ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

What can humpback whales teach your students about how science works? In this episode Dave talks with Sara Wood of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary about studying and protecting whales—and the questions researchers are still working to answer.

Sara explains why more than 10,000 humpback whales travel to Hawaii each year, how researchers identify individual whales by their unique tail patterns, and how drones support whale surveys, health assessments, and entanglement response. For K–12 science teachers, these examples connect animal migration, adaptations, and population science with the technologies scientists use to collect evidence in the field.

The conversation also explores the mysteries of whale song, what scientists know about whale communication, and how vessel noise and changing ocean conditions may affect these animals. Along the way, Sara introduces citizen science and the Hawaiian practice of kilo—careful observation of the natural world—as ways to deepen our understanding of ocean ecosystems.

With stories about helping entangled whales and a reminder to avoid assuming what animals are thinking, this episode offers starting points for classroom discussions about observation, inference, and conservation. Invite your students to consider: What can we learn by observing closely, and what more evidence would we need to explain what we see?

Sara's PD session (w/pd certificate) from Science is Cool 16: Hawai'i with include lesson resources

ABOUT SARA

Sara Wood is the Sanctuary Programs and Operations Specialist at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. She previously spent three years aboard NOAA research vessel Koholā on Maui, conducting field research on humpback whale behavior, health, risk assessment, and conservation threats. She is a certified Level 3 Large Whale Entanglement Responder and brings extensive on-the-water experience to her work protecting humpback whales in Hawaiʻi.

Hawai'i is a living laboratory, but most students never get close to it. Joanna Philippoff explains how place-based marine science can pull kids, teachers, and communities into the ocean through simple, hands-on experiences that make science feel real.

From rocky intertidal tide pools to wave tanks, this conversation makes a strong case for teaching science through the environment right outside your door. Dave and Joanna unpack why Hawai'i is uniquely positioned for this kind of learning, how Hawaiian language and culture deepen the work, and why getting students to touch, measure, and observe living systems changes what they believe science can be.

You'll discover:

• Why the rocky intertidal is such a powerful classroom for marine biology
• How a tub of water can become a deep lesson in waves, erosion, and standing waves
• Why marine science is still underrepresented in K-12, even in an island state
• How teacher support systems like Lauren Kaupp STEM lending library make hands-on learning possible
• What it means to build curriculum that starts in Hawaiian, not as a translation but as a foundation
• Why invasive species in the ocean can quietly reshape reefs, habitat, and food chains

Joanna also shares how partnerships with teachers and community organizations can turn science into something students do, not just memorize. Along the way, the conversation widens into a bigger challenge: how to fix a system that often makes science harder than it needs to be for teachers and kids alike.

If you care about science education, marine ecology, or creating classrooms that build curiosity and agency, this one is essential listening. It's practical, hopeful, and full of ideas you can actually use.

Watch Joanna's session from Science is Cool 16 (PD certificate included)

Access free Hawai'i lesson resources

Hawai'i Blue School School Hui

USA Blue Schools

The Blue School Global Network

Example Hawai'i curriculum linked to Ocean Literacy: Exploring Our Fluid Earth and Sea Earth Atmosphere

National Marine Educators Conference 2027

OPIHI - Our Project in Hawaiʻiʻs Intertidal

Selected OPIHI activities on sampling

Reach out to Dr. Philippoff [email protected] ABOUT JOANNA

Dr. Joanna Philippoff is an Associate Specialist in the School of Life Sciences in the College of Natural Science at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) and the Director of the Marine Option Program for the University of Hawai'i System. She earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Master of Science in Zoology from UHM, and a B.A. in Biology from the University of Delaware. She designs, implements, evaluates, and does research on and about science education—mainly in marine science undergraduate and teacher professional learning, participatory science, and curricula projects.

Joanna developed a passion for science as a child growing up on the East Coast, and while working on her Master's Degree, she realized that she loved teaching others about ocean science. She continues to serve as a science consultant and publish in scientific journals, while being a champion of Marine Science education. Her roles have included leadership positions in the national and local chapter of the National Marine Educators Association, co-authorship of the Exploring Our Fluid Earth curriculum, and head of the long-running Our Project In Hawai'i's Intertidal (OPIHI) project.

