Archive for the ‘Science of Iceland’ Category

I find myself getting emotional trying to put together the thoughts and reflections for this trip…there were so many things that made our trip absolutely amazing. Let’s start with the Spangler team who created an experience unlike any other, where no detail was overlooked and every excursion felt like it was created just for you. It was the first time traveling as an adult that I truly felt like a kid. I didn’t have to worry about a thing. All of our accommodations were top-notch. Every meal was taken care of and the time spent around the dinner table was as wonderful as the meal itself. This Spangler experience was a series of “best day ever” moments day after day. And to top it off our guides were Icelandic royalty! They welcomed us into their country and shared their knowledge and personal stories with us along the way. This was by far the most incredible learning experience I’ve ever had in my entire life.

Katie Matthews – K/1 Educator, National Board Certified, Boone, NC

Let’s start by saying that I’m the “plus one.” But I thought you might like to get my take on all of this. The opportunity to explore amazing parts of the world with the Spangler team is something I would not miss. Their ability to make the experience individualized and special for everyone is truly remarkable. The fact that I also get to share these experiences with amazing people from all over the world is just icing on the cake. I always leave with new friends, new stories, and a thirst for whatever next adventure they dare dream up. And that’s from the plus one.

Byron Peterson – Gillette, WY

The Science of Iceland trip is one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Each day was full of interesting, fun, and “Best Day Ever” magical moments. Where else in the world can you hike up to a volcano and then go down inside it, eat bread that was cooked in boiling water under the sand, see magnificent waterfalls, experience Sky Lagoon, visit a few beaches, ride in a boat surrounded by icebergs, hike on a glacier, make a lot of new friends and eat butter off of rocks? Okay, that’s just another Spangler experience.

Kathy Edwards – Reimagining Education organization, Grapevine, TX

The beauty of the landscape and the warmth of the people of Iceland was everything we had dreamed of and more! We loved everything about our experiences during our magical visit. As a science teacher, I found the geology of the region and how for centuries Icelandic people have utilized the land & environmental processes to survive & thrive quite intriguing. Renee, Steve, and the entire Spangler team planned every detail in order to make this a learning adventure that we will never forget. If you seek moderate to challenging hikes, indescribable geological formations, and genuine Icelandic experiences, well as developing friendships that will last a lifetime, then this is definitely the trip for you.

Teresa and John Nichols – Morton Middle School, Vandalia, OH

It’s amazing to me that a random group of teachers and their +1s could start this experience together as virtual strangers and end this experience together feeling almost like family. I’m especially grateful that you selected such a knowledgeable, professional, experienced team to guide us. Experiences like this help me to continue to grow and learn while connecting me to friends and colleagues all over the world with whom I can share my passion for teaching and learning! They restore my enthusiasm for returning to the classroom to tackle the challenges that await in the coming school year.

Ellen Peterson – Gillette Community College, Gillette, WY

I experienced earth’s processes, plate tectonics, continental drift, ecological succession, and climate change all in one “Best Day Ever” experience. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for amazing professional development. By the way, Steve Spangler renewed our wedding vows deep inside a volcano just outside of Reykjavik. Memories for a lifetime? Indeed!

Kelli and Jason Higgins – East Peoria Central Junior High, East Peoria, IL

Beyond amazing! The Spangler team did so much background research that every adventure was exceptional. Each day’s itinerary highlighted aspects of Iceland that made me truly appreciate the culture, the geography and the food.

Linda Starbuck – FM Day Elementary School, Westminster, CO

A remarkable experience from beginning to end. Everywhere I looked something new captured my attention – breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, volcanoes – you name it. What an amazing experience!

Jackie Oberkfell – Forest Park Highschool, Atlanta, GA

Best Days Ever! Beautiful landscapes, knowledgeable guides, and wonderful people. The geothermal features of Iceland and the majestic glaciers made the fire and ice of this island hard to resist. Trolls, volcanoes, and icebergs – what else could you want?

Lisa DeWispelaere – Joliet Central High School, Lockport, Illinois

Nothing could have prepared us for the awe we felt while descending into a volcano or the satisfaction at accomplishing a climb up a glacier to drink rushing cold, clear water. Every day we were guided by the best natives around and our group became a family, traveling together to one amazing activity or place to another. It is unbelievable how much we accomplished in just a few days. Thanks to the Spangler team for the extensive work it took to design this unforgettable learning experience.

Ramón and Pati Pineda – Green Oaks School, Medellín, Veracruz, Mexico

Steve and Renee Spangler planned a journey that was flawless in its execution while gathering the best, most experienced Iceland experts to guide and direct our experience. Whether you’re a current science teacher wanting to bring this learning back to your students or a continuous learner yourself, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Kendra Wetuski – Bear Branch Elementary, Kingwood, TX

It was a privilege to be a part of the inaugural Science of Iceland tour. This experience gets a full FIVE STAR review for many reasons. The pre-organization by the Spangler team was amazing. Our naturalists were of exceptional quality, with a depth of background knowledge, understanding and relatability. Their authenticity framed every experience with impact and significance. Bottom line – the Spanglers totally get it when it comes to creating unforgettable experiences that help teachers return to the classroom with a new level of hope and excitement for the future.

Lisa Heaton – Willow Creek Elementary, Englewood, Colorado

Science of Iceland is truly a trip of a lifetime with other educators who value the importance of experiential learning. As a past Science at Sea participant, I didn’t think the Spangler team could raise the bar of excellence… but they did. We woke up every day to a new adventure- volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, canyons, and geysers… and that was just the first three days!

Kristen Wilder – Gov. William Pitkin Elementary School, East Hartford, CT

Science of Iceland was a thoughtfully organized, magical educational experience exploring a new part of the world that took me out of my comfort zone but left positive and lasting memories.

MK Larson – Keller, TX