The STEM Space

Show Summary: When we think about parent volunteers, we often picture parents helping with classroom parties, fundraisers, field trips, or other special events. But what if we invited parents to be involved in the academic work happening at school, too? In this episode, Natasha and Claire brainstorm ways schools and… Read more

Show Summary: Are you making one of these common STEM teaching mistakes? Don't worry! Most of us have! In this episode, Natasha and Claire break down five mistakes that are especially common when teachers are new to STEM education. They'll talk about why focusing too much on the finished product can actually get in… Read more

Show Summary: How do we know what we know—and how do we decide whom to trust? In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha explore the challenge of teaching students to navigate a world filled with misinformation, misleading statistics, and confidently stated “facts.” From questioning commonly held beliefs to… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire shares a special behind‑the‑scenes look at a project she’s been leading with her after‑school STEM club, inspired by Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary and the recent film adaptation. You’ll hear directly from her students as they talk through their designs,… Read more

Show Summary: What if turning off your selective attention could actually make you more creative? In this episode of The STEM Space, we explore how the brain filters information—and why loosening that filter might be the secret to innovation. You’ll also meet Ellen Swallow Richards, the chemist, environmental… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, we explore the fascinating world of the mind’s eye. Some people can picture vivid images in their minds, while others see nothing at all—so where do you fall on the imagination spectrum? We’ll dive into the science of visual perception while learning about modern… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire introduces us to the fascinating inventor and engineer, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, who is best known for creating the super soaker water gun. However, that is the least of his accomplishments. Claire and Natasha follow with a discussion on what makes a great engineer and the difference… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire explore the fascinating world of robots and robotics—from the driver’s seat of their Tesla cars to the competition floor of First In Texas robotics. Natasha shares firsthand insights from her work in competitive robotics, while both hosts reflect on how robotics is… Read more

Show Summary: We’re kicking off the new year with a spotlight on real engineers and scientists who inspire our work in STEM education. This week, we’re featuring Lillian Gilbreth and the incredible impact she made on engineering and human factors. We’re also sharing highlights from our time at the 2026 SEEC conference… Read more

Show Summary: Claire sits down with Sharon Boese, a dynamic STEM educator from McKinney Christian Academy in Texas, to explore what hands-on, inquiry-based science education looks like in action. Sharon shares what a typical day in her classroom entails - from guiding 8th graders through Earth and Space Science to… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire shares her recent discovery of a backyard superfood – the Black Soldier Fly! She and Natasha discuss how this creature plays a key role in ecosystems involving efficient decomposition, nutritional livestock feed, and even in future space habitats. Learn why you may want to get… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire shares how she tells her story to inspire students and realistically see themselves achieving their dreams. Hear about her recent outreach day teaching about rockets using a home-built 8 foot tall model and of course an update on her chickens. Also get a taste of how STEM teachers… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire is joined by Audrey Gilfillan and Alison West, licensed professional counselors and embedded therapists in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder . Together, they bring extensive experience in college mental health, academic and career support, and… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire dive into Claire’s upcoming outreach presentation on rockets. As Claire builds a large-scale cutaway model to showcase each part of a rocket, they explore the value of hands-on learning, problem-solving activities, and tackling common misconceptions about rockets.… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of the STEM Space podcast, Claire chats with the Founder & CEO of Changemaker Education , David Richards. He shares his passion for love-based, personalized education that led to establishing a microschool for his own children. As an alternative to the outdated factory model of education,… Read more

Show Summary: You are in for a treat! Do you have someone in your life that is interested in video games or game development? Claire talks with Aaron Thibault, the director of The LIVE Lab which is a research lab at Texas A&M University in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts where students learn to… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha and Claire outline a new STEM curriculum that will be available for free through Space Club. Claire details her process on creating the science labs and engineering design challenges in the curriculum including representing accurate science content. Unsurprisingly, she learned that turning to the… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha and Claire dive into the often-overlooked role of manufacturing in STEM education, exploring how it connects to engineering and real-world applications in the classroom. Along the way, they catch up on the back-to-school happenings from the humor of kindergarten drama to the challenges of STEM… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire kick things off with their latest animal adventures. But the real focus is on helping STEM teachers gear up for the new school year. They break down the top things you should be doing right now, including how to strategically approach your curriculum planning and what… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire kick things off with their latest animal adventures. But the real focus is on helping STEM teachers gear up for the new school year. They break down the top things you should be doing right now, including how to strategically approach your curriculum planning and what… Read more

Show Summary: Get ready for a deep dive into this year’s smartest Prime Day finds from Vivify STEM! In this episode, Claire spotlights her top picks to save you some money! From hands-on learning kits like Snap Circuits and the Smartphone-Controlled Paper Airplane, to classroom must-haves including science posters,… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha sits down with Rolanda Baldwin, a dynamic leader whose 20+ years in math education are transforming the way we think about numbers. Rolanda’s journey is nothing short of inspiring: from her early days as a classroom teacher and instructional coach in North Carolina, to serving as a district… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha and Claire return to unpack an essential question for STEM educators: Should you be using the Design Process or the Engineering Design Process in your classroom? With a mix of practical advice and personal stories, they explore how each approach supports creativity, critical thinking, and… Read more

Show Summary: Have you used ST Math in your classroom? In today’s episode of The STEM Space, Natasha chats with Ki Karou, Senior Director of Product at MIND Education, creators of this game-based math program. Their goal is to challenge students through active, visual learning and critical thinking that teaches… Read more

Show Summary: What happens when you bring physical education into the STEM classroom? In this episode of The STEM Space , we’re joined by Naomi Hartl , Education Strategist at School Specialty , who is excited about the possibilities of exactly that! With a teaching background that spans subjects such as biology,… Read more

Show Summary: How do we help kids make better decisions, such as in STEM challenges? In this episode of The STEM Space , we’re joined by Ramin Mohajer and Alison Stumacher from the Alliance for Decision Education. Ramin, a former corporate attorney turned nonprofit leader, is the Deputy Director of Organizational… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha sits down with Jonathan Schor, visionary co-founder and CEO behind CodeMonkey . This award-winning, game-based platform isn’t just fun; it equips students with real-world coding skills in a way that makes computer science accessible and exciting for every classroom. Discover how Jonathan’s… Read more

