Check Out Chris Anderson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Anderson. 

Hi Chris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I graduated from Miami University in 2008, then worked for five years as a science teacher at Princeton High School. After I left the classroom, I wanted to continue to work in science education, so I started a blog for teachers to use in the classroom called Science Over Everything. But writing wasn’t a good fit as it took me way too long to get pieces published. It was when I began thinking about switching over to doing video content is when I met John Gibson, an electronic media and broadcasting teacher at Northern Kentucky University, who helped me develop my idea of Science Around Cincy. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Cutting through the noise of the internet is always a challenge. There’s so much available that it’s hard compete for attention. It’s also tough to retain the attention of educators because they are so busy with the demands of their jobs. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a science educator and the host and executive producer of Science Around Cincy, a video series featuring our region’s scientist and their work. Our goal has been to awareness for the brilliant scientific research happening here in our hometown and to get kids excited to learn science and interested in STEM careers. Each of our episodes is paired with classroom resources so teachers can connect what their students watch to what they learn. 

I also host and produce OutSCIder Classroom, a video series that teaches kids science through our National Parks. We’ve recently finished our first season and will begin field production on our second season this fall. In addition to teaching students, we want to inspire them to become the next generation of scientists and conservationists. Both video series can be found on YouTube and have been broadcast on several PBS affiliates. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
If I don’t enjoy what I’m doing now, having 10 million followers isn’t going to be that much better. From a personal standpoint, I’m achieving the dream of having a science TV show. I’m doing what I set out to do. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sciaroundcincy.com; www.outscider.org
• Instagram: @sciaroundcincy; @outscider
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SciAroundCincy/; https://m.facebook.com/OutSCIder/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScienceAroundCincy; https://www.youtube.com/c/OutSCIderClassroom

Image Credits
OutSCIder Productions
Aaron Conway