Author Visits
Shining a Light on Research Careers
Bright Ideas Loading Author Visits are designed to support science teachers by bringing life sciences, inquiry, and real-world STEM careers into the classroom. These visits help students see how biology, medicine, and research connect to their own curiosity and to future careers that they may not yet know exist. Download the Author Visit Guide (below) for more information.
👋Meet the Author
Hi! I’m Bridget Chapital, the creator of the Bright Ideas Loading book series. I come from a background in scientific research and education, and I love helping kids see that big ideas often start with simple questions.
I wrote A Kids’ Guide to Clinical Research to show how clinical research works and why it’s so important.
During my author visits, I share how curiosity, creativity, and perseverance are at the heart of science and discovery.
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Bridget Chapital, M.Ed.
📌 Why Host a Bright Ideas Loading Author Visit?
✔️Reinforce life science concepts through storytelling
✔️Model scientific thinking
✔️Introduce students to real-world careers in the life sciences
✔️Support NGSS / TEKS-aligned science instruction
✔️Help students see themselves as future scientists and researchers
Presentations
⭐ Life Sciences Career Day
(Recommended Grades 3–6)
An engaging, age-appropriate 45-minute presentation that includes:
✅ Read-aloud excerpts from A Kids’ Guide to Clinical Research, the first book in the Bright Ideas Loading book series.
✅ A behind-the-scenes look at careers in the life sciences (clinical research, lab science, ethics, and more)
✅ Interactive Q&A
Ideal for: Auditorium-style Career Day events, science blocks, or grade-level assemblies
🧪 Scientific Method + Career Exploration
(Recommended Grades 3–6)
An engaging, age-appropriate 45-minute presentation that includes:
✅ Exploring different roles within the life sciences
✅ Practicing observation, hypothesis-building, and data thinking
✅ Connecting classroom science to real jobs in research and healthcare
✅ Career-focused Q&A
Ideal for: Science classrooms, STEM electives, or enrichment groups
💻 Virtual Author Visits
(Recommended Grades: 5–6)
The virtual visit is a 30-minute live presentation on clinical research topics.
Virtual visits work well for district-wide career days, science classes across multiple campuses and schools seeking flexible scheduling.
Workshops
These 45-minute interactive workshops are available only as an add-on to a presentation (not offered as stand-alone sessions). 2 topics available
How to Write a Research Study
The “How to Write a Research Study” workshop is an optional add-on that turns curiosity into career exploration through interactive thinking and discussion.
(Recommended Grades: 3–6)
During this workshop, students will:
● Explore how scientists and researchers use the scientific method to investigate health problems
● Learn how different life science careers work together on a single goal
● Practice thinking like a researcher through guided activities
● Creation of a group research study right on the spot
Medical Innovators
The “Medical Innovators” workshop is an optional add-on that turns curiosity into an exploration of the power of bright ideas to solve medical problems.
(Recommended Grades: 3–6)
During this workshop, students will:
● Discover real-life medical questions that innovators and researchers set out to solve, from preventing disease to improving how patients live and heal
● Step into the role of a medical innovator by practicing observation, questioning, and problem-solving through guided activities
● Reflect on which life science roles (and which kinds of discoveries) connect most with their own interests, strengths, and curiosity
📆 Ready to book an Author Visit?
FAQs
Can schools order books to get autographed at the Author Visit?
Yes, we have a process for placing book orders, including book discounts or PTA Fundraisers.
What can we expect, and what do we have to do to host an Author Visit?
We don’t have the budget for an in-person Author Visit. Are there other options?
To expand access for Title I schools, multiple campuses may partner together for a shared Virtual Author Visit. Each participating school pays a portion of the cost and commits to a minimum book order. Please email info@brightideasloading.com for details.
Here are some other ideas to sponsor a visit.
➡️ 30 Ways to Fund Author Visits.
Are travel expenses included in the visit honorarium?
No, they are not. Travel and lodging are billed separately.
Not ready to book yet?
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