ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged: Recent Episodes
PocketLab
Most educators and leaders feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI—yet some districts are boldly pioneering its integration into learning. What if you could turn that uncertainty into a powerful opportunity? In this episode, Carl Mohn, Director of AI and Applied Learning at Longview ISD, shares how his district is navigating the ever-changing AI landscape with a proactive, growth-oriented mindset. You'll discover how schools can develop flexible policies through guidelines rather than rigid rules, empowering students and teachers to harness AI responsibly while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and inquiry. Carl breaks down the core concepts of AI literacy—why understanding the science behind large language models is akin to learning to read, and why language skills matter more than ever—along with practical strategies for introducing AI in classrooms, from nuanced "stoplight" frameworks to personalized question design.
You'll also explore the ethical use of AI, how to combat biases and disparities in multilingual contexts, and why cultivating curiosity and resilience around failure is essential for future-ready learners. This episode offers critical insights on shaping adaptable policies, designing authentic assessments, and guiding students to interact thoughtfully with AI—skills that defy the uncertainty of tomorrow. See how embracing AI as a tool for growth, rather than a threat, can unlock new levels of engagement, confidence, and innovation in education. Perfect for educators, administrators, and anyone curious about the future of learning, this is essential listening if you want to stay ahead of the curve. The future is uncertain, but your approach doesn't have to be—hit play and explore the possibilities.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-mohn/ https://www.facebook.com/carl.mohn https://www.facebook.com/LongviewISD/ https://www.instagram.com/longviewisd/ https://x.com/longviewisd https://www.linkedin.com/company/longview-independent-school-district https://www.youtube.com/c/LongviewISDLOBOS ABOUT CARL Carl Mohn serves as the Director of AI Strategy and Applied Learning at Longview ISD in Longview, Texas, where he leads the development and implementation of artificial intelligence initiatives that support innovative, learner-centered instruction across the district. His work is closely connected to the district's Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) initiatives, helping expand personalized learning opportunities through emerging technologies, instructional innovation, and applied learning design.
With a Master of Education in Digital Learning and Leading, Carl is experienced in AI integration, blended learning, project-based learning, and the strategic use of instructional technology to support educator effectiveness and student success.
Carl develops practical systems, resources, and professional learning experiences that help educators integrate AI in meaningful, responsible, and sustainable ways. He believes meaningful innovation begins by equipping teachers with practical tools, clear support, and the confidence to adapt in an evolving educational landscape.
His guiding philosophy is simple: change the world one teacher at a time.
Hawaii is a scientific goldmine—home to some of the world's most cutting-edge reef research, volcano monitoring, and climate science. Marine biologist John Burns pulls back the curtain on the islands' natural laboratories, from new reefs born in the wake of lava flows to remote ocean sensors tracking climate change in real time.
Discover how 3D coral mapping and autonomous underwater drones are revolutionizing ocean science. John shares stories of live-streaming reef cameras that captured rare octopus and shark behavior, and how citizen scientists worldwide now contribute to ocean monitoring through simple, accessible tools.
We break down the fragile balance of coral ecosystems—how temperature swings, pollution, and acidification threaten their survival—and why resilience means understanding and trusting nature's own processes, not just fighting back. You'll learn why protecting Hawaii's unique wildlife may hold the key to saving reefs everywhere, and how AI is accelerating scientific discovery.
A marine ecologist with decades of research at Hawaii's natural labs, John Burns is known for pioneering high-tech reef mapping and delivering engaging, real-world science. His insights on reef dynamics, conservation, and the power of curiosity will shift how you see nature's resilience.
Perfect for science enthusiasts, climate advocates, educators, and anyone curious about the future of our oceans. Hit play.
LIVE YouTube Reef Cam https://www.youtube.com/c/MEGALabCam/live Mapping the Reef https://vimeo.com/755620263 Connect with John https://www.johnhrburns.com/ ABOUT JOHN Dr. Burns is a research scientist who studies coral health and disease. His work has investigated the physiological impacts of disease on affected corals and how coral mortality affects the ecology and biology of coral reef ecosystems. John has been continuously searching for both global and localized drivers of coral diseases in order to promote healthy coral ecosystems in the face of global stressors such as climate change. His expertise led to his inclusion in the award-winning documentaries, Chasing Coral, Reefs at Risk, and Island Earth. John has recently developed innovative techniques to create three-dimensional maps of coral reefs to accurately measure how natural and human-induced disturbances impact ecosystem function. John's research has been presented at scientific conferences around the globe and he has authored multiple publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
Keith Schacht, co-creator of Mystery Science, shares his journey building impactful edtech tools including what failure taught him along the way. The conversation covers how timing and execution drive market breakthroughs, why honesty and humility matter in startup culture, and how student curiosity became the foundation for designing compelling science lessons for elementary learners.
The episode also digs into the responsible integration of AI and personalized learning in classrooms, and why elementary education needs a rethink centered on individual student interests. Keith argues that understanding why something works, not just that it works, is what enables students to thrive in this world. A worthwhile listen for educators, entrepreneurs, and parents interested in where education is headed.
Connect with Keith on his website KeithSchacht.com Visit his YouTube, Instagram + TikTok ABOUT KEITH I'm one part inventor, one part explainer, and one part entrepreneur. I run a channel on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok under my name "Keith Schacht." These days, I primarily explain new technologies and what they make possible. I also spent about a decade of my career making videos that explain science to children through my company Mystery Science. I built a team of explainers that made videos for our website and for our YouTube channel MysterySci, which has more than a million subscribers. I sold Mystery Science to Discovery Education back in 2021. Prior to this I worked at Facebook for a short time where I ran News Feed and started and sold multiple technology companies.
Unlock the secrets of Hawaii's indigenous science and discover how ancient navigators mastered the stars to voyage across vast oceans without GPS. In this episode, Dr. Leilani Nerveza-Clark shares how native Hawaiian navigators relied on star compasses, environmental cues, and deep observational skills, and how these age-old techniques remain powerfully relevant today as lessons in mindfulness, ecological stewardship, and social-emotional learning. Leilani is an experienced Kumu Kaiapuni ʻEpekema (Hawaiian Immersion Science Teacher) and Alakaʻi Haku Kurikulama Kaiapuni (Kaiapuni Curriculum Specialist). From studying native snails at the Bishop Museum to curating culturally rich STEM curricula for the Hawai'i Department of Education, the conversation explores how integrating native science and language can inspire the next generation of scientists and stewards of Earth.
Hawaii's untouched environment is a living laboratory, brimming with undiscovered phenomena waiting to ignite young minds, and the state's unique cultural and ecological landscape offers a compelling blueprint for science education. Leilani highlights innovative projects in native species conservation, virtual field trips, and early childhood outdoor learning emphasizing how immersive nature connection is more vital than ever in a hyper-digital age. Whether you're an educator, parent, or policymaker, this episode delivers a clear call to action: leverage indigenous knowledge and inquiry-based learning to turn Hawai'i into a global STEM powerhouse.
ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi & Culture-Based Education Resources * Wehewehe Hawaiian Dictionaries: https://wehe.hilo.hawaii.edu/ + The essential online dictionary clearinghouse used for developing modern science curriculum in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
- Ulukau: The Hawaiian Electronic Library: https://ulukau.org/
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A digital repository of Hawaiian language books and educational resources supporting indigenous literacy and research.
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Hoʻolaupaʻi (Hawaiian Nupepa Collection): https://www.nupepa.org/
- An archive of historical Hawaiian-language newspapers preserving ancestral knowledge on weather, environment, and history.
Cultural & Scientific Context * Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS): https://www.hokulea.com/ + Learn more about traditional wayfinding, the star compass, and the legacy of voyaging.
- Maunakea Observatories: https://maunakeaobservatories.org/
- Discover the world-class astronomical research happening at the summit of Maunakea.
ABOUT LEILANI Dr. Leilani Nerveza-Clark is an innovative Alakaʻi Haku Kurikulama (Curriculum Development Leader) and the Poʻo (Administrator) of the State Kaiapuni Distance Learning Program dedicated to shaping the future of science education in Hawaiʻi. A bridge-builder between worlds, she specializes in weaving cutting-edge modern STEM tools with the profound ancestral wisdom and environmental knowledge unique to our islands. By designing place-based, hands-on learning experiences, Leilani empowers educators to inspire all students to see themselves as the next generation of kiaʻi (guardians) of Hawaiʻi and our earth. When Leilani isnʻt busy transforming educational frameworks, you can find her digging through historical archives or exploring the natural wonders of our pae ʻāina.
Most people overlook Hawaii's cutting-edge science — but not our guest, Lauren Kaupp. She reveals how the islands are a global scientific powerhouse, with research from volcanoes to coral reefs that will blow your mind. Whether you're a teacher, student, or science enthusiast, this episode uncovers the extraordinary science happening right in Hawaii's backyard and why it should inspire your next adventure or lesson plan.
Lauren shares her journey from DOE specialist to passionate connector of Hawaii's scientific community, revealing the hidden gems that make Hawaii a world-class lab for space, oceanography, and earth sciences. You'll discover the unique biomes that exist nowhere else, deep-sea ecology workshops that wow teachers, and how Hawaii's research facilities are shaping the future of STEM education. We break down the challenges of curriculum relevance, assessment myths, and the power of curiosity-driven learning—arming you with practical ideas to ignite that same passion in young learners.
In this episode, you'll learn how phenomena like tidal waves, volcano eruptions, and optical illusions aren't just awe-inspiring—they're powerful teaching tools that foster wonder, creativity, and critical thinking. Lauren discusses how connecting science to local place and culture can transform classrooms into vibrant hubs of exploration. Plus, gain insight into how real-world research, like studying bagworms or navigating the tricky world of assessments, can inspire lifelong curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Why does this matter? Because the next generation of scientists, engineers, and thinkers starts with inspired teachers and engaging lessons rooted in their environment. Hawaii's science resources—completely accessible and staggering in scope—are a goldmine waiting to be tapped. Ignoring this opportunity risks missing out on cultivating the problem-solvers of tomorrow.Perfect for educators, parents, or anyone fascinated by how the natural world shapes our thinking and future. Whether you're tuning in from Hawaii or anywhere else, this episode will open your eyes to the incredible science nestled in your local landscape—and how you can use it to spark curiosity in every age. Dive in and discover why Hawaii truly punches above its weight as a scientific giant.
ABOUT LAUREN Lauren Kaupp, MS, EdD is the director of the University of Hawai'i STEM Pre-Academy, which fosters student interest, engagement, and learning in STEM by connecting University of Hawai'i STEM research and innovation with K–12 classrooms.
In her second semester of college, Lauren started working at the Chemistry Tutorial Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and has been involved in STEM education ever since. Her interest in science education deepened while in graduate school at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM), through volunteering at outreach events and at the Waikīkī Aquarium. Lauren then taught high school chemistry and physics at the University Laboratory School, as well as science enrichment courses for elementary and middle school students.
In addition to classroom teaching and informal education, Lauren was involved in collaborative curriculum development in Marine Science and Physics in the College of Education at UHM. Over the course of her career, she has also provided hundreds of presentations and professional development sessions for teachers, administrators, and other educators, on topics including scientific inquiry, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), curriculum, assessment, and Federal regulatory requirements and compliance.
Lauren has an interest in educational leadership, policy, and planning. At the State of Hawai'i Department of Education, Lauren provided strategic leadership in NGSS adoption and implementation, helped to develop a state-level Curriculum Management System and Instructional Materials Approval Process, and created the framework for a newly adopted Federal program.
Lauren earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from UMBC, a Master of Science in Oceanography from UHM, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California.
Coral Zayas, a K-5 science and inquiry-based learning expert, reveals how building strong foundational skills in elementary school can prevent the cascading gaps that hold students back in later grades. She shares her framework for teaching physical, life, and earth science in ways that spark curiosity and foster real-world problem solving—including three types of project-based learning and how to integrate literacy, math, and social studies into science for deeper understanding.
From practical strategies for multilingual and neurodiverse learners to leveraging outdoor and community-based learning, Coral shows how modest investments and creative thinking can unlock powerful experiences. She also tackles how schools can simplify assessments, reduce testing overload, and build a culture of curiosity through professional learning networks and intentional curriculum design.
Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate for equitable hands-on learning, this episode challenges the status quo and delivers actionable insights to revolutionize science teaching from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Order Coral's book
Coral's podcast https://www.youtube.com/@CoralZayas
Coral's LinkedIn https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/coralzayas And Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/thrive_with_coral ABOUT CORAL Coral Zayas, M.S., is the author of Teaching K-5 Science with over 15 years of experience spanning K-12 STEM education, bilingual instruction, higher education, and teacher professional development. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum designer, college lecturer, program manager, and education policy fellow.
Coral specializes in designing cross-disciplinary curricula that integrate science, social studies, problem-based learning, and education technology. She centers global education perspectives and research-based strategies to engage diverse learners, particularly multilingual and neurodivergent students across all classroom settings.
As a recognized voice in education, Coral has presented at local and national conferences including ISTE, the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT), and the Austin Area Association for Bilingual Education (AAABE). She has contributed to education policy discussions as a fellow and panelist with Teach Plus Texas, Leadership ISD (Texas), and other organizations.
Coral believes science classrooms serve as bridges to global problem-solving and remains committed to empowering educators with tools that inspire curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning. She earned her Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University and her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Elon University.
Great teachers know that every student learns differently—and many are already finding creative ways to personalize learning within their classrooms. So what happens when you shrink the class size way down and rethink the structure from the ground up? In this episode, Kaity Broadbent, co-founder of Prenda, takes us inside the world of micro schooling—small, community-based learning environments gaining traction with families post-COVID. You'll hear how Prenda's model is built around ideas many experienced educators already champion: student agency, mastery-based progression, and meeting kids where they are. Kaity shares how guides from diverse backgrounds—including career teachers—create flexible, neighborhood-based spaces where kids build autonomy and critical thinking alongside academics.
We also dig into how AI tools are being used thoughtfully in these settings to personalize learning, track progress in real time, and support students with diverse needs like dyslexia or ADHD—practical insights that apply whether you're in a traditional classroom or exploring alternative models. Kaity discusses what's drawing families toward smaller settings, how technology can amplify what good teaching already looks like, and what this shifting landscape means for educators and parents alike. If you're a teacher curious about micro schools, a parent exploring options, or anyone interested in where education is headed, this conversation is worth your time. The ideas here aren't about replacing great teaching—they're about expanding what's possible.
Follow Kaity on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kaity_forthekids/
Follow Prenda on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/prendalearn/
https://www.prenda.com/
ABOUT KAITY Kaity Broadbent serves as Head of Learning at Prenda, an organization that is reimagining K–8 education through microschools that prioritize connection, personalization, and student ownership. Prenda has supported more than 1,000 individuals in launching their own microschools, expanding access to small, community-based learning environments across the country. In her role, Kaity leads the development of Prenda's learning model and curriculum, focusing on mastery-based, personalized learning, and neuro-supportive practices that help children thrive.
Unlock the secrets to navigating AI in education and beyond—this episode reveals how mastering clear communication, purposeful questioning, and strategic tech use can transform learning and teaching. If you're a teacher, school leader, parent, or curious learner feeling overwhelmed by AI's rapid rise, this episode is your essential guide to turning challenges into opportunities.
Kip Glazer, a visionary education leader and author of Ready to Lead with AI, shares how the true power of AI depends on the quality of our questions, writing, and human connection. He emphasizes that AI won't replace educators but can elevate teaching when we understand its role in fostering inquiry, creativity, and empathy. You'll discover why being an excellent writer and questioner is the cornerstone for leveraging AI effectively in schools, and how physical engagement and community are irreplaceable in meaningful learning.Why does it matter? Without understanding how to craft questions and communicate clearly, we risk letting AI amplify existing gaps or create new divides in education. But with the right mindset, educators can harness AI as a powerful collaborator—cutting through tedium, accelerating conceptual understanding, and nurturing the social and emotional aspects of learning that machines can't replicate.
This episode is perfect for educators eager to adapt, parents wanting to understand what AI means for their kids, and leaders committed to building resilient, future-proof schools. Kip Glazer's insights challenge us to rethink what it means to be literate in the age of AI—equipping you to lead with confidence, curiosity, and compassion in the digital age.
Buy Kip's book here
ABOUT KIP Kip Glazer is the author of Ready to Lead with AI: A Practical Guide for School Leaders and the current principal of Mountain View High School in Silicon Valley. Over the course of her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, technology coach, and school leader, bringing more than two decades of experience across every level of a school community.
Since earning her doctorate in Learning Technologies from Pepperdine University in 2015, she has collaborated with learning science researchers and practitioners to bring high-quality research directly into schools. She served as a practitioner advisor for Educator CIRCLS, the practitioner arm of the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Integrative Research in Computing and Learning Sciences. Considered an expert in AI in the PreK-12 space, she is part of the EngageAI Practitioner Advisory Board and the Common Sense Media Advisory Board. She is also a Google Certified Innovator who participated in the listening sessions that shaped the U.S. Department of Education's Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning and joined the panel for its public webinar launch.
Of all her accomplishments, she is most proud of her two sons, both West Point graduates who are currently serving in the United States Army. You can reach her at kipglazer.com or on LinkedIn.
What if your classroom could be a launchpad for the next generation of engineers, inventors, and community problem-solvers? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Bryan Silver, the 2025 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year and an engineering and robotics teacher at Kalani High School in Honolulu. Over more than 17 years in the classroom, Bryan has transformed how students experience science — through hands-on fabrication, competitive robotics, and real-world design challenges that connect technical learning to the needs of their community.
Bryan shares how he built a thriving program that spans classroom instruction, after-school robotics teams, and community-scale projects — including Innovation Station, a mobile technology lab that brings engineering experiences to schools and teachers across Hawaii. He opens up about what it takes to keep students engaged in STEM long-term, how to balance structured curriculum with student-led creativity, and why he believes every young person has the potential to be a maker and a problem-solver.
Whether you're a veteran science teacher looking for fresh inspiration or a newer educator building a more hands-on, project-driven classroom, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and hard-won insight. Bryan's impact has been recognized with the PAEMST award, the Woodie Flowers Mentor Award, an Albert Einstein Fellowship, and national recognition from NCWIT — but his greatest reward, he'll tell you, is watching students discover what they're truly capable of.
ABOUT BRYAN Bryan Silver is an Engineering and Robotics teacher at Kalani High School in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, where he leads a dynamic program that blends engineering design, rapid prototyping, entrepreneurship, and community-centered problem solving. Over more than 17 years, he has built opportunities for students to engage in robotics, science research, fabrication, and real-world engineering through classroom instruction, after-school teams, and large-scale community projects. His work has helped students earn recognition at the district, state, and international levels in robotics and science fair competitions.
Silver is known for creating innovative learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom. He leads multiple robotics teams, mentors student-led design and outreach efforts, and develops hands-on projects that connect technical learning with authentic community needs. He is also the creator of initiatives such as Innovation Station, a mobile technology lab that expands access to engineering experiences for schools and teachers across Hawaiʻi.
A statewide and national leader in STEM education, Silver has served in numerous roles supporting engineering and robotics education, including work with FIRST Robotics, science fairs, educator fellowships, and national review panels. His contributions to teaching, mentorship, and service have earned him major honors including Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year 2025, the PAEMST award, the Woodie Flowers Mentor Award, Albert Einstein Fellowship, and recognition from NCWIT. Through all of his work, he remains committed to helping young people discover their potential as makers, problem solvers, and community leaders.
Dr. Bryan Frenette, a high school science teacher and former researcher, shares his journey and insights into creating engaging and inclusive science classrooms. He discusses the transition from research to teaching, emphasizing the challenges and strategies involved in managing classroom chaos and fostering an effective learning environment. Bryan highlights the importance of hands-on learning with real-world measurements and manipulatives, as well as the integration of AI tools like real-time translation and infographic generators to enhance science instruction. He also addresses the significance of engaging multilingual students and supporting English language learners, while building student ownership through collaborative rule-making and setting classroom expectations.
Bryan further explores the impact of the digital age on education, balancing virtual tools with traditional methods, and preparing students for a workforce increasingly dominated by digital skills and AI literacy. He reflects on the effects of the pandemic on learning and the recovery process, emphasizing the role of local phenomena and culturally relevant examples in science education. The episode underscores the importance of student-centered, real-world learning approaches, and the surprising success of chaotic classrooms for neurodivergent students. Bryan's expertise offers valuable insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities of modern science education, making it a must-listen for educators seeking to innovate and inspire in their teaching practices.
ABOUT BRYAN Dr. Bryan Frenette is a Canadian-born biologist who earned advanced degrees in ecology before transitioning to education. As a biology teacher at Norman High School, he focuses on inspiring students, promoting scientific curiosity, and supporting diverse learners. He emphasizes making science accessible and engaging, especially for students who initially feel they are "not science people." His teaching approach focuses on building curiosity and encouraging students to see science as a field open to everyone.
Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of Smartlab, and Dave from The PocketLab delve into the transformative power of STEM education in K-12 settings. They discuss the importance of fostering a STEM identity among students, emphasizing that it's not just about mastering technology but about cultivating a sense of belonging and confidence in tackling rigorous challenges. Dr. Berry shares insights from her experience at Smart Lab, highlighting how hands-on, project-based learning environments can ignite students' curiosity and drive, leading to those pivotal "aha" moments that signify true understanding and growth.
The conversation also touches on the evolving role of technology in education, particularly the integration of AI as a tool rather than a crutch. Dr. Berry and Dave explore how educators can scaffold learning experiences to include both low-tech and high-tech solutions, ensuring students develop critical thinking skills and adaptability. They advocate for a collaborative approach, where community involvement and cross-curricular integration play key roles in preparing students for an AI-powered world. This episode is a must-listen for educators looking to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Follow SmartLab and Dr. Jennifer Berry
Websitesmartlablearning.com Twitter@SmartLab_tweets LinkedIn@SmartLab Instagram@smartlablearning Facebook@SmartLabLearning YouTube@smartlablearning Dr. BerryLinkedIn Profile ABOUT JENNIFER
Dr. Jennifer Berry is a distinguished leader with nearly 30 years of management experience, specializing in strategic planning, human resources, talent development, capacity building, business development, financial management, and operations.
As the CEO of SmartLab, she is dedicated to bridging the gap between today's classrooms and tomorrow's workforce. Her extensive background in K-12 education underscores her commitment to transforming the lives of future generations through innovative, career-focused STEM education solutions.
Join Miles O'Brien and Dave as they embark on a thrilling scientific expedition to Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier, one of the most significant glaciers on Earth. Miles is getting ready to host us virtually for a virtual field trip for your students. Sign up link below!
In this episode, they delve into the innovative methods used to study the glacier's melting patterns, including the use of icebreakers and helicopters. The discussion highlights the critical role of logistics in conducting research in such remote and challenging environments, offering a unique glimpse into the real-world applications of science and engineering.
The episode also explores the broader implications of this research for understanding climate change. By setting up a weather station at the glacier, scientists aim to gather vital data that could reshape our understanding of global warming and its impact on glaciers worldwide. This mission not only underscores the importance of scientific inquiry but also inspires hope for future generations in addressing environmental challenges. Perfect for K-12 science teachers, this episode provides engaging content that can spark curiosity and discussion in the classroom.
Sign up for the virtual field trip here: https://www.thepocketlab.com/events/antartica-virtual-field-trip
ABOUT MILES Miles O'Brien is a veteran, award-winning journalist who focuses on science, technology, aerospace, and the environment.
He is the science correspondent for PBS NewsHour, a producer and director for the PBS science documentary series NOVA, and a correspondent for the PBS documentary series FRONTLINE and the National Science Foundation Science Nation series.
For nearly seventeen of his thirty-two years in the news business, he worked for CNN as the science, environment and aerospace correspondent and the anchor of various programs, including American Morning.
While at CNN, he secured a deal with NASA to become the first journalist to fly on the space shuttle. The project ended with the loss of Columbia and her crew in 2003 – a story he told to the world in a critically acclaimed sixteen-hour marathon of live coverage.
Prior to joining CNN, he worked as a reporter at television stations in Boston, Tampa, Albany, NY and St. Joseph, MO. He began his television career as a desk assistant at WRC-TV in Washington, DC.
O'Brien is an accomplished pilot and is frequently called upon to explain the world of aviation to a mass audience. He has won numerous awards over the years, including a half-dozen Emmys, and a Peabody and DuPont for his coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
In February of 2014, a heavy equipment case fell on his forearm while he was on assignment. He developed Acute Compartment Syndrome, which necessitated the emergency amputation of his left arm above the elbow.
Born in Detroit and raised in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, he is based in Washington, DC. He has a son at the US Naval Academy and a daughter at Davidson College in North Carolina. He was a history major at Georgetown University.
The Hip Hop MD, Maynard Okereke, and Dave delve into the world of STEM education and its impact on young minds. With a focus on fostering curiosity and creativity, they discuss innovative ways to inspire students through hands-on experiments and real-world problem-solving. Maynard shares insights from his experiences at STEM festivals and competitions, highlighting the incredible potential of students when they are encouraged to explore and innovate.
The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities within the education system, emphasizing the importance of integrating arts into STEM to create a holistic learning environment. Maynard and Dave explore how educators can bridge the gap between science and creativity, making learning both fun and impactful. This episode is a must-listen for teachers looking to ignite a passion for science in their classrooms and empower the next generation of innovators.
Find Maynard's new book https://www.hiphopscienceshow.com/book
You can hire Maynard for your own school or event! Connect with him and learn more at https://www.hiphopscienceshow.com/
ABOUT MAYNARD Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D., graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is an award-winning Science Communicator, having received both the Asteroid Award for "Best Streaming Content" and the People of Change Award for his community outreach efforts. His passion for science and entertainment, along with his curiosity for new innovation has taken him through an incredible life journey.
Noticing a lack of minority involvement in the S.T.E.M. fields, he created Hip Hop Science with the goal of encouraging minorities and youth to pursue more advanced career paths. His background in engineering, acting, music, business, and credible work in STEM make him uniquely qualified to engage on a wide variety of topics from an entertaining perspective. This is highly reflected in his speaking engagements and daily social media posts which provide both humorous and informative SciComm content.
