ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

Dave and Jacob question the true meaning of education in a society where information is readily accessible through smartphones. Part 2 of this teacher podcast, host Dave Bakker engages in a thought-provoking conversation with guest Jacob Chastain, delving into various aspects of education and teaching. This teaching podcast touches upon the ongoing debate between traditional and classical education, and the hosts delve into the value of studying classics and engaging in time-tested educational activities.

Looking toward the future, this STEM podcast episode discusses potential changes in education, including automated essay writing and the utilization of AI-generated prompts. However, the hosts express reservations regarding the potential lack of engagement and enjoyment in these approaches. The conversation also widens its scope to explore the broader societal implications of relying heavily on AI and automation, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the limitations and possibilities that technology presents.

Throughout the podcast, the hosts stress the positive contributions that technology has made to education, such as fostering connections among people and providing new avenues for expression. They advocate for finding a balance between recognizing the limitations and potential dangers of technology while harnessing its positive impacts to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Empowering teachers to innovate within the education system is seen as crucial, and creative solutions are highlighted as essential in navigating the challenges of modern education.

Moreover, the podcast episode delves into the influential role of teachers in inspiring students, recognizing their individual learning styles and preferences. This teaching podcast emphasizes the significance of understanding students' diverse needs and tailoring educational approaches accordingly. The conversation also explores the profound impact of failure on personal drive, highlighting the value of self-awareness and taking ownership of one's actions. They discuss the importance of teaching problem-solving and communication skills, promoting a well-rounded education that prepares students for various real-world challenges.

Dave and Jacob encourage listeners to reflect on the impact of technology, the role of inspiring teachers, and the power of self-reflection in personal growth. With an emphasis on finding a balance and fostering creativity in education, this episode offers practical perspectives for both teachers and educators seeking to navigate the ever-changing educational landscape.

Connect with Jacob:

Teach Me Teacher Podcast

Facebook—Facebook.com/teachmeteacher

Instagram—@teachmeteacherhost

Twitter—@jacobchastain_

Jacob Chastain is the host and creator of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast, a former literacy coach, author, speaker, trainer, and curriculum writer, and is currently teaching seventh-grade English in Ft. Worth Texas.

Jacob believes that educators should be pushing the boundaries of what it means to engage students in the classroom and that teachers are currently in the golden age of education. With the advent of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, educators all over the world can connect and share ideas to improve their craft.

His award-winning Teach Me, Teacher podcast reaches tens of thousands of educators every month across the world, is a top-rated podcast on Apple Podcasts, and has featured some of the premier minds and personalities in education on the show.

Some of the top guests featured on the show are Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Kim Bearden, Hamish Brewer, Kelly Gallagher, and Todd Whitaker.

The show covers anything and everything related to the wonderful world of education but is sure to focus on how they can all step up and be a positive influence for good in their students' lives.

In the first part of this enlightening episode, Dave engages in a dialogue with Jacob Chastain, the dynamic host of the popular 'Teach Me, Teacher Podcast'. As a guiding star in the education realm, Chastain offers illuminating insights into the bustling world of teacher podcasts, while championing authentic conversation and acknowledging the oft-overlooked heroes of the classroom - a must-listen for educators looking to connect, learn, and grow.

Jacob shines a light on the thrilling spontaneity that comes with nurturing a dedicated audience on teacher podcasts. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, authenticity, and genuine commitment to the subject matter, making it a significant resource for teachers worldwide.

Jacob also brings attention to the underappreciated work of educators in classrooms, lauding those who offer exceptional insights despite not having extensive fame or publications. In his view, the establishment of reliable teacher communities where educators can exchange experiences, learn from each other, and extend mutual support is critical. He advocates for sincere discussions and collective initiatives as the roadmap to meaningful transformation in education.

The discussion further delves into the theme of standardized testing in science and its impact on education. Jacob and Dave scrutinize how traditional testing methods might not adequately capture students' growth and capabilities, especially in disciplines like writing and science. Jacob accentuates the need for real-world problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills, arguing that these crucial abilities aren't effectively evaluated by standardized tests.