Show Summary: Claire is back — and she’s taking us to the edge of space! Listen in as she shares the behind-the-scenes story of launching a weather balloon nearly 89,000 feet into the atmosphere! Despite flooding in Texas, a helium tank mix-up, and a few unmotivated students, her class pulled off one of the ultimate… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha chats with UCLA researchers Dr. Jean Ryoo and Dr. Jane Margolis—leaders on the frontlines of broadening K–12 computer science education. Their research inspired Power On!, a graphic novel that follows four high school students confronting technology’s harmful impact, urging young… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha sits down with Dr. Erica Colón, the visionary behind NGS Magnified —formerly known as Nitty Gritty Science—to explore the profound impact of science education. Erica shares her journey of sparking curiosity in students and how that passion evolved into equipping educators with the tools to… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha sits down with Nichole Austion — children’s book author and Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) . Nichole shares the story behind her book Miles and the Math Monsters , inspired by her son’s journey to overcome… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha chats with Cherelle McKnight on all things math, including building a positive math identity, the systematic barriers in math education, and the challenges teachers face in the math classroom. Cherelle is a former mathematics teacher who now works as the… Read more

Show Summary: Claire is in survival mode as she juggles multiple big STEM projects, including a weather balloon launch to the stratosphere! Claire and Natasha also chat about something we’ve both noticed in our classrooms: how students don’t know how to think through a problem. Instead of pausing to figure things out,… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha chats with Dr. Leah Hanes, CEO of the Two Bit Circus Foundation, a nonprofit transforming STEAM education through hands-on, student-driven learning. Dr. Hanes highlights the power of makerspaces and how her organization upcycles industrial materials into creative classroom tools. She also… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of the STEM Space, Claire and Natasha discuss how to build an entrepreneurial mindset in the classroom, why free isn’t always a good thing (especially when it comes to materials in a STEM challenge!), and why constraints spark creativity. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, we bring you a special live-recorded conversation with Jason McKenna from VEX Robotics! Broadcasting straight from the VEX Classroom, Jason showcases an incredible lineup of robotic solutions designed to transform learning environments. With over 20 years of teaching… Read more

Show Summary: As a mom to two daughters, Natasha is always on the lookout for STEM-inspired clothing that’s both stylish and empowering. If you can relate or are interested in the story of two passionate entrepreneurs, then this episode is for you! Join Claire and Natasha as they sit down with Margarita (Maty) and… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha chats with Debra Hettleman, the CEO of Building STEPS , which stands for Science, Technology And Education Partnerships. This nonprofit is dedicated to fostering college and career success through a multi-year program in Baltimore’s most underserved public high schools. From college prep… Read more

Show Summary: Do you use a 3D printer in your classroom? In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha dive into the reality of owning and using 3D printers in the classroom. These machines definitely bring the ‘wow’ factor, but are they really worth the hype? From bridges to weather balloons, we share our… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha chats with Carlos Romero, a STEM professional who is passionate about making STEM more inclusive and accessible for all students. With a background in chemical engineering and a career in product development and project management, Carlos shares his experiences in the STEM industry to highlight… Read more

Show Summary: Welcome back to the second part of Natasha and Claire’s conversation with the co-founders of Qweebi ! In this episode, they shift gears to explore the story behind Qweebi’s creation by diving into the partnership of Aman and Vivek. They’ll uncover how these two visionaries met, what brought them… Read more

Show Summary: Are you a STEM teacher feeling overwhelmed by limited time, storage, and funding? Then this episode of The STEM Space is for you! Claire and Natasha sit down with the visionary co-founders of Qweebi , a tech company on a mission to revolutionize STEM education. Qweebi is a virtual makerspace where… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire is on a mission to rescue her Mission to Mars plant (yes, it's a real plant!), while Natasha rants about the relentless fire alarms in the dorm and the frigid New England winter. Along the way, we find connections to STEM everywhere - from a freaky football pass… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha chats with a former STEM educator turned founder and CEO of WhyMaker, Liz Gallo. Liz is on a mission to design the future of education, where teachers act as learning engineers, equipping their students to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Listen in as they chat about her decade-long experience… Read more

Show Summary: This episode of The STEM Space is all about math! Math might be the M in STEM, but it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in K-12 STEM education efforts. Yet, its role is critical—not just for academic success, but for preparing students to solve real-world problems. To help us understand why… Read more

Show Summary: Claire and Natasha catch up after a Thanksgiving holiday break filled with family, fun, and a little bit of chaos! They also share creative ways to STEMify your Elf on the Shelf before they pick back up on the last episode’s discussion of what they found to be their most valuable experiences to prepare… Read more

Show Summary: Claire and Natasha tackle your questions from The STEM Space Facebook group ! Listen as they dive into everything—from seasoned teachers venting about how STEM feels watered down to newer teachers feeling totally overwhelmed or unsure about engineering— and chat through your comments, share their… Read more

Show Summary: From Sphero chariot races to a straw rocket challenge between engineers and educators, Claire and Natasha reflect on the K-12 Educator Institute, a workshop they facilitated as part of the Great Minds In STEM conference. They share ideas and big takeaways for facilitating STEM PD for teachers. Claire… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha chats with Tara Tony, a high school student passionate about environmental advocacy. Tara serves as a student commissioner on the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Commission (EESC) in Milpitas, California. She shares her experiences from the EESC, where she became inspired to launch… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha sits down for a chat with Dora Palfi and Beatrice Ionascu, co-founders of imagi , a Swedish EdTech startup dedicated to closing the gender gap in tech by sparking a passion for technology in all children through fun and inclusive computer science education. Dora and Beatrice met while studying at… Read more

Show Summary: Claire reflects on the success of her recent Star Party event. She also shares a Show and Tell activity with her STEM students, which is a great way to practice communication skills. Claire even participates by bringing a surprising object from home—something you use every day, but probably not what… Read more

Show Summary: Claire is preparing for her first-ever Star Party family event, and Natasha gives her tips on everything from using a sky app to making constellation-themed hot chocolate! We also dive into a new Framework for Engineering Learning that the Vivify team is developing. What are the main learning goals of… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire discuss a new framework for teaching STEM. Hear about resources for intentional and authentic learning experiences in STEM and advice on what to focus on when you are short on time. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 150. Screw the Standards!… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire speaks with Ike Theriot, a NASA EVA Flight Controller and Astronaut Instructor, who highlights the power of curiosity and the importance of following your passions in the space industry. He shares personal experiences in working for NASA and training astronauts, showing how a love… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha and Claire discuss the importance of teaching engineering in the context of real-world engineering challenges. They work to define what constitutes a true engineering problem and highlight the significance of providing students with authentic engineering experiences that mimic the complexities… Read more