Join Code.org and us on an exciting journey into the world of AI and computer science education with Anchal Sayal! In this episode, we explore how Code.org is revolutionizing the way students from kindergarten to 12th grade engage with technology. Discover how AI is not just a tool but a catalyst for creativity and critical thinking in the classroom. Anchal shares her insights on the importance of teaching students to navigate the digital landscape with curiosity and confidence, ensuring they are prepared for the future.
Dive into the conversation as we discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into the curriculum. From understanding the societal impacts of AI to fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories for educators. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or new to the field, you'll find valuable takeaways to enhance your teaching practice and empower your students to become the next generation of tech-savvy thinkers!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anchal-sayal/
AI Literacy Framework: https://ailiteracyframework.org/
Anchal's Personal website: anchalsayal.com
ABOUT ANCHAL Anchal Sayal works in content design at Code.org, where she leads various design initiatives to make complex AI literacy concepts more accessible to educational stakeholders, including the publication design of the AI Literacy Framework and the production of teacher-facing resources to help them understand what and how to teach with and about AI. Anchal holds a master's degree in Learning, Design, and Technology from Stanford University and began her career in education as an elementary math and literacy teacher through Teach For India.
Join Steve Spangler and Dave from The PocketLab as they delve into the art of making science accessible and exciting for K-12 students. Steve shares his journey from being inspired by his high school chemistry teacher to becoming a renowned science communicator. He emphasizes the importance of presentation in teaching, drawing parallels between magic and science to captivate students' curiosity. Through anecdotes and insights, Steve and Dave explore how simple demonstrations can transform a classroom into a hub of wonder and learning.
The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of education, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in engaging today's students. Steve's passion for teaching and his innovative approach to science education shine through as he discusses the power of storytelling and hands-on experiences in fostering a love for science.
Get Steve's new book: https://stevespangler.com/engagement-effect-book/
Get in touch with Steve: https://stevespangler.com/
ABOUT STEVE He's a bestselling author, STEM educator, and business leader branded by TIME Magazine as one of their "most influential people of the year" because of his passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
With more than 2,100 television appearances and multiple Emmy awards to his credit, Steve Spangler understands the power of using television to make learning science fun.
Steve's catalog of videos featured on social media has more than 1.5 billion views, and parents and educators widely use his books and online experiments to increase student engagement and inspire young scientists to learn more about STEM-based careers.
Nationally known as a teacher's teacher, Steve travels extensively, working with educators at all levels in ways to make learning more connected and engaging in the 21st-century classroom. Steve's in-person and virtual professional development workshops focus on inquiry-based learning that highlights best practices for classroom teachers with research-guided strategies for purpose-driven engagement.
But Steve Spangler feels most at home when he's on stage sharing insights and creating those amazing experiences audiences remember for a lifetime. Steve brings over 30 years of experience (6,500+ presentations) to the platform every time he speaks.
In July 2010, members of the National Speakers Association inducted Steve into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame. He is among an elite group of only 242 professional speakers in the world to receive this honor.
In 2022, Spangler joined the faculty at High Point University (High Point, North Carolina) as the STEM Educator in Residence. Steve works with students and faculty to create transformational experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
For the past two years, Steve Spangler has been honored to be included in the Global Gurus Top 30 in Education. This achievement recognizes Steve's passion for finding the most creative ways to inspire students and educators worldwide.
Whether you're looking for an amazing keynote speaker to kick-off your event, teacher training and professional development opportunities to help you become a more effective STEM educator, or personalized consulting and coaching, Steve Spangler can help you create your own transformational experiences in business and education.
Director of Education, Jason Singh and our host, Dave, discuss the integration of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of simple phenomena in teaching, the potential of AI tools for educators, and the challenges of maintaining academic integrity and privacy. They explore effective prompting techniques for AI, the rapid evolution of AI tools, and the manageable learning curve for educators. The discussion highlights the need for teachers to stay updated with AI advancements and critically evaluate AI-generated content, ultimately encouraging educators to embrace AI as a valuable resource in the classroom.
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ABOUT JASON Jason Singh is an educational leader, author, and consultant based in Toronto. He has over a decade of experience in teaching, student support, and building equitable learning environments. A lifelong learner, Jason's curiosity and commitment to growth led him to write Unlocking AI's Potential for Educators: A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementation in the Classroom (2025), designed to help teachers new to AI explore its practical uses. He is the Director of Education at a career college and serves as Chair of the York University Faculty of Education Alumni Network, where he leads initiatives such as mentorship, events, and an upcoming educational podcast.
Guy Kawasaki sits down with Dave to discuss the intersection of technology, education, and personal growth. Guy shares his unique perspective on how his upbringing in Hawaii, with its rich cultural tapestry and values of Aloha and Ohana, has influenced his approach to life and business. The discussion delves into the critical role of education in shaping future innovators, the challenges faced by educators in promoting STEM, and the potential of AI as a transformative tool in the classroom. Guy and Dave explore the importance of fostering a love for learning, the need for educational reform, and the power of technology to bridge gaps in knowledge and opportunity. This episode is a must-listen for educators, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of learning.
ABOUT GUY Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva, host of the Remarkable People podcast, author of Wiser Guy, Think Remarkable, and sixteen other books, and adjunct professor of UC Santa Cruz. He was the chief evangelist of Apple, trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation, and brand ambassador of Mercedes-Benz. Kawasaki has a BA from Stanford University, an MBA from UCLA, and an honorary doctorate from Babson College.
STEM City host and emergency room doctor, Dr. Owais Durrani and Dave from The PocketLab embark on a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic world of STEM education and its intersection with technology. The conversation kicks off with Owais sharing his unique journey from the medical field to becoming a media personality, driven by a passion to make STEM subjects more accessible and engaging for young minds. Dave, drawing from his rich experience in Silicon Valley, discusses the democratization of technology and how it has lowered barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to innovate and create with fewer resources than ever before. The duo delves into the transformative impact of AI across various sectors, particularly in education and healthcare. They discuss how AI tools are not only reshaping traditional roles but also creating new opportunities for those willing to adapt and learn. Owais emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and creativity in STEM, advocating for an educational approach that goes beyond rote memorization to foster genuine understanding and problem-solving skills. Listeners are treated to insights on the evolving landscape of STEM careers, with discussions on how traditional education systems can better prepare students for a future where AI and machine learning play pivotal roles. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by recent graduates in a rapidly changing job market and the importance of lifelong learning to stay relevant. Throughout the episode, Owais and Dave share inspiring stories and examples of innovative projects that are making a difference, from high-altitude weather balloon experiments to the integration of AI in everyday learning. They highlight the role of organizations like Black Girls Code in bridging gaps and providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech.
Dr. Durrani's STEM Show: STEM City
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ABOUT OWAIS Dr. Owais Durrani is a board-certified emergency medicine physician based in Houston, Texas. He earned his medical degree from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. In the emergency department, he cares for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments and remains deeply committed to improving access, trust, and equity in healthcare.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Durrani has a background in health policy. He previously served in roles with the federal government and national medical organizations, where he contributed to workforce development and public health initiatives. His work has focused on addressing systemic gaps in care and advancing policies that improve health outcomes, especially in underserved communities.
Dr. Durrani is also active in public communication and health journalism. He frequently appears on national news outlets to explain medical topics and offer insights on current health issues. He uses media to connect with the public on everything from AI in medicine to mental health and vaccine literacy.
Passionate about education and outreach, Dr. Durrani is the host of STEM City, a television show that encourages young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. The show, which airs on local broadcast channels, features hands-on STEM activities and interviews with leaders across various industries.
With our special guests (Becky Mueller) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (think car crash tests) and Science Coordinator (Lisa Milan) for Pittsburgh Public Schools, we delve into the transformative impact of integrating real-world experiences into classroom curriculum. Discover how educators are bridging the gap between theory and practice, bringing lessons to life with hands-on learning and real-world applications. By connecting classroom learning with the world outside, teachers are preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.
We also explore how these innovative strategies are forging vital career connections for students. Offering a glimpse into potential career paths, educators are equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in their future careers. Join us for inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical tips from educators who are redefining education and empowering students to navigate their future with confidence.
Crash Science in the Classroom Lesson Materials
ABOUT BECKY Senior Research Engineer, IIHS
Ms. Mueller develops new crash tests for IIHS vehicle ratings that reflect unaddressed real-world scenarios in which injuries occur. Her work led to an updated side test and the first passenger-side frontal test in the Institute’s suite of evaluations. Ms. Mueller has also researched injuries of vulnerable road users, advanced crash test dummies and new injury metrics. Prior to joining IIHS in 2010, Ms. Mueller worked on research projects for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at the Transportation Research Center in Ohio. During her graduate studies, she worked at General Motors on frontal crash and pedestrian performance of future vehicles. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin and a master's degree from Purdue University.
ABOUT LISA K-12 Science Coordinator, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Lisa Milan is a veteran science educator with over 32 years of experience teaching physics and physical science. She currently serves as the K–12 Science Curriculum Coordinator for Pittsburgh Public Schools, where she supports teachers with the district’s efforts to implement phenomena-driven, multidimensional teaching and learning aligned with the Pennsylvania STEELS standards. Lisa is passionate about supporting teachers through meaningful professional learning and collaborative curriculum development that brings science to life in the classroom.
Former award winning teacher and expert curriculum writer, Matthew Schmidt and Dave from The PocketLab explore the dynamic intersection of education and technology. They kick off with a light-hearted discussion on how virtual meetings have redefined our sense of connection, especially in a post-pandemic world. The conversation then shifts to the challenges and opportunities in modern education, highlighting the importance of filling gaps in traditional curriculums with innovative resources. Matthew shares his journey from a non-traditional teaching background to creating impactful educational content that resonates with diverse student populations. The duo delves into the role of AI in education, discussing its potential to enhance learning experiences while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human interaction and project-based learning. They also touch on the resurgence of hands-on activities and the importance of fostering a classroom culture where students feel safe to experiment and fail. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the future of education, the significance of personalized learning, and the exciting developments at The PocketLab, including their partnerships and upcoming projects. Tune in to discover how technology and creativity are shaping the classrooms of tomorrow.
Check out Sciesmic grades 6-8 curriculum content
ABOUT MATT Matthew Schmidt is a former award-winning high school science teacher. His experience in the classroom started in a “science class” that had no lab benches, no lab equipment, and students who had been without a teacher for months. Through a “trial by fire” approach, he quickly learned how few resources there were to support a diverse student population and witnessed students slipping through the cracks as a result. Desperate for more high-quality resources and ways to reach his students, he knew there had to be a better way. So, he began to develop his own resources. These were each designed with several factors in mind:
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Students needed to be at the center of the learning. Gone were the days of lecture-only classes!
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Materials and phenomena needed to be relevant to student lives. No more dated examples.
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Every resource needed to address different styles of learning and levels of students. No two classrooms are the same and every student brings with them different experiences.
Using these resources, he quickly started to see success and even developed a complete biology, chemistry, and physics curriculum for his district. Fueled by this success and fellow teachers asking for his resources, he created Sciesmic. Today, these resources are being used in thousands of classrooms across the country and helping students spark a love for science again.
In his free time, he enjoys thrifting, collecting Pokémon cards, and spending time with his wonderful wife, Rachael, and his two daughters, Emily and Charlotte.
Explore the intersection of AI and literature with our guest John Suchocki from Conceptual Academy. John's experience co-authoring a novel with AI sheds light on some interesting observations. They delve into the implications of AI in education, the importance of AI literacy, and the evolving role of teachers in a technology-driven world. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations of AI in writing and the potential societal impacts of widespread AI adoption.
Conceptual Academy High School Curruiculum
ABOUT JOHN John is the author of Conceptual Chemistry, as well as CEO and founder of Conceptual Academy, PBC, a public benefit company of teachers and textbook authors including Paul Hewitt of Conceptual Physics. Well-known for his video work, John has been active in distance and hybrid learning techniques since the mid-1990s. He has been teaching physical science for about 25 years primarily at the community college level, and is now focused on the continued development of video textbooks with his co-authors at Conceptual Academy.
Intellectual property Lawyer Amanda Conley has an interesting perspective on Ai and all the legal considerations an educator needs to be aware of. In this episode, we dive into the transformative role of AI in education, exploring its potential to revolutionize learning environments. Join us as we discuss the latest trends from major ed-tech conferences, the legal intricacies of AI-generated content, and the ethical considerations educators face. With insights from industry experts, we uncover how AI is reshaping the classroom, from creating personalized learning experiences to addressing copyright challenges. Tune in to understand the future landscape of AI in education and its implications for teachers, students, and institutions.
ABOUT AMANDA Drawn to intellectual property law from the moment I first encountered it in law school, I began my career in Big Law with a focus on intellectual property litigation and transactions, representing a variety of global brands. After earning my stripes in a large, fast-paced law firm environment, I decided it was time to use my intellectual property expertise to serve clients more personally, with superior representation and accessibility. I joined a boutique law firm with a focus on intellectual property and advertising, where I began working with clients in a niche industry. It was thrilling to tackle new challenges like forging paths to federal intellectual property protection for businesses operating in this new industry, and to work closely with creative, boundary-pushing entrepreneurs in emerging markets.
Fulbright teacher and National Geographic educator, Lisa Werner shares her transformative experiences as a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms Fellow in Senegal, highlighting the stark differences and surprising similarities in educational practices. She discusses the importance of community, connection, and the role of technology in education, while also exploring the intersection of music and science. Lisa reflects on her adventures as a NOAA Teacher at Sea, emphasizing the responsibility educators have to inspire their students through authentic experiences and curiosity-driven learning.
NOAA Teacher at Sea program: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/teacher-at-sea-program
Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms: https://www.fulbrightteacherexchanges.org/programs/tgc
Space for Teachers: https://spaceforteachers.org/
Video from Zero G Flight: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ztw8oaMxDC68s8a872LJpTP2hgeh-t2x/view ABOUT LISA Lisa Werner is the PreK-8th grade Band, Choir, and Music teacher at St. Bruno Parish School in Dousman, WI. Her commitment goes beyond the conventional, constantly seeking inventive ways to intertwine music with diverse subjects, such as orchestrating students' experiments on sound and music during a Space for Teachers zero gravity flight while playing her trombone, making connections between music, bathymetry, and autonomous underwater vehicles on a NOAA Teacher at Sea mission to the Pacific Ocean, exploring multicultural education on a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms adventure in Senegal, or traveling on a National Geographic/Lindblad Expedition Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship to study music's existence in Antarctica. Lisa's passion lies in showcasing music as a tool for fostering empathy, managing emotions, and establishing connections across all cultures and eras. Her goal is to kindle aspirations in students, encouraging them to dream big and leverage the skills acquired in music class to achieve their ambitions.
MIT Professor Alan Lightman discusses his PBS documentary series 'Searching Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science,' which explores the intersection of science, philosophy, and spirituality. He emphasizes the importance of integrating humanities into science education to foster critical thinking and reflection among students. Lightman shares insights on the challenges of engaging modern students, the concept of spiritual materialism, and the emotional power of music and art. He also highlights the restorative effects of nature on the human spirit and the need for a deeper connection with the cosmos. In this conversation, Alan Lightman and Dave discuss the intricate relationship between nature, science, and technology, particularly focusing on the ethical implications of AI development. They explore the kinship between humans and nature, the exponential growth of technology, and the philosophical dilemmas surrounding knowledge and mystery in science. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to technological advancement, considering both its potential benefits and risks.
Links:
Documentary series site: https://searchingformeaning.org/ Lesson material: LINK TO BE ADDED AS SOON AS THEY ARE READY! PBS Series: https://www.pbs.org/show/searching-our-quest-meaning-age-science/ Alan's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APY6Q4 Documentary series trailer: ABOUT ALAN Alan Lightman is an American physicist and writer. PhD in physics, Caltech. He has served on the faculties of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and was the first person at MIT to receive dual faculty appointments in science and in the humanities. He is currently professor of the practice of the humanities at MIT. Lightman is the recipient of six honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of numerous books, both nonfiction and fiction, including Einstein’s Dreams, an international bestseller, and The Diagnosis, a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction. His essays concern the intersection of science, culture, philosophy, and theology. His most recent nonfiction books are Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine, The Transcendental Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science, and The Miraculous from the Material. Lightman is the host of the public television series “SEARCHING: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science,” based on his books. In 2005, Lightman founded Harpswell, a nonprofit organization devoted to empowering young women leaders in Southeast Asia. In August 2023, Lightman was appointed a member of the United Nation’s Scientific Advisory Board, reporting directly to the Secretary General.
Dr. Scott Miller from Charity Water joins us and discusses the organization's mission to provide clean and safe drinking water to everyone globally. He highlights the staggering statistics of the water crisis, the technological and financial challenges involved, and the innovative solutions being implemented. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of education and community engagement in addressing these issues, as well as the operational scale of Charity Water's efforts. In this conversation, Scott Miller and Dave discuss the challenges and innovative solutions in water management, emphasizing the importance of technology, community involvement, and education in addressing the global water crisis. They explore how creative approaches can leverage existing resources and engage youth in understanding and solving water-related issues.
Charity Water: https://www.charitywater.org/
Experience Lab near Nashville: https://www.charitywater.org/experience
Donate to Charity Water: https://www.charitywater.org/donate
ABOUT SCOTT Dr. Scott Miller is the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning at charity: water. As an economist, Dr. Miller aims to equip nonprofit organizations with the tools needed to measure and maximize their impact, with a particular focus on addressing food and water insecurity around the world. He has worked with more than 70 nonprofit organizations across 26 countries over the last decade, spanning the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Asia. Scott attended the University of Florida for both his Bachelor's degree and Ph.D. and currently lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife.
National Geographic Explorer Gabby Salazar shares her journey into photography, starting at a young age and evolving with technology. She discusses the impact of digital advancements on wildlife photography, emphasizing the ethical considerations and authenticity in her work. Gabby highlights the importance of field experiences and citizen science in understanding nature, while also sharing her passion for conservation and future expeditions. In this conversation, Gabby Salazar discusses her work in wildlife conservation and education, focusing on the importance of culturally responsive environmental education. She highlights the Florida Panther's conservation efforts and the need to engage students with local wildlife to foster a connection to nature. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in nature engagement and the importance of cultivating wonder in children to inspire future generations in STEM fields.
Links:
Educational resources for teachers from "Path of the Panther" documentary: https://pathofthepanther.com/learn Get the book! "No Boundaries": https://books.disney.com/book/no-boundaries/ Gabby's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gabbyrsalazar/. Documentary movie trailer: ABOUT GABBY Dr. Gabby Salazar is a conservation photographer and environmental social scientist dedicated to documenting the natural world and inspiring global conservation efforts. Her projects have taken her across the globe—to photograph volcanoes in Guatemala, film lion conservation efforts in Zimbabwe, highlight endangered species recovery in Mauritius, and more. Gabby holds an MSc in Conservation Science from Imperial College London and a PhD from the University of Florida, where she studied environmental education and environmental marketing. In partnership with Dr. Krithi Karanth and the Centre for Wildlife Studies, Gabby helped start an environmental education program in India that has reached over 50,000 students. She is also the co-author of No Boundaries: 25 Women Explorers and Scientists Share Adventures, Inspiration, and Advice, published by National Geographic Kids, which showcases the stories of trailblazing women in science and exploration. A National Geographic Explorer, Gabby has been widely recognized for her contributions to photography and conservation. She is a Past President of the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) and an Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers. In 2004, she was named BBC Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and in 2021, she received NANPA’s Emerging Photographer of the Year award.
Tina Hovance, from one of the largest school districts in Texas (Katy ISD), discusses her role as the secondary science coordinator and the implementation of new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). She emphasizes the importance of planning, mentorship, and community support for new teachers, especially in a diverse district with a large emergent bilingual population. The conversation also touches on the potential of AI in education and the need for policies to guide its use. In this conversation, Dave and Tina Hovance discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by technology and AI in education. They explore how schools can adapt to rapid advancements, the importance of fostering curiosity and critical thinking in students, and the need for educators to connect with real scientists to inspire the next generation. Tina shares her journey from a scientist to an educator and emphasizes the importance of preparing students for uncertain futures by focusing on foundational skills in science and critical thinking.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-hovance/
X: https://x.com/SecScienceKISD
ABOUT TINA Tina Hovance is a research scientist turned educator who now serves as the Secondary Science Coordinator for Katy Independent School District in Katy, Texas. Over the past 25 years in education—as a teacher, instructional coach, and now district leader—she is driven to transform science classrooms into spaces where curiosity drives learning and every student develops scientific literacy.
In her current role, Tina leads the design and implementation of secondary science curriculum, instructional support systems, and professional learning that equips teachers to deliver three-dimensional, phenomenon-driven instruction. She fosters a spirit of collaboration by partnering with teachers to build a culture of engaging science teaching and learning across the district.
Tina is passionate about amplifying her impact and influence. She serves on the board of the Texas Science Education Leadership Association, contributing to statewide efforts to elevate science education through advocacy, leadership development, and networking. A frequent professional development presenter at local, state, and national conferences, she speaks on topics ranging from inquiry-based learning to data-literacy and science leadership. She is also a published author in National Science Teaching Association’s NextGen Navigator and Computers in the Schools.
Outside of education, Tina recharges through reading, running, and traveling with her family.
Dr. Yampolskiy is a Latvian computer scientist who has warned of the possibility of existential risk from advanced artificial intelligence, and has advocated research into "boxing" artificial intelligence. Dr. Yampolskiy is mostly known for his work on AI safety, cybersecurity and his many published books. In this conversation, Professor Roman V. Yampolskiy discusses the critical aspects of AI safety, the unpredictability of AI responses, and the implications of AI in education and the workforce. He emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and risks, particularly in relation to human traits and the potential for AI to impact purpose and meaning in life. The discussion also touches on the future of jobs, the role of AI in medicine, and the possibility of personalized AI tutors in education. In this conversation, Dave and Roman V. Yampolskiy, PhD, explore the evolving landscape of education in the context of artificial intelligence. They discuss the importance of human skills, the need for a re-evaluation of learning priorities, and the risks associated with AI development. The conversation delves into the role of verification in AI outputs, the future of AI in education, and the philosophical implications of living in a potentially simulated reality. Throughout, they emphasize the necessity of adapting educational practices to prepare future generations for a world increasingly influenced by AI.
ABOUT ROMAN Roman V. Yampolskiy holds a PhD degree from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo. There he was a recipient of a four year NSF (National Science Foundation) IGERT (Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship) fellowship. Before beginning his doctoral studies Dr. Yampolskiy received a BS/MS (High Honors) combined degree in Computer Science from Rochester Institute of Technology, NY, USA. After completing his PhD dissertation Dr. Yampolskiy held a position of an Affiliate Academic at the Center for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University of London, College of London. In 2008 Dr. Yampolskiy accepted an assistant professor position at the Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, KY. He had previously conducted research at the Laboratory for Applied Computing (currently known as Center for Advancing the Study of Infrastructure) at the Rochester Institute of Technology and at the Center for Unified Biometrics and Sensors at the University at Buffalo. Dr. Yampolskiy is also an alumnus of Singularity University (GSP2012) and a visiting fellow of the Singularity Institute.Dr. Yampolskiy's main areas of interest are behavioral biometrics, digital forensics, pattern recognition, genetic algorithms, neural networks, artificial intelligence and games. Dr. Yampolskiy is an author of over 100 publications including multiple journal articles and books. His research has been cited by numerous scientists and profiled in popular magazines both American and foreign (New Scientist, Poker Magazine, Science World Magazine), dozens of websites (BBC, MSNBC, Yahoo! News) and on radio (German National Radio, Alex Jones Show). Reports about his work have attracted international attention and have been translated into many languages including Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Romanian, and Spanish.
The team from the Science Center of Iowa joins us to discuss various topics ranging from the impact of weather on museum operations to the fascinating world of pterosaurs and the innovative use of AI in education. They explore the ethical implications of AI, the importance of intellectual property in AI-generated content, and the role of project-based learning in developing critical thinking skills. The conversation emphasizes the need for human interaction with AI tools and the importance of teaching students how to effectively communicate their ideas to these technologies. In this conversation, Jolie Pelds and Dave discuss the transformative role of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of engaging learning goals, innovative methods for student interaction, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI technology. They explore how AI can enhance project-based learning, assist in data analysis, and foster community engagement while also addressing the environmental impact of AI tools. The discussion highlights the need for educators to adapt to new technologies and create a supportive learning environment for both students and teachers.
ABOUT LINDY Lindy Trout Turnis is the Innovation Manager at the Science Center of Iowa. She designs and facilitates both high-tech and low-tech, hands-on experiences for visitors in the Innovation Lab, sparking creativity and exploration.
ABOUT JOLIE Jolie Pelds is the Director of Innovative STEM Teaching at the Science Center of Iowa. She leads programs that connect students and adults with hands-on science learning, focusing on real-world applications and innovative approaches.
ABOUT MARISSA Marissa Herzberg serves as the Manager of Innovative STEM Teaching at the Science Center of Iowa. She partners with schools and educators to bring inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences into classrooms and inspire curiosity through STEM.
TeachAi expert explains why teachers will still matter Veronica discuss the evolving role of AI in education, the challenges educators face in adapting to rapid technological changes, and the importance of core skills for teachers. They explore concerns about over-reliance on AI tools, the implications of AI in grading and IEPs, and the necessity of human feedback in the learning process. The discussion also touches on cultural nuances, ethics in AI, and the significance of maintaining human interaction in educational settings. Veronica and Dave explore the intersection of storytelling, technology, and education. They discuss the emotional connections we have with characters in stories, the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences, and the importance of critical thinking in an age dominated by AI. They also touch on the challenges faced by educators in adapting to new technologies, the human element in teaching, and the future of education in a post-pandemic world. The conversation concludes with insights into career readiness and the innovative work being done in computer science education. ABOUT VERONICA Veronica Ellis is a researcher, content developer, and educator specializing in educational technology and STEM learning. As Content Development and Research Manager at TeachAI, Veronica designs resources that help students and educators navigate emerging technologies, while working with stakeholders to determine their efficacy. Her work integrates computer science concepts, ethical AI considerations, and instructional practices to support K-12 learning. Previously, she taught middle school science in Chicago Public Schools, where she led professional learning centered on quality teaching for English Learners. Veronica is passionate about making STEM education accessible, ensuring that educators and students have the tools to critically and ethically engage with emerging technologies.