Jacob strongly advocates for integrating language arts and science education to produce proficient scientists and engineers capable of effectively communicating their ideas. He also suggests a more holistic approach to assessment, such as portfolio-based evaluations, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of students' progress and potential.

Throughout this dynamic conversation with Jacob Chastain, they traverse a wide array of topics, delving into the subtleties of podcasting, emphasizing authenticity, and calling for a shift in the assessment approach in education. This episode brims with thought-provoking insights and profound, meaningful dialogue, making it a must-listen for every educator interested in teacher podcasts, standardized testing in science, and integrating language arts and science.

Connect with Jacob:

Teach Me Teacher Podcast

Facebook—Facebook.com/teachmeteacher

Instagram—@teachmeteacherhost

Twitter—@jacobchastain_

Jacob Chastain is the host and creator of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast, a former literacy coach, author, speaker, trainer, and curriculum writer, and is currently teaching seventh-grade English in Ft. Worth Texas.

Jacob believes that educators should be pushing the boundaries of what it means to engage students in the classroom and that teachers are currently in the golden age of education. With the advent of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, educators all over the world can connect and share ideas to improve their craft.

His award-winning Teach Me, Teacher podcast reaches tens of thousands of educators every month across the world, is a top-rated podcast on Apple Podcasts, and has featured some of the premier minds and personalities in education on the show.

Some of the top guests featured on the show are Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Kim Bearden, Hamish Brewer, Kelly Gallagher, and Todd Whitaker.

The show covers anything and everything related to the wonderful world of education but is sure to focus on how they can all step up and be a positive influence for good in their students' lives.

In this podcast, Dave discusses Project Based Learning (PBL) with Sally Creel, a STEM & Innovation Supervisor in Cobb County, Georgia. They delve into the benefits of authentic learning, inquiry-based approaches, and hands-on experiences in fostering student-centered and collaborative education. Sally highlights the importance of integrating PBL into the curriculum to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation among students. They also explore the significance of 21st-century skills, such as problem-solving and project management, and emphasize the role of teacher professional development in implementing effective PBL strategies. Tune in to gain insights on engaging students through real-world applications and promoting STEM education through project-based experiences.

Connect with Sally on Twitter: https://twitter.com/STEMsally

Connect with Sally's innovation department: https://twitter.com/STEMcobb

Connect with Cobb County School District STEM department on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cobbscience

If you are in Georgia, sign up for STEM Palooza happening Summer of 2023: http://www.stemcobb.com/stemapalooza-2023.html

Re-watch the Science is Cool 8 panel featuring Dr. Sally Creel, "The State of STEM in Georgia": https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic8/the-current-state-of-stem-in-georgia

STEM and Innovation Supervisor for Cobb County School District

Dr. Sally Creel, K-12 STEM & Innovation Supervisor for Cobb County Schools in Georgia, has spent the last 28 years as an educator, science and STEM administrator working with leaders, teachers, and K–12 students. Dr. Creel earned a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education from Shorter College in Georgia, a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont College in Georgia, and her doctorate in Teacher Leadership from Kennesaw State University. Dr. Creel served as the President of the Georgia Science Supervisors Association and Science Teaching Association and continues to work as a professional development consultant for several organizations including the National Science Teaching Association, Georgia DOE, Kennesaw State University, FTW Robotics, Picture Perfect Science, Teacher Created Materials and various federal grants. Dr. Creel has most recently contributed to the publication Navigating the challenges of elementary science teaching and learning: Using case-based pedagogy to understand dilemmas of practice. She was also a consulting author for the Smithsonian's STEAM Readers series and STEM Position Statement for the National Science Teaching Association. Dr. Creel currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Georgia Aquarium, Underwriter's Laboratory OREE Advisory Board, and Interactive Research Methods Lab at Kennesaw State University.

