The Engagement Effect

Over the course of 27 appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, I saw Steve Spangler turn science segments into unforgettable shared experiences—moments that sparked joy, curiosity, and connection for millions. The Engagement Effect captures that same energy and breaks down the how and why behind it all. This book is Steve at his best.

For decades, I’ve had a front row seat to Steve Spangler’s ability to turn everyday television into something unforgettable. He doesn’t just demonstrate science—he creates shared moments filled with wonder, laughter, and meaning. The Engagement Effect is full of heart, humor, and the kind of insight that turns information into inspiration.

The strongest brands don’t just sell products—they create experiences that connect, inspire, and build trust. That’s what we saw when Excelligence acquired Steve Spangler Science. Steve’s work has always gone beyond science, products and speaking; it’s about sparking curiosity and cultivating engagement. The Engagement Effect distills that mission into a powerful playbook for leaders and educators who want to elevate every interaction into something meaningful, memorable, and transformative.

Steve Spangler doesn’t just teach—he ignites. In The Engagement Effect, he shares a powerful blueprint for creating experiences that inspire action and build trust. This isn’t just a book about communication—it’s a call to lead with authenticity, generosity, and intention.

For more than 25 years, Steve Spangler has brought science to life on 9NEWS through over 1,800 unforgettable segments—each one designed to spark wonder, ignite curiosity, and inspire joy. In The Engagement Effect, he reveals the proven strategies behind those moments of magic. They’ve captivated television audiences for decades—and they’ll work for you, too.

Whether it was connecting 1,600 students through a human circuit or challenging our principals to create their own ‘Best Day Ever’ moments, Steve Spangler showed us that engagement is more than a buzzword—it’s a mindset. The Engagement Effect is a blueprint for how he thinks, plans, and inspires at the highest level.

We’ve trusted Steve Spangler to help us create unforgettable moments for hundreds of thousands of educators at Get Your Teach On—and he always delivers. This book brings his passion, creativity, and practical strategies to the page. If you want to inspire people and leave a lasting impact, this is your playbook.

Steve’s ‘Best Day Ever’ moments have inspired our teachers and administrators to create their own unforgettable moments for students and staff. When one of our principals told me that her teacher had done more hands-on science in 3 months than she had done in 30 years, I knew we had struck gold with Steve Spangler’s approach to engagement. He doesn’t just inspire others ‘to do’, he inspires them ‘to be’ – the best version of themselves. This book clearly illustrates how he does it, and why it matters.

At NAFEPA, we focus on translating national education goals into meaningful impact at the state and local levels. Steve Spangler has helped our leaders do just that—bringing his strategies to life with energy, purpose, and clarity. The Engagement Effect offers that same spark in written form. It’s a powerful resource for anyone looking to turn ideas into real connection and lasting change.

Steve Spangler’s impact on Littleton Public Schools spans over three decades. What began in the classroom has become a legacy of helping educators throughout our district bring learning to life. The Engagement Effect is filled with the same strategies and mindset that Steve has shared with our teachers—tools that help create powerful learning experiences and meaningful student connections.

We’ve had Steve Spangler on stage at the Innovative Schools Summit enough times to know this—he shows up with purpose and delivers every time. He brings engagement, connection, and ideas that stick. The Engagement Effect isn’t just a book—it’s a behind-the-scenes pass to how he does it, and why it works.

I’ve had the privilege of calling Steve Spangler a friend for more than 25 years, and we’ve shared the stage countless times. Whether it’s squirrelly 3rd graders, stressed-out educators, or high-pressure executives, I’ve seen Steve work his magic to get any group fully engaged. He has mastered the art of creating experiences—both big and small—that connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impact. In The Engagement Effect, Steve pulls back the curtain and shares the insights, stories, and strategies that will help you create your own moments of connection and engagement.

Steve Spangler is the most powerful motivational speaker I’ve ever heard. As CEO of Frog Street, we invited Steve to help us transform our annual Splash conference into a truly unforgettable experience.  His ability to engage early childhood educators through hands-on learning and powerful storytelling elevated our conference and stimulated educators to strive for greatness. The Engagement Effect captures the same energy, strategy, and heart that made Steve’s work such a vital part of our community.

There’s something truly electric about watching 15,000 students, teachers, and parents fill Coors Field for our annual STEM Day with Steve Spangler. That kind of excitement and connection doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of intentional strategies that make every individual feel seen, involved, and inspired. In The Engagement Effect, Steve reveals the same powerful techniques he’s used to make STEM Day one of our most impactful events. This book is an excellent tool on how to captivate an audience and turn engagement into action.

Few people understand the power of engagement like Steve Spangler. I had the opportunity to read The Engagement Effect early on, and even then it was clear—this book has the potential to transform how we lead, teach, and connect. It’s a timely, essential guide for anyone who wants to make their message matter.

For over 20 years, I had the pleasure—and occasional peril—of sharing the 9NEWS stage with Steve Spangler. He brought science to life with explosions, laughter, and unforgettable moments, but what really made it great television was the connection he created with viewers. The Engagement Effect is the ultimate guide to understanding how he does it.

Steve Spangler helped our entire district kick off a new school year with a powerful message about purpose and engagement. His influence was so profound that we brought him back a few years later to help celebrate our decade-long mission to elevate student engagement. The Engagement Effect captures the same energy, insight, and inspiration he brought to our staff—a must-read for any educator or leader committed to meaningful connection.

Over seven seasons of the television series, DIY Sci, Steve Spangler has inspired viewers to roll up their sleeves, ask questions, and create unforgettable memories through hands-on learning. His passion for making STEM education accessible and exciting comes through in every episode—and every page of The Engagement Effect. This book is a brilliant guide to designing experiences that connect, captivate, and stick with you long after the experiment is over.

At the American Payroll Association’s Annual Congress, we’ve always believed in creating experiences that educate, connect, and inspire. Steve Spangler brought that vision to life—most memorably when he connected nearly 3,000 attendees in a single, electrifying STEM demonstration. The Engagement Effect captures the heart of that moment and the strategy behind it. This book is a valuable guide for anyone committed to elevating how people learn and lead.