Is it safe to fly? Recent incidents, media influence, and systemic concerns. Miles O'Brien discusses the current state of aviation safety, reflecting on recent incidents and the underlying statistics. They explore the roles of various organizations like the FAA and NTSB in ensuring safety, the importance of timely investigations, and the normalization of deviance in aviation practices. The discussion also touches on the media's influence on public perception of aviation safety and the complexities of the aviation system, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive measures to maintain safety standards. Learn more about Miles on his website: https://milesobrien.com/
Connect with Miles on Twitter at https://twitter.com/milesobrien
Watch Mile's conference session from Science is Cool 8: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic8/miles-obrien
ABOUT MILES Miles O’Brien is a veteran, award-winning journalist who focuses on science, technology, aerospace, and the environment.
He is the science correspondent for PBS NewsHour, a producer and director for the PBS science documentary series NOVA, and a correspondent for the PBS documentary series FRONTLINE and the National Science Foundation Science Nation series.
For nearly seventeen of his thirty-two years in the news business, he worked for CNN as the science, environment and aerospace correspondent and the anchor of various programs, including American Morning.
While at CNN, he secured a deal with NASA to become the first journalist to fly on the space shuttle. The project ended with the loss of Columbia and her crew in 2003 – a story he told to the world in a critically acclaimed sixteen-hour marathon of live coverage.
Prior to joining CNN, he worked as a reporter at television stations in Boston, Tampa, Albany, NY and St. Joseph, MO. He began his television career as a desk assistant at WRC-TV in Washington, DC.
O’Brien is an accomplished pilot and is frequently called upon to explain the world of aviation to a mass audience. He has won numerous awards over the years, including a half-dozen Emmys, and a Peabody and DuPont for his coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
In February of 2014, a heavy equipment case fell on his forearm while he was on assignment. He developed Acute Compartment Syndrome, which necessitated the emergency amputation of his left arm above the elbow.
Born in Detroit and raised in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, he is based in Washington, DC. He has a son at the US Naval Academy and a daughter at Davidson College in North Carolina. He was a history major at Georgetown University.
Exploring technology, AI, simulations, curriculum challenges, and education’s future. Professor at Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Nancy Ruzycki discusses with us the current state of hands-on learning in education, the role of simulations, the impact of AI, and the challenges teachers face with curriculum and technology. Nancy and Dave explore the balance between hands-on experiences and simulations, the importance of data privacy in AI, and the need for teachers to adapt to new technologies while maintaining educational standards. They also discuss the evolving role of AI in education, emphasizing the need for a systematic approach to teaching and learning. They explore how AI can personalize education, the importance of domain-specific models, and the challenges of integrating AI into classrooms. The discussion also touches on the balance between convenience for teachers and effective learning outcomes for students, highlighting the need for better support and training for educators. Nancy's flyer for links and resources for teachers: https://hubs.ly/Q02GFBzY0 Free AI and data science curriculums https://lor.instructure.com/?q=ruzycki Links to free resources and vendors/partners with AI and data science: https://docs.google.com/document/d/129B8CvI0XmenUYoCiC89YBXWY0FP_wPq/edit Engaged Quality Instruction Through Professional Development: https://equipd.mse.ufl.edu
UF AI Teachers in residence: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15u23tKqgq_ZxcI9B5WCX9vxLX7rQcd57/edit
ABOUT NANCY Dr. Nancy Ruzycki is an Associate Instructional Professor within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Her research work is in creating teacher professional development for complex topics in STEM using system thinking and a conceptual modeling pedagogical framework. She also studies mentorship in STEM organizations and informal learning settings. She also holds an undergraduate degree in Chemistry Education and has National Board Certification for Physics. Ruzycki currently works upskilling teachers in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and has written the Middle School Career and Technical Education Frameworks for AI and Data Science, and the High School Frameworks for Data Science in the state of Florida. She has received over $12 million dollars in funding for her work.
Mentorship, project-based education, real-world science, and fostering curiosity. In this conversation, Taniece Thompson-Smith, seasoned educator and teacher of the years, discusses the importance of work-life balance for educators, the significance of engaging students in science, and the need for civic science literacy. Taniece shares her experiences as the Texas Teacher of the Year, emphasizing the role of curiosity in learning and the importance of teaching strategies that cater to diverse learners. They also reflect on the value of teaching across cultures and the necessity of project-based learning in science education. In this conversation, Taniece Thompson-Smith and Dave discuss the importance of project-based learning and real-world problem-solving in education. They emphasize the need for experiential learning, mentorship, and building a supportive teaching community. The conversation highlights how creating equitable learning experiences can foster curiosity and wonder in students, making science more relatable and accessible. Taniece shares her experiences in the classroom, illustrating how hands-on activities and community involvement can enhance student engagement and understanding of scientific concepts. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/taniecetsmith Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552742454637 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniecetsmith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniecetsmith Twitter: https://x.com/taniecetsmith24 ABOUT TANIECE Taniece Thompson-Smith is a seasoned educator with 14 years of teaching experience and a military spouse for 19 years. She has taught in seven diverse school districts across the United States, Jamaica, and Japan, highlighting her versatility and dedication to education. Thompson-Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Brooklyn College, a graduate-level teacher certification from Rider University, and a Master of Arts in teaching with a specialization in multicultural and social justice education from California State University, Fresno.
Currently serving as a fifth-grade science teacher at Stafford Elementary in Abilene, Texas, Thompson-Smith is committed to providing enriching learning experiences that foster academic development. She actively collaborates with community members and science experts to create interactive learning opportunities for her students. Additionally, she leads district-level and international professional development workshops that integrate science with language arts, emphasizing her dedication to cross-disciplinary education.
Thompson-Smith's passion for education is further evidenced through her mentorship of students. Her outstanding teaching abilities have been recognized through various awards, including Texas Teacher of the Year. Her excellence in teaching has also been recognized by prominent figures such as First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. She was honored at their first State Dinner, honoring educators.
Penn State STEM Educational Specialist shares her teaching strategies.
Dave and Stephanie explore the evolving landscape of STEM education in elementary schools, emphasizing the new STEELS standards in Pennsylvania and the unique challenges that early-grade teachers face when teaching science. They discuss the importance of technology integration, hands-on learning, and fostering curiosity to make science more relevant and engaging for young learners.
A key theme of the conversation is the role of failure in STEM learning—how embracing mistakes can lead to creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They highlight the need for professional development and administrative support to help teachers feel confident in delivering inquiry-based, active learning experiences.
The discussion also touches on: ✅ The impact of coding and technology in early STEM education ✅ How controlled chaos in the classroom fosters deeper learning ✅ The importance of teacher advocacy in shaping better science education policies ✅ Strategies to equip young students with scientific literacy skills for the future
NSTA 2025 Philadelphia workshop Stephanie is hosting: Department of Navy's Seaworthy STEM: From PreK-12 to STEM Careers Friday, March 28 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM Pennsylvania Convention Center - 120 A Seaworthy STEM in a Box revolutionizes PreK-12 STEM education with Dept. of Navy and NGSS activities, fostering science sensemaking and engineering skills. Designed for versatility, these kits and curriculum accommodate various grades and settings. Session lead by DON staff & STEM educators. TAKEAWAYS: Attendees will discover how to integrate Navy-aligned STEM activities into diverse educational environments. With expert-led workshops and comprehensive resources, educators can cultivate problem-solving skills in students, empowering them for future success in science and engineering. SPEAKERS: Melissa Thompson (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship: No City, No State), Stephanie Klixbull (Penn State University: No City, No State), Debbie Reynolds (Commonwealth Charter Academy: Homestead, PA), Tom Jenkins (National Museum of the United States Air Force: Dayton, OH), Nathan Diehl (Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division: Bethesda, MD) ABOUT STEPHANIE Stephanie Klixbull is an elementary educator who spent over nine years in the classroom, educating students in science, math, and engineering. Stephanie taught a special STEAM class called IDEA Lab to students in preschool through fifth grade in South Carolina. In 2018, Stephanie received the Max E. Lundquest Outstanding Young STEM Educator Award from the International STEM Educator Association for her work in early childhood STEM curriculum. She was also awarded as the state’s Teacher of the Year from the state of South Carolina Independent Schools Association, 2019. Recently, Stephanie completed a national fellowship through the Department of Energy in Washington D.C. as a Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, 2021-2022. Stephanie was placed with the Department of Defense at Carderock Naval Surface Warfare Center. During her fellowship, Stephanie developed hands-on elementary science lessons and directed educator professional development relative to DoD STEM careers and the realistic engineering solutions centered around the Navy. At Penn State University Stephanie's current role as the Elementary STEM Educational Specialist, (K-8) is to work with research science and engineering faculty to develop and implement professional development opportunities for K-12 STEM educators. Stephanie is thrilled to also be contributing to support elementary science practices and enhance professional development opportunities for all teachers.
BS - Elementary Education - Music & Special Education - University of Northern Colorado M. Ed. STEM Education - Citadel College
Lessons and inspiration from Chrissy and Jay Kleburg on climate impact, wildlife, & conservation.
Documentary producers and conservationists, Jay and Chrissy discuss their journey walking the Texas coastline, the challenges they faced, and the insights gained from their documentary 'Chasing the Tide.' They explore the importance of local ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and the educational impact of their work, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental issues across the globe. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in wildlife discovery and the significance of high-quality educational resources for engaging students in nature. In this conversation, Jay Kleberg discusses the intersection of climate change, local news, and community action in Texas. He highlights the economic implications of environmental issues, the importance of local education in fostering awareness, and the need for storytelling to connect people with their environment. The conversation also touches on the value of oysters in ecosystems and the future projects aimed at exploring and protecting coastal areas. About the learning resources:
To connect students to the coast, Chasing the Tide teamed up with Anne Marie Fayen, curriculum developer, and PBS LearningMedia to make short film clips and discussion guides aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and Next Generation Science Standards in both English and Spanish. The learning resources are intended for classroom teachers, informal educators, parents, and learners in grades 3-8 who are looking for science-based learning materials. These resources are available at chasingthetideseries.com/learn and on PBS LearningMedia:
https://klru.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/conserving-aplomado-peregrine-falcons-video/chasing-the-tide/,
https://klru.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/rediscovery-red-wolf-dna-video/chasing-the-tide/
https://klru.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/endangered-sea-turtle-kemps-ridley-video/chasing-the-tide/
About Chasing the Tide: Conservationists Chrissy and Jay Kleberg hiked Texas’ 370 miles of barrier islands over 21 days in October 2023. They embarked on this journey to learn more about the rate of change occurring on the coast, hear from residents and experts about its rich diversity of wildlife, habitats, and history, and understand what the future holds. They captured the adventure on film and produced a six-part series for PBS calledChasing the Tide, which is currently on television stations across the nation and streaming. In addition to the series, they also published a natural history and adventure book that details the journey, production process, and beauty of the Texas Gulf Coast. As part of the project, Jay and Chrissy also teamed up with Anne Marie Fayen, curriculum developer, and PBS LearningMedia to provide short clips and discussion guides for grades 3-8.
The Chasing the Tide book:
https://chasingthetideseries.com/book
ABOUT CHRISSY Chrissy is a former wildlife field biologist and amateur photographer. She has conducted avian research and reintroduction work with the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Florida, and the Peregrine Fund in Hawaii, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas. She is a co-producer and co-director of the documentary series Chasing the Tide, airing across the nation on PBS stations and streaming.
ABOUT JAY Jay is the Executive Director of the Gulf of Mexico Trust and previously served as Associate Director of Texas Parks Wildlife Foundation. He co-produced the film Deep in the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story and was Associate Producer of the documentary The River and the Wall. He is a co-producer and co-director of the documentary series Chasing the Tide, airing across the nation on PBS stations and streaming.
Art, creativity, ai, and hands-on STEM reshape K-12 education Teacher and author, Tim Needles joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of education, particularly the integration of AI and its implications for teaching and learning. They explore the importance of local engagement in education, the role of creativity in STEM, and the challenges of curriculum development. Tim shares insights from his experience as an art teacher and how he has adapted to incorporate technology and interdisciplinary projects. The discussion also touches on the impact of the pandemic on education and the necessity of classroom management skills for effective teaching. In this engaging conversation, Dave and Tim explore the transformative impact of technology and the pandemic on education. They discuss the shift from traditional learning resources to digital platforms, the importance of project-based learning, and the role of AI in shaping future educational practices. The conversation highlights the significance of student perspectives, global collaboration, and the integration of art in STEM fields. Tim shares insights from his experiences with NASA and the exciting opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning through innovative projects. ABOUT TIM Tim Needles is an artist, educator, performer, and author of STEAM Power: Infusing Art Into Your STEM Curriculum from ISTE with its 2nd edition out in 2025. He has been teaching art and media and acting as a technology integration specialist at Smithtown School District in New York for more than twenty-five years as well as serving as an adjunct college professor. He is a TEDx Talk speaker, an international speaker, and his work has been featured on NPR, in the New York Times, Columbus Museum of Art, Norman Rockwell Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, Katonah Museum of Art, and Cape Cod Museum of Art.
He’s the recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen award as well as the ISTE PLN’s Technology in Action Award and Creativity Award, NAEA’s Eastern Region Art Educator Award and ArtEdTech Outstanding Teaching Award, as well as the Rauschenberg Power of Art Award. He’s also a board member of NYSCATE and NYSATA, an ISTE Community leader, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, and a teacher leader in the CAN Connected Arts Network PLC.
He has a degree in educational administration and works with several educational technology companies serving as an Adobe Creative Educator Innovator, LEGO Education Ambassador, Discovery Education DEN Star, Google Certified Champion, PBS Digital Innovator, and a National Geographic Certified Teacher among others. He’s active on social media at @timneedles.
Students thrive with curiosity, mentorship, storytelling, collaboration, and resilience. Senior Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, Luc Mayrand, shares his journey as an Imagineer, discussing the importance of creativity, curiosity, and teamwork in the creative industries. He emphasizes the need for a clear purpose in career aspirations and the role of technology in enhancing storytelling. Luc also reflects on the evolving nature of education and its significance in preparing future generations for unpredictable career paths. In this engaging conversation, Dave and Luc explore the intricacies of leadership, management, and the importance of collaboration and mentorship. They discuss the dynamics of teaching and learning, the challenges of managing teams, and the necessity of embracing failure as a part of the creative process. Luc shares insights on the value of diverse teams and the unexpected sources of innovation that can arise from fostering a culture of trust and open communication. The discussion emphasizes the significance of reflection, storytelling, and the role of mentors in shaping one's career and approach to problem-solving. 🌟 Imagineering internships - https://sites.disney.com/waltdisneyimagineering/internships/
🌟 Walt Disney Imagineering includes over 100 different disciplines with a broad range in fields of study. Learn more about some amazing Imagineers here: https://sites.disney.com/waltdisneyimagineering/careers/
🌟 Get Imagineering in a box for free https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/hass-storytelling
🌟 Video from ScIC14 with Luc: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic14/the-steam-behind-imagineering ABOUT LUC As Senior Creative Executive at Imagineering, Luc leads the creation of ideas from the earliest stage, to then sell and develop them into the experiences inside and outside the parks.
Central to the creation of these projects is rapid iteration, a wide reach in partnerships, and fostering deep collaboration in the diverse teams behind the ideas. He has used this approach successfully for attractions, show, resorts, and new business development.
Recent projects include the multi-year expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland, as well as development for Disneyland Resort California.
Prior to Disney Luc worked on Films, Television and Experiences, in Asia, Europe and domestic locations.
Luc’s work and play have been motivated by a lifelong passion for the future, stories, culture, science and design. Luc is originally from Montréal, Canada. He and his family live in Pasadena, California.
Free hands-on activites to get your students engaged in STEM. Teacher, professor and science specialist, Dr. Griff Jones talks about crash science and its application in the classroom. They discuss the mission of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the development of crash science educational materials, and engaging activities for students. Griff shares insights on how to implement these resources in various grade levels and emphasizes the importance of teaching students about vehicle safety and physics through hands-on learning experiences. Virtual field trip with LIVE car crash: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/iihs-virtual-field-trip-car-crash Hands-on activities to accompany the virtual field trip: Best experience Your students will use PocketLab G-Force to collect data and design a crash cushion meant to reduce the forces that act on a vehicle during a collision with a wall. Check out the lesson here!
Low-cost alternative
Your students will use budget-friendly materials to design and build a paper car designed to protect its raw egg occupant! Check out the lesson here.
More resources Lesson resources from Crash Science in the Classroom: https://classroom.iihs.org/ More Crash Science lessons in Notebook: https://app.thepocketlab.com/?filters=Crash%20Science%20in%20the%20Classroom ABOUT CLIF Dr. Clifton Roozeboom is the CTO and Co-Founder of PocketLab. He received his PhD in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. He has been the primary investigator on two National Science Foundation SBIR projects and two Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences SBIR projects. Dr. Roozeboom is a lecturer in the Stanford University mechanical engineering department. His PhD research was on wireless sensor networks for environmental monitoring applications, for which he earned grants and fellowships from Sandia National Labs, Hewlett-Packard Labs, the National Science Foundation, and the Chevron Corporation.
ABOUT GRIFF Dr. Griff Jones, a highly celebrated science education specialist and emeritus clinical associate professor from the University of Florida, is renowned for creating powerful, inquiry-based K-12 science programs that elevate learning. Integrating his expertise from multiple academic appointments in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Engineering, he has contributed extensively to the field of education through numerous nationally recognized textbooks, curriculum guides, and online materials. His groundbreaking collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety resulted in award-winning educational films and a pioneering website, "Crash Science in the Classroom." This innovative project elucidates the life-saving potential of STEM subjects through the lens of car crashes and traffic safety. Honored with prestigious accolades such as the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, Dr. Jones' approach offers teachers a remarkable blend of dynamic curriculum resources and a captivating perspective on STEM education.
Engaging, hands-on STEM education inspired by vehicle crash research. Crash experts Joe Young and Dr. Griff Jones, discuss the intersection of crash science and education, highlighting the upcoming virtual field trip hosted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at their amazing vehicle crash test facility! The discussion delves into the history of crash science in classrooms, the evolution of educational materials, and the critical role of IIHS in vehicle safety research. Our guests emphasize the importance of educating teenagers about safe driving practices and the innovative use of crash test dummies in research. The conversation underscores the need for continuous improvement in vehicle safety and the impact of educational initiatives on reducing teen crash rates. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of crash testing methodologies, the importance of vehicle safety features, and the educational implications of their work. They discuss the historical impact of crash testing on legislation, the significance of choosing safe vehicles for teen drivers, and the value of engaging science demonstrations in education. The conversation emphasizes hands-on learning and the resources available for teachers to enhance their classrooms with practical science activities. Lesson resources from Crash Science in the Classroom: https://classroom.iihs.org/ More Crash Science lessons in Notebook: https://app.thepocketlab.com/?filters=Crash%20Science%20in%20the%20Classroom ABOUT JOE Joe Young is media relations director at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, where he serves as the main point of contact for journalists seeking traffic safety information and oversees the Institute's social media presence. Mr. Young joined the Institute in 2017 after working in communications with the Louisiana SPCA in New Orleans. Mr. Young received a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and holds an M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. ABOUT GRIFF Dr. Griff Jones, a highly celebrated science education specialist and emeritus clinical associate professor from the University of Florida, is renowned for creating powerful, inquiry-based K-12 science programs that elevate learning. Integrating his expertise from multiple academic appointments in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Engineering, he has contributed extensively to the field of education through numerous nationally recognized textbooks, curriculum guides, and online materials. His groundbreaking collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety resulted in award-winning educational films and a pioneering website, "Crash Science in the Classroom." This innovative project elucidates the life-saving potential of STEM subjects through the lens of car crashes and traffic safety. Honored with prestigious accolades such as the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, Dr. Jones' approach offers teachers a remarkable blend of dynamic curriculum resources and a captivating perspective on STEM education.
Dave Burgess discusses passion, authenticity, motivation, reflection, and impactful teaching. In this conversation, Dave Burgess shares his insights on the challenges of teaching and the importance of engaging students through passion and authenticity. He emphasizes the need for educators to embrace their unique strengths and to present their content in a way that captivates students. Burgess discusses the significance of reflection and learning from failure, as well as the intersection of art and science in teaching. He concludes by highlighting the impact of memorable learning experiences on students. In this conversation, Dave Burgess discusses the importance of cross-curricular engagement in education, emphasizing creativity, student engagement, and passion as universal principles applicable across all subjects. He shares insights on classroom management techniques, the significance of understanding motivation and autonomy in students, and the challenges teachers face in balancing their responsibilities with self-care. The discussion highlights innovative approaches to teaching and the need for educators to embrace their creativity and personal touch in the classroom. * https://daveburgess.com/ * https://daveburgess.com/teach-like-a-pirate/
ABOUT DAVE Dave Burgess is a teacher from San Diego, California and a professional magician specializing in stand-up comedy magic. He was a multiple-year winner of Golden Apple award and honored as the Teacher of the Year at West Hills High School. He was voted a faculty standout for 17 consecutive years in categories such as Most Entertaining, Most Energetic, and Most Dramatic. He specializes in teaching hard-to-reach, hard-to-motivate students with techniques that incorporate showmanship and creativity. At a 2014 ceremony in Washington, D.C., he was awarded the BAMMY for Secondary School Teacher of the Year by the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences.
As president of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc., Dave has disrupted the publishing industry by releasing over 200 ground-breaking titles from innovative educators from across the globe. He is the co-author of P is for PIRATE and the New York Times Best-Selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE, which has sparked an educational revolution all over the world. Dave is a 2023 inductee into the International Pirate Hall of Fame.
Engineer turned musician shares journey blending STEM, creativity, and inspiration. In this engaging conversation, Roy Moye III shares his unique journey from aerospace engineering to pursuing a full-time career in music, particularly in the realm of STEM education. He discusses the deep connections between music and engineering, the importance of music in education, and how cultural influences shape his identity and work. The conversation also touches on the spirituality of music and its role in personal expression and learning. In this conversation, Dave and Roy delve into the rich tapestry of music and culture, particularly focusing on Brazilian music and its influence on identity and thought processes. They explore how cultural backgrounds shape musical experiences and the importance of travel in broadening one's understanding of the world. The discussion also touches on culinary adventures and the significance of STEM music in promoting aviation and aerospace education. In this conversation, Roy shares his unique journey from being a structural design engineer to pursuing a full-time career in music, particularly focusing on STEM education. He discusses the importance of inspiring the next generation, especially in underrepresented communities, and emphasizes the role of mentorship in career development. Roy highlights the need for parental guidance in STEM education and the significance of exposure to various career paths for young students. He passionately advocates for using music as a tool to engage students in STEM fields and shares personal anecdotes about his mentors and their impact on his life. * Roys website https://www.thestemusic.com/ * https://www.tiktok.com/@stemusicnation?lang=en * https://www.instagram.com/thestemusic * https://twitter.com/TheSTEMusic * https://www.facebook.com/thestemusic/
ABOUT ROY Roy Moye III is a dynamic speaker, singer, aerospace engineer, and the founder of STEMusic LLC. He earned his bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University and has worked in the aerospace industry for the past 8 years. As an accomplished singer, he has sung multiple National Anthems for professional sports teams, earned a Grammy Nomination with his Group "1 Tribe Collective" and has a music video with 46 million views. Roy is also an accomplished speaker with TEDx talk experience and serves as a regular speaker for thousands of students and educators at USA Science and Engineering festival events. He is passionate about the mission of STEMusic which aims to inspire the next generation of multicultural STEM professionals through engaging and entertaining music.
Connecting students to nature through immersive science education. We talk with the Host and Executive producer of the OutSCIder video series that teaches science, history, and environmental science concepts through our National Parks. The conversation between Dave and Chris Anderson revolves around the importance of teachers and their impact on students. They discuss the challenges teachers face in seeing the long-term results of their efforts and the rewarding moments when they do. They also talk about Chris Anderson's project, Outsider, which aims to connect students to the national parks through educational videos and resources. They emphasize the need for hands-on, experiential learning in science and the importance of making learning relevant and engaging for students. In this conversation, Chris Anderson discusses the importance of creating immersive learning experiences for students through outdoor education and exploration. He shares insights from his work on the Outsider Science series, which aims to connect students with nature and national parks. Chris emphasizes the value of experiential learning and the power of engaging students in hands-on projects that foster a sense of wonder and curiosity. He also highlights the need for teachers to be strategic in their use of technology and encourages a balance between analog and digital learning experiences. * YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutSCIderClassroom * Website & Instructional Materials for teachers: https://www.outscider.org/instructional-resources
ABOUT CHRIS Chris Anderson is the host and executive producer of OutSCIder Classroom, a video series that teaches science, history, and environmental science concepts through our National Parks. Originally from Elyria, Ohio, Chris began his career teaching science at Princeton High School, where he honed his passion for inspiring curiosity in young people. Since then, he has worked as an instructional coach for Hamilton County Education Service Center, working with K-12 science teachers across schools in Southwest Ohio.
Chris came up with the idea for OutSCIder Classroom by combining his joy in teaching science and his love of the outdoors. The project began in 2021 and has featured nearly 20 national parks, produced almost 100 videos for the web, and is preparing for its PBS broadcast debut on Cincinnati Educational Television (CET). In addition to education videos, OutSCIder Classroom provides teachers with free, high-quality instructional materials that align the parks with learning standards, getting students engaged with science and STEM while connecting them to our public lands.
Outside his work in science education, Chris enjoys running, hiking, and doing the crossword with his partner, Mary Ellen, usually on their front porch.
