) – the largest amusement park in the southeastern U.S.
Having received the highest customer reviews for any educational program in 2016, SFE has served as the featured education presenter ever since.
The show is simply that engaging… and educational!
Moreover, I think it speaks volumes when a kid wants to watch a 45-minute science show while visiting an amusement park that features dozens of pulse-pounding thrill rides, water attractions, revolving hot-air balloons, and so many other action-packed activities.
SFE… there is NO substitute!
During every 45-minute interactive science show, SFE presents the most incredible math and science experiments.
Like what?
How about making a big, kosher dill pickle glow in the dark?… or creating a foamy, multi-colored “elephant toothpaste?”… or setting a bowl of ice cubes on fire?… or creating an awe-inspiring “air cannon?”… or sticking a McDonald’s straw straight through a hard, raw potato?… or making a bar of soap expand to the size of a volleyball?… or creating an indoor fire tornado?… or cutting a hole in a piece of typing paper big enough for NBA star Lebron James to jump through?… or teaching students how to multiply faster than a calculator?… to name a few.
In addition, the program is extremely interactive with all experimentation directly aligned to the philosophy of the U.S. Department of Education, Next Generation Science Standards, and proven S.T.E.A.M. learning techniques.
This methodology ensures that every SFE program centers on: 1) helping students develop a deeper understanding of S.T.E.A.M. beyond memorizing facts and formulas; 2) creating first-hand investigative experiences; and, 3) teaching and reinforcing fundamental scientific principles.
At the conclusion of each experiment, the applicable math and scientific principles are fully explained so that students never depart thinking they simply experienced a cool “magic” show.
I try not to “toot” my own horn, but SFE is unmatched at bringing “science to life!”
For minority and underserved student populations, THERE IS NO EQUAL!
Finally, I would be remiss not to mention the SFE interactive science presentation at SunTrust Park – before the Atlanta Braves hosted the St. Louis Cardinals – on September 19, 2018.
The SunTrust Park program marks the first time that an interactive science show has been presented in a stadium anywhere in the world!
T’was remarkable!
The best part… The Science Machine returns to SunTrust Park to present “The Best Science Show Ever!” before the Atlanta Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies on September 19, 2019.
Make sure your family is there, too!
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
There are several career moments that hold a special place in my heart.
For example, being the creator of the first animated S.T.E.A.M. cartoon based on a real, living African-American ranks high; so does presenting the world’s first interactive science show inside of a stadium at SunTrust Park.
Yeah, that was an incredible moment!
Serving as the featured grand finale presenter at the first Super Saturday event at The Home Depot Backyard at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is memorable, too.
However, my fondest memories always seem to take root during presentations at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where I’ve volunteered for more than a decade.
Here’s a good example…
Her mom wheels her to the front of the room. She locks the latch on the wheelchair and portable IV unit. She double-checks it.
Next, she kisses her on the forehead before returning to stand in the back with the other parents.
That’s when our eyes meet for the first time.
We’ll call her Amanda.
Perhaps unsure what to think – as she studies the man before her sporting a green afro wig, an equally colorful labcoat, and Size 28 Nike Air “Science Machine” shoes – she quickly looks away.
Being no stranger to “edutaining” children in hospitals, my eyes barely take notice of the translucent feeding tube taped firmly across her cheek.
“Whoa, those are some cool owls!” I say as I point to the white designs on her navy blue top.
She glances down at her shirt, and nods in agreement… but no smile measures her face.
I take it all in… every detail.
Before I begin my final preparations, I make a cursory scan of the room.
Several thoughts immediately come to mind.
“Who can walk on their own?… Who has a wheelchair?… Who has a portable IV?… Who needs my assistance to get up front?… Is there enough space in the aisle to get through?… Who has an oxygen container?… Who already looks excited?… Who looks like they’re having a rough day?… and so on.
All are important questions that I seek to “mentally resolve” very fast.
“THUMP!… THUMP!… THUMP!… THUMP!… THUMP!”
As I turn around, startled by the unfamilar noise, I notice a big, brown russet potato has fallen off the table. It hits the floor, performs a humpty-dumpty roll behind the silver wire trash can, and finally comes to a stop next to a blue wheelchair.
“There it is,” she says, pointing to the floor.
“Oh, thank you,” I reply. “And, what’s YOUR name?” I ask enthusiastically.
“Amanda,” she replies, avoiding eye contact.
“You know what this is, right?” I say, as I grab the potato from off the floor.
Amanda looks up.
“Of course, it’s a potato,” she answers quite confidently.
“Nope,” I reply. “It’s a SUPER potato!”
She looks at me, quite bewildered and asks, “Well, what makes it a SUPER potato?”
“Oh, that’s easy,” I respond. “I got it at the SUPERmarket!”
Then, I “fall-out” in a complete fit of laughter.
Amanda laughs, too.
Mission Accomplished!
It’s SHOWTIME!
By now, there’s about 30 children and their parents in the lobby area of the hospital.
To begin the show, I set a piece of paper on fire. It’s coated with nitroglycerin and cellulose.
Amanda’s face beams with surprise as the paper ignites into a bright red ball of fire before it quickly disappears.
“Wow, that’s awesome!” she exclaims. “How’d you do that? Do it again!” she says amazed.
As I pull out another piece of paper, I see her smile grow even wider.
“Here it goes!” she blurts out, her excitement clearly obvious to everyone in the room.
I light the paper, and, once again, it “comes to life” before vanishing right before her eyes.
“This show is gonna be AWESOME!” she declares.
In an instant, the little girl in the blue wheelchair changes the atmosphere in the hospital lobby into the most conducive learning environment EVER!
In fact, I’m feeding off her energy, too!
It is truly a sight to behold.
But not for long.
As I glance towards the rear, I notice something is very wrong with Amanda’s mom.
Or, at least, that how it appears.
“Is she okay?” I wonder to myself. “Did she just receive some terrible news? What just happened?”
At this point, I cannot take my eyes off of her.
She stands in the back… crying… silently… tearfully… alone.
In fact, her tears fall for the duration of the show. I’m completely vexed.
My thoughts only break when my wife calls me over to take individual pictures with each child. She always brings her printer so that the kids can receive their photo right on the spot. I love her for thinking to do that.
“Science Machine, I know you think I’m crazy,” says Amanda’s mom as she approaches me from the rear of the room.
“Are you okay?” I ask nervously.
She points to her cheek.
“Because of where the feeding tube is placed, it’s very painful for Amanda to smile.”
She has my full attention.
“To be honest, she never smiles. But, I saw my baby girl smile for 45-minutes today… and it’s been the best 45-minutes of my life! Thank you so much!”
I stand there at an utter loss for words.
Then, I extend my arms.
We hug. We cry. We laugh.
But, most importantly, we smile.
All of us!
And just like that… if only for a moment… life is a tad bit brighter… just because.
Moral of the story: Often times, it’s the “small” things in life that we take for granted. However, these “small” things may be “every” thing to someone else!
Yes, I absolutely love being The Science Machine!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ScienceForEvery1.com
- Phone: (678) 558-3969
- Email: michael@scienceforevery1.com
- Instagram: ScienceForEvery1
- Facebook: Michael Green (The Science Machine)
- Twitter: Science4Every1
Image Credit:
Cawanda Green
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