Barbara Cargill grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and earned
top honors at Briarcrest High School - the wonderful Christian school featured
in the movie "The Blind Side". She earned her undergraduate degree in
education from Baylor University and a Masters of Science in Science Education
degree from Texas Woman's University.
Barbara has taught and shared science with children in the Dallas and Houston areas for almost thirty years. She has received teaching awards such as the "Thanks to Teachers" National Excellence Award, the A. J. Sales Educational Award, and a National Audubon Society Award.
Barbara served on the Garland ISD Textbook Selection
Committee, co-wrote curriculums for Hurst Euless Bedford ISD, and was the team
leader for the district science curriculum development. Barbara traveled to
the International Science Fair as a teacher-sponsor for one of her students.
She founded "Project Nature" for Hurst Euless Bedford ISD, which allowed her
high school science students to teach science to local elementary school
students.
She has presented teacher workshops for Conroe ISD, Region XI, and for many
Science Teachers' Association of Texas Conferences and Houston Area Early
Childhood conferences. She participated in the National Alliance of Business
Education Symposium in Washington, D.C., as an honoree to study business and
educational partnerships.
Barbara's interest in creative, hands-on learning for children and a love for
science motivated her to found the Wonders of the Woodlands (WOW!) Science
Camp program in 1994. She still serves as its director today. (www.wowsciencecamp.com) With a team
of dynamic certified teachers and fantastic curriculum, the program attracts
over 1,200 children each summer, ages 3-11. As Director of "Wonders of the
Woodlands Science Camp", Barbara authors or co-authors
every
curriculum for which the program is so well known. She is often asked about
the secret to the program's success. The secret is really no secret at all! It
is hands-on, hands-on, hands-on...kids love it and they learn best from it!
Barbara started using animals in her classroom years ago because they provided
an amazing bond between Barbara and her students. Many high risk students
improved their grades and conduct just to earn the privilege to come in early
and work with the classroom animals. And now Barbara uses the animals to
educate children all over the Houston area. The animals still provide an
instant bond and hands-on learning with children of all ages!
Barbara also works closely with science teachers through in-services and
consulting work. She volunteers to deliver the Science Camp discovery boxes to
many local teachers. In area schools she leads various Science Outreach
Programs. Birthday parties and other science programs keep Barbara busy year
round.
In addition to her work in science education, Barbara volunteered for many
years with the Junior League of North Harris and Montgomery Counties. She
works with the youth at The Woodlands United Methodist Church. She frequently
serves as a judge at the Science and Technology Science Fair in Conroe ISD.
Barbara serves on the College Park High School PTO Board and is involved in a
service organization with her sons working in programs such as Meals on
Wheels, the Interfaith Food Pantry, and the Tamina Community Center. Her "WOW!
From the Heart" program arranges for animals to visit sick children or
children who need comfort due to difficult situations in their lives.
Barbara Cargill considers it a privilege to use her education, experience, and
skills to serve as a voice for the children of Texas on the State Board of
Education.