Using technology to enhance learning and problem-solving skills. Today we explore the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Jeremy and Dave dive into how AI can transform classrooms by helping students develop critical, transferable skills that will prepare them for the future workforce. They discuss how educators can move beyond rote memorization to teach students how to apply knowledge in innovative ways, empowering them to tackle real-world problems. The conversation covers practical tips on integrating AI into lessons, helping students use AI as a tool while emphasizing the need for human skills like creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. You'll also hear about the importance of fostering critical thinking in students, encouraging them to verify AI-generated information, and teaching them how to use AI to personalize their learning journey. Along the way, the hosts share insights on content creation tools like teleprompters and mechanical keyboards, and reminisce about how gaming and technology have shaped problem-solving over the years. This episode is packed with ideas on how to embrace technology in your classroom while preparing students for a future where AI is a key collaborator. https://www.tiesteach.org/jeremy-shorr/ https://www.jeremyshorr.com/services ABOUT JEREMY Jeremy Shorr is an education consultant and futurist who is passionate about innovating the instructional experience for learners of all ages. Jeremy supports clients through thought partnership to define and reach goals that move the organization forward. Before consulting, Jeremy spent sixteen years in several leadership roles in two K12 districts in Ohio.
Jeremy has keynoted, emceed, hosted, and presented at conferences and school districts across the United States and abroad and works with districts and organizations around the world who are looking to implement new instructional strategies through workshops, thought partnership, and ongoing support.
Jeremy has been recognized as one of the National School Boards Association’s “20 to Watch”, one of the Center for Digital Education’s “Top 30 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers”, as one of the Crain’s Cleveland Business “Forty under 40”, as the Ohio Technology-Using Administrator of the Year, the Ohio Educational Leader Innovator, received Ideastream PBS/NPR’s Betty Cope award and ISTE’s Making It Happen award, and was recognized by Ohio Governor John Kasich for service to Ohio’s students. Jeremy’s programs have received awards such as the Trendsetter Award and the Best Blended Learning Implementation in Ohio from the Ohio Department of Education, and admission into the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools. Jeremy is a Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL), a Google Certified Educator, an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE), a Raspberry Pi Certified Educator, and received his MBA in Executive Leadership. Jeremy was an Educational Policy Fellow with the Institute for Educational Leadership in 2015-2016.
Jeremy is the past chair of the Chief Technology Officer’s Network for ISTE (the International Society for Technology in Education), and of the Ideastream (PBS/NPR) advisory council. Jeremy also serves on the Board of Directors for the EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, a program focused on providing formerly-incarcerated adults an education in the hospitality industry while providing the support network necessary for successful reentry. Jeremy serves on the Education Advisory Committee of the City Club of Cleveland and on several advisory boards for the Council of School Networking (CoSN) including their Expert Panel for the Driving K12 Innovation report.
Jeremy, his wife Kimberly, and his daughters Lila, Lucy, and Luna live in Twinsburg, Ohio.
Engaging students through digital field experiences and technology. In this conversation, Caroline Nickerson discusses her dissertation on webinars and the effectiveness of a model called a digital field experience. She partnered with extension agents in different locations in Florida to test the model's effectiveness in teaching people about climate hazards and engaging them in citizen science projects. The findings showed that the digital field experience model was effective in engaging people and prompting them to take action on climate change. They also discuss the value of vicarious learning and the potential of technology to connect people to scientific knowledge and projects. They highlight the importance of project-based learning and the integration of AI in education. SciStarter is a platform that connects people to citizen science projects and provides resources for educators. The core of the site is the project finder, where users can discover and participate in various projects. SciStarter has also expanded to include curated programs for educators and partnerships with organizations like HHMI Tangle Bank Studios. The platform promotes accessibility and inclusivity by translating project materials into different languages and creating kits for hands-on activities. The goal is to make citizen science a formal national priority and encourage its integration into schools and libraries. ABOUT CAROLINE Caroline Nickerson is the Executive Director and co-founder of Florida Community Innovation (FCI), a civic technology nonprofit. Caroline empowers over 50 student innovators from more than five different universities to build social services technologies, engage in research projects, and conduct public service efforts to benefit Floridians, including the Florida Resource Map, which promises to be the first-of-its-kind digital access point connecting Floridians to food banks, job resources, and more. https://floridainnovation.org
Caroline is also a PhD candidate in Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida. At UF, Caroline has worked on multiple projects, including a climate change communication series with UF/IFAS Extension, creating the Internet of Things for Precision Agriculture community engagement team, research assessing the Restore the Shore project, and public engagement research about a certification for pollinator-friendly plants. She has also TA'd for multiple classes, including a social media class, a public policy class, and a multimedia communication class. http://bit.ly/climatecastlive
She has worked with SciStarter in various capacities, including as Senior Program Director at SciStarter where she managed the Citizen Science Month Program, SciStarter’s Corporate Volunteer Programs and other programmatic and outreach efforts, including working with SciStarter’s Syndicated Blog Network, which encompasses the Discover Magazine and SciStarter platforms, as well as large-scale programs with multiple federal agencies (including NASA, NOAA, and the National Library of Medicine) and global groups (including the United Nations Environment Programme). She currently works at SciStarter as an program specialist. https://scistarter.org
Caroline is a Master of Public Policy graduate from American University, where she was a Reilly Environmental Policy Scholar, an honor conferred by the former director of the EPA, Bill Reilly. Caroline was an undergrad at the University of Florida and was one of the inaugural recipients of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Student Excellence Award, an honor conferred to only three graduating seniors. She graduated with honors as a double major in History and Chinese.
In her spare time, she volunteers with the UF-VA Bioethics Unit, the Christensen Project (where she serves homeless and underserved groups), and others.
Caroline also co-founded the Commission on Local Debates and produced multiple debates for local elections in Central Florida that ran on local news.
As a fun fact, Caroline was the 2019 Cherry Blossom Princess representing the state of Florida and the grand prize scholarship winner at Miss Earth USA 2021 as Miss Louisiana Earth. She was also recently featured in a children's book about open science!
Balancing technology and creativity for impactful student experiences. Donnie Piercey, an elementary school teacher and Kentucky Teacher of the Year, discusses his experiences and teaching methods. He emphasizes the importance of having male role models in the classroom and the impact it can have on students. Donnie also talks about the value of storytelling and performance in teaching, as well as the integration of technology and cross-curricular activities. He shares examples of using AI tools in the classroom and the benefits of both physical books and digital resources. Donnie Piercey discusses the use of AI in the classroom and the importance of maintaining a personal connection with students. He shares his favorite activity of having students write and present their own poems, emphasizing the value of personal connection and creativity. Donnie highlights the presence of AI in education and the need for teachers to embrace it while also teaching students about its limitations and the importance of critical thinking. He provides examples of how AI can be used to save time and enhance student learning, such as generating rubrics and examples for assignments. Donnie emphasizes the role of teachers in verifying AI-generated content and guiding students in their understanding of AI. Links: Book: https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/p/50-strategies-for-integrating-ai-into-the-classroom/140172/ Resources for teachers: resources.mrpiercey.com Socials: X --> twitter.com/mrpiercy Instagram --> instagram.com/mr.piercey TikTok --> https://www.tiktok.com/@mrpiercey ABOUT DONNIE Donnie Piercey is the 2021 Kentucky Teacher of the Year and teaches fifth grade in Lexington, Kentucky. After graduating from Asbury College and earning his master’s from Auburn Montgomery, he has been teaching in Kentucky since 2007. Donnie specializes in using technology to promote student inquiry, learning, and engagement. Over the past seventeen years of teaching, these interests have given him the unique chance to represent Kentucky and his students around the world. He runs a podcast called Teachers Passing Notes that is produced by the Peabody Award winning GZMShows. He also runs a podcast that combines his love of pop-culture and education called Partial Credit. He was the recipient of a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship to Antarctica, and he also represents Kentucky on the inaugural National Geographic Teacher Advisory Council. He is the North American lead for the Google Earth Education Experts Network, and he was the first teacher in Kentucky to become both a Google Certified Innovator and a Google Certified Trainer. Donnie's recent work in AI and Edu has not gone unnoticed, earning him multiple appearances on Good Morning America, the Associated Press, and PBS. His upcoming book, "50 Strategies for Using AI in the Classroom," published by Teacher Created Materials, is written for educators looking for practical classroom approaches to using AI to revolutionize their teaching methods and enrich their students' learning experiences. Donnie has been invited to keynote and present at schools in thirty-three states and on five continents. In 2017, he co-authored The Google Cardboard Book: Explore, Engage, and Educate with Virtual Reality based on virtual experiences he created for his students. The Bluegrass always calls him home, however, and he regularly leads professional development at school districts around the state.
AI's impact on education, ethical use, and collaboration. In this conversation, Dave speaks with Selene Verhofstad and Faryal Shaukat, experienced teachers who recently gave a talk at NSTA about AI in education. They discuss the use of AI in the classroom, the challenges and benefits it presents, and the importance of teaching students about AI and its ethical use. They also touch on the rapid pace of technological change and the need for teachers to stay updated on new tools and platforms. The conversation explores the potential of AI to enhance education while also highlighting the importance of human supervision and critical thinking. The conversation explores the impact of AI on education and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The speakers discuss the competition between different AI technologies and the need for teachers to adapt their teaching methods. They also touch on the potential for AI to assist with goal setting and time management for students. The conversation highlights the importance of communication and collaboration skills in the age of AI and the role of teachers in fostering these skills. The speakers also discuss the need for policies and vetting processes to ensure student privacy and safety when using AI in the classroom. ABOUT SELENE Dr. Selene Verhofstad is an experienced high school and community college science educator with a passion for creating inclusive learning experiences. She holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a STEM emphasis from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Selene teaches science methods courses at UHCL, preparing preservice teachers for grades 4-12, and coordinates teacher mentors with instructional coaches in PISD and CCISD. Additionally, she teaches introductory chemistry at San Jacinto Community College and organizes inquiry-based labs for 9th to 12th graders in various science subjects. Her leadership roles include serving as an Academic Decathlon Coach, Science UIL Coach, and former National Honor Society Advisor. Selene has collaborated on action research projects to improve AP enrollment, initiate AP Capstone, and enhance engineering science teaching, which has led to presentations at CAST, NSTA, and NSF NOYCE. Her diverse skill set includes designing online science curricula, conducting professional development, and managing budgets and logistics for educational programs.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drverhofstad/
ABOUT FARYAL Dr. Faryal Shaukat is an accomplished educator and STEM specialist with extensive experience in curriculum development, teacher mentoring, and workshop facilitation. Holding a Doctorate in STEM Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, she is dedicated to integrating technology and inquiry-based learning in educational settings. Dr. Shaukat has designed and implemented numerous professional development programs, recently leading sessions on AI in Education at NSTA Denver24. In her roles as an AP Biology, AP Research lead educator, and part-time Biology Adjunct at a Community College, she emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. Dr. Shaukat regularly shares her expertise at prominent conferences, contributing valuable insights on STEM integration and AI applications in education.
linkedin.com/in/drfshaukat
Engaging students through hands-on activities and innovative learning. Denise Renfro, from the Academy of Green Technology, discusses the hands-on approach to learning and the use of AI in the classroom. The Academy offers courses on sustainability, renewable energy, drones, and more. Denise emphasizes the importance of engaging students and encourages teachers to start with simple hands-on activities. She also suggests seeking local grants and support from industry partners. Denise believes that AI can enhance learning and problem-solving skills, but acknowledges the need for responsible usage and teacher guidance. Denise Renfro discusses the use of drones in education and the energy industry. She shares examples of how her students have used drones to study corrosion on the Mars rover and to explore the role of drones in the energy industry. Denise also mentions the National STEM Challenge and the potential for using drones in film projects. She and Dave brainstorm ideas for remote drone activities and discuss the pressure drop when a drone takes off from the ground. ABOUT DENISE Denise Weinhoeft Renfro, MS, is the Director for the Academy of Green Technology at Douglas Bryd High School in Fayetteville, NC. The Academy of Green Technology is a four-year Career and Technical Education Academy that focuses on preparing students for careers in renewable energy generation with a focus on solar energy. Renfro has degrees in physical education and physical sciences from Indiana University, and she has been a teacher for over 35 years. She recently received the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Education from the EPA for her efforts to provide STEM opportunities to her students, specifically as it relates to the environment, and she received the Governor’s Discovery Award to help fund professional development of her choosing. Renfro also serves as the Chairman of the Board for Sustainable Sandhills, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and enhancing the communities and environment of the eight county region of the Sandhills through education, demonstration, and collaboration.
Museum insights and programs for teachers and students. The conversation between Dave and Shannon revolves around their visit to the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center. They discuss their favorite exhibits and the awe-inspiring experience of seeing the massive aircraft and spacecraft up close. Shannon shares stories about the Corona program's satellite bucket and the SR-71 Blackbird, highlighting the fascinating engineering and history behind them. They also discuss the importance of informal science education and the impact it has on children's curiosity and learning. Shannon talks about the museum's education outreach programs, including the Explainers Program and teacher professional development. They also touch on the ongoing renovation of the museum on the National Mall and the new exhibits that will be opening in the coming years. In this conversation, Dave and Shannon discuss their experiences visiting museums and the awe-inspiring exhibits they encountered. They emphasize the importance of visiting museums on less crowded days to fully appreciate the exhibits. Shannon shares her excitement about working at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the incredible stories behind the artifacts. They also discuss the safety of flying and the role of critical thinking in assessing risks. Shannon provides valuable resources for teachers, including the Smithsonian Learning Lab and the STEM in 30 series. They conclude by discussing the significance of museums in providing diverse role models and showcasing the contributions of underrepresented individuals in science and astronomy. STEM in 30 series: https://airandspace.si.edu/learn/programs/stem-30 Smithsonian Air & Space, Educator Professional Development https://airandspace.si.edu/learn/professional-development ABOUT SHANNON Educator Engagement specialist and expert nerd herder, Shannon Baldioli has been at the National Air and Space Museum for over ten years. She currently coordinates the Education Department’s portfolio of teacher professional development programs, manages the museum’s annual fly-in event, and works on an exhibition development team. Shannon taught in elementary, middle, and high schools in Northeast Ohio after getting a teaching degree from Kent State University. During and after getting her Masters in Museum Education from the George Washington University, she worked at a variety of museums in Maryland and DC. On the weekends find her getting dizzy on playground equipment with her two daughters, babying her gardens, watching an endless loop of Graham Norton Show clips on YouTube, and visiting as many MLB and MiLB stadiums as she can with her family. (Let’s go O’s!)
Challenges, implications, rapid evolution and the future of Ai The conversation covers various topics related to AI and its impact on education. Nancy discusses the technology stack behind AI, the role of AI in education, the limitations of AI models, and the potential costs and implications of AI in the classroom. The conversation explores the limitations and potential biases of GPTs, the role of AI in education, the importance of human agency and critical thinking, and the hidden costs of convenience. It also touches on the rapid development of AI technology and the need for ongoing discussions and considerations. The conversation ends with a discussion on the unpredictable nature of technological advancements and the potential negative consequences of certain innovations. Nancy's flyer for links and resources for teachers: https://hubs.ly/Q02GFBzY0 Free AI and data science curriculums https://lor.instructure.com/?q=ruzycki Links to free resources and vendors/partners with AI and data science: https://docs.google.com/document/d/129B8CvI0XmenUYoCiC89YBXWY0FP_wPq/edit Engaged Quality Instruction Through Professional Development: https://equipd.mse.ufl.edu
UF AI Teachers in residence: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15u23tKqgq_ZxcI9B5WCX9vxLX7rQcd57/edit
ABOUT NANCY Dr. Nancy Ruzycki is an Associate Instructional Professor within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Her research work is in creating teacher professional development for complex topics in STEM using system thinking and a conceptual modeling pedagogical framework. She also studies mentorship in STEM organizations and informal learning settings. She also holds an undergraduate degree in Chemistry Education and has National Board Certification for Physics. Ruzycki currently works upskilling teachers in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and has written the Middle School Career and Technical Education Frameworks for AI and Data Science, and the High School Frameworks for Data Science in the state of Florida. She has received over $12 million dollars in funding for her work.
Multidisciplinary science, ethical considerations, AI impact, & career possibilities. In this conversation, Dave and Kelly discuss the realities of working in forensic science and the importance of understanding the potential trauma and ethical considerations involved. They also explore the evolving nature of science classrooms and the need for culturally relevant and engaging lessons. Kelly emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of forensic science and the wide range of career possibilities within the field. The conversation explores the use of popular culture, such as cartoons and TV shows, to engage students in STEM education. It also discusses the impact of AI on writing and the importance of critical thinking. The challenges of incorporating AI into education and the need for students to develop strong writing skills are highlighted. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the accessibility and competitiveness of careers in forensic science. Kelly the Scientist: https://www.kellythescientist.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellythescientist/ ABOUT KELLY Kelly Knight is an accomplished professor of Forensic Science and a member of the STEM Accelerator faculty at George Mason University. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in forensic DNA and chemistry and spearheaded the establishment of the university's first forensic DNA laboratory dedicated to teaching and research. Knight is deeply involved in mentoring STEM students and leading K-12 STEM outreach initiatives as part of her role as a STEM Accelerator. In 2014, she co-founded the Females of Color and those Underrepresented in STEM programs for middle and high school students.
After earning degrees in chemistry and forensic science, Prof. Knight gained nearly a decade of experience in forensic science laboratories before transitioning to higher education. She holds expertise in forensic serology and forensic DNA analysis, having served as an expert witness in multiple court trials.
Beyond her forensic casework background, Knight has extensive research experience, particularly in areas such as laser microdissection and low copy number (LCN) DNA methods. She remains actively engaged in the forensic science community through her involvement in professional organizations like the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, where she holds the distinction of Fellow. Additionally, Professor Knight is pursuing a doctorate in science education research to further her contributions to the field.
Enhancing teaching with hands-on learning, data collection, and technology. The conversation between Dave and Matt covers various topics, including background noise, weather, simulations, teaching, data literacy, and the use of AI in the classroom. Matt discusses the benefits of simulations in teaching, the importance of hands-on activities, and the role of data in education. They also touch on the potential of AI in the classroom, but both agree that the personal touch and human interaction of a teacher cannot be replaced by AI. They emphasize the value of teachers in guiding students and creating meaningful learning experiences. The conversation explores the role of AI in education and the importance of human teachers. The guests discuss how AI can assist teachers in providing tailored feedback and differentiating instruction. They emphasize that AI should be seen as a tool to enhance teaching, not replace it. The conversation also highlights the significance of teachers as role models and the impact they have on students' passion for learning. They discuss the benefits of incorporating real-world examples, such as science fiction, into the classroom to engage students and foster curiosity. The guests also touch on the challenges of virtual learning and the importance of genuine care and concern for students' well-being. Access free PhET Interactive Simulation Lessons in Notebook: https://app.thepocketlab.com/?filters=PhET ABOUT MATT Matt joined PhET in 2022 as an experienced physics teacher, simulation designer and software developer. He is currently leading the data fluency initiative to design and create extended features within existing science sims. Matt holds Masters degrees in Physics Education and Cognitive Science from Rutgers University, where he also teaches at the Graduate School of Education. In 2019, he was named PhysTEC National Physics Teacher of the Year. In his free time, Matt enjoys chess, playing guitar and creating educational science games.
Education challenges, technology, storytelling, pop culture, personalized teaching. In this conversation, Dave and Matt discuss various topics related to education, including the challenges faced by teachers, the impact of technology in the classroom, and the need for change in the education system. They also touch on the nostalgia for a simpler time and the potential for a shift back to certain aspects of the past. Matt shares his experiences as a teacher and his passion for creating phone-free classrooms. Matt Brady discusses the importance of incorporating pop culture, storytelling, and experiences into science education. He shares examples of how he engages his students through creative and immersive activities, such as the 'gummy bear murder' and growing plants in simulated lunar regolith. Matt emphasizes the need for teachers to make the job fit their own personality and interests, and to find ways to connect the content to a larger narrative. He also suggests using the 'and, but, therefore' storytelling structure to create engaging lessons. In this part of the conversation, Matt Brady discusses the power of storytelling in teaching science. He shares an example of using a clip from the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati to explain atomic structure to his students. Matt emphasizes the importance of finding creative ways to engage students and make science concepts relatable. He also talks about the value of incorporating pop culture and real-world examples into lessons. Matt highlights the need for teachers to find their own passion and teaching style, and encourages them to embrace storytelling as a teaching method. ABOUT MATT Matt is a Physics and Chemistry teacher in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He came in through lateral entry after spending 10 years writing about comic books and pop culture for various outlets. From the start of his teaching career, he realized that the fastest way to establish a connection with his students was through pop culture—the native language of which is “cool.” In the years since, he’s taught Honors Physics, Honors Chemistry, IB Physics, and Physical Science — all marinated in storytelling and pop culture. Somewhere in all of this, he wrote The Science of Rick and Morty, he and his wife were the science consultants on DC Comics’ Flash Facts, articles for various websites including Scientific American, and currently is the science contributor for Jack and Jill Magazine.
Lately, realizing that he’s been doing this all along, his focus has shifted to using storytelling as a STEM Education classroom method. His classes are rich in story and engagement, with continuing characters and scenarios, and they expose students to the captivating stories behind the names and discoveries in science that feed the curriculum. The goal is to make his students better storytellers who can tell the story of science and communicate science to a science-starved world.
More stuff about Matt:
- B.S. in biology, M.S. in Marine Biology, ABD PhD in Anatomy and Physiology
- Started writing about comics and pop culture (lifelong fan of both) while working on my PhD, ultimately leaving school to pursue writing (freelance writing paid better, and was more fun than brain surgery on rats)
- Wrote videogame guides, wrote for Wizard: The Guide to Comics, Toy Fare, and various other comics & sci-fi magazines. Founded (with a partner) Newsarama.com in 1999 — became the biggest comic book news website on the internet (did comic cons, interviewed comics creators, won awards…)
- Sold Newsarama.com and moved into teaching science in high school laterally. I had the science background needed to get set with my education courses.
- While teaching, have delivered professional development sessions in instructional techniques, learning strategies, and Teaching in a Post-Pandemic World.
- Co-founded TheScienceOf.org (with my wife), an organization dedicated to STEM outreach and communication. I have taken science to various events such as comic cons and community gatherings. Additionally, I have experience teaching Science Communication at Wake Forest University (vlogger Kyle Hill guested to talk about scicomm on YouTube), have helped organize Pint of Science, and regularly volunteer at our local science museum.
- Written comics - a Batman story, Buck Rogers Annual, John Carter of Mars, and miniseries, The Big Con Job.
- Have talked about using pop culture in the STEM classroom at (my old haunts) comic cons, as well as at NSTA and other science-teaching organization meetings
- Regular presented at NSTA national conferences
- After using The Martian in my chemistry classes, I have developed a relationship with the astrobotany lab at WSSU and collaborated on original research (fingers crossed, our bok choi grown in lunar regolith has produced good data…). I also have the research team come in to talk to classes every year.
- Chemistry classes read The Martian (with curriculum leaning towards Mars chemistry and challenges…), Physics read Project Hail Mary
- Earned my Certificat in Science Writing from Johns Hopkins - published articles about asteroids in the Hopkins magazine and Scientific American
- Along with my wife, asked to host/interview Neil deGrasse Tyson when he came through Winston-Salem on his book tour for Starry Messenger (total high point!)
- Characters in classes show up for weeks at a run to enhance storytelling in class: Gumm E. Bear, Kool-Aid Man, Frosty the Snowman, Gwen Stacy, James Bond
- Storytelling is demonstrated with students using/making Explainers - which combine visual and text components
- Couple of book projects in the works - if I can find the time…
Two instructional coaches share innovative teaching methods. Elizabeth and Kelly, science instructional coaches in a large school district in Texas, discuss their approach to science education. They emphasize the importance of phenomena-based learning and the integration of science and engineering practices. They explain how their district has been implementing the new science standards and curriculum adoption, focusing on the science and engineering practices and phenomena-based lessons. They also discuss the challenges of supporting teachers in implementing these changes and the need for administrative support. The goal is to shift the mindset of teachers to create more active and engaging science classrooms. In this conversation, Elizabeth and Kelly discuss their experiences with implementing phenomenon-based science instruction in their district. They share how working with Paul Andersen has pushed their thinking and improved their teaching practices. They also discuss the importance of curiosity and observation in learning, the challenges of implementing a new instructional approach, and the need for parents to understand and support the changes. They highlight the value of critical thinking, collaboration, and data interpretation in science education, and the potential for integrating science with other subjects. Access their main slide deck here.
Access their slide deck with student samples here.
You can reach Kelly at kellyrschumann@gmail.com
You can reach Elizabeth at Ebotkin12@gmail.com
ABOUT KELLY Kelly is currently a Science Instructional Coach in Katy ISD with over 20 years of experience in science education. Dedicated to enhancing quality science instruction, Kelly is passionate about empowering educators and fostering student success. With a deep understanding of pedagogy and curriculum development, Kelly strives to inspire excellence in both teaching and learning.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and raising her two boys with her husband on their cattle ranch.
ABOUT ELIZABETH Elizabeth is a devoted educator with over 10 years of experience in science education. She currently serves as a Science Instructional Coach for Katy ISD, where she advocates for student-centered learning. Elizabeth is passionate about quality science instruction and shares her expertise through presentations at local, state, and national levels. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her husband (her goal is to visit all 7 continents, she's got 4 down so far), baking and decorating sugar cookies, gardening, and playing with her dog, Hank.
