Zombie Science

Official Description: Attendees will be active researchers in the global effort to stave off the Zombie Apocalypse.  Through several dynamic and engaging activities, workshop participants will learn about basic neurology, biology, and pathology.  More importantly, attendees will explore the pop-culture origins of Zombies and debate the finer points and semantics of all things undead!  Participants will leave this workshop more than prepared to face their own Zombie-horde back at their afterschool program site.

Layman's Description: Bloody lab coat?!? Check! Zombie catwalk competition?!? Check! Choreographed Thriller dance?!? Check!  Movies, video & board games, debate, and journaling?!? Check, check, check, and check!!!!

DO Conference Hype: "The sheer amount of pop-culture, movie and music references, fashion, art, and literature in this workshop almost make you forget that you learned a boat-load of awesome science!  Speaking of boats, you'll need one to survive the oncoming hoard...but, you already knew that because as a result of this workshop you are the most knowledgeable zombie-o-file around!  BRAAAAAAIIINS!"

Presenter: Martin Fortney, 21st CCLC Site Coordinator at Pioneer Middle School (Walla Walla, WA), loves the intersection of theory and practice.  It is in this "sweet spot" that Martin has crafted some of his best afterschool programs.  He believes that when students capitalize on the rigorous academic standards of the school day and pair it with their youth culture, passions, hobbies, and interests, it is the job of the afterschool educator to stoke these flames of excitement by creating a learning environment that is naturally differentiated to all learning styles.  During the DO Conference, Martin is excited to create that experiential environment for you too!