Online educational games have been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many schools to transition to remote learning. But what exactly are online educational games, and why are they so effective? To answer these questions, we spoke with Dan White, the CEO of Filament Games, a leading educational game developer that has worked with some of the biggest names in education, including Amazon, Scholastic, and the US Department of Education.

According to Dan White, online educational games are games that are specifically designed to teach or reinforce a particular concept or skill. They can be targeted at any age group, from preschoolers to adults, and can cover a wide range of subjects, including science, social studies, and language arts.

One of the key benefits of online educational games is that they can make learning fun. "Games have a unique ability to engage players in a way that traditional classroom instruction simply can't," says Dan White. "By tapping into the player's natural curiosity, we can create experiences that are both entertaining and educational."

But online educational games are much more than just a source of entertainment. They can also improve a range of skills, from problem-solving and critical thinking to collaboration and communication. "Games can provide a safe and low-stakes environment for players to practice and develop skills that are relevant to real-world situations," says Dan White.

Another advantage of online educational games is that they can be tailored to each individual learner's needs and abilities. "One of the great things about games is that they can adapt to the player's performance," explains Dan White. "If a player is struggling with a particular concept or skill, the game can adjust the difficulty level or provide additional support to help the player succeed."

While online educational games are not a substitute for traditional classroom instruction, they can be a valuable tool for teachers and students alike. "Games can be used to supplement classroom instruction and provide students with an additional opportunity to practice and reinforce what they are learning," says Dan White.

In conclusion, online educational games have the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and teach. By making learning fun, improving a range of skills, and providing tailored instruction, they can help students achieve better outcomes and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Check out the session from ScIC6 with Dan White featuring Filament Games and First Global: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic6/virtual-robotics

Connect with Filament Games on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FilamentGames

Learn more about Filament Games: https://www.filamentgames.com/

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER for Filament Games

Dan White believes that good gameplay and good learning are complementary rather than oppositional forces. An alumnus of Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Dan earned an M.S. in Education Technology under seminal learning game scholars Drs. Kurt Squire and James Paul Gee. Prior to founding Filament, Dan worked as a teacher, an instructional designer, and a game developer. Dan's passions include learning games, sustainability, mindfulness, and modernizing institutional education.

In this intelligent episode, we sit down with an artificial intelligence expert, Jordan Harrod and learn about the immediate impact of AI and how it can help shape our future. Dave and Jordan's dive deep about everything AI and how it will change education.

They also discuss Chat GPT, machine learning, models and AGI, and we learn more than we thought we needed to know about how AI works. They discuss AI literacy, how AI is trained, how accurate or inaccurate AI can be, and how AI is even learning bias!

But of course, this is an education podcast, so what does this all mean for your students? Jordan and Dave discuss how students can use AI in the classroom, what they should avoid, and how teachers can leverage AI to help prepare their students for the future! The also answer the question - what do educators need to understand and watch out for in the classroom now that students can access this new technology?

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jordanharrod

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jordanbharrod/

Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/jordanharrod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JordanBHarrod

Newsletter: https://www.jordanharrod.com

Jordan Harrod (she/her) is a Ph.D. Candidate in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics at the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program. Her research focuses on applying neuromodulation to clinically relevant challenges and using neurotechnology and machine learning to develop new tools for brain stimulation. Jordan received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University in 2018, where she worked on interfacial tissue engineering, medical image analysis, and machine learning for MRI reconstruction. In her spare time, Jordan is actively involved in science communication via her YouTube channel, which focuses on engaging the public on artificial intelligence and Twitter, Tiktok, and Instagram.

In this super fun episode, you will have the privilege of experiencing the incredible energy of the Hip Hop M.D.! Maynard Okereke talks with us about his amazingly upbeat approach to bringing STEM education to underserved populations and making it fun and accessible for everyone!

Dave and Maynard discuss aspects of our modern world such as social media and AI and how they can both help and hurt students during their childhood education. But both agree that this technology can be extremely helpful if used correctly to foster learning in a positive way!

They delve into the topic of AI and Chat GPT and ways that teachers and students can both use and learn from it in the classroom. They also discuss at length the drawbacks of brand-new technology and acknowledge the need to either embrace it or face getting left behind.