Teaching & AI: Policies, Ethics, and Practical Classroom Tips In this conversation, Dave and Shirin discuss various topics including Shirin's background, the use of AI in the classroom, and the importance of developing a policy for AI usage. They touch on the challenges of implementing AI in education, the benefits it can bring, and the ethical considerations that need to be addressed. They also talk about the role of generative AI and the need for digital literacy among teachers, students, and parents. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to AI in education that considers the perspectives of all stakeholders. The conversation explores the limitations and potential of generative AI models like ChatGPT. It discusses the challenges of generating original and creative content, the importance of critical thinking and verification, and the impact of AI on writing skills. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in education and mental health support. Overall, it emphasizes that AI is a human assist tool and highlights the need for understanding its limitations and potential risks. The conversation explores the changing landscape of education in the digital age, specifically focusing on the integration of AI and technology in schools. The hosts discuss the benefits and challenges of introducing computer science at an early age, the importance of balancing digital and print media, and the potential risks of over-reliance on technology. They also touch on the role of AI in project-based learning and the need for educators to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. Bloom Learning - https://bloomlearningco.com/
Social media tags:
Shirin Mathew - LinkedIn
@shirinmathew - X (Twitter)
ABOUT SHIRIN Shirin Mathew is the founder and lead education consultant at Bloom Learning, a consulting firm dedicated to empowering educators and school leaders, guiding schools through change and challenges, and creating greater opportunities for students.
Shirin currently facilitates learning experiences on generative AI, project-based learning, STEM integration, experiential learning, and more. She is passionate about collaborating with educators and leaders to reimagine schools, close equity gaps, explore the implications of new AI technology, and develop digital literacy for educators and students alike.
Over the past decade, Shirin has served as a high school science teacher, teacher leader, and project-based learning coach in high-needs schools across Chicagoland. Some notable experiences include winning The Kitchen Community grant to transform an unused urban space into a student-led garden, helping launch an internship program for every junior to participate in, establishing a wall-to-wall PBL school, and teaching during the pandemic. These experiences have fueled her commitment to providing the tools, vision, and support needed to shape schools as environments for impactful teaching, deep learning, and a launching pad for students to be difference makers.
Shirin completed her formal education in Canada, where she proudly grew up. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education degrees from Queen’s University and her Master of Education from York University.
Fostering curiosity and inquiry with real-world examples. Sara Plowman is a veteran teacher in Santa Monday and discusses with us various topics, including stinging nettles, biomimicry, authentic science, and project-based learning. They also discuss biomimicry design applications and other natural phenomena. The conversation then shifts to the importance of authentic science and project-based learning in education, with Sara sharing her definition of authentic science and providing tips for teachers to incorporate hands-on activities in the classroom. They also explore the benefits of collaboration and cross-curricular projects. The conversation concludes with a discussion on measuring heat islands and the potential for students to make informed decisions based on data collected. The conversation covers various topics related to project-based learning and scientific exploration. The main themes include the use of real-world projects to engage students, the importance of incorporating hands-on experiences, the value of failure and learning from mistakes, and the exploration of scientific questions and phenomena. The conversation also touches on the role of simulations, cultural norms in risk-taking, and the wonder of nature. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry in education. ABOUT SARA Born in the mountains of Utah, Sara's early days were filled with snow, sledding and mountain biking. She then moved to the Napa Valley in California, where she spent her days finding frogs in the nearby stream, exploring the nearby reservoir in her make-shift raft, and, unfortunately, discovering exactly what stinging nettles look like.
Initially discovering her love of outdoor experiential education through the lens of a student, Sara attended Midland, a small boarding school in central California with a strong focus on sustainability, environmental education and experiential learning. From there, she went on to earn her bachelor's degree in biochemistry and bachelor's degree in public health from UC Santa Cruz.
Sara has been a teacher for 19 years. She currently teaches at a small project based learning pathway that is part of Santa Monica High School. Sara believes that learning in all of the disciplines is interconnected, and strives to help guide her students to be better global citizens through differentiated, cross-curricular, project-based learning experiences. She believes in the value of experiential, inquiry based education with a strong emphasis on developing climate literacy, data analysis, presentation and word skills.
Sara is a life-long explorer. Whether strolling through Havana, or hiking the mountains of California, she believes there's something to be learned from every experience. This love of exploration and her commitment to geographic education led Sara to be chosen as a Grosvenor Teaching Fellow in 2016. This allowed her to travel to Antarctica with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. In 2023, Sara was selected by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions to partner with two visiting scientists using climate proxies and modeling to explore climate change in the Arctic. These two experiences, as well as others, continue to inform her development of deep data driven, cross curricular climate literacy focused projects for her students.
Classroom data literacy and adaptability in education today.
Jolie Pelds, Director of Innovative STEM Teaching for the Science Center of Iowa chats about various topics including life opportunities, the Science Center of Iowa, Silicon Valley, ecosystems, and the importance of technology and data literacy in education. The conversation explores the importance of teaching computer science in a contextual and authentic way. It emphasizes the need for students to develop problem-solving skills, algorithmic thinking, and the ability to debug and troubleshoot technology. The conversation also highlights the value of collecting and analyzing data, as well as the importance of teamwork and collaboration. The guests share examples of hands-on activities and real-world experiences that engage students and foster a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for educators to create opportunities for students to become self-driven learners and to develop skills that will prepare them for the rapidly changing world. In this final part of the conversation, Jolie and Dave discuss the importance of learning how to learn and finding one's passion. They emphasize the need for individuals to explore their interests and identify the specific aspects they enjoy, as this can lead to unexpected career opportunities. They also discuss the importance of being comfortable with discomfort and embracing the learning process. The conversation touches on the uncertainty of future careers and the need for individuals to adapt and be open to new opportunities. They also highlight the value of collecting and analyzing data in various aspects of life. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of curiosity, passion, and adaptability in navigating the rapidly changing world. Science Center of Iowa ABOUT JOLIE Jolie Pelds is the Director of Innovative STEM Teaching at the Science Center of Iowa. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Science Education both from the University of Iowa. She has taught at both the secondary as well as collegiate level. She joined SCI in 2014 and her current work at SCI allows her to strengthen STEM education across the state through professional development and the creation of educational programming for early learners, homeschoolers, parents and teachers.
Challenge your students to create eco-inspired designs.
Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of the Biomimicry Institute, an architect and advocate for biomimicry and biophilic design, discusses the importance of design that enhance the connection between people and nature. Biophilic design and Biomimicry involves bringing elements of nature into buildings, engineering, mechanics and more, such as natural patterns, colors, and textures. Sturgeon emphasizes that modern architecture has become sterile and disconnected from nature, and biophilic design aims to shift this mindset and create spaces that promote a deep connection with nature. She also highlights the need for a shift in societal values to prioritize this connection and advocates for the inclusion of biophilic elements in all communities, not just those that can afford it. The conversation explores the need for a shift in how we design and use buildings, with a focus on incorporating nature-inspired biomimicry principles. The discussion touches on topics such as the impact of building design on productivity, the role of technology in remote work, the importance of creating flexible and biophilic spaces, and the need for a cost model that considers the true environmental and social costs of construction. The conversation also highlights the potential of biomimicry to revolutionize product design and the building industry by learning from nature's efficient and sustainable designs. Access the Biomimicry Institute free curriculum units Watch the Biomimicry Teacher Webinar for the Youth Design Challenge Learn more about the Biomimicry Institute ABOUT AMANDA As CEO of The Biomimicry Institute, Amanda fosters a thriving eco-system of innovators, educators and change-makers to bring about a world that works in harmony with nature and natural systems. Amanda is an award winning Architect, author and non-profit and thought leader on how people, buildings and cities connect to nature. She authored the book ‘Creating Biophilic Buildings” and has an essay in the best selling anthology ‘All We Can Save” , she has published articles across mainstream media, such as The Guardian, and is a frequent keynote speaker at global events. Amanda was previously the inaugural CEO of Built by Nature, a network and grant-making fund, focused on accelerating the timber and bio-based building materials transformation and she has also served as Regenerative Design Lead at global consultancy Mott MacDonald, working with clients across the Asia Pacific region to bring climate and biodiversity positive solutions to infrastructure, buildings and cities.
During her decade with the International Living Future Institute as CEO she authored and developed regenerative building programs such as The Living Building Challenge and founded the Biophilic Design Initiative. Amanda was elevated to be a Fellow of The American Institute of Architects in 2015 due to her extensive advocacy for buildings and cities that work in unison with nature. Amanda currently serves on the board of Climate Action Network Australia and is on the Biophilic Cities Advisory Group.
Exploring continuous learning and careers in education. In this conversation, Dave and Christine discuss various topics, including their past interactions, the importance of travel and learning, careers in technology, and the challenges of communicating complex ideas. They also touch on the significance of problem-solving skills and the need for continuous learning in today's rapidly changing world. In this part of the conversation, Christine and Dave discuss the importance of making mistakes gracefully and the excitement of discovering new interests. They also touch on the potential of synthetic biology in the fashion industry and the changing nature of the pigment industry. They share stories about challenging interview questions and the value of problem-solving skills. They emphasize the need for a mindset of continuous learning in science and the importance of exposing students to different career paths, including trades and agriculture. They also discuss the role of teachers in preparing students for future careers and the need for industry partnerships in education. The conversation explores the intersection of different engineering disciplines and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. The hosts discuss the roles of mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and software engineers in various industries, including self-driving cars and sensor design. They also touch on the potential of machine learning and language models in innovation and problem-solving. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of attending conferences and the need for teachers to stay updated on the latest advancements in science and technology. Connect with Christine on X: https://twitter.com/CCgirt
ABOUT CHRISTINE Christine Girtain is the Director of Authentic Science Research at Toms River High School North and South in Toms River, New Jersey. An advocate for hands-on science education, she manages a three-year research program that encourages students to explore their scientific interests. Under her leadership, students have engaged in diverse projects, from studying the antibacterial properties of fruit seeds to bioengineering E. coli. With 28 years of teaching experience in her hometown district, she has earned several accolades, including the 2022-23 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year.
Christine's passion for teaching is rooted in a lifelong love of learning, instilled by her family and inspiring teachers. She began her teaching career through a Governor’s Teaching Scholarship, later earning a bachelor's in biology and a master's in earth science instruction. As a recognized leader in STEM education, she has forged significant partnerships and brought substantial grant funding to enhance educational opportunities. Christine’s commitment extends beyond the classroom, involving her students in international research projects and advocating for agricultural literacy and student well-being nationwide.
How student's personal experiences shape learning and scientific exploration. Join PBS and YouTube creator Dr. Joe Hanson to learn about the importance of storytelling and curiosity in education. Joe and Dave discuss the value of being the narrator of your own story and the dangers of algorithms and passive content consumption. They touch on the unreliability of memory and the power of personal experiences. The conversation ends with a personal story about a spooky experience that turned out to have a logical explanation. The conversation explores the universal experience of curiosity and the importance of nurturing it. It discusses how curiosity is innate in children and how adults can learn from their natural curiosity. The conversation also touches on the value of noticing and being present in the world, as well as the power of books and magazines to inspire wonder and expand our understanding of the world. It concludes with a discussion on the impact of curiosity on learning and the potential of technology to enhance our ability to explore and understand the natural world. In this final part of the conversation, Joe and Dave discuss the potential for using AI tools to understand whale communication and the importance of listening to nature. They explore the idea of translating whale songs into human language and the challenges of understanding different species' perspectives. They also touch on the limitations of human senses and the need for humility in scientific exploration. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of boredom and the importance of being in control of one's own mind. Joe's PBS YouTube Channel Joe's Twitter. Joe's Instagram. Joe's TikTok.
ABOUT JOE Joe Hanson, Ph.D., is a science writer, biologist, educator, and YouTube creator. He is the creator and host of Be Smart, an award-winning science education show from PBS that celebrates curiosity and the pleasure of finding things out. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, and his science writing has been published by WIRED, Nautilus, Scientific American and Texas Monthly. He lives in Austin, TX.
Teaching students how to interpret headlines and media sensationalism. Join PBS correspondent Mile's Obrien as he discusses this current event with host Dave Bakker and special guest, Clifton Roozeboom. The conversation revolves around the topic of airline safety, specifically focusing on the recent issues with Boeing's 737 Max 9. The hosts discuss the sensationalism in the news media and the importance of critical thinking when consuming information. They emphasize the need to seek out primary sources and trusted experts to filter out biased or misleading information. The concept of risk and reward is also explored, highlighting the need to assess risks in a meaningful way. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about the future of flying cars. Learn more about Miles on his website: https://milesobrien.com/
Connect with Miles on Twitter at https://twitter.com/milesobrien
Watch Mile's conference session from Science is Cool 8: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic8/miles-obrien
ABOUT MILES Miles O’Brien is a veteran, award-winning journalist who focuses on science, technology, aerospace, and the environment.
He is the science correspondent for PBS NewsHour, a producer and director for the PBS science documentary series NOVA, and a correspondent for the PBS documentary series FRONTLINE and the National Science Foundation Science Nation series.
For nearly seventeen of his thirty-two years in the news business, he worked for CNN as the science, environment and aerospace correspondent and the anchor of various programs, including American Morning.
While at CNN, he secured a deal with NASA to become the first journalist to fly on the space shuttle. The project ended with the loss of Columbia and her crew in 2003 – a story he told to the world in a critically acclaimed sixteen-hour marathon of live coverage.
Prior to joining CNN, he worked as a reporter at television stations in Boston, Tampa, Albany, NY and St. Joseph, MO. He began his television career as a desk assistant at WRC-TV in Washington, DC.
O’Brien is an accomplished pilot and is frequently called upon to explain the world of aviation to a mass audience. He has won numerous awards over the years, including a half-dozen Emmys, and a Peabody and DuPont for his coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
In February of 2014, a heavy equipment case fell on his forearm while he was on assignment. He developed Acute Compartment Syndrome, which necessitated the emergency amputation of his left arm above the elbow.
Born in Detroit and raised in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, he is based in Washington, DC. He has a son at the US Naval Academy and a daughter at Davidson College in North Carolina. He was a history major at Georgetown University.
Enhancing STEM education and preparing students for technical careers.
Mike Vargas discusses his involvement in the Arizona STEM Acceleration Project, a $10 million grant aimed at improving STEM education in the state. He highlights the need to start STEM education early and the importance of project-based learning. Vargas emphasizes the need for authentic science experiences and the role of mentors in inspiring students. He also addresses the challenges faced by rural teachers and the efforts to connect science careers with teachers through initiatives like Stem to Space. This conversation explores various themes related to STEM education and career opportunities. The discussion highlights the wide range of STEM careers available in the federal space, the importance of external influences in career choices, and the need for career education in schools. The conversation also touches on the Smart Scholarship and other opportunities for students, the evolving thinking between four-year degrees and CTE paths, and the value of teaching critical thinking skills. The challenges of shifting paradigms in education, the need for statistics education in high school, and the importance of interpreting data and studies are also discussed. The conversation concludes with a focus on the effort to increase the number of certificates and degrees, the outcomes measured in the project, and the creation of an archive of STEM lesson plans.
Learn more about the Arizona State University STEM program https://stemteachers.asu.edu/ ABOUT MIKE Mike Vargas is a 20-year veteran Physics teacher who is a founding member of the Cactus Caucus, a group of Arizona Physics teachers who helped pass legislation to advance science teacher education in Arizona. This effort led to the Arizona Department of Education’s “Get Set for STEM”program which aimed to increase the number of higher-level STEM teachers state wide. This initiative helped increase the number of physics teachers in Arizona by nearly 20%. Mike is also a founding member of STEMteachersPHX and has extensive ties to the Arizona Science Teachers Association, the American Modeling Teachers Association, and the American Association of Physics Teachers. Mike served as a board member to the Northern Arizona University K12 Center and has been an active participant in the Arizona Education Foundations efforts to promote STEM education with its “TeachSTEM” program. Mike has served on the Air Force Association National Aerospace Council for the last few years and co-led the Space Force’s first national education outreach project, “STEM to Space”. Mike served on the Federal Coordination in STEM’s Interagency Working Group for Strategic Partnerships (IWG-SP) and served as a Department of Defense Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow to the Department of the Air Force K12 STEM National Office as well as the Department of Defense’s Strategic Manufacturing Education Workforce Development program. His policy and strategic partnership experience has been essential for the creation of Arizona State University’s newest initiative -The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project. He is currently the Co-Principal investigator and Senior Program Manager for ASAP.
Innovative science teaching through simulated space exploration.
In this conversation, Lauren shares her experience of flying in zero gravity and conducting experiments. The chapters cover various aspects of the flight, including the parabolic flight pattern, the duration of zero gravity, and the unpredictability of movement in zero gravity. Lauren also discusses the experiments conducted, such as the Diet Coke experiment and the hydrophobic material experiment. The involvement of students in experiment design and the funding and organizations supporting the flight are also explored. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging students in real-world science experiences and the potential for future flights and experiments.
Learn more about Limitless Space Educator Program https://www.limitlessspace.org/limitless-educator-program/ ABOUT LAUREN Lauren Parker teaches seventh- and eighth-grade science at Fort Worth Academy in Fort Worth, Texas. She has earned many recognitions in her teaching career including being named District Teacher of the Year, The Bayard H. Friedman Hero Award, and the Tony So Excellence in Education Award. She was also selected to present with her students at the NASA/Sally Ride Science GRAIL MoonKam Teacher Expo in Washington, D.C. to share how the mission was incorporated in the classroom. She serves as a member of the Space Exploration Educator Crew program at Space Center Houston; a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, a Space Station Ambassador with the ISS National Laboratory, and a Limitless Space Institute Educator Ambassador. Most recently, Lauren was one of eight teachers nationwide to participate in the Embedded Teacher Program through the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium in partnership with Space for Teachers. This allowed Lauren’s students to develop experiments for a microgravity environment which she then flew and conducted for them on board a Zero-G parabolic flight.
AI: the benefits, ethics, and future of critical thinking skills.
Tammie Schrader, Science Coordinator in Washington State, discusses the impact of AI in education. She and Dave explore the challenges and benefits of implementing AI tools in the classroom, as well as the need for ethical guidelines and critical thinking skills. They also touch on the evolving nature of technology and the importance of updating educational materials to reflect current advancements. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to enhance learning experiences and foster critical thinking skills among students. Additionally, they discuss concerns related to privacy, ownership, and the competitive nature of gifted students. In this conversation, Tammie and Dave discuss the use of AI tools in education and the importance of critical thinking. They explore the assessment of critical thinking skills and the potential of AI to assist in data analysis.
They also discuss the role of AI in coding and the future of AI in education. The conversation highlights the need for student involvement in AI discussions and the importance of addressing biases in AI. They emphasize that AI should be seen as a tool, not a replacement for teachers, and discuss the power of AI in differentiating instruction and promoting equity in education. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the potential of AI in education and the importance of using it to enhance learning experiences. This conversation explores the power of technology in education and the role of AI in equalizing opportunities for students. It emphasizes the importance of understanding versus writing and encourages students to solve real-world problems.
The conversation also discusses the value of passion in problem-solving and the need for authentic learning experiences. Additionally, it highlights the limitations of traditional education and the flaws of word problems. The role of AI in education, the importance of critical thinking in teams, and the value of social-emotional learning are also explored. The conversation concludes by emphasizing the need for authentic conversations and the importance of thinking critically about AI.
ABOUT TAMMIE Tammie is a Regional Science and Computer Science Coordinator for Northeast Washington Education Service District 101 in Washington State. Tammie was a science teacher at Cheney Middle School, in Cheney, Washington for 15 years. She is currently an adjunct science methods instructor at Whitworth University. She taught Life Science as well as Computer Programming, Gaming Programming, Robotics as well as coaching the Science Olympiad Team, Robotics Club, SeaPerch Team as well as Future Business Leaders of America at her middle school. She has her B.A. in Education as well as a B.S. in Biology. She earned her M.A. in Education and Teaching At-Risk Students from Gonzaga University. She is currently enrolled as a Ph.D. candidate and is writing her dissertation on Leadership and Game-Based Education in the Classroom.
Georgia Curriculum Director uses technology to enhance learning.
Dr. Scott Sweeting talks with us about integrating AI in science and computer science education, highlighting how it can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills vital for today's students. Key topics include using AI for more efficient assessment writing, fostering creativity through AI tools, and adapting teaching methods for future technological advancements. The talk also covers practical applications of AI in classroom settings, such as Swift code generation and open AI tests, preparing students for emerging jobs. Additionally, it touches on the exciting use of AI in environmental science, the significance of events like solar eclipses, and the role of planetariums in sparking student interest, all essential for science educators looking to enrich their curriculum and teaching strategies.
ABOUT SCOTT Dr. Scott Sweeting epitomizes a lifelong dedication to advancing science education. With over 23 years of experience in the field of science education, his journey has been marked by a profound commitment to igniting curiosity and fostering a deep appreciation for the wonders of science. As a High School Science Teacher, STEM Coordinator, and now as the Secondary Curriculum Director for Thomas County Schools, Dr. Sweeting has continually pushed boundaries and championed innovation in science education. He has embarked on a mission to transform science education at both the local and global levels.
Dr. Sweeting's academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Florida State University, where he laid the foundation for his passion for the natural sciences. Building upon this, he pursued higher education at Valdosta State University, earning both a Master's and Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Within the Thomas County School system, Dr. Sweeting spearheads an array of programs aimed at nurturing scientific curiosity and prowess. From science and computer science to Artificial Intelligence and physical education, his influence extends across diverse domains. He oversees initiatives such as Project Lead the Way, the Gentian Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, and Lego League, providing students with immersive experiences that transcend traditional classroom boundaries.
Beyond curriculum development, Dr. Sweeting is a fervent advocate for promoting the significance of science within the community. He tirelessly communicates the importance of scientific literacy to teachers, students, and the wider public, emphasizing its role in shaping our understanding of the world. His efforts have garnered international recognition, with Thomas County Schools participating in the prestigious Pocket Lab Unconference SCIC 8. This global platform showcased the collaboration between the school system and Georgia Tech on Urban Heat Island research, attracting over 8,000 educators from around the world.
In a landmark collaboration with Chattooga County Schools, Georgia Public Broadcasting, and the Georgia Department of Education, Dr. Sweeting helped lead the production of the groundbreaking middle school science series, "Science in Action." This initiative exemplifies his vision of a 3D science classroom, where students are engaged through hands-on experimentation and real-world applications.
Dr. Scott Sweeting's unwavering dedication to science education has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape. His tireless advocacy, innovative initiatives, and collaborative spirit continue to inspire generations of students and educators alike, propelling science education into new frontiers of discovery and enlightenment.
USASEF Director discusses learning motivation and discovery in STEM education.
Amy Oliverio, Director of the USA Science and Engineering Festival discusses various topics related to learning, motivation, and the joy of discovery. They delve into the idea of challenging oneself and the satisfaction derived from overcoming obstacles, drawing parallels between learning experiences and the rush of endorphins experienced during magic tricks. Amy shares insights from neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, emphasizing the importance of tackling difficult tasks to develop the brain and highlighting the physiological changes that occur when individuals engage in challenging activities. They discuss the gratification derived from problem-solving, whether it's analyzing data to uncover anomalies or exploring new concepts like bonsai plants on YouTube, showcasing the value of lifelong learning and adaptability.
Throughout the conversation, Dave and Amy reflect on the enduring nature of skills acquired through learning, illustrating this with examples ranging from starting YouTube channels in one's 80s to fostering problem-solving skills in students. They underscore the transformative power of curiosity and the rewards of persistence, emphasizing the role of mentors and supportive environments in nurturing a culture of exploration and growth. They conclude with a call to action for teachers interested in applying for fellowships, encapsulating the theme of continuous learning and the collective pursuit of knowledge.
USA Science and Engineering Festival: https://usasciencefestival.org/ Free X-STEM lessons (NGSS and CASEL): https://app.thepocketlab.com/pocketlab-library?filters=X-STEM
ABOUT AMY Since joining the Festival in 2019, Amy has contributed to the development of partnerships, programs, and marketing strategies that include the creation of an extensive email outreach program targeting Title 1 schools across the country and implementation of a social media marketing and advertising strategy. After 13 years with a major corporation and 10 years running her own travel and event business, she is loving the switch in gears to a mission-driven non-profit organization that serves the educator and helps to fill our nation’s upcoming workforce needs in the STEM fields.
Empowering student innovation with the US Department of Education.
In this conversation, Kari Byron (Mythbusters, EXPLR Media, Crash Test World) is joined by National STEM Champion Sritej Sai Padmanabhan. Kari, Sritej and Dave discuss his STEM Festival project Neuralize, which aims to quantitatively measure disease markers associated with Parkinson's disease. Inspired by his grandfather's diagnosis, Sritej wanted to create a tool that could remotely monitor the condition of Parkinson's patients, especially those in rural and underserved areas. This conversation explores the themes of problem-solving, technology, and the importance of support in the STEM field. The guests discuss the desire of the younger generation to make a difference and the impact of technology on problem-solving. They also highlight the time and effort required to solve problems and the importance of starting small and thinking big. The National STEM Festival is promoting students and their projects like this one with the goal of creating a community where young innovators can showcase their brilliance and be inspired to pursue their passions in STEM fields. They believe in fostering an environment where every child has the opportunity to excel and make a meaningful impact on the world.
ABOUT KARI For nearly two decades Kari Byron has been a strong presence in the world of science television. She is best known as a host on Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters but has gone on to host and produce shows spanning several networks;Head Rush, Punkin Chunkin, LDRS, Thrill Factor, Strange Trips, America Declassified, The White Rabbit Project, Positive Energy and Crash Test World.
ABOUT SRITEJ Sritej Sai Padmanabhan is a 10th grader from North Allegheny Intermediate High School. Srtiej’s project observes how getting medical access in rural areas is a struggle for those who suffer from neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease (PD). His objective was to create a telehealth solution through a computer vision tool that can quantitatively measure Parkinsonian Disease Markers and then use these values to quantify the disease severity.
This project is very close to Sritej- as two years ago, his grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson's' disease, and it was difficult to monitor conditions remotely. He noticed firsthand how much hand tremors can affect one's daily life and set off on the task to address this with his skills in computer science.
Hawaii teacher discusses teaching strategy with project-based learning.
Mia-Pia Cummins shares her journey as a middle school science teacher, tackling curriculum challenges and emphasizing hands-on learning and adaptability in education. She discusses the beauty and challenge of teaching in such a rural area like she is in Hawaii. Mia-Pia discusses the challenges she faces as a middle school science teacher, particularly with curriculum choices and state standards. She highlights the importance of having flexibility in teaching materials and the need for mixed media, including printed resources, to cater to different learning styles. Mia-Pia emphasizes the value of allowing students to make mistakes and engage in hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, Mia-Pia and Dave discuss the frustrations teachers encounter with mandated curricula and the importance of adapting to students' needs. Throughout the conversation, they underscore the necessity of empowering teachers with the autonomy to choose and customize their instructional materials.