Show Summary: What is your greatest challenge as a STEM educator? In this episode, Claire and Natasha respond to concerns from K-12 STEM teachers who posted their challenges in The STEM Space Facebook group. We tackle everything from getting kids to accept math is part of science, overcoming learned helplessness, and… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha answer a question from a listener: “For those of you who teach multiple grades in a day, how do you organize all your stuff that goes with each class?” Claire, a K-8 STEM teacher, gives us all her tips and tricks for managing the STEM supply chaos!… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire navigates the whirlwind of back-to-school season, sharing favorite moments from her K-8 STEM classroom, including a fun bar graph icebreaker that got her students engaged. Natasha reflects on her daughter's transition to 1st grade and how she loves to find math… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha recounts a dramatic story from her trip to Greece, while Claire hopes she's finally learned a valuable lesson. We also discuss gearing up for the back-to-school season including some unique finds from Claire’s Amazon wish list for her STEM classroom! Links from… Read more

Show Summary: Claire and Natasha continue their discussions with Dr. Rachelle Pedersen on best practices in STEM education. Hear how she gets students to discover engineering design criteria and other ways you can engage your students in developing engineering skills. Accept the challenge with us to highlight the… Read more

Show Summary: Claire and Natasha have another chat with Dr. Rachelle Pedersen on how STEM teachers should incorporate the engineering standards in NGSS and beyond. Gain insight from the perspective of three engineers with research-backed education philosophies on what your students need to know about engineering in… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha is joined by her former classmate Dr. Rachelle Pedersen, an engineer turned educator who is an Assistant Professor of STEM Education at Texas Tech University. Natasha and Rachelle reflect on their time at the American Society of Engineering Education Conference, including how to move beyond… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha is joined by Vivify STEM Education Specialist Lauren Kelly who shares some exciting updates from a recent computer science conference in Fort Worth, Texas. She shares all about how to use AI in the classroom, an inexpensive technology tool called Micro:Bit, and a brief overview… Read more

Show Summary: Are you a teacher who has had an amazing experience? What about a lesson gone awry? Did it happen to be weather-related? Things have heated up in Texas as Natasha tells Claire all about an adventure in the summer heat with STEM and how teachers can adapt when things are not exactly going according to… Read more

Show Summary: Claire and Natasha continue the conversation around how to build intuition for engineering design challenges. What should happen during the brainstorm phase of a design challenge? How do we intentionally support design decisions, especially around material selection? We also challenge the NGSS focus on… Read more

Show Summary: Are you needing to plan an engineering lesson for your K-12 classroom? In this episode of the STEM Space, Natasha and Claire unpack their approach to developing a Stage 2 lesson that centers around the engineering design process. They discuss how to be intentional with science concepts, including the… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of the STEM Space, Claire and Natasha have reached the final day of the 2023-2024 school year! From 3D printed bridges to literally smashing STEM projects, the final days of Claire’s STEM class were dramatic but filled with memorable learning moments. Natasha also celebrates her recent… Read more

Show Summary: On this episode of The STEM Space, Claire has just returned from a field trip with her STEM students to NASA's Johnson Space Center. She shares stories of meeting an astronaut, origins of ice cream in space, and an amazing tour led by a NASA mission control engineer! While she was away, Natasha hosted… Read more

Show Summary: The STEM Space is back! Natasha and Claire have a quick chat between teaching, traveling, and finishing up a dissertation…it’s been a busy semester, but we have so much to talk about! This episode Claire shares her elaborate STEM sub plans, and Natasha discusses an AI lesson gone wrong. Links from the… Read more

Show Summary: On today’s episode of The STEM Space, Natasha chats with Luke Zollinger, the author of The Insider’s Guide to Engineering. Luke is a licensed professional engineer in mechanical and civil engineering. He is currently the chief engineer for a research and development company, which involves ballistic and… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha chats with Maya Morales Garcia the Chief Program Officer at Beyond100K, an organization working to end the STEM teacher shortage by 2043, especially for those most excluded from STEM opportunities. The conversation covers her journey into STEM education and the importance of developing a positive… Read more

Show Summary: Claire and Natasha continue the discussion from episode 137 on the frustrations college professors expressed about the way engineering is taught in K-12 education. Many faculty complained that incoming engineering students are not prepared with basic math skills, and students have lots of misconceptions… Read more

Show Summary: Listen in as Natasha and Claire provide essential tips for educators on preparing your students for the upcoming solar eclipse and organizing a memorable watch party. From understanding safety precautions to engaging lesson ideas, we explore how to effectively incorporate this rare celestial event into… Read more

Show Summary: Dive into the frustrations college professors express about the way engineering is taught in K-12 education that are leaving students ill-prepared for higher education. Tune in to hear about the disconnect between K-12 and college-level engineering education as well as some of our experiences from the… Read more

Show Summary: Unravel the secrets of heat transfer and explore the science behind why your tumbler keeps your drink cold. In this episode, we delve into innovative teaching strategies to make the complexities of heat transfer engaging for students. Discover the fascinating principles that govern thermal energy… Read more

Show Summary: “Here is an essential principle of education: to teach details is to bring confusion; to establish the relationship between things is to bring knowledge.” Maria Montessori In this episode, Natasha and Claire delve into the subject of whether students should focus on acquiring specific knowledge or… Read more

Show Summary: Who is gifted and why does it matter? In this episode, Natasha and Claire reflect on their experiences of being rejected from an elementary gifted and talented program. They also discuss differences between motivation, exposure, and natural abilities and whether STEM education is only for those gifted… Read more

Show Summary: Are you in need of some CPE credit hours or just wanting to attend some great learning opportunities for educators? In this episode, Natasha and Claire share a list of their favorite conferences happening in 2024 and they want you to join them! The list includes SEEC, STEM Con & Beyond, STEM4Innovation,… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha shares her experience with a high school design competition. A design competition and any engineering design challenge should adequately relate to the real world of engineering while appropriately incorporating students’ prior knowledge. Claire and Natasha discuss how to approach… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire answer a listener's question about how to differentiate engineering design practices for each grade level. You will learn different approaches to preparing your students to become expert problem solvers by slowly introducing them to the engineering design process all… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha chats with a STEM teacher from Portugal, Juan Nolasco. We connected through Space Club, and after hearing about all the amazing space STEM projects he does with students, we invited him to join us on the podcast! He is an electrical engineer turned educator with over 18 years of… Read more

