ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

Free hands-on activites to get your students engaged in STEM. Teacher, professor and science specialist, Dr. Griff Jones talks about crash science and its application in the classroom. They discuss the mission of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the development of crash science educational materials, and engaging activities for students. Griff shares insights on how to implement these resources in various grade levels and emphasizes the importance of teaching students about vehicle safety and physics through hands-on learning experiences. Virtual field trip with LIVE car crash: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/iihs-virtual-field-trip-car-crash Hands-on activities to accompany the virtual field trip: Best experience

Your students will use PocketLab G-Force to collect data and design a crash cushion meant to reduce the forces that act on a vehicle during a collision with a wall. Check out the lesson here!

Low-cost alternative

Your students will use budget-friendly materials to design and build a paper car designed to protect its raw egg occupant! Check out the lesson here.

More resources Lesson resources from Crash Science in the Classroom: https://classroom.iihs.org/ More Crash Science lessons in Notebook: https://app.thepocketlab.com/?filters=Crash%20Science%20in%20the%20Classroom ABOUT CLIF

Dr. Clifton Roozeboom is the CTO and Co-Founder of PocketLab. He received his PhD in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. He has been the primary investigator on two National Science Foundation SBIR projects and two Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences SBIR projects. Dr. Roozeboom is a lecturer in the Stanford University mechanical engineering department. His PhD research was on wireless sensor networks for environmental monitoring applications, for which he earned grants and fellowships from Sandia National Labs, Hewlett-Packard Labs, the National Science Foundation, and the Chevron Corporation.

ABOUT GRIFF

Dr. Griff Jones, a highly celebrated science education specialist and emeritus clinical associate professor from the University of Florida, is renowned for creating powerful, inquiry-based K-12 science programs that elevate learning. Integrating his expertise from multiple academic appointments in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Engineering, he has contributed extensively to the field of education through numerous nationally recognized textbooks, curriculum guides, and online materials. His groundbreaking collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety resulted in award-winning educational films and a pioneering website, "Crash Science in the Classroom." This innovative project elucidates the life-saving potential of STEM subjects through the lens of car crashes and traffic safety. Honored with prestigious accolades such as the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, Dr. Jones' approach offers teachers a remarkable blend of dynamic curriculum resources and a captivating perspective on STEM education.

Engaging, hands-on STEM education inspired by vehicle crash research. Crash experts Joe Young and Dr. Griff Jones, discuss the intersection of crash science and education, highlighting the upcoming virtual field trip hosted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at their amazing vehicle crash test facility! The discussion delves into the history of crash science in classrooms, the evolution of educational materials, and the critical role of IIHS in vehicle safety research. Our guests emphasize the importance of educating teenagers about safe driving practices and the innovative use of crash test dummies in research. The conversation underscores the need for continuous improvement in vehicle safety and the impact of educational initiatives on reducing teen crash rates. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of crash testing methodologies, the importance of vehicle safety features, and the educational implications of their work. They discuss the historical impact of crash testing on legislation, the significance of choosing safe vehicles for teen drivers, and the value of engaging science demonstrations in education. The conversation emphasizes hands-on learning and the resources available for teachers to enhance their classrooms with practical science activities. Lesson resources from Crash Science in the Classroom: https://classroom.iihs.org/ More Crash Science lessons in Notebook: https://app.thepocketlab.com/?filters=Crash%20Science%20in%20the%20Classroom ABOUT JOE Joe Young is media relations director at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, where he serves as the main point of contact for journalists seeking traffic safety information and oversees the Institute's social media presence. Mr. Young joined the Institute in 2017 after working in communications with the Louisiana SPCA in New Orleans. Mr. Young received a bachelor's degree from Tulane University and holds an M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. ABOUT GRIFF

Dr. Griff Jones, a highly celebrated science education specialist and emeritus clinical associate professor from the University of Florida, is renowned for creating powerful, inquiry-based K-12 science programs that elevate learning. Integrating his expertise from multiple academic appointments in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Engineering, he has contributed extensively to the field of education through numerous nationally recognized textbooks, curriculum guides, and online materials. His groundbreaking collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety resulted in award-winning educational films and a pioneering website, "Crash Science in the Classroom." This innovative project elucidates the life-saving potential of STEM subjects through the lens of car crashes and traffic safety. Honored with prestigious accolades such as the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, Dr. Jones' approach offers teachers a remarkable blend of dynamic curriculum resources and a captivating perspective on STEM education.

