Who We Are
Mark Gordon
For the last twenty-five years, Mark Gordon has worked with at-risk youth as a teacher, mentor, and director of two experimental educational nonprofits (The AHA Center and The Kuriosity Lab). Based on the science of learning, and how we learn most effectively, he discarded the standard curriculum that dulls the minds of most students (March 30, 2019 NY Times story reported that 68% of all high school juniors described school as “boring”). Mark’s magic trick is developing fully engaging lessons that motivate those who have been abandoned or have abandoned hope.
Mark is a big believer that solving problems through movement is primal to humans (the core concept of Brain Rules by John Medina). Having spent his youth playing all kinds of ball—especially with Spaldeens — and banging into fences and other immoveable objects (seven concussions), he learned he was no match for concrete, blacktop, or fences. Starring in track was a lot safer. After college he built a cabin in the Vermont hills with the nearest neighbor a mile away. But when an ex-Broadway dancer friend suggested he study with her teacher, the legendary Anna Halprin, he moved to San Francisco. Dancing 10-12 hours a day was bliss. Dancing remains a daily practice of love. He he fulfilled a dream three years ago in moving with Juilliard dancers for 30 hours teaching what he’s discovered. They loved it!
Synthesizing all these movement and play experiences, Mark created a systematic way to teach academic skills through activity. The power and nuance of using games and movement as a learning tool, academically, socially, and personally, is vastly underrated. Check out on this site Explorer Games: Tools for Your Adventure and The Dodecahedron Mystery.
Mark’s has written two books, published a best-selling trivia game, wrote and produced a major theatrical show, and co-founded the longest continuous operating solar company in California: Sun Light & Power.
Derek Webb
Derek has been with Kuriosity Lab for nine years. “Whatever it takes,” is Derek’s motto. And he’s proven it over and again–whether its loading Kuriosity Lab stuff for a public demonstration even trucking it for 1,000 miles. Whether Derek is moving in rhythm with five or six balls or even donning a parrot outfit onstage, he is an invaluable member of our cast. And put Derek together with a group of kids, and “Voila!!” IT’S MAGIC!
David Gordon
Drawing since he was two, David Gordon serves as illustrator for the imaginary characters and scenes seen in the website. David is also responsible for planning, photographing and videoing many of the Kuriosity Lab experiments. As a graduate of Evergreen State College, David has enjoyed learning about growing things including himself, producing podcasts, and continuing his lifelong interest in history and different cultures. His travels to Turkey, Peru, and Guatemala has intensified his voracious appetite to understand how and why humans act the way we do. As a card-carrying dyslexic, his graduation from Evergreen State in Olympia with a BA, is a noted accomplishment.
Drawing since he was two, David Gordon serves as illustrator for the imaginary characters and scenes seen in the website. David is also responsible for planning, photographing and videoing many of the Kuriosity Lab experiments. As a graduate of Evergreen State College, David has enjoyed learning about growing things including himself, producing podcasts, and continuing his lifelong interest in history and different cultures. His travels to Turkey, Peru, and Guatemala has intensified his voracious appetite to understand how and why humans act the way we do. As a card-carrying dyslexic, receiving a BA is a noted accomplishment.
Over 18 years ago, Colin Barton became the first student at the AHA! Learning Center a school that Mark co-created. Colin continued to study creative writing under Mark, and went on to teach himself 3D digital art and is now making breakthroughs that Silicon Valley digital arts companies compete for his talent. Colin has partnered with Mark to develop and edit The Dodecahedron Mystery. He has written two books that he’s not had time to publish.