In this inspiring episode of Legend Makers, Scott sits down with Sara Boucher, a dynamic K-5 STEM educator from Las Vegas, Nevada, who's transforming classrooms with hands-on robotics, creative problem-solving, and an infectious passion for STEM education.

Sara shares her journey from a mid-year first-grade hire to becoming a powerhouse in STEM education, integrating tools like Dash, VEX 123, and Sphero Bolt to make learning fun and accessible for all students. She dives into how she leverages technology, from drones to 3D printing, to spark curiosity and innovation in young learners.

Key Topics Covered:

• Sara's unconventional path into teaching and STEM
• Building a thriving K-5 STEM program from scratch
• How to make the most of limited classroom time (only 30 sessions per year!)
• Engaging projects like bio-sand filters inspired by Charity Water
• The power of community in education through Edcamp Vegas
• Balancing the fun and practical sides of STEM, from coding to real-world problem-solving
• Advice for new educators: Be yourself, find your fit, and embrace the chaos

Resources & Links:

• Sara’s Website: msgeekyteach.com
• Instagram: @msgeekyboucher
• TikTok: @msgeekyteach
• Charity Water: charitywater.org
• Learn about Edcamp: edcamp.org

What You'll Learn:

• How STEM can inspire students to pursue technology and engineering careers
• The importance of community and collaboration in teaching
• Why it’s okay for your classroom (and lessons) to be a little messy
• The impact of hands-on learning for kids—from water filtration projects to robotics competitions

Sara's energy and commitment to making STEM accessible and exciting for all students is contagious. Whether you're a fellow educator looking for inspiration or just curious about how to bring more creativity into the classroom, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode—and follow Sara’s journey online to see more of her amazing work in STEM education!