They dig into differences in different learning environments and cultures stemming from Mia-Pia’s experience growing up in Europe. They emphasize the importance of allowing students to make mistakes and encouraging critical thinking in the learning process. Mia-Pia shares her experiences with using Kesler Science materials and the benefits of having access to a diverse range of resources for teaching. They conclude the conversation by expressing their commitment to improving education and finding innovative solutions to address the limitations of the current system.
Hawaii Science Teachers Association: https://hasta.wildapricot.org/
ABOUT Mia-Pia Aloha, I’m Mia-Pia Cummins-VanHerreweghe, and I am a 7th-grade Science teacher at Konawaena Middle School in Kealakekua on the Big Island of Hawai’i. I started teaching Math in 2007, and switched to teaching 8th-grade Science in 2012 and 7th-grade Science in 2014. I hold dual licensure for Math and Science 6-12. My students are a very diverse group of students from various backgrounds and ethnicities. My classes are fully inclusive for both English language learners and Special Education students. My passion is using project-based and culturally relevant learning opportunities for my students while also focusing on NGSS. I was born and raised in Belgium and attended the KU Leuven Medical School. After leaving the medical field and moving to the US, I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, and my Post-Baccalaureate in Secondary Math Education from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, where I also obtained my Master’s of Education in Learning Design and Technology with a Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning. I currently serve as president of the Hawai’i Science Teaching Association, and will be serving as National Science Teaching Association Director for District XVI (California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam, Territory of the Pacific Islands) starting this summer. Before and after school, I work on my farm in South Kona, where I raise various types of chickens, ducks, geese, and sheep. In my spare time I enjoy baking bread.
In this bonus episode, we have an extension of our conversation with professor, speaker, and author, John Spencer. We dig into his love of project-based learning and how he stays inspired in his classroom.
https://spencerauthor.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@spencereducation
https://twitter.com/spencerideas
https://www.facebook.com/spencereducation/
https://www.instagram.com/spencereducation
ABOUT JOHN Hi, I’m John Spencer. I’m a former middle school teacher and current college professor on a quest to transform schools into bastions of creativity and wonder. I want to see teachers unleash the creative potential in all of their students so that kids can be makers, designers, artists, and engineers. I explore research, interview educators, deconstruct systems, and study real-world examples of design thinking in action. I share what I’m learning in books, blog posts, journal articles, free resources, animated videos, and podcasts.
You can subscribe to John’s newsletter at https://spencerauthor.com/newsletter/.
In this week's episode, Dave joins Dr. John Spencer to take a dive deep into the evolution of technology, education, and innovation. Their conversation delves into the importance of project-based learning in education, emphasizing the value of empowering students to explore, experiment, and learn through hands-on experiences. They discuss the significance of embracing failure as an inherent part of the learning process and highlight the parallels between classroom dynamics and real-world industries like music and semiconductor manufacturing. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the need for engaging, curiosity-driven education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability.
By sharing personal anecdotes and insights, Dave and John underscore the importance of fostering a culture of experimentation and risk-taking in both education and professional fields. They emphasize the power of phenomena-based learning, drawing connections between scientific principles and real-world applications. Through examples ranging from Elton John's music career to Steve Spangler's captivating demonstrations, they illustrate the concept of prolific creation and the iterative nature of success. Ultimately, the episode underscores the need for educators to embrace innovative teaching methodologies that prioritize curiosity, exploration, and resilience, preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
https://spencerauthor.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@spencereducation
https://twitter.com/spencerideas
https://www.facebook.com/spencereducation/
https://www.instagram.com/spencereducation
ABOUT JOHN Hi, I’m John Spencer. I’m a former middle school teacher and current college professor on a quest to transform schools into bastions of creativity and wonder. I want to see teachers unleash the creative potential in all of their students so that kids can be makers, designers, artists, and engineers. I explore research, interview educators, deconstruct systems, and study real-world examples of design thinking in action. I share what I’m learning in books, blog posts, journal articles, free resources, animated videos, and podcasts.
You can subscribe to John’s newsletter at https://spencerauthor.com/newsletter/.
In this podcast episode, Dave engages in a conversation with Christa Dillabaugh, Director of the Morpho Institute, discussing their conservation efforts and educational programs in the Amazon rainforest. Krista shares insights into the institute's initiatives, highlighting the delicate balance between progress and conservation in the region. They delve into the challenges of managing biodiversity while accommodating human presence, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that involve indigenous communities and diverse perspectives.
Furthermore, Christa elaborates on the Morpho Institute's educational programs, detailing their Amazon research program and efforts to broaden participation and diversity. They discuss upcoming projects, including biodiversity monitoring and field investigations, underscoring the importance of hands-on learning experiences for educators and students alike. Through collaborative efforts and thoughtful planning, the Morpho Institute aims to foster a deeper understanding of tropical ecology while advocating for sustainable conservation practices in the Amazon.
https://morphoinstitute.org/
PocketLabs in the Amazon! https://morphoinstitute.org/pocketlab-in-the-amazon/
https://www.instagram.com/morphoinstitute/
https://www.facebook.com/morphoinstitute
ABOUT CHRISTA Christa's journey through science, biology, and education has been a bit like the Amazon River - lots of curves and switchbacks, but all culminating in where she is today. She is currently the director of the Morpho Institute, a conservation education non-profit that develops field study programs for US K12 educators - all based in the Peruvian Amazon. Her love of the Amazon and neotropical rainforests began while leading expeditions for my middle school students.
Her current passion is blending inquiry, place-based education, and community-based conservation into professional learning experiences for teachers. Her next big project is developing a ‘research experience for teachers’ that focuses on biodiversity monitoring in the Amazon.
She have a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and a Masters of Biology from Miami University. Before founding the Morpho Institute, she was a middle and high school science educator. She has also worked as a science consultant for Pearson Education and Discovery Communications, contributing to curriculum and activity guides as well as educator in-service workshops and training materials focusing on STEM and Understanding by Design in the science classroom.
This is a bonus episode of the Science is Cool Unplugged podcast where we get to hear more of our conversation we had with Chuck Nice. They discuss fostering a love for learning and why that is more important than the love of grades and achievement. They also dig into how to create meaningful classroom interactions and more!
https://www.chucknicecomic.com/
ABOUT CHUCK A self-confessed science geek, Mr. Nice is an activist masquerading as a comedian who uses his quick wit and warm personality to rally his audience around the most pressing issues of our time: climate change.
Chuck Nice is a 19-year veteran of stand-up comedy with a rich history in both entertainment and climate activism. He has worked across all mediums, including radio, television, and podcasts. Recently, Mr. Nice appeared in “The Week Of” with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, and delivered a TED Talk on the main stage of the Vancouver conference, about the unintended consequence of future tech and human interaction. He is the co-host of Star Talk with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson on Nat Geo. Mr. Nice has also hosted How to Buy Like Mega Millionaire and Home Strange Home on HGTV. He is a regular contributor to the Today Show, has guest hosted The View, and he is a frequent guest on MSNBC, CNN, and HLN. Other credits include: host of Price This Place on HGTV, VH-1‘s Best Week Ever, TRU TV’s World’s Dumbest, The Katie Couric Show, Bethany, The Meredith Viera Show, The Juice on Veria Living, The Better Show, Vh-1’s 40 Greatest, Black to the Future, Undatable, 100 Greatest Songs of 00’s, The Hot Ten on Centric, WE TV’s Cinematherapy, That’s So House Hunters, the red carpet pre-show for the Independent Spirit Awards and host of "Is It True?" on Discovery.
Despite his busy schedule, he still makes time to regularly perform at New York City comedy clubs. Mr. Nice is currently busy preparing to launch the world’s first digital youth climate summit, “Shh...It’s Real!”
This is a bonus episode of the Science is Cool Unplugged podcast where we get to hear the extension of our conversation we had with Patti Lawrimore. They discuss how she utilizes Chat GPT in her classroom and the ways she uses it as a tool and not a crutch. They also delve into the importance of science literacy and its interdisciplinary importance.
ABOUT PATTI Patti has been teaching science in Fulton County Georgia for 28 years most recently at Riverwood International as Instructional Lead for science and teaching Environmental Science. She loves teaching “outside the walls” and finding the perfect place on campus to experience science. Her classes have created and sustained food forests , opened an apiary and research garden on campus. Classes always focus on project and problem-based learning, making sure the students are learning how to ask great questions and the way to seek out the answers.
Her latest adventure is starting a STEM outreach program “LabDash”. Incorporating vertical instruction, bringing science phenomena to our feeder elementary schools.
She has a Bachelors of Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison in Conservation Biology and has an MEd.-Biology from North Georgia College.
When she’s not teaching she is hiking, practicing yoga or playing tennis.
In this week's episode comedian and science television host, Chuck Nice, joins Dave to delve into the fascinating realms of science, education, and the pursuit of knowledge. Chuck shares insights into the importance of generating excitement in learning, emphasizing that the key lies in understanding rather than merely acing tests. Drawing parallels between his experiences and those of renowned scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck highlights the addictive nature of learning and the profound impact of passionate teachers. The conversation navigates through topics like the challenges of traditional grading systems, the value of foundational disciplines like math and science, and anecdotes from Chuck's own journey of discovery. Together, Chuck and Dave explore the dynamic interplay between curiosity, education, and the lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
As the episode unfolds, Chuck and Dave also share humorous anecdotes, touching upon Chuck's son's perspective on the challenges of AP bio and many other jokes. The episode is not only a captivating exploration of science and education but also a celebration of the joy inherent in the learning process. Listeners are treated to insightful discussions, personal stories, and Chuck's trademark humor, making it a humorous and thought-provoking episode.
https://www.chucknicecomic.com/
ABOUT CHUCK A self-confessed science geek, Mr. Nice is an activist masquerading as a comedian who uses his quick wit and warm personality to rally his audience around the most pressing issues of our time: climate change.
Chuck Nice is a 19-year veteran of stand-up comedy with a rich history in both entertainment and climate activism. He has worked across all mediums, including radio, television, and podcasts. Recently, Mr. Nice appeared in “The Week Of” with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, and delivered a TED Talk on the main stage of the Vancouver conference, about the unintended consequence of future tech and human interaction. He is the co-host of Star Talk with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson on Nat Geo. Mr. Nice has also hosted How to Buy Like Mega Millionaire and Home Strange Home on HGTV. He is a regular contributor to the Today Show, has guest hosted The View, and he is a frequent guest on MSNBC, CNN, and HLN. Other credits include: host of Price This Place on HGTV, VH-1‘s Best Week Ever, TRU TV’s World’s Dumbest, The Katie Couric Show, Bethany, The Meredith Viera Show, The Juice on Veria Living, The Better Show, Vh-1’s 40 Greatest, Black to the Future, Undatable, 100 Greatest Songs of 00’s, The Hot Ten on Centric, WE TV’s Cinematherapy, That’s So House Hunters, the red carpet pre-show for the Independent Spirit Awards and host of "Is It True?" on Discovery.
Despite his busy schedule, he still makes time to regularly perform at New York City comedy clubs. Mr. Nice is currently busy preparing to launch the world’s first digital youth climate summit, “Shh...It’s Real!”
In this episode, Science Educator Patti Lawrimore joins Dave to share her passion for science education and the joy she gets from seeing students enthusiastic about what they are learning and discovering. She shares the ways she changes classroom structure in response to the students and their learning styles and requests and the ways it helps them connect to the material. They discuss ways to assess student understanding and the place of standardized testing in a learning environment. They emphasize the importance of learning scientific discovery skills and how they carry into fields other than science.
She talks about her current project, LabDash, a portable science experience that brings experiments and discovery play to feeder schools and promotes learning while having fun. It provides application opportunities for high schoolers and exploration opportunities for junior high and elementary schools.
They touch on other education points like science literacy, student connection, and meeting student's needs. She has a passion for earth science, student interaction, and getting students out of the classroom environment. She describes science as the physical education of the core classes and what's it to be the place where students get to "exercise" their brains past what happens in the other classes.
ABOUT PATTI Patti has been teaching science in Fulton County Georgia for 28 years most recently at Riverwood International as Instructional Lead for science and teaching Environmental Science. She loves teaching “outside the walls” and finding the perfect place on campus to experience science. Her classes have created and sustained food forests , opened an apiary and research garden on campus. Classes always focus on project and problem-based learning, making sure the students are learning how to ask great questions and the way to seek out the answers.
Her latest adventure is starting a STEM outreach program “LabDash”. Incorporating vertical instruction, bringing science phenomena to our feeder elementary schools.
She has a Bachelors of Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison in Conservation Biology and has an MEd.-Biology from North Georgia College.
When she’s not teaching she is hiking, practicing yoga or playing tennis.
In this episode, science educator and founder of Kesler Science, Chris Kesler, joins Dave to discuss how to create student-focused learning that teaches them not just science concepts but how to learn and grow on their own by creating meaningful classroom experiences. They emphasize the importance of knowing your classroom and being attentive to student needs while keeping the focus on fostering a lifelong love of scientific discovery that can be carried into all aspects of learning. They acknowledge and discuss funding issues within science departments and give some advice on possibly how to gain funding and to encourage districts to invest in interactive science tools. They also discuss the importance of science to the learning mind and emphasize the use of science to teach important math and reading combination skills.
They emphasize Texas and the changes that are being made within Texas curriculum and the importance of those improvements. Chris has a passion for customizable learning and adaptation of lessons and concepts to fit whatever type of classroom a teacher might find themself in.
Find Kesler Science at: https://keslerscience.com/
Connect with Chris at: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjkesler
ABOUT CHRIS Chris Kesler is a former award-winning middle school science teacher. When he started teaching, he was underwhelmed by the lack of meaningful resources and overwhelmed by the small amount of time he had to create experiences for his students. He spent thousands of hours of his own time creating lessons, all designed from the ground up with four non-negotiables in mind:
- Experiences have to be engaging.
- Lessons have to build relationships.
- Activities need to be student-centered and allow for student choice.
- Students need to connect their learning to the real-world.
With these principles in place, the transformation that happened in his class was nothing short of spectacular. He noticed an increase in participation and engagement throughout the year. His test scores improved. More importantly, students made connections to the content, which built their confidence and gave them a sense of responsibility for their learning. Chris eventually stepped out of the classroom to focus on helping other teachers feel less stressed and more confident in their day-to-day teaching. He created Kesler Science LLC, and today his materials have been used by tens of thousands of teachers across the country and around the world.
In this episode, Dave and STEM educator and TV personality, Steve Spangler have an enlightening conversation about the interest students and young people naturally have in science and how to bring that to life in the classroom. They discuss Steves's success with the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment and how it captured the attention of millions in and out of the classroom. Steve draws on his experience as a magician and how that influences the way he teaches and engages the classroom. He talks about is experience making videos with Sick Science, and how they have changed their social media presence and strategy over the years.
They discuss some of the issues teachers face today in the classroom and barriers to using creative teacher techniques. He shares his love for creating memorable classroom experiences over forgettable work and fostering a love within students that will stay with them beyond the classroom.
Get in touch with Steve: https://stevespangler.com/
ABOUT STEVE He’s a bestselling author, STEM educator, and business leader branded by TIME Magazine as one of their “most influential people of the year” because of his passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
With more than 2,100 television appearances and multiple Emmy awards to his credit, Steve Spangler understands the power of using television to make learning science fun.
Steve’s catalog of videos featured on social media has more than 1.5 billion views, and parents and educators widely use his books and online experiments to increase student engagement and inspire young scientists to learn more about STEM-based careers.
Nationally known as a teacher’s teacher, Steve travels extensively, working with educators at all levels in ways to make learning more connected and engaging in the 21st-century classroom. Steve’s in-person and virtual professional development workshops focus on inquiry-based learning that highlights best practices for classroom teachers with research-guided strategies for purpose-driven engagement.
But Steve Spangler feels most at home when he’s on stage sharing insights and creating those amazing experiences audiences remember for a lifetime. Steve brings over 30 years of experience (6,500+ presentations) to the platform every time he speaks.
In July 2010, members of the National Speakers Association inducted Steve into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame. He is among an elite group of only 242 professional speakers in the world to receive this honor.
In 2022, Spangler joined the faculty at High Point University (High Point, North Carolina) as the STEM Educator in Residence. Steve works with students and faculty to create transformational experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
For the past two years, Steve Spangler has been honored to be included in the Global Gurus Top 30 in Education. This achievement recognizes Steve’s passion for finding the most creative ways to inspire students and educators worldwide.
Whether you’re looking for an amazing keynote speaker to kick-off your event, teacher training and professional development opportunities to help you become a more effective STEM educator, or personalized consulting and coaching, Steve Spangler can help you create your own transformational experiences in business and education.
In this podcast episode, Dave and educator Xochitl engage in a dynamic conversation about the challenges and rewards of project-based learning (PBL) in science classrooms. They discuss the importance of rethinking the nature of projects, emphasizing the difference between low and high-quality PBL. Xochitl emphasizes the need for authenticity in projects, encouraging teachers to provide diverse exemplars that showcase creativity and depth. The conversation delves into the complexities of resource curation for teachers and the challenge of balancing hands-on experiences with existing bodies of knowledge. They explore the role of science media in inspiring curiosity and framing phenomena, ultimately highlighting the inherently creative nature of teaching. The episode also touches on the significance of teacher creativity in maintaining the joy of learning in the classroom.
The duo shares insights into the ongoing efforts to support teachers in project design, discussing the need for curated materials, exemplars, and resources aligned with standards. They explore the role of feedback and adaptability in teaching, recognizing the importance of acknowledging students as individuals capable of figuring things out. The episode provides a rich exploration of the intricacies of project-based learning, emphasizing the creative and adaptive nature of effective teaching.
ABOUT XOCHITL Xochitl Garcia is an experienced educator and instructional coach committed to working with schools and nonprofits to create more equitable learning environments for young people. She brings over 17 years of experience as an educator, curriculum developer, professional development leader, and program manager. Xochitl is an education consultant working with districts nationally on educator and leader professional development, selection and development of instructional materials, and the redesign of school systems and structures to create the best learning spaces for young people and those who work with them.
Most recently, Xochitl served as the K-12 education program manager at Science Friday, where she facilitated a community of teacher leaders that worked to develop science experiences based on current research, designed and led STEM professional development, and programming to increase justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work in STEM. Before that, she was the Manager of Instruction and School Design at Springpoint: Partners in School Design, where she worked nationally to both design and redesign high school models with a focus on equitable design grounded in student and community voices. Xochitl was a teacher for seven years in the South Bronx in New York City, where she led work in special Education and STEM. Xochitl began her career working with GEAR-UP Project Higher Learning in LAUSD to develop peer mentoring programs to increase support and access to post-secondary opportunities.
Xochitl can be found pursuing curiosity about this strange and wonderful world we live in (can we talk about dark plastic, please!?!), tinkering around to figure out how to generate models and experiences that help explain the natural world, and playing board games with her family at home in NYC.
In this podcast episode, Kaci Heins, Executive Director at Limitless Space, joins Dave to discuss exciting projects and initiatives in the field of space education. They discuss topics such as the Space Exploration Educator Conference and the potential integration of data into art. The conversation explores the profound impact of space experiences on individuals, as exemplified by William Shatner's emotional reflections after his space trip. They also delve into the significance of using sensors in art and share anecdotes about Cloudflare's unique approach to cryptography using lava lamps. They also touch on the challenges faced by teachers and the importance of fostering a supportive community, highlighting the efforts of the Limitless Space Institute and PocketLab in advancing space education.
Additionally, Kaci and Dave talk about their experiences with PocketLab sensors that enhance students' engagement with science. Kaci shares her positive experience using PocketLab in the classroom, noting its user-friendly interface and seamless integration into lessons. They emphasize the importance of providing teachers with resources that are easy to implement, sparking students' curiosity in science. Kaci expresses her enthusiasm for inspiring educators and students alike, contributing to a growing community of science enthusiasts. Throughout the episode, they reflect a passion for space education, innovative teaching tools, and collaborative efforts dedicated to making science accessible and exciting for learners around the world.
https://www.limitlessspace.org/
Kaci Heins Twitter: https://twitter.com/spacespartan
ABOUT KACI Kaci Heins serves as the Executive Director and was the former Director of Education at the Limitless Space Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and educating the upcoming generation about space exploration. With over 20 years in the education sector, her primary focus has been on STEM education intertwined with space exploration concepts.
Throughout her career, Kaci has partaken in a plethora of immersive STEM and space learning experiences that have profoundly shaped her perspective on space exploration. These include participating in two Zero-G flights carrying student experiments, overseeing two student experiments that launched to the International Space Station, and coordinating over ten high-altitude balloon launches, which transported student experiments to the stratosphere.
Deeply rooted in her beliefs, Kaci sees space exploration as an impactful learning tool for both students and educators in the realm of STEM education. She harbors a deep-seated passion for professional development within the STEM education community, particularly through the lens of space exploration. She believes that the foundation of inspiring the future STEM workforce and space explorers lies in nurturing educators who are fervent, well-informed, and confident in their teachings. According to Kaci, the journey of cultivating the next wave of innovators is heavily anchored in providing students with hands-on experiences tied directly to real-world scientific phenomena. She often asserts that the true ignition of a student’s passion and curiosity can only be achieved when educators themselves are equipped with the right knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm.
Kaci obtained her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Southeast Missouri State University. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award, the AIAA Educator Achievement Award, the ISS National Lab Exceptional Educator Award, and the Air Force Association’s National Teacher of the Year Award.
The interview is a live recording from ScIC10 Live at CAST22 in Texas, Science is Cool Un-conferences. It features Brianna and Serena, also known as the Amoeba Sisters, who are educators and creators behind popular educational biology cartoons. In the interview, they discuss their journey, starting with the origins of their cartoon characters, Pinky and Petunia, and how their passion for making biology more accessible led them to create engaging content on YouTube. They emphasize the importance of providing free educational resources for both students and teachers, sharing insights into their creative process, and the development of their mega review video and GIF slideshow. The duo addresses questions about the diversity of languages in which their content is available and their commitment to supporting educators worldwide.
Additionally, the interview touches upon the challenges faced by teachers in acquiring sufficient budgets for science resources, shedding light on the financial struggles many educators encounter. The conversation unfolds organically, revealing their dedication to supporting teachers globally and their plans for expanding into chemistry while still focusing on completing their biology series. Brianna and Serena also discuss their current project, a unique graphic novel-style biology book, blending humor and educational content, set to be released in the coming months. Overall, the interview provides a delightful glimpse into the Amoeba Sisters' educational mission, their creative process, and their exciting plans for the future.
You can find their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/amoebasisters
You can find Amoeba Sisters fun classroom supplies and merchandise here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/amoebasisters/shop
Resources and handouts on their website: https://www.amoebasisters.com/
Teachers pay teachers resources can be found here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amoeba-Sisters-Llc
You can find our interview with the Amoeba Sisters at ScIC10 Live at CAST22 in Dallas, TX, here: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic10/the-amoeba-sisters
ABOUT the amoeba sisters The Amoeba Sisters is a YouTube channel started by sisters Sarina Peterson and Brianna Rapini, and it specializes in teaching biology concepts at the high school level (and beyond) by using illustrated cartoons. Brianna Rapini is a former high school biology teacher and her sister, Sarina Peterson, is a self-taught cartoonist. The Amoeba Sisters channel has grown to over 1 million subscribers with a cumulative view count of over 160 million, and their online community has translated video subtitles in over 22 different languages.
This is a bonus episode from an interview at one of our Science is Cool conferences. In this interview, Miles O'Brien joins Dave in a discussion focusing primarily on climate change, renewable energy, and potential solutions. He cover various alternative energy sources like nuclear, geothermal, biofuels, and innovative technologies. O'Brien explores the challenges faced by different forms of energy production, including investment, government intervention, and technological advancements needed for sustainability.
They also touch upon the significance of journalism in highlighting solutions to climate problems and express enthusiasm for pursuing stories centered around climate change solutions in their future work. They emphasize the urgency of addressing climate issues and finding feasible solutions to combat the impending crisis.
Alongside the exploration of alternative energy sources and climate solutions, the conversation delves into the limitations and potential advancements in energy storage technologies. They discuss innovative methods, such as repurposing abandoned oil wells for energy storage, illustrating the diverse approaches being explored to address the intermittency issue in renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Furthermore, Dave expresses a strong commitment to journalistic storytelling that focuses on actionable solutions rather than solely highlighting problems, aiming to create a more informed and motivated audience engaged in climate change mitigation.
Find the Chasing Carbon Zero documentary here: https://www.pbs.org/video/chasing-carbon-zero-mzijvs/
Learn more about Miles on his website: https://milesobrien.com/
Connect with Miles on Twitter at https://twitter.com/milesobrien
Watch Mile's conference session from Science is Cool 8: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic8/miles-obrien
ABOUT MILES Miles O’Brien is a veteran, award-winning journalist who focuses on science, technology, aerospace, and the environment.
He is the science correspondent for PBS NewsHour, a producer and director for the PBS science documentary series NOVA, and a correspondent for the PBS documentary series FRONTLINE and the National Science Foundation Science Nation series.
For nearly seventeen of his thirty-two years in the news business, he worked for CNN as the science, environment and aerospace correspondent and the anchor of various programs, including American Morning.
While at CNN, he secured a deal with NASA to become the first journalist to fly on the space shuttle. The project ended with the loss of Columbia and her crew in 2003 – a story he told to the world in a critically acclaimed sixteen-hour marathon of live coverage.
Prior to joining CNN, he worked as a reporter at television stations in Boston, Tampa, Albany, NY and St. Joseph, MO. He began his television career as a desk assistant at WRC-TV in Washington, DC.
O’Brien is an accomplished pilot and is frequently called upon to explain the world of aviation to a mass audience. He has won numerous awards over the years, including a half-dozen Emmys, and a Peabody and DuPont for his coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
In February of 2014, a heavy equipment case fell on his forearm while he was on assignment. He developed Acute Compartment Syndrome, which necessitated the emergency amputation of his left arm above the elbow.