Show Summary: Claire and Natasha delve into the topic of phenomenon-based science teaching as an engaging way to increase understanding of science concepts while improving science practices. However, we warn listeners that not all lessons labeled as phenomenon-based are equally effective! Natasha shares a simple but… Read more

Show Summary: Texas teachers - are you ready for the new science standards coming next year? This was the hot topic at the recent Texas-based Conference for the Advancement of Science Teachers! Natasha shares her experiences attending the conferences and her thoughts on the similarities between these and the Next… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire and Natasha emphasize the importance of introducing students to STEM careers at an early age. Learn how exposure to STEM fields can ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking skills in students, preparing them for the challenges of the future job market. The episode also… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire take you on a journey beyond the classroom as they delve into the magical world of hosting a Star Party for students! Join them as they explore how you can teach the wonders of the universe through telescopes at an exciting school-wide event. Learn how to ignite the… Read more

Show Summary: How much time do you have with students in your STEM classroom? In this episode, Natasha and Claire share the findings of Vivify’s national survey of over 600 STEM teachers including the average time for elementary and middle school STEM classes. Who do you think has the most time? Tune in for the… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire and Natasha chat all about bones in celebration of the spooky season of Halloween! From designing a prosthetic leg to a creepy science project involving a rat skeleton, join us for a spine-tingling episode! Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 82. How to… Read more

Show Summary: Join us for an episode filled with celestial celebrations as we guide you through hosting a Solar Eclipse Party using ready-made kits and embracing World Space Week through space-themed STEM lessons. Learn how to safely witness a solar eclipse and our favorite space lessons including Rockets and rovers.… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, we talk all about motivation. How can teachers engage uninterested students? Natasha & Claire chat about their own struggles with motivation and strategies they have tried to increase intrinsic motivation, curiosity, and engagement in their classrooms. Links from the… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire reflect on the first few weeks of school, including everyone getting sick! Claire shares her students’ reaction to the mysterious refilling water bottle and a new role she is taking on in addition to teaching STEM. Natasha shares an open-ended science… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire is back in her STEM classroom and focused on prototyping and troubleshooting for her kinder - 9th graders! Listen in as she and Natasha chat about a mysterious prototype, a STEM challenge intended to assess learning for back to school, and why her students asked if they could… Read more

Show Summary: Happy back to school! In this episode, Natasha shares her lessons and reflects on the first week of school. This includes two mystery box activities to get to know her students, establish expectations for classroom participation, and connect to the scientific process. She also shares how she introduced… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha chats with one of her favorite people and classmates at Texas A&M University, Rachelle Pedersen! Natasha and Rachelle are both doctoral students in curriculum and instruction, and one of the few focused on engineering education. Rachelle shares her experiences teaching high… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha has an incredible conversation with Nikole Collins-Puri, a social justice visionary and advocate who is the CEO of Techbridge Girls, a nonprofit organization that empowers girls from low-income communities to pursue STEM careers and achieve economic mobility and financial… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire explore a variety of icebreakers to help set the tone for the academic year. They share activities that are not just fun but also help in sharpening vital soft skills like communication and teamwork—key elements for the complex design challenges that lie ahead. From… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire and Natasha discuss what things they would include in a devoted STEM classroom or Makerspace. They share some must-have products and design elements as well as some things you could skip. Tune in to hear an answer to one of our most frequently asked questions and take-away some… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire and Natasha share their extensive knowledge and experience in crafting and marketing educational curricula. They delve into the details of creating compelling and effective learning materials that not only engage students but also meet educators' needs by imparting valuable… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire dives into how she plans to inspire her students to understand complex concepts, such as buoyancy. She explores the transformative process of moving from paper sketches to mini-models, and ultimately to life-sized, functioning products. Claire explains the critical role of… Read more

Show Summary: The STEM Space podcast is back! While Natasha jetted off to France during the break, Claire shuttled her kids around town, from swim practice to piano camp. Now, somewhat rejuvenated, we're thrilled to be back to talk all things STEM! In this episode, Natasha reflects on her first time teaching… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha continues her conversation with André Thomas, game-based learning expert and Director of the LIVE Lab in the Visualization program at Texas A&M University. Explore the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI) as André shares his views on how it can personalize learning… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and André discusses game-based learning and its immense potential in any classroom setting. They talk about the difference between gamification and game-based learning, tips for engaging all students, and a not-to-be-missed online summer workshop providing educators with the… Read more

Show Summary: Have you heard the song “Like a G6”? The G6 is in reference to one of the most exclusive private jets in the world, the Gulfstream G650. In this episode, Natasha sits down with one of the engineers at Gulfstream, Whitney Holt, to talk all about this airplane, her role in aircraft simulation, and her… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire speaks with Kristina Ohl who created a 5E STEM lesson on earthquakes, complete with a DIY shake table. She shares her experience conducting this activity in the classroom and some tips for doing it with your students. Kristina Ohl is a science teacher who strives… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha chats with Dr. Trudi Hoogenboom, a planetary scientist and teacher. She shares her journey in science and the exciting work of her students in searching for unidentified asteroids. She shares how you can be involved in this citizen science project plus some… Read more

Show Summary: Why should engineering be in K-12? Has the movement to include engineering improved the state of education? What exactly are students learning in an engineering design challenge? In this episode, Natasha discusses her dissertation research that explores these questions. She also provides an overview of… Read more

Show Summary: From towers to coding, planning out STEM lessons can be overwhelming and confusing. In this episode, which is a rebroadcast of our very first STEM Space episode, Claire and Natasha present The 3 Stages of STEM. Think of it as a way to map out your STEM curriculum with intentional learning progressions!… Read more

Show Summary: Claire and Natasha are excited to share Vivify's new way to access free STEM resources and connect with them! Tune in to find out how you can become a member of the STEM Space and learn about some interesting results from a recent survey that includes 600 responses from STEM teachers across the country.… Read more

Show Summary: How do I see an apple? Can I still see an apple in a dark room? Students have so many misconceptions about light, and in this episode, Natasha and Claire share a simple but eye-opening activity that will change the way your students understand light. They also share their “virtual pen pal” idea that… Read more