Deeply rooted in her community, Joanna has lived and worked in Hawai'i for over 20 years as a student, researcher, educator, and faculty member. Her family lives in Ko'olaupoko and she can often be found conducting limu and other intertidal surveys with teachers and community members or at home baking with her daughter.

In this conversation, Dave and Ellen Peterson explore what it really takes to engage K–12 science students through hands-on, authentic learning. Ellen shares how mentorship from Steve Spangler helped shape her teaching style, why classroom engagement matters more than perfect content delivery, and how memorable demos can turn even reluctant learners into curious participants.

The discussion also dives into project-based learning, the power of collecting real data, and how tools like sensors can make science more relevant, local, and exciting for students. From Iceland fieldwork to classroom demos, makerspaces, and middle school lab groups, this episode is a practical and inspiring look at creating science experiences students will actually remember.

Area 59 website: www.area-59.com Area 59 Facebook: www.facebook.com/wyomakers Every Day STEM Facebook: This is a private group. To join you have to answer questions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/everydaystem Gillette College: www.gillettecollege.org Email: [email protected] ABOUT ELLEN

Ellen Peterson is the Director of Area 59, the makerspace at Gillette College in Gillette, Wyoming. She develops hands-on STEM, maker, and career-connected learning experiences for students, educators, families, veterans, and community members.

Her work focuses on making emerging technology approachable and meaningful through robotics, sensors, digital fabrication, coding, engineering, and real-world problem solving. Ellen regularly partners with schools and community organizations to design programs that build curiosity, confidence, and practical skills.

She is especially interested in helping learners move beyond simply using technology to collecting evidence, asking better questions, and understanding the world through authentic data. Through Area 59, she creates opportunities for learners of all ages to experiment, build, investigate, and discover what they are capable of doing.

Organization

Area 59 at Gillette College

Programs and projects

• Area 59 makerspace programming
• Homeschool STEM and robotics courses
• PocketLab-supported science investigations
• Career and technical education outreach
• Teacher professional development
• Community maker programs for youth and adults

Most educators and leaders feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI—yet some districts are boldly pioneering its integration into learning. What if you could turn that uncertainty into a powerful opportunity? In this episode, Carl Mohn, Director of AI and Applied Learning at Longview ISD, shares how his district is navigating the ever-changing AI landscape with a proactive, growth-oriented mindset. You'll discover how schools can develop flexible policies through guidelines rather than rigid rules, empowering students and teachers to harness AI responsibly while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and inquiry. Carl breaks down the core concepts of AI literacy—why understanding the science behind large language models is akin to learning to read, and why language skills matter more than ever—along with practical strategies for introducing AI in classrooms, from nuanced "stoplight" frameworks to personalized question design.

You'll also explore the ethical use of AI, how to combat biases and disparities in multilingual contexts, and why cultivating curiosity and resilience around failure is essential for future-ready learners. This episode offers critical insights on shaping adaptable policies, designing authentic assessments, and guiding students to interact thoughtfully with AI—skills that defy the uncertainty of tomorrow. See how embracing AI as a tool for growth, rather than a threat, can unlock new levels of engagement, confidence, and innovation in education. Perfect for educators, administrators, and anyone curious about the future of learning, this is essential listening if you want to stay ahead of the curve. The future is uncertain, but your approach doesn't have to be—hit play and explore the possibilities.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-mohn/ https://www.facebook.com/carl.mohn https://www.facebook.com/LongviewISD/ https://www.instagram.com/longviewisd/ https://x.com/longviewisd https://www.linkedin.com/company/longview-independent-school-district https://www.youtube.com/c/LongviewISDLOBOS ABOUT CARL

Carl Mohn serves as the Director of AI Strategy and Applied Learning at Longview ISD in Longview, Texas, where he leads the development and implementation of artificial intelligence initiatives that support innovative, learner-centered instruction across the district. His work is closely connected to the district's Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) initiatives, helping expand personalized learning opportunities through emerging technologies, instructional innovation, and applied learning design.

With a Master of Education in Digital Learning and Leading, Carl is experienced in AI integration, blended learning, project-based learning, and the strategic use of instructional technology to support educator effectiveness and student success.

Carl develops practical systems, resources, and professional learning experiences that help educators integrate AI in meaningful, responsible, and sustainable ways. He believes meaningful innovation begins by equipping teachers with practical tools, clear support, and the confidence to adapt in an evolving educational landscape.

