Show Summary:

Natasha and Claire return to unpack an essential question for STEM educators: Should you be using the Design Process or the Engineering Design Process in your classroom? With a mix of practical advice and personal stories, they explore how each approach supports creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. Whether you're a seasoned STEM teacher or just getting started, you'll hear thoughtful insights on when to emphasize open-ended design thinking versus structured problem-solving. Plus, the hosts dive into the importance of developing key “making” skills—like prototyping, tool use, and collaborative iteration—to empower students as confident creators and problem solvers. Tune in for a conversation that will help you make informed decisions to best support your students' growth as future innovators.

Links from the Show:

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Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Scientific Method vs. Engineering Design Process: Which is used in STEM Learning?

I Didn’t Always Want to be an Engineer | Claire

Vivify STEM Lessons

Eating in Space STEM Challenge

Bridge Engineering STEM Challenge

Newspaper STEM Challenges

Other STEM Resources

Food Truck Championship of Texas

The Facebook post that started this conversation!

Space Colony Competition

SEEC (Space Exploration Educators Conference)

NASA | Meet the Teams Leading Moonwalking Test Mission (ft. Ike Theriot)

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