Show Summary: Join Natasha as she dives into the world of storytelling, STEM education, and citizen science! She chats with award-winning filmmaker and founder of MakeWater, Ryan Beltrán, as he shares his own personal story and the inspiration that led to developing a nonprofit that inspires through environmental… Read more

Show Summary: Have you heard of ChatGPT, the AI-powered language model that's transforming education? In this podcast episode, Claire and I explore the use of ChatGPT in the classroom, discussing its potential to enhance teaching and learning. We share examples of how this technology can be used to provide… Read more

Show Summary: Welcome to episode 100 of The STEM Space! In celebration, Natasha and Claire rant about one of their favorite topics: why does science education always ignore aerodynamic drag? In this episode, Natasha shares a simple science inquiry lab on exploring whether all objects fall at the same rate, the results… Read more

Show Summary: Claire and Natasha discuss simple lessons to help your students develop scientific thinking and better understand how science works. From trying to guess a mystery object to using creativity to design their own investigations, Natasha shares some activities from her own classroom that build confidence in… Read more

Show Summary: Claire and Natasha discuss how the history of engineering education tends to focus on the evolution of the departments and colleges of engineering, but what about the female-dominated home economics fields of study? Around 1930 to 1950, women could major in household equipment, which focused on a… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire has the privilege of chatting with the head of Robotical for North America, Hal Speed, who has a passion for promoting computer science, robotics, and artificial intelligence among other technology concepts and skills with the next generation of problem solvers. Tune in to hear… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha chats with Dr. Danna Freedman, a professor of chemistry at MIT in Boston, MA. They discuss her pathway to chemistry, the challenges of teaching and mentoring, and her coolest failure. You are also welcome to share the video recording of this podcast with students. The questions… Read more

Show Summary: Claire and Natasha are talking all things 2023 and what to expect from Vivify! Listen in to learn about big projects like the Colony Competition, Wheelchairs, and a big thing that they are working on with Scope and Sequence! Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 33. My Students… Read more

Show Summary: This episode is all about robotics and one of our favorite STEM companies, Sphero! Natasha chats with Sphero’s Senior Director of Product and Content, Michelle Acaley. Michelle started as a classroom teacher in New York City and Chicago before moving into education technology. She is passionate about… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha and Claire expand upon a recent blog post discussing how to teach engineering in the science classroom. How do engineering and science relate to each other? What do you do with the NGSS standards? Listen in to find out! (You may also hear baby Fenya’s very strong opinions about this in the… Read more

Show Summary: This is part 2 of Natasha’s conversation with Molly Seward, a K-4 STEM teacher and Coach in Indiana with 37 years of teaching experience. The episode tackles the Next Generation Science Standards including strategies to make them more manageable for teachers. We also discuss how to plan a learning… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha chats with Molly Seward, a K-4 STEM teacher and coach in Indiana. She has been teaching for 37 years, including being a robotics coach for the last 9 years, and selected as the 2005 Indiana Teacher of the year! The conversation is divided into 2 episodes. The first will focus on… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire recap their experience launching a high-altitude weather balloon! This epic project is an impactful way to incorporate real-world STEM into your classroom and takes your students on a wild adventure. Hear about the trials and successes of our latest… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha chats with Jonathan Stancek, a physics teacher in the Design & Technology Academy at Roosevelt High School in San Antonio, Texas. We discuss his journey from studying engineering to entering the classroom and his experience teaching math, engineering, and… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha chats with Maria Garza, a neuroscientist in San Antonio, Texas. They discuss her research on blind mice, what it feels like to touch a brain and all sorts of interesting questions submitted by elementary and middle school students. This is the audio recording for a Space Club… Read more

Show Summary: In today’s episode of The STEM Space, Claire shares an epiphany she had about teaching engineering to her students. Engineering and STEM tend to focus on identifying and solving a problem, but Claire proposes a shift for the way we frame engineering to one that is more inclusive, promotes empathy, and… Read more

Show Summary: In today's episode of The STEM Space, Natasha sits down with a special guest, Christy Hall. She joined Claire and Natasha recently in hosting a virtual Space competition called Space Teams , and we reflect on our experiences interviewing astronauts and space architects! Natasha talks with her about… Read more

Show Summary: UPDATE: AS OF 2024, OUR RESOURCES ARE NOW INCLUDED IN EITHER THE FREE OR ALL-ACCESS MEMBERSHIP LIBRARIES! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! (Note: the All-Access Library membership is a full 365 days of access, while access to the free Explorer Library has no expiry.) Are you a STEM educator or… Read more

Show Summary: Have you been spending your own money on STEM supplies? We are here to help! In this episode, Natasha and Claire discuss ways to get money for your STEM program. Whether you are interested in writing grants or reaching out to potential donors, we are sharing all of our tips and tricks to get you funded.… Read more

Show Summary: Getting families involved with your school can be rewarding in many ways. Showcase your STEM program by hosting a STEM Family Night! Tune in as Claire shares her recent experience of hosting one and ways you can successfully get parents excited about STEM at your school too. Links from the Show: Related… Read more

Show Summary: Have you used rockets in your classroom or program? They have the potential to launch your students into a love for STEM, but there can also be some misconceptions that need to be addressed. In this episode, Claire and Natasha are sharing their experiences and advice on how you can rock it with rockets!… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha talks with a group of aerospace engineering students from Texas A&M University. They are part of the team behind an amazing K-12 STEM program called Space Teams, a six-day virtual space mission for students 12 - 18. A new Space Teams mission is coming up in October, and we… Read more

Show Summary: How do you feel about the education system where you live? In this episode, Natasha shares a project she completed comparing the education systems in different countries. Tune in to hear what is working and what isn’t in education around the world. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast… Read more

Show Summary: From launching Space Club to hosting STEM Family Nights, Natasha reflects on her last 8 years as STEM Director at a nonprofit in San Antonio, Texas. She discusses with Claire the transition from engineer to educator and the impact of STEM programs. Plus, Claire shares a super easy apple spice cobbler… Read more

Show Summary: Ready to elevate your STEM class with a Stage 3 STEM project? Here is the part 2 we promised in episode 75! Claire and Natasha dive into ideas for long-term research-based STEM projects for elementary and middle school. We discuss animal habits, a project for a custom-fit aquatic wheelchair, and tackling… Read more

