Show Summary:

In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire navigates the whirlwind of back-to-school season, sharing favorite moments from her K-8 STEM classroom, including a fun bar graph icebreaker that got her students engaged. Natasha reflects on her daughter's transition to 1st grade and how she loves to find math in everyday life. Together, they discuss how STEM classrooms can bring subjects like math and science to life, inspiring a love for learning. Many define STEM as preparing students for in-demand jobs, but we value the importance of nurturing students’ passions, using real-world connections in the STEM classroom to help them better understand the world around them, rather than focusing solely on job skills.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

127. Why You Should Teach About STEM Careers

144. Another Year of Smashing STEM

122. How to Motivate Students

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

10 Easy STEM Career Classroom Activities (includes Sparks!)

How to Teach STEM Through A Story

Vivify STEM Lessons

STEM Careers BINGO Game for K-5 or 6-8

Technology Choice Board Bundle

Astronaut Training: 4 Cs of STEM (Back to School STEM Activities)

Alphabet STEM - Introduce PreK-1 to STEM!

Other STEM Resources

Vivify TikTok: Claire’s STEM Classroom Tour (ft. the Nature Wall)

Quick Tips

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY X

VIVIFY TIKTOK