His guiding philosophy is simple: change the world one teacher at a time.

Hawaii is a scientific goldmine—home to some of the world's most cutting-edge reef research, volcano monitoring, and climate science. Marine biologist John Burns pulls back the curtain on the islands' natural laboratories, from new reefs born in the wake of lava flows to remote ocean sensors tracking climate change in real time.

Discover how 3D coral mapping and autonomous underwater drones are revolutionizing ocean science. John shares stories of live-streaming reef cameras that captured rare octopus and shark behavior, and how citizen scientists worldwide now contribute to ocean monitoring through simple, accessible tools.

We break down the fragile balance of coral ecosystems—how temperature swings, pollution, and acidification threaten their survival—and why resilience means understanding and trusting nature's own processes, not just fighting back. You'll learn why protecting Hawaii's unique wildlife may hold the key to saving reefs everywhere, and how AI is accelerating scientific discovery.

A marine ecologist with decades of research at Hawaii's natural labs, John Burns is known for pioneering high-tech reef mapping and delivering engaging, real-world science. His insights on reef dynamics, conservation, and the power of curiosity will shift how you see nature's resilience.

Perfect for science enthusiasts, climate advocates, educators, and anyone curious about the future of our oceans. Hit play.

LIVE YouTube Reef Cam https://www.youtube.com/c/MEGALabCam/live Mapping the Reef https://vimeo.com/755620263 Connect with John https://www.johnhrburns.com/ ABOUT JOHN

Dr. Burns is a research scientist who studies coral health and disease. His work has investigated the physiological impacts of disease on affected corals and how coral mortality affects the ecology and biology of coral reef ecosystems. John has been continuously searching for both global and localized drivers of coral diseases in order to promote healthy coral ecosystems in the face of global stressors such as climate change. His expertise led to his inclusion in the award-winning documentaries, Chasing Coral, Reefs at Risk, and Island Earth. John has recently developed innovative techniques to create three-dimensional maps of coral reefs to accurately measure how natural and human-induced disturbances impact ecosystem function. John's research has been presented at scientific conferences around the globe and he has authored multiple publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

Keith Schacht, co-creator of Mystery Science, shares his journey building impactful edtech tools including what failure taught him along the way. The conversation covers how timing and execution drive market breakthroughs, why honesty and humility matter in startup culture, and how student curiosity became the foundation for designing compelling science lessons for elementary learners.

The episode also digs into the responsible integration of AI and personalized learning in classrooms, and why elementary education needs a rethink centered on individual student interests. Keith argues that understanding why something works, not just that it works, is what enables students to thrive in this world. A worthwhile listen for educators, entrepreneurs, and parents interested in where education is headed.

Connect with Keith on his website KeithSchacht.com Visit his YouTube, Instagram + TikTok ABOUT KEITH

I'm one part inventor, one part explainer, and one part entrepreneur. I run a channel on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok under my name "Keith Schacht." These days, I primarily explain new technologies and what they make possible. I also spent about a decade of my career making videos that explain science to children through my company Mystery Science. I built a team of explainers that made videos for our website and for our YouTube channel MysterySci, which has more than a million subscribers. I sold Mystery Science to Discovery Education back in 2021. Prior to this I worked at Facebook for a short time where I ran News Feed and started and sold multiple technology companies.

Unlock the secrets of Hawaii's indigenous science and discover how ancient navigators mastered the stars to voyage across vast oceans without GPS. In this episode, Dr. Leilani Nerveza-Clark shares how native Hawaiian navigators relied on star compasses, environmental cues, and deep observational skills, and how these age-old techniques remain powerfully relevant today as lessons in mindfulness, ecological stewardship, and social-emotional learning. Leilani is an experienced Kumu Kaiapuni ʻEpekema (Hawaiian Immersion Science Teacher) and Alakaʻi Haku Kurikulama Kaiapuni (Kaiapuni Curriculum Specialist). From studying native snails at the Bishop Museum to curating culturally rich STEM curricula for the Hawai'i Department of Education, the conversation explores how integrating native science and language can inspire the next generation of scientists and stewards of Earth.