Show Summary: Need some low-prep icebreakers for back to school? Claire shares her favorite Stage 1 STEM activities that build a foundation of teamwork, collaboration, and communication to set the stage for engineering design challenges. Plus, she describes how to add new constraints to some of our most popular STEM… Read more

Show Summary: What's it like to live and work in outer space? In this special episode of The STEM Space, we share our most viewed Space Club Career Chat with former astronaut Bonnie Dunbar! She worked for NASA for 27 years, flew five times on the space shuttle logging over 50 days in space, and is now a professor of… Read more

Show Summary: Can you survive a mission to space? We invite your elementary and middle school students to submit their designs for a colony on the Moon or Mars that can keep a crew alive and happy! With a blend of research, engineering, architecture, math, and science - this is an epic Stage 3 STEM challenge that only… Read more

Show Summary: What is the focus in your STEM classroom? Do you love teambuilding activities? Or perhaps you spend most of the year on engineering design. In this episode, we discuss a quiz to rate your STEM lessons or program, plus some exciting projects we are working on including Alphabet STEM for kindergarten and… Read more

Show Summary: Is STEM really accessible for all students? What is the purpose of tracking students in school? Claire and Natasha discuss inequalities in our school system and how putting students in a track may limit their educational potential. We also share our own experiences in struggling with math, but due to… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha chats with Dr. Roman Gomez, a lead research scientist in the Space Science and Engineering division of Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. Roman shares his story of growing up in San Antonio, joining the Army, and then eventually getting his Ph.D. in astrophysics. Using questions… Read more

Show Summary: With no internet access and limited supplies, how can you inspire and engage kids with STEM? We often think of robots and circuit boards as an integral part of STEM education, but hands-on learning doesn't need fancy tools. In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha discuss ideas for offering… Read more

Show Summary: Do you have a student obsessed with a subject? You know, the one who asks you all the questions you don’t know the answers to? In this episode, Natasha interviewed York Space Systems Program Manager Christine Dubbert (who was that student) for the 2022 spring semester Space Club Career Chat finale. Tune… Read more

Show Summary: How young is too young for STEM? My kids' daycare claims to teach STEM with activities geared to students as young as 2 years old! But how does a 2-year-old even do STEM? I am pretty skeptical so I asked Claire, who teaches STEM for Pre-K all the way to 8th grade, to get her perspective. Tune in as we… Read more

Show Summary: Have you used game-based learning in your classroom? Can gaming actually improve learning outcomes? In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha chats with renowned game-based learning expert and Texas A&M University professor André Thomas. His career started in the movie industry creating graphics for… Read more

Show Summary: Are you interested in learning about the latest research in STEM education? In this episode, Natasha, a doctoral student at Texas A&M University, shares her recent research on the impact of attendance in an afterschool STEM program (Space Club) on student attitudes towards STEM. Tune in to hear the… Read more

Show Summary: Natasha chats with Kristina Ohl, a 6th-grade science teacher who decided to “re-create” one of her favorite activities, Vivify’s Mission to Mars Planning Game. She brought the real-world project back to Earth by having students plan and design an energy-efficient and eco-friendly house! She discusses her… Read more

Show Summary: Tune in as Claire and Natasha tackle another question from our listeners: “I am new to STEM…how do you keep it all together? All the resources, organizing for all grade levels…I’d love to be a fly on the wall in Texas!” As the school year wraps up, Claire reflects on a crazy busy year and how she stays… Read more

Show Summary: What is it like to work at NASA? What happens at mission control? In this episode, Natasha chats with Patrick Ream, a ground controller trainee at NASA's Johnson Space Center! We talk all about his work at NASA, what inspired him to become an aerospace engineer, and his advice for motivating struggling… Read more

Show Summary: What is the point of a field trip? In this episode, Natasha brings Claire on another adventure with a group of undergraduate engineering students who plan to become STEM teachers. Learn how educators can thoughtfully plan a field trip experience to maximize learning and when may be the optimal time for… Read more

Show Summary: Does life exist on another planet? Listen to a fascinating STEM career chat with Dr. Charity Lander-Phillips, an astrobiologist at Southwest Research Institute. We discuss how her love for volcanoes as a kid led to her current work searching for life on another planet. Tune in for this exciting episode,… Read more

Show Summary: What are your must-haves for a STEM lab? What is a quick STEM challenge for a school showcase? How can I turn a theatrical puppet into an engineering design challenge? In this episode, Natasha and Claire answer your questions submitted in The STEM Space Facebook group! Plus, we share a wild story of a… Read more

Show Summary: “Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it is the only one we have.” - Émile-Auguste Chartier, French philosopher After many class discussions of failure, social-emotional learning (SEL), and upstairs/downstairs brain, one of Claire’s 6th grade students asked, “ Why do you think that [failure is]… Read more

Show Summary: Rewards work well if you have a skill or a task that is mechanical, but what about in STEM? How do you get your students to be more intrinsically motivated versus wanting those extrinsic rewards? Tune in as Claire recaps her Invention Convention with Natasha and all of the ways she was surprised by her… Read more

Show Summary: You can come up with anything you want. There are no constraints. It sounds like the perfect formula… for disaster. It’s been proven time and time again that we, and especially our students, need constraints. But how do you give them constraints without stifling their creativity? Enter Invention… Read more

Show Summary: Are you in search of inspiration for a STEM summer camp? How do you keep your kids learning while having fun? Whether you’re exploring history and learning about other countries, building solar ovens, or even welcoming new people to Mars with a solar tower, tune in as Claire and Natasha discuss all… Read more

Show Summary: How does a group of undergraduate engineering students perform on one of Vivify’s most popular STEM activities, the space lander design challenge? Well let’s just say we have seen middle school students with more successful designs! In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha shares her experience in… Read more

Show Summary: March is Women’s History Month! Can you name something invented by a woman? How about windshield wipers, Wite-OutⓇ, heating with solar power, the Brooklyn Bridge, the step trash can, and even every kid’s favorite fish-shaped snack? In this episode, Natasha and Claire discuss how to celebrate the… Read more

Show Summary: This week, we respond to an email from Robert, a STEM teacher, who told us, “I have been a teacher for 11 years, and this is my second as our school's STEM teacher. I am STRUGGLING with teams working together. So much arguing, fighting, crying…I need all the teamwork advice I can get!” How do you… Read more