Maynard shares about his work in schools, at STEM events and conferences, and on his various media platforms. His goal is to show that STEM is definitely fun, but he stresses that the delivery matters. Maynard's passion is reaching underserved student populations, and he hopes to inspire students around the world to look up to "celebrity" scientists that look like themselves, just like they do sports figures or movie stars.

Maynard also fills us in on his exciting work with the USA Science and Engineering Festival during their many X-STEM events around the country.

You can hire Maynard for your own school or event! Connect with him and learn more at https://www.hiphopscienceshow.com/

Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D., graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is an award-winning Science Communicator, having received both the Asteroid Award for "Best Streaming Content" and the People of Change Award for his community outreach efforts. His passion for science and entertainment, along with his curiosity for new innovation has taken him through an incredible life journey.

Noticing a lack of minority involvement in the S.T.E.M. fields, he created Hip Hop Science with the goal of encouraging minorities and youth to pursue more advanced career paths. His background in engineering, acting, music, business, and credible work in STEM make him uniquely qualified to engage on a wide variety of topics from an entertaining perspective. This is highly reflected in his speaking engagements and daily social media posts which provide both humorous and informative SciComm content.

Quite possibly the "Most Interesting Man in the World". Victor Vescovo joins us on the show to tell us all about his explorations and what he thinks about the future of our civilization.

Victor has done many things in life, but during this episode we hear about his recent scientific explorations of the deepest parts of our oceans. He tells us about the creation of the first of its kind, reusable submersible that united build teams from around the world. Victor and his team used this new technology to dive into the five deepest trenches in the ocean.

Victor also talks with Dave about what the deep sea can teach us about the planet and how we can use that research to progress our society into the future. Can you guess which classic novel was Victor's inspiration?

Dave and Victor get into their favorite science fiction dystopian films and how close we have come to them becoming a reality.

We also learn why Victor does what he does, and he shares his childhood and the teachers in his life that made a real impact on him!

You can connect with Victor on his Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictorVescovo

Victor is a 20-year veteran private equity and venture capital investor with particular expertise in the aerospace, defense, and electronics industries.

He received his MBA from Harvard Business School where he was named a Baker Scholar, received a Master's Degree from MIT and earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University. He also served 20 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve as an intelligence officer, retiring as a Commander.

Victor was the 12th American to complete the "Explorer's Grand Slam" which requires climbing the highest peak on all seven of the world's continents including Mt. Everest and skiing 100 kilometers to the North and South Poles. In 2020, he piloted the first repeated dives to Challenger Deep -- now fifteen times, and in August 2019 became the first person to visit "The Five Deeps," the deepest point in each of the world's oceans. Victor has personally been to the bottom of seventeen deep ocean trenches, while no other person has ever been to the bottom of more than two.

He has also made three dives to the Titanic including the only solo dive ever made there. In the last two years, Victor located and dove on the deepest and second-deepest wrecks in history at the sites of the USS Johnston and USS Samuel B. Roberts.

Victor is also a commercially rated multi-engine jet and helicopter pilot, a certified submersible test pilot, and recently flew into space on Blue Origin's New Shephard-21 mission, thus becoming the first person in history to climb Mount Everest, explore the very bottom of the ocean, and visit space.

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Uchenna Emenaha to discuss the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy. We learn about Uchenna's journey to complete her Ph.D. on the topic and how she is applying her research in the real world.

Uchenna explains the basics of CRP (culturally responsive pedagogy). Dave and Uchenna discuss the impact that students' "lived experiences" have on their education, and how implicit or explicit bias can play a part. Uchenna is deeply passionate about the nuance of each individual student and has discovered a deep link between social justice and education. She stresses that it is vital that all students, especially minorities, have a safe space in order to adequately learn in a school environment.

Dave and Uchenna go on to talk about "responsible teaching" and how students can thrive in the right situation. Uchenna points out that getting students to think critically is the ultimate goal and teaching her students to use good data to structure a logical argument is the key. Life is a series of decisions and Uchenna wants students to leave school prepared to tackle them!