Born in Detroit and raised in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, he is based in Washington, DC. He has a son at the US Naval Academy and a daughter at Davidson College in North Carolina. He was a history major at Georgetown University.
In this discussion, Tammie Schrader, science coordinator for Eastern Washington State, joins Dave to discuss a wide range of topics related to education, technology, and the evolving nature of learning. Come hear what she has to say about AI in the classroom plus so much more! They start by exploring the importance of providing students with access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, such as AI and chatbots, to enhance their learning experiences. They emphasize the need for equity in education, as not all students have the same access to these tools, and ensuring that all students can benefit from the latest technology is a crucial goal.
The conversation also delves into the idea that education should focus on teaching students how to think rather than preparing them for specific jobs. They discuss the value of introducing students to a variety of tools and fostering their creativity and problem-solving skills, as the jobs of the future may not even exist yet. They raise questions about traditional educational practices, like reading specific literary texts, and whether providing more choices to students in what they read or study could enhance their understanding and engagement.
Overall, the conversation highlights the need for flexible and innovative approaches to education that empower students to think critically, adapt to change, and find their own path in an ever-evolving world.
ABOUT tammie Tammie is a Regional Science and Computer Science Coordinator for Northeast Washington Education Service District 101 in Washington State. Tammie was a science teacher at Cheney Middle School, in Cheney, Washington for 15 years. She is currently an adjunct science methods instructor at Whitworth University. She taught Life Science as well as Computer Programming, Gaming Programming, Robotics as well as coaching the Science Olympiad Team, Robotics Club, SeaPerch Team as well as Future Business Leaders of America at her middle school. She has her B.A. in Education as well as a B.S. in Biology. She earned her M.A. in Education and Teaching At-Risk Students from Gonzaga University. She is currently enrolled as a Ph.D. candidate and is writing her dissertation on Leadership and Game-Based Education in the Classroom.
In this discussion, Dr. Sonny White, the Director of the Limitless Space Institute, and Dave, engage in a fascinating conversation about the future of space exploration and propulsion. They delve into various aspects of advanced propulsion technologies that could enable human exploration of the solar system and even beyond.
Dr. White emphasizes the need to move beyond traditional chemical propulsion for long-distance space travel. He discusses concepts like nuclear electric propulsion, which uses nuclear reactors to generate electrical power for more efficient propulsion, and fusion propulsion, which involves the fusion of hydrogen isotopes for even faster travel. These technologies have the potential to take humans to distant destinations within our solar system.
The conversation also touches on the idea of space warps or wormholes, which could provide shortcuts through space-time, potentially enabling interstellar travel. However, the challenges of communication and the limitations imposed by the speed of light remain significant hurdles in exploring other star systems. They highlight the importance of inspiring and educating the next generation of scientists and engineers, particularly through outreach programs like Limitless Space, which aims to expose students to cutting-edge space science and technology. Dr. White stresses that exposure expands expectations, motivating students to explore the frontiers of physics and engineering.
The discussion underscores the boundless possibilities and challenges of space exploration, emphasizing the importance of taking the next steps in advancing our understanding of the cosmos and developing the technologies that will make interstellar travel a reality, even if it may take generations to achieve.
Learn more about Limitless Space Institute: https://www.limitlessspace.org/
ABOUT Sonny Dr. White has accumulated 25+ years of experience working in the aerospace industry with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, NASA, and Limitless Space Institute. He currently serves as Director of Advanced Research and Development at LSI. In this role, he leads all R&D work for LSI and establishes priorities for investigations and expenditures. Dr. White obtains grants and other resources in support of R&D efforts; markets LSI to major benefactors to increase resources and related R&D efforts; and arranges/schedules/conducts events ensuring appropriately related well-known individuals are involved.
Dr. White holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Rice University, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Wichita State University, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from University of South Alabama.
Dr. White has been recognized many times over the span of his career for his excellent work ethic, exceptional technical skills, abilities as a project manager, and dedication to the pursuit of human space flight. He was awarded the NASA Medal for Excellence in Achievement by the Administrator for his role in getting the Thermal Protection System robotic inspection tools built, delivered and certified to support the STS-114 mission. He was awarded the Silver Snoopy Award by the crew office for his actions in the discovery and disposition of critical damage to the robotic arm prior to the STS-121 mission. He received the NASA Spaceflight Awareness Honoree award for the STS-122 mission, one of the highest, most prestigious awards available to employees of NASA. He was awarded the NASA Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal for his role in exploring and incorporating advanced power and propulsion concepts into human spaceflight architectures.
In this podcast episode, Edward and Dave discuss an exciting educational initiative centered around the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Edward is a passionate high school teacher from Canada and shares his vision for involving thousands of students and teachers in North America to engage in authentic scientific observations during this celestial event. He emphasizes the importance of promoting real scientific experiences for students, allowing them to contribute to peer-reviewed journals, and fostering a love for genuine scientific inquiry. Throughout the conversation, they underscore the significance of encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to engage in STEM and STEAM fields and mention how partnerships and funding opportunities can help make this initiative accessible to a broader audience. They also touch on the fusion of science, mathematics, and technology and the transformative potential of breakthroughs in these areas.
Edward Csuka’s Website https://terryfox.sd43.bc.ca/steam/mr-csukas-page/
Solar Max Project Website: https://terryfox.sd43.bc.ca/steam/solar-max-international-research-expedition/
Terry Fox STEAM Program Website: https://terryfox.sd43.bc.ca/steam/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edward.j.csuka
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edward.j.csuka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edward.j.csuka
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm7DVui_2ceE2a1ayL-2KJg
ABOUT EDWARD Edward Csuka is an innovative educator passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). With a Bachelor's in Science and a Master's in Environmental Education from SFU, he's been teaching since 2002. Edward's contributions include coordinating Power of Ideas events, founding the Terry Fox Innovation Society, and receiving the Canadian Association of Physicists Award in 2022. As a Program Coordinator for Terry Fox Secondary's STEAM Program, he equips students with vital 21st-century skills. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies for STEAM Education, Edward continues to shape future leaders. One of Edward’s current endeavors is the Solar Max International Eclipse Research project. Edward is currently spearheading the Solar Max International Eclipse Research initiative, aiming to engage teachers and students continent-wide in collecting scientific data during the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Educators interested in participating can connect via email: ecsuka@sd43.bc.ca.
In this two-part episode, we explore the dynamic world of science education. Host Dave chats with Ariel Paul, a key contributor to the PhET Interactive Simulations project, delving into the art of making science engaging and accessible for all learners. They unravel the project's mission of creating interactive simulations that foster deep understanding and excitement in science classrooms. The conversation delves into the evolution of education, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and critical thinking skills.
Ariel and Dave ponder the challenges and opportunities of preparing students for an ever-changing job landscape, touching on the significance of hands-on vocational skills and cultivating curiosity. They also reflect on the philosophy of science, stressing its dynamic and imperfect nature while promoting healthy skepticism. The discussion unfolds to highlight the project's global impact, particularly the PhET Fellows Program that empowers educators worldwide.
This enlightening episode encourages listeners to appreciate the power of simulation-based learning and the vitality of representing diverse voices in the world of science education.
Free PhET Interactive Simulations Lessons
PhET Interactive Simulations from the University of Colorado, Boulder
Help keep PhET Simulations free! Donate here.
You can connect with PhET Interactive Simulations here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PhET-Interactive-Simulations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phetsims/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhETSims
ABOUT ariel Ariel Paul has been a member of the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado since 2011, both as a designer and helping to oversee the development of the simulations. An advocate for broadening participation in STEM, he has taught physics at the high school and undergraduate levels. Ariel received his B.A. in physics in 1999 from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the PhET team, Ariel received his Ph.D. in physics in 2007 from the University of Colorado for his research focused on coherent imaging with extreme-ultraviolet light. Following his Ph.D., he also completed an apprenticeship in scientific instrument making.
In this two part episode, we explore the dynamic world of science education. Host Dave chats with Ariel Paul, a key contributor to the PhET Interactive Simulations project, delving into the art of making science engaging and accessible for all learners. They unravel the project's mission of creating interactive simulations that foster deep understanding and excitement in science classrooms. The conversation delves into the evolution of education, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and critical thinking skills.
Ariel and Dave ponder the challenges and opportunities of preparing students for an ever-changing job landscape, touching on the significance of hands-on vocational skills and cultivating curiosity. They also reflect on the philosophy of science, stressing its dynamic and imperfect nature while promoting healthy skepticism. The discussion unfolds to highlight the project's global impact, particularly the PhET Fellows Program that empowers educators worldwide.
This enlightening episode encourages listeners to appreciate the power of simulation-based learning and the vitality of representing diverse voices in the world of science education.
Free PhET Interactive Simulations Lessons
PhET Interactive Simulations from the University of Colorado, Boulder
Help keep PhET Simulations free! Donate here.
You can connect with PhET Interactive Simulations here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PhET-Interactive-Simulations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phetsims/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhETSims
ABOUT ariel Ariel Paul has been a member of the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado since 2011, both as a designer and helping to oversee the development of the simulations. An advocate for broadening participation in STEM, he has taught physics at the high school and undergraduate levels. Ariel received his B.A. in physics in 1999 from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the PhET team, Ariel received his Ph.D. in physics in 2007 from the University of Colorado for his research focused on coherent imaging with extreme-ultraviolet light. Following his Ph.D., he also completed an apprenticeship in scientific instrument making.
In part 2 of this episode, the insightful Adam Rogers, Senior Correspondent for Insider, takes listeners on a profound journey through the intertwining realms of science, education, and society. This episode is a must-listen for every science teacher aiming to spark genuine interest in their students.
The lively discussion kicks off with an exploration into urban planning and the dynamics of cities in a post-pandemic world. Using San Francisco as a prime example, Rogers elaborates on the ramifications of unused commercial spaces due to COVID-19, igniting a conversation about societal impacts, city resilience, and the pressing need for adaptation. The duo also ventures into the realm of city infrastructure, from the dangers of large vehicles to the often controversial subjects of protected bike lanes and urban housing initiatives. For educators, this segment offers a real-world context to engage students in subjects ranging from urban planning to socio-economic impacts of global events.
But perhaps the most engaging part for science educators is Rogers' impassioned discourse on the power of curiosity. Drawing from personal experiences, he speaks about the magic of discovering and understanding new scientific concepts. He emphasizes the importance of not just absorbing facts, but truly understanding the "why" and "how" behind them. This sentiment, coupled with humorous anecdotes about detailed drink recommendations and personal life, showcases the holistic nature of science – it's everywhere, from the classroom to the bar! Dave wraps up this enlightening conversation by highlighting Adam’s illustrious writing career, ensuring eager listeners know where to find more of his writings.
For science teachers, this episode serves as a potent reminder: to inspire the next generation, we must first be insatiably curious ourselves. Dive into this episode and reignite that spark!
You can find Adam Rogers' books here: Books available through Amazon
You can connect with Adam Rogers here:
His website: https://www.adam-rogers.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrrogers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jetjocko
ABOUT adam Adam Rogers is a journalist at Insider, writing about science, technology, and culture. A longtime editor and writer at Wired, he wrote that one story about the Dress that one time (think which color do you see?). He is also the author of the New York Times science bestseller Proof: The Science of Booze, and his latest book is Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern.
In an enlightening podcast episode, host Dave Baker engages with Adam Rogers, senior correspondent at Insider and the celebrated author of 'Full Spectrum' and 'Proof'. This episode provides teachers with a captivating exploration into the science of color and the science of alcohol, beautifully illustrating their convergence with cultural advancements.
Sparked by the internet's famed dress color perception controversy, Rogers delves into the intriguing science of color in his book 'Full Spectrum'. His investigation uncovers the central role of titanium dioxide, a mineral pigment prevalent in our everyday environment. The podcast emphasizes how our understanding of color propels us to create and simulate more colors, further deepening our knowledge, a cycle that Rogers also identifies in the science of alcohol in his book 'Proof'.
Rogers champions the use of familiar concepts, such as with cocktails, to simplify and communicate complex scientific ideas effectively. He advocates for an interconnected teaching approach that highlights practical applications, aiding students in grasping the intricate interplay between different disciplines. Rogers demonstrates his point by explaining the science behind whiskey production.
The podcast also sheds light on the historical and cultural significance of the pigment trade, drawing parallels to the spice trade due to their rarity and location-specific availability. The discussion underlines the lasting vibrancy of certain colors, like blue, and the fascinating color advancements in civilizations around the world.
Baker's conversation with Adam Rogers offers a vibrant journey through the landscapes of science, culture, color, and alcohol. It serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of scientific advancements and cultural changes. Be sure to tune in for part 2 of this engaging podcast episode, promising to continue this enlightening exploration of the science of color and the science of alcohol.
You can find Adam Rogers' books here: Books available through Amazon
You can connect with Adam Rogers here:
His website: https://www.adam-rogers.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrrogers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jetjocko
ABOUT adam Adam Rogers is a journalist at Insider, writing about science, technology, and culture. A longtime editor and writer at Wired, he wrote that one story about the Dress that one time (think which color do you see?). He is also the author of the New York Times science bestseller Proof: The Science of Booze, and his latest book is Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern.
Dave and Jacob question the true meaning of education in a society where information is readily accessible through smartphones. Part 2 of this teacher podcast, host Dave Bakker engages in a thought-provoking conversation with guest Jacob Chastain, delving into various aspects of education and teaching. This teaching podcast touches upon the ongoing debate between traditional and classical education, and the hosts delve into the value of studying classics and engaging in time-tested educational activities.
Looking toward the future, this STEM podcast episode discusses potential changes in education, including automated essay writing and the utilization of AI-generated prompts. However, the hosts express reservations regarding the potential lack of engagement and enjoyment in these approaches. The conversation also widens its scope to explore the broader societal implications of relying heavily on AI and automation, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the limitations and possibilities that technology presents.
Throughout the podcast, the hosts stress the positive contributions that technology has made to education, such as fostering connections among people and providing new avenues for expression. They advocate for finding a balance between recognizing the limitations and potential dangers of technology while harnessing its positive impacts to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Empowering teachers to innovate within the education system is seen as crucial, and creative solutions are highlighted as essential in navigating the challenges of modern education.
Moreover, the podcast episode delves into the influential role of teachers in inspiring students, recognizing their individual learning styles and preferences. This teaching podcast emphasizes the significance of understanding students' diverse needs and tailoring educational approaches accordingly. The conversation also explores the profound impact of failure on personal drive, highlighting the value of self-awareness and taking ownership of one's actions. They discuss the importance of teaching problem-solving and communication skills, promoting a well-rounded education that prepares students for various real-world challenges.
Dave and Jacob encourage listeners to reflect on the impact of technology, the role of inspiring teachers, and the power of self-reflection in personal growth. With an emphasis on finding a balance and fostering creativity in education, this episode offers practical perspectives for both teachers and educators seeking to navigate the ever-changing educational landscape.
Connect with Jacob:
Teach Me Teacher Podcast
Facebook—Facebook.com/teachmeteacher
Instagram—@teachmeteacherhost
Twitter—@jacobchastain_
ABOUT JACOB Jacob Chastain is the host and creator of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast, a former literacy coach, author, speaker, trainer, and curriculum writer, and is currently teaching seventh-grade English in Ft. Worth Texas.
Jacob believes that educators should be pushing the boundaries of what it means to engage students in the classroom and that teachers are currently in the golden age of education. With the advent of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, educators all over the world can connect and share ideas to improve their craft.
His award-winning Teach Me, Teacher podcast reaches tens of thousands of educators every month across the world, is a top-rated podcast on Apple Podcasts, and has featured some of the premier minds and personalities in education on the show.
Some of the top guests featured on the show are Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Kim Bearden, Hamish Brewer, Kelly Gallagher, and Todd Whitaker.
The show covers anything and everything related to the wonderful world of education but is sure to focus on how they can all step up and be a positive influence for good in their students’ lives.
In the first part of this enlightening episode, Dave engages in a dialogue with Jacob Chastain, the dynamic host of the popular 'Teach Me, Teacher Podcast'. As a guiding star in the education realm, Chastain offers illuminating insights into the bustling world of teacher podcasts, while championing authentic conversation and acknowledging the oft-overlooked heroes of the classroom - a must-listen for educators looking to connect, learn, and grow.
Jacob shines a light on the thrilling spontaneity that comes with nurturing a dedicated audience on teacher podcasts. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, authenticity, and genuine commitment to the subject matter, making it a significant resource for teachers worldwide.
Jacob also brings attention to the underappreciated work of educators in classrooms, lauding those who offer exceptional insights despite not having extensive fame or publications. In his view, the establishment of reliable teacher communities where educators can exchange experiences, learn from each other, and extend mutual support is critical. He advocates for sincere discussions and collective initiatives as the roadmap to meaningful transformation in education.
The discussion further delves into the theme of standardized testing in science and its impact on education. Jacob and Dave scrutinize how traditional testing methods might not adequately capture students' growth and capabilities, especially in disciplines like writing and science. Jacob accentuates the need for real-world problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills, arguing that these crucial abilities aren't effectively evaluated by standardized tests.
Jacob strongly advocates for integrating language arts and science education to produce proficient scientists and engineers capable of effectively communicating their ideas. He also suggests a more holistic approach to assessment, such as portfolio-based evaluations, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of students' progress and potential.
Throughout this dynamic conversation with Jacob Chastain, they traverse a wide array of topics, delving into the subtleties of podcasting, emphasizing authenticity, and calling for a shift in the assessment approach in education. This episode brims with thought-provoking insights and profound, meaningful dialogue, making it a must-listen for every educator interested in teacher podcasts, standardized testing in science, and integrating language arts and science.
Connect with Jacob:
Teach Me Teacher Podcast
Facebook—Facebook.com/teachmeteacher
Instagram—@teachmeteacherhost
Twitter—@jacobchastain_
ABOUT jacob Jacob Chastain is the host and creator of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast, a former literacy coach, author, speaker, trainer, and curriculum writer, and is currently teaching seventh-grade English in Ft. Worth Texas.
Jacob believes that educators should be pushing the boundaries of what it means to engage students in the classroom and that teachers are currently in the golden age of education. With the advent of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, educators all over the world can connect and share ideas to improve their craft.
His award-winning Teach Me, Teacher podcast reaches tens of thousands of educators every month across the world, is a top-rated podcast on Apple Podcasts, and has featured some of the premier minds and personalities in education on the show.
Some of the top guests featured on the show are Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Kim Bearden, Hamish Brewer, Kelly Gallagher, and Todd Whitaker.
The show covers anything and everything related to the wonderful world of education but is sure to focus on how they can all step up and be a positive influence for good in their students’ lives.
In this podcast, Dave discusses Project Based Learning (PBL) with Sally Creel, a STEM & Innovation Supervisor in Cobb County, Georgia. They delve into the benefits of authentic learning, inquiry-based approaches, and hands-on experiences in fostering student-centered and collaborative education. Sally highlights the importance of integrating PBL into the curriculum to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation among students. They also explore the significance of 21st-century skills, such as problem-solving and project management, and emphasize the role of teacher professional development in implementing effective PBL strategies. Tune in to gain insights on engaging students through real-world applications and promoting STEM education through project-based experiences.
Connect with Sally on Twitter: https://twitter.com/STEMsally
Connect with Sally's innovation department: https://twitter.com/STEMcobb
Connect with Cobb County School District STEM department on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cobbscience
If you are in Georgia, sign up for STEM Palooza happening Summer of 2023: http://www.stemcobb.com/stemapalooza-2023.html
Re-watch the Science is Cool 8 panel featuring Dr. Sally Creel, "The State of STEM in Georgia": https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic8/the-current-state-of-stem-in-georgia
ABOUT sally STEM and Innovation Supervisor for Cobb County School District
Dr. Sally Creel, K-12 STEM & Innovation Supervisor for Cobb County Schools in Georgia, has spent the last 28 years as an educator, science and STEM administrator working with leaders, teachers, and K–12 students. Dr. Creel earned a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education from Shorter College in Georgia, a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont College in Georgia, and her doctorate in Teacher Leadership from Kennesaw State University. Dr. Creel served as the President of the Georgia Science Supervisors Association and Science Teaching Association and continues to work as a professional development consultant for several organizations including the National Science Teaching Association, Georgia DOE, Kennesaw State University, FTW Robotics, Picture Perfect Science, Teacher Created Materials and various federal grants. Dr. Creel has most recently contributed to the publication Navigating the challenges of elementary science teaching and learning: Using case-based pedagogy to understand dilemmas of practice. She was also a consulting author for the Smithsonian’s STEAM Readers series and STEM Position Statement for the National Science Teaching Association. Dr. Creel currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Georgia Aquarium, Underwriter’s Laboratory OREE Advisory Board, and Interactive Research Methods Lab at Kennesaw State University.
Online educational games have been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many schools to transition to remote learning. But what exactly are online educational games, and why are they so effective? To answer these questions, we spoke with Dan White, the CEO of Filament Games, a leading educational game developer that has worked with some of the biggest names in education, including Amazon, Scholastic, and the US Department of Education.
According to Dan White, online educational games are games that are specifically designed to teach or reinforce a particular concept or skill. They can be targeted at any age group, from preschoolers to adults, and can cover a wide range of subjects, including science, social studies, and language arts.
One of the key benefits of online educational games is that they can make learning fun. "Games have a unique ability to engage players in a way that traditional classroom instruction simply can't," says Dan White. "By tapping into the player's natural curiosity, we can create experiences that are both entertaining and educational."
But online educational games are much more than just a source of entertainment. They can also improve a range of skills, from problem-solving and critical thinking to collaboration and communication. "Games can provide a safe and low-stakes environment for players to practice and develop skills that are relevant to real-world situations," says Dan White.
Another advantage of online educational games is that they can be tailored to each individual learner's needs and abilities. "One of the great things about games is that they can adapt to the player's performance," explains Dan White. "If a player is struggling with a particular concept or skill, the game can adjust the difficulty level or provide additional support to help the player succeed."
While online educational games are not a substitute for traditional classroom instruction, they can be a valuable tool for teachers and students alike. "Games can be used to supplement classroom instruction and provide students with an additional opportunity to practice and reinforce what they are learning," says Dan White.
In conclusion, online educational games have the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and teach. By making learning fun, improving a range of skills, and providing tailored instruction, they can help students achieve better outcomes and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Check out the session from ScIC6 with Dan White featuring Filament Games and First Global: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic6/virtual-robotics
Connect with Filament Games on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FilamentGames
Learn more about Filament Games: https://www.filamentgames.com/
ABOUT DAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER for Filament Games
Dan White believes that good gameplay and good learning are complementary rather than oppositional forces. An alumnus of Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Dan earned an M.S. in Education Technology under seminal learning game scholars Drs. Kurt Squire and James Paul Gee. Prior to founding Filament, Dan worked as a teacher, an instructional designer, and a game developer. Dan’s passions include learning games, sustainability, mindfulness, and modernizing institutional education.
In this intelligent episode, we sit down with an artificial intelligence expert, Jordan Harrod and learn about the immediate impact of AI and how it can help shape our future. Dave and Jordan's dive deep about everything AI and how it will change education.
They also discuss Chat GPT, machine learning, models and AGI, and we learn more than we thought we needed to know about how AI works. They discuss AI literacy, how AI is trained, how accurate or inaccurate AI can be, and how AI is even learning bias!
But of course, this is an education podcast, so what does this all mean for your students? Jordan and Dave discuss how students can use AI in the classroom, what they should avoid, and how teachers can leverage AI to help prepare their students for the future! The also answer the question - what do educators need to understand and watch out for in the classroom now that students can access this new technology?
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jordanharrod
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jordanbharrod/
Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/jordanharrod
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JordanBHarrod
Newsletter: https://www.jordanharrod.com
ABOUT Jordan Jordan Harrod (she/her) is a Ph.D. Candidate in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics at the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program. Her research focuses on applying neuromodulation to clinically relevant challenges and using neurotechnology and machine learning to develop new tools for brain stimulation. Jordan received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University in 2018, where she worked on interfacial tissue engineering, medical image analysis, and machine learning for MRI reconstruction. In her spare time, Jordan is actively involved in science communication via her YouTube channel, which focuses on engaging the public on artificial intelligence and Twitter, Tiktok, and Instagram.
In this super fun episode, you will have the privilege of experiencing the incredible energy of the Hip Hop M.D.! Maynard Okereke talks with us about his amazingly upbeat approach to bringing STEM education to underserved populations and making it fun and accessible for everyone!
Dave and Maynard discuss aspects of our modern world such as social media and AI and how they can both help and hurt students during their childhood education. But both agree that this technology can be extremely helpful if used correctly to foster learning in a positive way!
They delve into the topic of AI and Chat GPT and ways that teachers and students can both use and learn from it in the classroom. They also discuss at length the drawbacks of brand-new technology and acknowledge the need to either embrace it or face getting left behind.
Maynard shares about his work in schools, at STEM events and conferences, and on his various media platforms. His goal is to show that STEM is definitely fun, but he stresses that the delivery matters. Maynard's passion is reaching underserved student populations, and he hopes to inspire students around the world to look up to "celebrity" scientists that look like themselves, just like they do sports figures or movie stars.
Maynard also fills us in on his exciting work with the USA Science and Engineering Festival during their many X-STEM events around the country.
You can hire Maynard for your own school or event! Connect with him and learn more at https://www.hiphopscienceshow.com/
ABOUT MAYNARD Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D., graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is an award-winning Science Communicator, having received both the Asteroid Award for "Best Streaming Content" and the People of Change Award for his community outreach efforts. His passion for science and entertainment, along with his curiosity for new innovation has taken him through an incredible life journey.
Noticing a lack of minority involvement in the S.T.E.M. fields, he created Hip Hop Science with the goal of encouraging minorities and youth to pursue more advanced career paths. His background in engineering, acting, music, business, and credible work in STEM make him uniquely qualified to engage on a wide variety of topics from an entertaining perspective. This is highly reflected in his speaking engagements and daily social media posts which provide both humorous and informative SciComm content.