Show Summary: Featuring questions from Space Club students, Natasha chats with Dr. Scott Olesen, a biological engineer from MIT who now works in wastewater surveillance at Biobot Analytics! This episode is the audio recording of a Career Chat episode, streamed on Vivify’s YouTube channel, as a way to share the story… Read more

Show Summary: With things finally starting to return to “normal,” how can you get families excited for STEM? HOST A STEM FAMILY NIGHT! But how do you do that? How far in advance should you start planning all of this and recruiting your help? What kind of STEM activities should you include? Planning and executing a… Read more

Show Summary: Time to put on our Thinking Hats! I am light as a feather, yet the strongest person in the world can’t hold me for five minutes. What am I? Unsure of the answer? How do you facilitate brainstorming and get your students to ask questions? How do you give your students a voice? Do you have any brain… Read more

Show Summary: How do we break stereotypes? More specifically the ones where our students tell us the picture of the guy in the white lab coat is “definitely” a scientist, but the picture of the beautiful lady standing next to a telescope is “just a model”. In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha share a… Read more

Show Summary: Feeling overwhelmed? Quarantines. Hybrid classes. Distance learning. Whew! Well good news! We are focused on continuing to provide more STEM resources for you than ever before, wherever you are! Your favorite space nerd teachers are so excited to help you bring all of these exciting things (and more) to… Read more

Show Summary: “WHAT ARE THOSE?!” Pictured are two real pig lungs that were part of a scientific inquiry activity on air pollution! On this episode of The STEM Space Podcast, Natasha and Claire take a deep dive into an authentic inquiry experience that involves using air sensors to measure sources of air pollution in… Read more

Show Summary: Everyone is born either creative or not, right? WRONG! Listen in as Claire and Natasha discuss creativity and an exciting project you can try in your STEM classroom. From Mapsco (if you feel bad, don’t - Natasha didn’t know what this was either) to creating your own compass, listen in and find out just… Read more

Show Summary: Everyone knows that engineers are nerdy guys with glasses and scientists always have crazy hair! Our STEM Career Chat with bioengineer Dr. Georgia Lagoudas is here to help students break down the stereotypes around STEM careers by showing them that anyone, including them, can be an engineer or scientist!… Read more

Show Summary: Weather balloons, rockets, and space landers? Oh my! STEM has so many projects and products out there, it can be hard to narrow it down to not only what works, but what's fun and STILL educational for your students. From pizza-stealing aliens to homemade roller coaster projects taller than a third… Read more

Show Summary: How do you manage your STEM classroom? Do you have labels on everything or are you a bit less organized but still (somehow) coordinated? Join Natasha and Claire as they jump into a STEM classroom management discussion with special guest, Julie Lyons, a 15-year veteran of STEM education and current guest… Read more

Show Summary: Can you design a roller coaster? Is it the process or the product that matters? How do we define success in STEM, especially with all of the variables presented to us as teachers? In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire discuss all the learning curves the majority of us encounter when… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire return to answer the much anticipated question: did Natasha get to eat her sandwich in class? Her professor had some very specific instructions (including but not limited to: don’t eat breakfast, bring a sandwich for lunch, and also bring a 1 pound… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha discuss how to solve other problems you or your students may encounter. From Monkey the dog crossing a river without getting wet to a Masters Degree Program Professor inviting Natasha and the rest of class to participate in an oddly specific… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha are discussing Claire's "Escape the STEM Room" challenge that she is teaching the first week of school, and the importance of introducing your students to difficult situations. From teamwork to public speaking and sharing what they've learned, tune in… Read more

Show Summary: The STEM Space loves hearing from you! In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire address an email from listener Jess Luttrell, who wanted to know how they decided to make the transition from careers in STEM fields to STEM education. Having a STEM background can mean an easier way to connect… Read more

Show Summary: It’s time to go back to school! In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire talk about ideas you can use at the beginning of the school year. From icebreaker activities and character-building exercises to engineering design challenges and classroom decor, tune in to get some tips and tricks as… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire discuss their excitement around Space Club: a STEM program designed to excite your students about real-world STEM and space exploration. Whether you use Space Club during school hours, after school, or even at your local library, tune in to this… Read more

Show Summary: Are you a visualizer or a verbalizer? In this episode of The STEM Space Podcast, Natasha and Claire discuss learning styles as well as exploring if the old adage of "left brain versus right brain" still holds true. How can we modify our teaching to accommodate individual student learning styles while… Read more

