Meet Einstein introduces preschoolers and kindergartners to one of the most famous scientists in history- Albert Einstein! He has wacky hair, a dog companion, and shows kids that they can be scientists too. These early learners are ready and eager to learn about the world around them - - Einstein helps to introduce them to what a scientist does, as well as the concepts of light and gravity. Join the author, Mariela Kleiner for crafts, a book chat, and a demonstration of the tools that scientists use. She'll talk about and show kids the different tools and how they're used, and help kids find scientific tools that are part of their everyday life.

Each participating site will receive a complimentary copy of Meet Einstein, thanks to our program partner JKS Communications.

Videoconference Outline

• Introductions (5 minutes)
• Discussion of Pre-Videoconference Activities and Projects (5 minutes)
• Live reading of Meet Einstein  (10 minutes)
• What Do Scientists Use? An Interactive Presentation (10 minutes)
• Question and Answer Session (10 minutes)
• Wrap-Up

Pre Videoconference Activities

Decorate your own Einstein: Download the Einstein Handout based on "Meet Einstein," and have students decorate the image with crafts supplies. It will help kids get more familiar with this great scientist!

Make your own light-catcher: Kids can make their own light-catcher and see for themselves how light can appear in all different colors. Using clear contact paper and tissue paper in various colors, the can combine the colors they pick - or use them individually, to make a light-catcher. Once completed, it can be hole-punched and hung with a string near a window. For full instructions, see the "Make Your Own Suncatcher" link under "Resources."

Generate Questions: Prior to the videoconference, we suggest teachers and students brainstorm questions for our guest speaker, Mariela! During the videoconference, you'll have an opportunity to ask at least one question, but you'll want to have a few prepared.

About Meet Einstien

Meet Einstein. He is a scientist who loves to study light and gravity. In this book, Einstein helps to introduce your kids to science, and show them that they are already great scientists! Light and gravity are concepts that preschoolers are ready to learn. Help them make the connections in everything they see and do, and teach them that science is all around them. The book includes a section for parents to learn about Einstein, so they can help their kids learn more about him and explore the concepts presented in the book.

About Mariela Kleiner

Mariela Kleiner was inspired to write this book when her daughter Hailey chose a grown-up book for her bedtime story, which happened to be Einstein's book, "Relativity." Hailey was a persistent two-year old, so Mariela improvised the story of Albert Einstein so that her daughter could understand it. Starting with "Meet Albert Einstein. He is a scientist," the story for this book was born. This is Mariela's first children's book publication. She currently lives in Northern California with her husband and two children.