While many schools across the United States are considering banning smartphones in the classroom, some educators see these devices as powerful tools for learning. Modern smartphones are packed with sensors capable of measuring everything from motion and sound to health data and basic principles of physics. For students growing up in the smartphone age, these tools are already in their pockets.

Our guest today is exploring how that technology can be used to inspire curiosity and hands-on discovery in science education. Dr. Dave Rakestraw, Senior Scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, joins us to discuss how smartphones can become powerful scientific instruments and how educators can harness everyday technology to get students excited about science.