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space Podcast, Natasha and Claire discuss biases in the technology we use every day. We tend to trust computers and technology, but they are actually just as flawed as the humans who created them. These flaws can include biases in the algorithms that make decisions. How can… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Who doesn't dream of growing up to be an astronaut? In this episode, Natasha and Claire share their experience from interviewing an astronaut! So much can be gained from exposing your students to professionals that work in STEM fields too. Tune in to learn about the importance of connecting your students… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Do you know a child in need of a wheelchair? In this episode, Claire shares her experience with her 4th graders that took on building an inexpensive wheelchair for a child in need thanks to the Open Wheelchair Foundation. Tune in to hear how she was surprised by her students and what plans there are for… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Do you use extended reality technology in your classroom? Have you ever heard of extended reality? I bet you have heard of virtual reality or holograms. In this episode, Claire shares what she is learning in graduate school about some advanced technology trends that you may consider using in your own… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Whew! Being a first-year STEM teacher can be very overwhelming. This episode is all about Claire’s experience after her first year as a formal classroom teacher. Learn about the curriculum she used, tips and tricks to make teaching STEM more effective, and some lessons learned that will help you with… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: As a follow-up from Episode 27, learn about Claire’s recent experience launching a high-altitude balloon with her 5th and 6th graders. This project incorporates math, science, engineering, and technology in an incredible experience that students will remember forever! Listen in to learn more! For all the… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: What is the narrative being promoted when we are teaching engineering? Are we trying to train kids to be ready for their careers or should the focus be on something else? Tune in to this episode where we discuss this subject and the importance of knowing why we teach (or perhaps even “if we should… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: The best virtual conference for STEM educators is just around the corner and we are sharing all the details to let you know why you don’t want to miss it. The conference is April 16-19, 2021 and the best part is, you don’t have to be available to watch anything on those days because your registration… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: If you have ever thought about giving your students a high-flying hands-on project to apply their math, science, and engineering skills, we have the perfect project for you! Launch a high-altitude balloon to the edge of space! In this episode, Natasha shares her years of experience with this project as… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Do you find yourself desiring more time to teach STEM? Maybe you only have 15 minutes to complete a STEM activity, but is that enough? In this episode, we are joined by Kerry Tracy to discuss how to have meaningful STEM lessons in short class periods and ideas for gaining more time to do STEM! LINKS FROM… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Makerspaces! They are popping up in schools, libraries, and beyond. Maybe you even have one in your classroom (I do!). But are makerspaces just a teaching fad or is it an effective tool for teaching STEM? Listen to our discussion about their definition, purpose, design, and more as we weigh in on this… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: We shared a post from Kerry Tracy of Feel Good Teaching entitled Science-Themed Crafts Are Not STEM Challenges and it got A LOT of comments on our STEM Space Facebook group ! We sat down with Kerry to hash out why people are so passionate on both sides of this issue and what it all really means. Pull up… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: With a live leaderboard, weekly raffle prizes, and career chats with NASA engineers, Vivify presents Mission to Moon, a hands-on STEM program delivered virtually for classroom or at-home learning. Your students will design robot hands, rovers, roller coasters, and more while learning about real-world… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Teaching like a pirate has become a popular teaching style since the release of the book (see link below). But what is all the hype around the enthusiasm and fanfare of this method? Tune in to this podcast episode to hear what it is all about and our thoughts on whether or not it is an effective teaching… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Is STEM education destroying the science classroom? In this episode, we discuss whether or not STEM is a teaching fad that does more harm than good. Fancy robots, fun design projects, and hands-on activities are always student favorites, but do our STEM programs actually reinforce science concepts, or… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Thanksgiving is one of our favorite times of year for gathering with friends and family, eating good food, and doing awesome STEM activities. Listen in as we share some of our favorite Thanksgiving and Turkey themed STEM activities for elementary and middle school. These activities cover basic computer… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Motivating your students can be a struggle. How do we get them to put forth the effort and engage in your STEM lessons? We need to dig into why students lack motivation and get to the root of the problem first. It may be that they need a boost in self-efficacy, or need a way to find value in how the… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: This episode is a follow-up to episode 17 where we introduced an assignment for educators to fail at something! This allows for teachers to be able to empathize with our students so that we can better help them fail forward or learn from their failures. Listen to this episode for tips on how to address… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: When was the last time you truly experienced failure? As educators, we need a refresher on what failure feels like to put us back into the mindset of what it is like to be a novice at something. This perspective is how many of our students are walking into our classrooms. We can become more effective at… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Do you meet all of your students’ needs by teaching to each learning style? Maybe you make sure there is an audio recording of your content for the auditory learners or provide plenty of pictures for your visual students. Perhaps you even add some active components for those kinesthetic learners. What if… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Do you shy away from addressing students’ misconceptions? According to the constructivist theory of learning, kids make their own knowledge and ideas about how the world works based on their experiences. What if those ideas are wrong? As educators, we need an approach to correcting these misconceptions… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: Do your students struggle with design challenges? Maybe they aren’t developmentally ready for that level of knowledge application. Research shows that abstract concepts often cannot be grasped by children under a certain age (this is the Developmental Learning Theory). We need to make sure our teaching… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode, we are diving into the first in our series on learning theories. Learn how you can be more aware of how to effectively teach skills to your students with the Behavioral Learning Theory. In applying Behavioral Learning Theory, we realize the incredible value of being present with our… Read more

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode, Natasha provides insight on involving your students in stage 3 STEM which is STEM Competitions. What STEM competitions are available? What is your role as an educator and sponsor? What should you expect in a STEM competition? Get ready to take your students to the next level in their… Read more

Show Summary: How should we praise our students and should we praise them at all? There are a lot of similarities between how we should parent and how we should teach kids when it comes to praising effort and not outcomes. Listen in to learn 3 specific ways that you can use praise to protect your classroom dynamic and… Read more

Show Summary: Maybe you have stocked up on exciting activities for your STEM classroom or program, but do you know how to manage the supplies, the students, and your class time? Aspen Meineke is back this week sharing her tips from running her STEM programs. Listen in to get inspired by the ways she has found to make… Read more

Show Summary: Have you tried Sphero robots? We love them and we tell you why in this podcast episode. Hear from Sphero Hero brand ambassador Aspen Meineke as she shares her tips and activity ideas to use Sphero robots in your classroom or program. Sphero robots are perfect for all ages and can be used safely with… Read more

Show Summary: What’s in a name? Well, it depends on who you ask, but we feel that STEM does not need the addition of any other letters if done correctly. Tune in to this episode to hear about why we believe the standard STEM acronym (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is important and complete. Have a… Read more

Show Summary: Do you ask open-ended questions with your students? In this episode, Natasha provides insight into what she is learning while getting her Masters in Science Education. Learn about strategies in helping your students developing a deeper understanding of your lessons and fostering more student… Read more

Show Summary: Tune in as we discuss our biggest takeaways from the 3 virtual conferences we participated in this summer for teacher professional development. From Elementary STEM Con to the Champions for Science Middle School Conference, and ending with the Whole Teacher EclecticCon, we have truly enjoyed the… Read more

Show Summary: Get your STEM lab ready for back to school by stocking up on the basics or acquire some new gems for your students! From recyclables like toilet paper tubes to construction supplies like Keva Planks or 3D printers, we share all of our favorite tools in this episode. Listen to gain ideas on what you… Read more

Show Summary: Space exploration can be an effective lens to teach and inspire kids in STEM education. From connecting to the exciting space missions in current events, to showing how your students could contribute to advancing the human race, space is something that everyone can relate to. Share these events and… Read more

Show summary: In this episode, we discuss the topic of distance learning and how you can use icebreakers, games, and online tools to engage and build relationships with your students. Connecting with your students is vital in keeping them focused in your class and building classroom culture whether you are in person… Read more

In this episode, we discuss ways you can implement STEM careers in your classroom by connecting them to student sparks— your students’ passions! STEM careers should be a part of every STEM lesson as you connect what your students are learning to the careers that use those same skills or that relate to the topics… Read more

In this episode, we take you on a journey through how we use the 3 stages of STEM. Learn how to effectively build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills with Stage 1 STEM activities, then guide students through the engineering design process with Stage 2 challenges, and then finally apply all of those… Read more