Quite possibly the "Most Interesting Man in the World". Victor Vescovo joins us on the show to tell us all about his explorations and what he thinks about the future of our civilization.
Victor has done many things in life, but during this episode we hear about his recent scientific explorations of the deepest parts of our oceans. He tells us about the creation of the first of its kind, reusable submersible that united build teams from around the world. Victor and his team used this new technology to dive into the five deepest trenches in the ocean.
Victor also talks with Dave about what the deep sea can teach us about the planet and how we can use that research to progress our society into the future. Can you guess which classic novel was Victor's inspiration?
Dave and Victor get into their favorite science fiction dystopian films and how close we have come to them becoming a reality.
We also learn why Victor does what he does, and he shares his childhood and the teachers in his life that made a real impact on him!
You can connect with Victor on his Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictorVescovo
ABOUT VICTOR Victor is a 20-year veteran private equity and venture capital investor with particular expertise in the aerospace, defense, and electronics industries.
He received his MBA from Harvard Business School where he was named a Baker Scholar, received a Master’s Degree from MIT and earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University. He also served 20 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve as an intelligence officer, retiring as a Commander.
Victor was the 12th American to complete the “Explorer’s Grand Slam” which requires climbing the highest peak on all seven of the world’s continents including Mt. Everest and skiing 100 kilometers to the North and South Poles. In 2020, he piloted the first repeated dives to Challenger Deep -- now fifteen times, and in August 2019 became the first person to visit “The Five Deeps,” the deepest point in each of the world’s oceans. Victor has personally been to the bottom of seventeen deep ocean trenches, while no other person has ever been to the bottom of more than two.
He has also made three dives to the Titanic including the only solo dive ever made there. In the last two years, Victor located and dove on the deepest and second-deepest wrecks in history at the sites of the USS Johnston and USS Samuel B. Roberts.
Victor is also a commercially rated multi-engine jet and helicopter pilot, a certified submersible test pilot, and recently flew into space on Blue Origin’s New Shephard-21 mission, thus becoming the first person in history to climb Mount Everest, explore the very bottom of the ocean, and visit space.
In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Uchenna Emenaha to discuss the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy. We learn about Uchenna's journey to complete her Ph.D. on the topic and how she is applying her research in the real world.
Uchenna explains the basics of CRP (culturally responsive pedagogy). Dave and Uchenna discuss the impact that students' "lived experiences" have on their education, and how implicit or explicit bias can play a part. Uchenna is deeply passionate about the nuance of each individual student and has discovered a deep link between social justice and education. She stresses that it is vital that all students, especially minorities, have a safe space in order to adequately learn in a school environment.
Dave and Uchenna go on to talk about "responsible teaching" and how students can thrive in the right situation. Uchenna points out that getting students to think critically is the ultimate goal and teaching her students to use good data to structure a logical argument is the key. Life is a series of decisions and Uchenna wants students to leave school prepared to tackle them!
You can find our previous interview with Uchenna at ScIC10 Live at CAST22 in Dallas, TX, here: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic10/culturally-responsive-pedagogy-in-science-education
ABOUT the UCHENNA Dr. Uchenna Emenaha is an award-winning assistant professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio who recently won the Science Teachers Associations of Texas 2021 Gerald Skoog Cup College Faculty Award. Her research focuses on culturally responsive pedagogy in science & STEM education. She is devoted to supporting issues of diversity, equity, & inclusion within science/STEM instruction.
In this fun episode, Dave sits down with Brianna and Sarina, the creators of the hit YouTube channel The Amoeba Sisters! We learn all about their backgrounds and motivation for creating the channel that has been viewed by teachers and classrooms around the world over 160 million times!
Listen in to learn why their style of science content is so appealing to teachers and how it can be used in the classroom. You will also learn which one of the Amoeba Sisters is a good singer and which was a bad student growing up.
Dave and the sisters also discuss how to get students interested in science and why mixing up various styles of content delivery is important because no two students are alike!
Hear about their innovative approach to dealing with complex science concepts and popular science misconceptions and why kids love using their video content to learn about these topics, including the difference between mitosis and meiosis. Check out our Paul Anderson episode to understand the joke. LOL!
You can find their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/amoebasisters
Resources and handouts on their website: https://www.amoebasisters.com/
Teachers pay teachers resources can be found here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amoeba-Sisters-Llc
The Amoeba Sisters' new book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-amoeba-sisters-cartoon-guide-to-biology-sarina-peterson/1140971497
The Amoeba Sisters' first book: https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Curious-Amoeba-Sisters-Notebook/dp/B0BKS5RNVP/ref=sr_1_1
You can find our interview with the Amoeba Sisters at ScIC10 Live at CAST22 in Dallas, TX, here: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic10/the-amoeba-sisters
ABOUT the amoeba sisters The Amoeba Sisters is a YouTube channel started by sisters Sarina Peterson and Brianna Rapini, and it specializes in teaching biology concepts at the high school level (and beyond) by using illustrated cartoons. Brianna Rapini is a former high school biology teacher and her sister, Sarina Peterson, is a self-taught cartoonist. The Amoeba Sisters channel has grown to over 1 million subscribers with a cumulative view count of over 160 million, and their online community has translated video subtitles in over 22 different languages.
In today’s episode, we are joined by Steve Isaacs. Steve was a classroom teacher for almost 30 years and helped pioneer Esports and gaming as part of student education. Listen in to hear his inspiring stories of empowering students through games, technology, and Esports leagues that are run entirely by student teams.
Dave and Steve discuss the difference between recreational gaming and using Esports and games for a purpose in student growth. Putting students in charge, letting them naturally find their roles, and offering just enough support for them to flourish is what gets Steve really excited.
Steve “went to the dark side” by leaving the classroom and joining the corporate world. He now runs Epic Games education programs, helping teachers guide their students to excel and get prepared for the jobs of the future that don’t even exist yet! He shared student success stories and how Esports leagues and gaming can actually prepare a high school student for a job directly out of high school!
If you are interested in games and Esports for your school, Steve is the expert and this episode is chock full of insight and resources for you to get started with your students right away.
Find the Esports Playbook written by Steve and his co-authors: https://www.amazon.com/Esports-Education-Playbook-Empowering-Inclusive/dp/1951600509
You can find Steve on Twitter here:
https://twitter.com/mr_isaacs
Find Epic Games education programs: https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/educators
Sign up to here Steve talk at FETC: https://www.fetc.org/
ABOUT STEVE Steve Isaacs is the Education Program Manager at Epic Games. His mission in this role is to support educators and students in exploring career opportunities that leverage interactive 3d skills. Prior to his role at Epic, Steve was a public school teacher for 28 years, teaching game design and development as well as other courses related to creative uses of technology. Steve enjoys spending time with family and friends. His hobbies include gaming, biking, snorkeling, hiking and live music.
In today's episode we talk to the voice of science for Canada and the world, Bob McDonald. Bob and Dave discuss growing up in the space age, learning about fundamental science as a child and ultimately going on to host Canada’s popular science radio program, “Quirks and Quarks”. We hear fun stories about Bob's efforts to educate the masses about science. This man even has an asteroid named after him that may or may not be headed for Earth!
Bob shares about the similarities between looking at the vastness of space through a telescope and looking at the infinite detail of the tiny building blocks of the universe through a microscope.
Bob just celebrated his 30th year as host of his show and is passionate about keeping kids curious about science. "Science isn't complicated!" Hear him tell how to make gravity wells, fire extinguishers, and black holes out of kitchen supplies!
His latest book has been on the bestseller list since it was published - The Future is Now: Solving the Climate Crisis with Today's Technology. Check it out on Amazon or in most bookstores.
Find Bob's radio show here: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks
You can find the CBC social media channels here:
https://twitter.com/cbcquirks
https://www.facebook.com/CBCQuirks
ABOUT Bob Bob McDonald has been bringing science to the public for more than 40 years. In addition to hosting Quirks & Quarks, the award-winning science program that is heard by 500,000 people each week, McDonald is also the science correspondent for CBC TV’s The National and host of the children’s series Head’s Up. He was also the host of the CBC Children’s series Wonderstruck. He has written and hosted numerous television documentaries and more than 100 educational videos in Canada and the United States.
As a writer, he has authored six bestselling science books and contributed to numerous textbooks, magazines, and newspapers (including The Globe and Mail). His latest book is The Future is Now: Solving the climate crisis with current technology. McDonald has been honored for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of science within Canada. He has been awarded the Michael Smith Award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the “Sir Sanford Fleming Medal” from the Royal Canadian Institute, and the “McNeil Medal” from The Royal Society of Canada. He also won a 2008 Gemini Award for “Best Host in a Pre-School, Children’s or Youth Program or Series.”
He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
In 2015, asteroid 332324 was officially named Bobmcdonald in his honor.
He holds twelve honorary doctorates from Canadian universities.
In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Temple Grandin and hear about her passion for hands-on learning and preparing students to enter the workforce with the practical skills that are essential for the sustainability of our world. Dave and Dr. Grandin discuss the need to add "shop" and other skills-based classes back into public schools. Dr. Grandin shares personal anecdotes about her colleagues whose career aspirations began in hands-on, practical classrooms like shop classes.
Dr. Grandin believes that early exposure is vital. She was exposed to the cattle industry at an early age and attributes that exposure to her long career and the success she found designing facilities for half of the cattle industry in the United States.
Dr. Grandin also gives us insight into the way she and many other individuals think and learn. She believes that understanding how others think is vital to society and shares insights from her latest book, Visual Thinking.
Find Dr. Grandin's books here: https://www.templegrandin.com/templegrandinbooks.html
ABOUT DR. Grandin Temple Grandin is a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Facilities she has designed for handling livestock are used by many companies around the world. She has also been instrumental in implementing animal welfare auditing programs that are used by McDonalds, Wendy’s, Whole Foods, and other corporations. She has been featured on NPR (National Public Radio) and a BBC Special – "The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow". She has also appeared on National TV shows such as Larry King Live, 20/20, 60 Minutes, Fox and Friends, and she has a 2010 TED talk. Articles about Dr. Grandin have appeared in Time Magazine, New York Times, Discover Magazine, Forbes and USA Today. HBO made an Emmy Award-winning movie about her life and she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2016.
Connect with Dr. Grandin at https://www.templegrandin.com/
In today’s episode, Dave talks with Kari Byron, a professional curiosity communicator. Kari tells us about her career, her many diverse projects, and her mission to help people become good critical thinkers and "find the hope" in the world!
They also discuss how to sell the Eiffel tower, how to do flood control with diapers, and how many mentos you can eat while drinking diet coke before it becomes a big problem for you.
Kari has an art background that evolved into a science career. She was the first female host on the Discovery Channel, is a perpetually curious and adept question asker, and she is an expert at guerilla engineering. Listen in to hear her amazing perspective on life on using the scientific method, curiosity, representation, and inspiration to make excellent educational video content and lesson plans with her co-founder of EXPLR Media, Jenny Buccos.
Watch Kari's session with Jenny Buccos and Justin Shaifer from Science is Cool 9: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic9/explr-media
Find Explr Classroom: https://explr-classroom.com/
ABOUT KARI For nearly two decades Kari Byron has been a strong presence in the world of science television. She is best known as a host on Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters but has gone on to host and produce shows spanning several networks; Head Rush, Punkin Chunkin, LDRS, Thrill Factor, Strange Trips, America Declassified, The White Rabbit Project, Positive Energy and Crash Test World.
Connect with Kari at https://twitter.com/KariByron
In this episode, Dave sits down with Hall Davidson from Discovery Education. Listen in to hear Hall tell us about his long career in education and about his current passion, the free Media Festival challenge for students worldwide and learn how to get involved as a judge. They also discuss the differences in autonomy that classrooms can have over a district but are still limited by rigid assessments that don't end up serving the student's futures. Hall goes on to discuss the importance of "getting out of the text book", grabbing the attention of your students and turning them into thinkers that can problem solve and not just do well on the tests! He is excited and passionate about the fact that he sees students every day taking ownership of the planet and coming up with real solutions to some of this worlds biggest challenges!
Hall's session from ScIC9: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic9/discovery-education
Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips: https://tinyurl.com/symposiumft
Venture Valley Game: https://venturevalleygame.com/
Media Festival: https://www.mediafestival.org/
Discovery Education: https://discoveryeducation.com/
Hall’s document of resources link: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceFreeDE and https://tinyurl.com/hdhandouts
ABOUT Hall Hall Davidson has worked from think tanks in Turkey to classrooms in Tennessee. He has collaborated with thought leaders including teachers, superintendents, and departments of education. A former K-12 bilingual math teacher and college faculty member, he left the classroom to became part of an Emmy-winning team, creating math and technology integration programs. For forty years, he has been an educational innovator in important waves of change, first in broadcasting, then computers, and now digital learning. His talks blend humor, deep insight, and data from both education and industry and illustrate the big picture with nuts and bolts examples. He has worked with transformational industry groups, education ministries, and with thousands of students through guidance of the nation’s oldest student media festival. Across four decades of work with education, he identifies right now as the most transformative and important time for teaching and learning.
As the Senior Director Global Learning Initiatives for Discovery Education, Hall uses his passion to work with students and teachers to create effective and engaging curriculum. Hall holds the deep belief that both students and teachers learn best by being content creators, not consumers. Hall's esteemed career in education has led him to work with resources, award programming, technologies, and experiences that help learners gain insight by reflecting and becoming creators.
Get in contact with Hall at https://twitter.com/HallDavidson
In this episode, we hear about the many world travels and projects of the one and only Jenny Buccos aka the real Dora the explorer. Listen in to hear Dave and Jenny discuss growing up in small-town America, traveling, visiting the Parthenon, and how much growth students can experience when they are taught to have a global worldview. They talk about involving students in the discussion of how education should be structured, how to highlight young innovators, and how to ensure representation in educational media.
Jenny and her business partner Kari Byron, aka the Crash Test Girl, are using their content to help shape students into the innovators of tomorrow.
Watch Jenny's session with Kari Byron and Justin Shaifer from Science is Cool 9: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic9/explr-media
Find Explr Classroom: https://explr-classroom.com/
ABOUT JENNY Jenny is a multi-award winning director & producer. In 2003, before the existence of YouTube, she founded a multimedia website designed to educate primary and secondary school students about global cultures and histories. Over the last 20 years, she has directed and produced nearly 500 educational videos working with leaders and world-renowned organizations including Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the British Museum, and UN.
Connect with Jenny at https://twitter.com/jennybuccos
On today's episode, we sit down with award-winning journalist, Miles O'Brien. Listen in to hear Dave and Miles discuss the death of the newspaper and how news has transformed thanks to technology. They discuss the importance of science communication and why teachers must empower their students with critical thinking skills. Don't have a degree in science? That's ok - Miles' doesn't either! Hear Miles explain why having a degree in science is not a requirement to be an effective science communicator.
Learning that are no 'final answers' in science is an important part of science education for students. Miles believes that science simply is the adventure of investigating a problem and that scientific investigation should never end.
Find out what Miles and PBS are up to and how you can use his amazing work in your classroom.
Learn more about Miles on his website: https://milesobrien.com/
Watch Mile's conference session from Science is Cool 8: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic8/miles-obrien
ABOUT MILES Miles O’Brien is a veteran, award-winning journalist who focuses on science, technology, aerospace, and the environment.
He is the science correspondent for PBS NewsHour, a producer and director for the PBS science documentary series NOVA, and a correspondent for the PBS documentary series FRONTLINE and the National Science Foundation Science Nation series.
For nearly seventeen of his thirty-two years in the news business, he worked for CNN as the science, environment and aerospace correspondent and the anchor of various programs, including American Morning.
While at CNN, he secured a deal with NASA to become the first journalist to fly on the space shuttle. The project ended with the loss of Columbia and her crew in 2003 – a story he told to the world in a critically acclaimed sixteen-hour marathon of live coverage.
Prior to joining CNN, he worked as a reporter at television stations in Boston, Tampa, Albany, NY and St. Joseph, MO. He began his television career as a desk assistant at WRC-TV in Washington, DC.
O’Brien is an accomplished pilot and is frequently called upon to explain the world of aviation to a mass audience. He has won numerous awards over the years, including a half-dozen Emmys, and a Peabody and DuPont for his coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
In February of 2014, a heavy equipment case fell on his forearm while he was on assignment. He developed Acute Compartment Syndrome, which necessitated the emergency amputation of his left arm above the elbow.
Born in Detroit and raised in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, he is based in Washington, DC. He has a son at the US Naval Academy and a daughter at Davidson College in North Carolina. He was a history major at Georgetown University.
Connect with Miles on Twitter at https://twitter.com/milesobrien
Tune in to hear Gary Curts from Activate Learning swap travel stories with Dave including what happens when you drive a rental car over the saddle road in Hawaii and Gary’s adventures in volcanoes! Then, Dave and Gary talk about the state of science education today and the importance of the paper textbook in the digital age. Gary is a passionate science educator who also shares about his passion for project-based lessons to help students learning more effectively.
Watch Gary’s passionate conference presentation at Science is Cool 5: https://activatelearning.com/gary-curts-scic5/
ABOUT GARY Retired High School Science Teacher
High School Science Curriculum Specialist
Gary Curts is a 40-year veteran teacher of Physics, Chemistry, Earth, and Life Science. He was a teacher in Dublin, Ohio, and retired in 2015. While teaching, he was concurrently on a special assignment with Dublin Schools Curriculum Department, his specialty being student-centered classrooms and metacognition. Gary has been instrumental in supporting and helping teachers around the world implement Project-based Learning.
Gary is also an avid skydiver (4 continents) and is currently taking lessons on driving Ferrari race cars. He is an amateur ornithologist and astronomer, provocateur of physical fitness, and a wine collector. He was in New Zealand on White Island (Whakaari) with 3 geologists a few months before it erupted.
Connect with Gary at gcurts@activatelearning.com
In today's episode, we are privileged to speak with Dr. Eugene Cordero a.k.a. Dr. Burrito 🌯. Eugene is a climate scientist, professor, and founder of Green Ninja, The only environmentally-focused science curriculum in the country. He is on a mission to turn more children into good science thinkers. He also knows a lot about the carbon footprint of a burrito!
Listen in to hear about his love for climate solutions and veggie burritos. Dave and Eugene discuss the importance of being a good thinker but also about being able to be a good science communicator. Eugene uses storytelling and local action to make science approachable and relatable. Eugene explains how leveraging the drive for exploration in children and adult brains increases science comprehension!
Pop Quiz - What do 280 elephants have to do with the mail? 😀
Fair warning - by the time you are done listening to this episode, you will be hungry for a burrito 🌯.
Green Ninja’s website is https://web.greenninja.org/
Find Green Ninja’s professional training services: https://web.greenninja.org/professional-training-services
Find the Green Ninja film festival: https://web.greenninja.org/resources-gnff
The role of education on individual lifetime carbon emissions https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0206266
Making an Impact on Earth Day and Beyond: A Conversation with Climate Scientist Eugene Cordero: https://blogs.sjsu.edu/newsroom/2021/making-an-impact-on-earth-day-and-beyond-a-conversation-with-climate-scientist-eugene-cordero/
Find the Science is Cool recordings featuring Eugene-
Panel recording on local phenomena at Science is Cool 6: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic6-summit/local-phenomena
Eugene and Green Ninja at Science is Cool 4 session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3fAVoRCG-I
Eugene and Green Ninja at Science is Cool 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocrl6KBlMmo
Eugene's Twitter: https://twitter.com/eugeneccordero
Green Ninja's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ourgreenninja
ABOUT EUGENE Founder of Green Ninja, Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science, and burrito connoisseur.
Eugene is a climate scientist and professor in the Department of Meteorology and Climate Science at San José State University. Eugene is also the founder and director of Green Ninja, a science publisher that uses solutions to climate and environmental problems as a lens for teaching science.
In this episode, Dave chats with Mary Ford from Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots. Mary is a passionate advocate for science education and has had an extraordinary career. Listen in to hear about her work with primates in Borneo, making toast on a clothes iron with Jane Goodall, starting your own Roots and Shoots club, and how to get involved with more citizen science!
Mary and Dave also discuss her belief that teachers should be empowered to teach science in whatever way best suits an individual student. Teachers have one of the toughest jobs in the world. They have to be 100% planned and prepared, but also ready at a moment's notice to toss all of that out the window and pivot to what is best suited for their classroom. We hear Mary's take on how teachers of the world can feel empowered to do just that!
Links mentioned:
https://nhm.org/becoming-jane
https://twitter.com/RootsandShoots/status/1546888139293298688
Find Mary's ScIC session here: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic5/national-geographic-society
Find Roots and Shoots: https://www.rootsandshoots.org/
Here's a good article about the "Black in..." hashtags on Twitter that Mary mentioned: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02223-0
ABOUT MARY Mary Ford is the Senior Director of Roots & Shoots USA, the youth program of the Jane Goodall Institute, where she supports young people making a difference in their communities for other people, other animals and the environment we share. This work builds on over a decade of experience in the education division of the National Geographic Society, serving K-12 students and educators globally. She has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a master’s degree in environmental management, but her love of children, teaching, and learning led her quickly to a career focused on environmental education, citizen science and youth empowerment. She has also worked as Program Leader for Youth and Educators at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY, and Manager of Education at the national headquarters of the World Wildlife Fund and the National Audubon Society in Washington, DC. Mary has served on advisory boards at the San Diego Natural History Museum, BSCS Science Learning, and Project Learning Tree. She is the chair of the board of the North American Association for Environmental Education and co-chair of the Education Working Group of the Citizen Science Association. Mary is a longtime resident of Washington, DC and also loves to spend time in her hometown of Minneapolis, MN.
In this episode of Science is Cool Unplugged, Dave talks to Dr. Joy Kiano, a lifelong scientist and educator, and is one of the busiest people we know! We first met Joy because she helped create a children's television program called N*Gen TV Africa (pronounced “engine”) featuring students and teachers from pan Africa. This show served as a way for kids to stay engaged in their science education while they were stuck at home during the pandemic.
Today, N*Gen TV Africa is a next-generation science TV show for young learners in Africa, designed to encourage a culture of curiosity and discovery, model holistic ways of learning, and promote positive gender norms. The program is a compilation of educational segments, delivered by charismatic teachers, exciting animations, fun quizzes, and experiments, as well as tips for healthy living. It has been picked up for multiple seasons and is featured through Discovery Education!
Joy also shares her journey to science growing up as a female in Africa and how she is working to make that path easier for those that want to follow in her footsteps.
Find Joy’s Science is Cool session here: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic5/ngen-tv-africa
Africa’s first science tv show for kids and families. - NPR Story
N*Gen TV Africa's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/NgenTVAfrica/videos
The Bones Episode
NOVA The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers
See our kid explorers in the field The Wetlands Episode
See the poop experiment - Food Episode
N*GenTV on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ngentvafrica/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ngentvafrica
ABOUT JOY Dr. Joy Kiano has been the Educational Advisor and Global Ambassador for N*Gen TV Africa since 2020. Joy is a passionate educator, school leader, and teacher of science, She is deeply committed to enriching the learning experience of young people, in order to prepare them for the 21st Century workplace. Trained at Oxford, she has worked as an educator in the UK and Kenya, with teaching and leadership experience that focuses on teacher-facilitated, student-centered learning. She is a seasoned teacher and has taught in a variety of education systems and created engaging curriculums and programs of study from Prep to A-level. She is also the Founding Principal of Nova Pioneer Girls High School in Kenya, where she recruited, coached, and mentored teachers for a new educational movement that adapted the Kenyan national curriculum for an innovative, student-centered approach to 21st Century learning.
She is a published scientist, with a doctorate in molecular biology and biochemistry, and has been recognized by governments as a lead expert in the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
In this episode, we talk with the Chief Executive Tinkerer from Tinkercast! Meredith and her team are the producers of a vast amount of educational content, activities, and podcasts featuring Guy Roz and Mindy Thomas. You'll definitely want to check out their most well-known project, Wow in the World!
Listen along with us and learn about their storytelling secrets to getting kids AND their parents to wonder about the world around them and be interested in the science behind it.
Find out more about Meredith, Tinkercast, and their new innovative platform at https://tinkercast.com/ . You can check out Meredith’s ScIC talk from ScIC7 at https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic7/tinkercast.
ABOUT MEREDITH Meredith Halpern-Ranzer is an Emmy-nominated children’s media executive and the Co-founder and Chief Executive Tinkerer at Tinkercast, the company behind #1 kids podcast “Wow in the World”. As the CEO of Tinkercast, Meredith leads the vision and execution of business, partnerships, brand and marketing strategies and oversees day-to-day operations. For over twenty years, she has been a thought-leader in the children’s media industry, most notably at PBS Kids Sprout and Sesame Workshop.
In this episode, we sit down with Paul Andersen, who needs no introduction in the world of science teachers. For many years, Paul has been traveling the world helping science teachers implement the Next Generation Science Standards to educate the youth of the planet. His unique approach, down-to-earth demeanor, and relatability have made him the go-to expert on NGSS and a highly sought-after professional development speaker. Listen in to hear Paul and Dave discuss science teaching techniques, integration with other subjects, and the importance of early childhood science education.
Find Paul’s causation/correlation gear demonstration here: https://twitter.com/paulandersen/status/1362854573577097216
Contact Paul:
Paul Andersen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulandersen
Paul Andersen at ScIC: https://youtu.be/2_zMrb1Rql0
Bozeman Science: http://www.bozemanscience.com/
The Wonder of Science: https://thewonderofscience.com/
ABOUT PAUL Paul Andersen is an educational consultant and YouTube creator living in Bozeman, MT. Paul is an experienced educator having taught science in Montana for 20 years. Paul was the 2011 Montana Teacher of the Year, and was also one of four finalists for the 2011 National Teacher of the Year. In addition to teaching Paul has created hundreds of YouTube science tutorials that have been viewed millions of times by students around the world. Paul has provided training for thousands of students, teachers, and administrators around the world. Paul enjoys providing meaningful professional development that can be applied immediately in the classroom.