Hawaii's untouched environment is a living laboratory, brimming with undiscovered phenomena waiting to ignite young minds, and the state's unique cultural and ecological landscape offers a compelling blueprint for science education. Leilani highlights innovative projects in native species conservation, virtual field trips, and early childhood outdoor learning emphasizing how immersive nature connection is more vital than ever in a hyper-digital age. Whether you're an educator, parent, or policymaker, this episode delivers a clear call to action: leverage indigenous knowledge and inquiry-based learning to turn Hawai'i into a global STEM powerhouse.

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi & Culture-Based Education Resources

• Wehewehe Hawaiian Dictionaries: https://wehe.hilo.hawaii.edu/
• The essential online dictionary clearinghouse used for developing modern science curriculum in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
• Ulukau: The Hawaiian Electronic Library: https://ulukau.org/
• A digital repository of Hawaiian language books and educational resources supporting indigenous literacy and research.
• Hoʻolaupaʻi (Hawaiian Nupepa Collection): https://www.nupepa.org/
• An archive of historical Hawaiian-language newspapers preserving ancestral knowledge on weather, environment, and history.

Cultural & Scientific Context

• Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS): https://www.hokulea.com/
• Learn more about traditional wayfinding, the star compass, and the legacy of voyaging.
• Maunakea Observatories: https://maunakeaobservatories.org/
• Discover the world-class astronomical research happening at the summit of Maunakea.

ABOUT LEILANI

Dr. Leilani Nerveza-Clark is an innovative Alakaʻi Haku Kurikulama (Curriculum Development Leader) and the Poʻo (Administrator) of the State Kaiapuni Distance Learning Program dedicated to shaping the future of science education in Hawaiʻi. A bridge-builder between worlds, she specializes in weaving cutting-edge modern STEM tools with the profound ancestral wisdom and environmental knowledge unique to our islands. By designing place-based, hands-on learning experiences, Leilani empowers educators to inspire all students to see themselves as the next generation of kiaʻi (guardians) of Hawaiʻi and our earth. When Leilani isnʻt busy transforming educational frameworks, you can find her digging through historical archives or exploring the natural wonders of our pae ʻāina.

Most people overlook Hawaii's cutting-edge science — but not our guest, Lauren Kaupp. She reveals how the islands are a global scientific powerhouse, with research from volcanoes to coral reefs that will blow your mind. Whether you're a teacher, student, or science enthusiast, this episode uncovers the extraordinary science happening right in Hawaii's backyard and why it should inspire your next adventure or lesson plan.

Lauren shares her journey from DOE specialist to passionate connector of Hawaii's scientific community, revealing the hidden gems that make Hawaii a world-class lab for space, oceanography, and earth sciences. You'll discover the unique biomes that exist nowhere else, deep-sea ecology workshops that wow teachers, and how Hawaii's research facilities are shaping the future of STEM education. We break down the challenges of curriculum relevance, assessment myths, and the power of curiosity-driven learning—arming you with practical ideas to ignite that same passion in young learners.

In this episode, you'll learn how phenomena like tidal waves, volcano eruptions, and optical illusions aren't just awe-inspiring—they're powerful teaching tools that foster wonder, creativity, and critical thinking. Lauren discusses how connecting science to local place and culture can transform classrooms into vibrant hubs of exploration. Plus, gain insight into how real-world research, like studying bagworms or navigating the tricky world of assessments, can inspire lifelong curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Why does this matter? Because the next generation of scientists, engineers, and thinkers starts with inspired teachers and engaging lessons rooted in their environment. Hawaii's science resources—completely accessible and staggering in scope—are a goldmine waiting to be tapped. Ignoring this opportunity risks missing out on cultivating the problem-solvers of tomorrow.Perfect for educators, parents, or anyone fascinated by how the natural world shapes our thinking and future. Whether you're tuning in from Hawaii or anywhere else, this episode will open your eyes to the incredible science nestled in your local landscape—and how you can use it to spark curiosity in every age. Dive in and discover why Hawaii truly punches above its weight as a scientific giant.

ABOUT LAUREN

Lauren Kaupp, MS, EdD is the director of the University of Hawai'i STEM Pre-Academy, which fosters student interest, engagement, and learning in STEM by connecting University of Hawai'i STEM research and innovation with K–12 classrooms.

In her second semester of college, Lauren started working at the Chemistry Tutorial Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and has been involved in STEM education ever since. Her interest in science education deepened while in graduate school at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM), through volunteering at outreach events and at the Waikīkī Aquarium. Lauren then taught high school chemistry and physics at the University Laboratory School, as well as science enrichment courses for elementary and middle school students.