You can find our previous interview with Uchenna at ScIC10 Live at CAST22 in Dallas, TX, here: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic10/culturally-responsive-pedagogy-in-science-education

Dr. Uchenna Emenaha is an award-winning assistant professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio who recently won the Science Teachers Associations of Texas 2021 Gerald Skoog Cup College Faculty Award. Her research focuses on culturally responsive pedagogy in science & STEM education. She is devoted to supporting issues of diversity, equity, & inclusion within science/STEM instruction.

In this fun episode, Dave sits down with Brianna and Sarina, the creators of the hit YouTube channel The Amoeba Sisters! We learn all about their backgrounds and motivation for creating the channel that has been viewed by teachers and classrooms around the world over 160 million times!

Listen in to learn why their style of science content is so appealing to teachers and how it can be used in the classroom. You will also learn which one of the Amoeba Sisters is a good singer and which was a bad student growing up.

Dave and the sisters also discuss how to get students interested in science and why mixing up various styles of content delivery is important because no two students are alike!

Hear about their innovative approach to dealing with complex science concepts and popular science misconceptions and why kids love using their video content to learn about these topics, including the difference between mitosis and meiosis. Check out our Paul Anderson episode to understand the joke. LOL!

You can find their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/amoebasisters

Resources and handouts on their website: https://www.amoebasisters.com/

Teachers pay teachers resources can be found here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amoeba-Sisters-Llc

The Amoeba Sisters' new book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-amoeba-sisters-cartoon-guide-to-biology-sarina-peterson/1140971497

The Amoeba Sisters' first book: https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Curious-Amoeba-Sisters-Notebook/dp/B0BKS5RNVP/ref=sr_1_1

You can find our interview with the Amoeba Sisters at ScIC10 Live at CAST22 in Dallas, TX, here: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic10/the-amoeba-sisters

The Amoeba Sisters is a YouTube channel started by sisters Sarina Peterson and Brianna Rapini, and it specializes in teaching biology concepts at the high school level (and beyond) by using illustrated cartoons. Brianna Rapini is a former high school biology teacher and her sister, Sarina Peterson, is a self-taught cartoonist. The Amoeba Sisters channel has grown to over 1 million subscribers with a cumulative view count of over 160 million, and their online community has translated video subtitles in over 22 different languages.

In today's episode, we are joined by Steve Isaacs. Steve was a classroom teacher for almost 30 years and helped pioneer Esports and gaming as part of student education. Listen in to hear his inspiring stories of empowering students through games, technology, and Esports leagues that are run entirely by student teams.

Dave and Steve discuss the difference between recreational gaming and using Esports and games for a purpose in student growth. Putting students in charge, letting them naturally find their roles, and offering just enough support for them to flourish is what gets Steve really excited.

Steve "went to the dark side" by leaving the classroom and joining the corporate world. He now runs Epic Games education programs, helping teachers guide their students to excel and get prepared for the jobs of the future that don't even exist yet! He shared student success stories and how Esports leagues and gaming can actually prepare a high school student for a job directly out of high school!

If you are interested in games and Esports for your school, Steve is the expert and this episode is chock full of insight and resources for you to get started with your students right away.

Find the Esports Playbook written by Steve and his co-authors: https://www.amazon.com/Esports-Education-Playbook-Empowering-Inclusive/dp/1951600509

You can find Steve on Twitter here:

https://twitter.com/mr_isaacs

Find Epic Games education programs: https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/educators

Sign up to here Steve talk at FETC: https://www.fetc.org/

Steve Isaacs is the Education Program Manager at Epic Games. His mission in this role is to support educators and students in exploring career opportunities that leverage interactive 3d skills. Prior to his role at Epic, Steve was a public school teacher for 28 years, teaching game design and development as well as other courses related to creative uses of technology. Steve enjoys spending time with family and friends. His hobbies include gaming, biking, snorkeling, hiking and live music.