The 8th graders at Wilson STEM Academy in Charlotte, NC have read the The Omnivore Dilemma and researched an element from the book. In this episode, students present their projects and research on what they learned about our food ecosystem, science, technology, and non fiction text.

Why is STEAM important? STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) is everywhere; in the mobile devices that can be found everywhere, in the cars that we drive, and in everyday articles, such as, a microwave, and a fridge. STEAM holds the keys to the future of our planet, for it’s how we will stop climate change, how we will continue to better healthcare, and how we will make a technologically developed world. Today, my guest Laura Plata, a freshman in high school, has taken her passion for inquiry to create a path to inspire others to love and learn about the power of STEAM. Laura launched the platform STEAMinis during the pandemic to spark interest. STEAMinis is an initiative with the goal of helping kids spark a desire to learn STEAM. STEAMinis will do this through interactive workshops in both English and Spanish. STEAMinis wants to help bring access and awareness to kids who may otherwise not have much exposure to STEAM. Learn more: https://www.steaminis.org/en/

Ivanna Gutierrez is an accomplished young lady who has not only worked professionally in the tech industry but has now returned to her roots and is teaching the next generation of students. She shares her story, how she is making it happen in her computer science classroom, and the power of persistance. Get ready for a great learning conversation with Ivanna.

Karen D. Corbin, PhD, RD is an expert in human nutrition and metabolism. After 20 years of traversing the worlds of healthcare and science, she realized that a fundamental barrier exists for translating ideas into solutions: the common inability of scientists and other “geeks” to deliver information in a way that is impactful, relevant and inspires action. This led Dr. Corbin to an important conviction: by sharing her gift of translating complex scientific information in a way that is accessible to a broad range of audiences she could increase her contributions to science.

Nate Myers is a educator and STEM innovator and is currently creating a new STEM program at Rocky Mount Prep in Nash County, NC. He also runs a startup called the M Project focused on providing design thinking opportunities and innovation lab spaces for students to problem solve through exposure to tech-based opportunities. Originally from South Carolina, he attended NC State University as a mechanical engineering major and got my degree in Science, Technology, and Society with a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. He has been working with youth in some capacity for the past ten years, including running a music production program for the boys and girls club teen center in Raleigh, teaching with Duke TIP, and teaching courses such as digital media and computer science at various schools in both Raleigh and Durham. He lives in Raleigh, loves all things Star Wars, play piano, love reading, and being outdoors in nature. And loves spending my free time with his 2 year old daughter.

Social Media: [email protected] Twitter is @nategmyers3

Let's talk through finding your tech genius so you can elevate technology in your classroom based on your own strengths.