In addition to classroom teaching and informal education, Lauren was involved in collaborative curriculum development in Marine Science and Physics in the College of Education at UHM. Over the course of her career, she has also provided hundreds of presentations and professional development sessions for teachers, administrators, and other educators, on topics including scientific inquiry, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), curriculum, assessment, and Federal regulatory requirements and compliance.

Lauren has an interest in educational leadership, policy, and planning. At the State of Hawai'i Department of Education, Lauren provided strategic leadership in NGSS adoption and implementation, helped to develop a state-level Curriculum Management System and Instructional Materials Approval Process, and created the framework for a newly adopted Federal program.

Lauren earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from UMBC, a Master of Science in Oceanography from UHM, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California.

Coral Zayas, a K-5 science and inquiry-based learning expert, reveals how building strong foundational skills in elementary school can prevent the cascading gaps that hold students back in later grades. She shares her framework for teaching physical, life, and earth science in ways that spark curiosity and foster real-world problem solving—including three types of project-based learning and how to integrate literacy, math, and social studies into science for deeper understanding.

From practical strategies for multilingual and neurodiverse learners to leveraging outdoor and community-based learning, Coral shows how modest investments and creative thinking can unlock powerful experiences. She also tackles how schools can simplify assessments, reduce testing overload, and build a culture of curiosity through professional learning networks and intentional curriculum design.

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate for equitable hands-on learning, this episode challenges the status quo and delivers actionable insights to revolutionize science teaching from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Order Coral's book

Coral's podcast https://www.youtube.com/@CoralZayas

Coral's LinkedIn https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/coralzayas And Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/thrive_with_coral ABOUT CORAL

Coral Zayas, M.S., is the author of Teaching K-5 Science with over 15 years of experience spanning K-12 STEM education, bilingual instruction, higher education, and teacher professional development. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum designer, college lecturer, program manager, and education policy fellow.

Coral specializes in designing cross-disciplinary curricula that integrate science, social studies, problem-based learning, and education technology. She centers global education perspectives and research-based strategies to engage diverse learners, particularly multilingual and neurodivergent students across all classroom settings.

As a recognized voice in education, Coral has presented at local and national conferences including ISTE, the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT), and the Austin Area Association for Bilingual Education (AAABE). She has contributed to education policy discussions as a fellow and panelist with Teach Plus Texas, Leadership ISD (Texas), and other organizations.

Coral believes science classrooms serve as bridges to global problem-solving and remains committed to empowering educators with tools that inspire curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning. She earned her Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University and her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Elon University.

Great teachers know that every student learns differently—and many are already finding creative ways to personalize learning within their classrooms. So what happens when you shrink the class size way down and rethink the structure from the ground up? In this episode, Kaity Broadbent, co-founder of Prenda, takes us inside the world of micro schooling—small, community-based learning environments gaining traction with families post-COVID. You'll hear how Prenda's model is built around ideas many experienced educators already champion: student agency, mastery-based progression, and meeting kids where they are. Kaity shares how guides from diverse backgrounds—including career teachers—create flexible, neighborhood-based spaces where kids build autonomy and critical thinking alongside academics.

We also dig into how AI tools are being used thoughtfully in these settings to personalize learning, track progress in real time, and support students with diverse needs like dyslexia or ADHD—practical insights that apply whether you're in a traditional classroom or exploring alternative models. Kaity discusses what's drawing families toward smaller settings, how technology can amplify what good teaching already looks like, and what this shifting landscape means for educators and parents alike. If you're a teacher curious about micro schools, a parent exploring options, or anyone interested in where education is headed, this conversation is worth your time. The ideas here aren't about replacing great teaching—they're about expanding what's possible.

Follow Kaity on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kaity_forthekids/

Follow Prenda on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/prendalearn/

https://www.prenda.com/

ABOUT KAITY

Kaity Broadbent serves as Head of Learning at Prenda, an organization that is reimagining K–8 education through microschools that prioritize connection, personalization, and student ownership. Prenda has supported more than 1,000 individuals in launching their own microschools, expanding access to small, community-based learning environments across the country. In her role, Kaity leads the development of Prenda's learning model and curriculum, focusing on mastery-based, personalized learning, and neuro-supportive practices that help children thrive.