Dave Burgess discusses passion, authenticity, motivation, reflection, and impactful teaching. In this conversation, Dave Burgess shares his insights on the challenges of teaching and the importance of engaging students through passion and authenticity. He emphasizes the need for educators to embrace their unique strengths and to present their content in a way that captivates students. Burgess discusses the significance of reflection and learning from failure, as well as the intersection of art and science in teaching. He concludes by highlighting the impact of memorable learning experiences on students. In this conversation, Dave Burgess discusses the importance of cross-curricular engagement in education, emphasizing creativity, student engagement, and passion as universal principles applicable across all subjects. He shares insights on classroom management techniques, the significance of understanding motivation and autonomy in students, and the challenges teachers face in balancing their responsibilities with self-care. The discussion highlights innovative approaches to teaching and the need for educators to embrace their creativity and personal touch in the classroom.

• https://daveburgess.com/
• https://daveburgess.com/teach-like-a-pirate/

ABOUT DAVE

Dave Burgess is a teacher from San Diego, California and a professional magician specializing in stand-up comedy magic. He was a multiple-year winner of Golden Apple award and honored as the Teacher of the Year at West Hills High School. He was voted a faculty standout for 17 consecutive years in categories such as Most Entertaining, Most Energetic, and Most Dramatic. He specializes in teaching hard-to-reach, hard-to-motivate students with techniques that incorporate showmanship and creativity. At a 2014 ceremony in Washington, D.C., he was awarded the BAMMY for Secondary School Teacher of the Year by the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences.

As president of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc., Dave has disrupted the publishing industry by releasing over 200 ground-breaking titles from innovative educators from across the globe. He is the co-author of P is for PIRATE and the New York Times Best-Selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE, which has sparked an educational revolution all over the world. Dave is a 2023 inductee into the International Pirate Hall of Fame.

Engineer turned musician shares journey blending STEM, creativity, and inspiration. In this engaging conversation, Roy Moye III shares his unique journey from aerospace engineering to pursuing a full-time career in music, particularly in the realm of STEM education. He discusses the deep connections between music and engineering, the importance of music in education, and how cultural influences shape his identity and work. The conversation also touches on the spirituality of music and its role in personal expression and learning. In this conversation, Dave and Roy delve into the rich tapestry of music and culture, particularly focusing on Brazilian music and its influence on identity and thought processes. They explore how cultural backgrounds shape musical experiences and the importance of travel in broadening one's understanding of the world. The discussion also touches on culinary adventures and the significance of STEM music in promoting aviation and aerospace education. In this conversation, Roy shares his unique journey from being a structural design engineer to pursuing a full-time career in music, particularly focusing on STEM education. He discusses the importance of inspiring the next generation, especially in underrepresented communities, and emphasizes the role of mentorship in career development. Roy highlights the need for parental guidance in STEM education and the significance of exposure to various career paths for young students. He passionately advocates for using music as a tool to engage students in STEM fields and shares personal anecdotes about his mentors and their impact on his life.

• Roys website https://www.thestemusic.com/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@stemusicnation?lang=en
• https://www.instagram.com/thestemusic
• https://twitter.com/TheSTEMusic
• https://www.facebook.com/thestemusic/

ABOUT ROY

Roy Moye III is a dynamic speaker, singer, aerospace engineer, and the founder of STEMusic LLC. He earned his bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University and has worked in the aerospace industry for the past 8 years. As an accomplished singer, he has sung multiple National Anthems for professional sports teams, earned a Grammy Nomination with his Group "1 Tribe Collective" and has a music video with 46 million views. Roy is also an accomplished speaker with TEDx talk experience and serves as a regular speaker for thousands of students and educators at USA Science and Engineering festival events. He is passionate about the mission of STEMusic which aims to inspire the next generation of multicultural STEM professionals through engaging and entertaining music.

Connecting students to nature through immersive science education. We talk with the Host and Executive producer of the OutSCIder video series that teaches science, history, and environmental science concepts through our National Parks. The conversation between Dave and Chris Anderson revolves around the importance of teachers and their impact on students. They discuss the challenges teachers face in seeing the long-term results of their efforts and the rewarding moments when they do. They also talk about Chris Anderson's project, Outsider, which aims to connect students to the national parks through educational videos and resources. They emphasize the need for hands-on, experiential learning in science and the importance of making learning relevant and engaging for students. In this conversation, Chris Anderson discusses the importance of creating immersive learning experiences for students through outdoor education and exploration. He shares insights from his work on the Outsider Science series, which aims to connect students with nature and national parks. Chris emphasizes the value of experiential learning and the power of engaging students in hands-on projects that foster a sense of wonder and curiosity. He also highlights the need for teachers to be strategic in their use of technology and encourages a balance between analog and digital learning experiences.

• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutSCIderClassroom
• Website & Instructional Materials for teachers: https://www.outscider.org/instructional-resources

ABOUT CHRIS

Chris Anderson is the host and executive producer of OutSCIder Classroom, a video series that teaches science, history, and environmental science concepts through our National Parks. Originally from Elyria, Ohio, Chris began his career teaching science at Princeton High School, where he honed his passion for inspiring curiosity in young people. Since then, he has worked as an instructional coach for Hamilton County Education Service Center, working with K-12 science teachers across schools in Southwest Ohio.

Chris came up with the idea for OutSCIder Classroom by combining his joy in teaching science and his love of the outdoors. The project began in 2021 and has featured nearly 20 national parks, produced almost 100 videos for the web, and is preparing for its PBS broadcast debut on Cincinnati Educational Television (CET). In addition to education videos, OutSCIder Classroom provides teachers with free, high-quality instructional materials that align the parks with learning standards, getting students engaged with science and STEM while connecting them to our public lands.

Outside his work in science education, Chris enjoys running, hiking, and doing the crossword with his partner, Mary Ellen, usually on their front porch.

Using technology to enhance learning and problem-solving skills. Today we explore the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Jeremy and Dave dive into how AI can transform classrooms by helping students develop critical, transferable skills that will prepare them for the future workforce. They discuss how educators can move beyond rote memorization to teach students how to apply knowledge in innovative ways, empowering them to tackle real-world problems. The conversation covers practical tips on integrating AI into lessons, helping students use AI as a tool while emphasizing the need for human skills like creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. You'll also hear about the importance of fostering critical thinking in students, encouraging them to verify AI-generated information, and teaching them how to use AI to personalize their learning journey. Along the way, the hosts share insights on content creation tools like teleprompters and mechanical keyboards, and reminisce about how gaming and technology have shaped problem-solving over the years. This episode is packed with ideas on how to embrace technology in your classroom while preparing students for a future where AI is a key collaborator. https://www.tiesteach.org/jeremy-shorr/ https://www.jeremyshorr.com/services ABOUT JEREMY

Jeremy Shorr is an education consultant and futurist who is passionate about innovating the instructional experience for learners of all ages. Jeremy supports clients through thought partnership to define and reach goals that move the organization forward. Before consulting, Jeremy spent sixteen years in several leadership roles in two K12 districts in Ohio.

Jeremy has keynoted, emceed, hosted, and presented at conferences and school districts across the United States and abroad and works with districts and organizations around the world who are looking to implement new instructional strategies through workshops, thought partnership, and ongoing support.

Jeremy has been recognized as one of the National School Boards Association's "20 to Watch", one of the Center for Digital Education's "Top 30 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers", as one of the Crain's Cleveland Business "Forty under 40", as the Ohio Technology-Using Administrator of the Year, the Ohio Educational Leader Innovator, received Ideastream PBS/NPR's Betty Cope award and ISTE's Making It Happen award, and was recognized by Ohio Governor John Kasich for service to Ohio's students. Jeremy's programs have received awards such as the Trendsetter Award and the Best Blended Learning Implementation in Ohio from the Ohio Department of Education, and admission into the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools. Jeremy is a Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL), a Google Certified Educator, an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE), a Raspberry Pi Certified Educator, and received his MBA in Executive Leadership. Jeremy was an Educational Policy Fellow with the Institute for Educational Leadership in 2015-2016.

Jeremy is the past chair of the Chief Technology Officer's Network for ISTE (the International Society for Technology in Education), and of the Ideastream (PBS/NPR) advisory council. Jeremy also serves on the Board of Directors for the EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, a program focused on providing formerly-incarcerated adults an education in the hospitality industry while providing the support network necessary for successful reentry. Jeremy serves on the Education Advisory Committee of the City Club of Cleveland and on several advisory boards for the Council of School Networking (CoSN) including their Expert Panel for the Driving K12 Innovation report.

Jeremy, his wife Kimberly, and his daughters Lila, Lucy, and Luna live in Twinsburg, Ohio.

Engaging students through digital field experiences and technology. In this conversation, Caroline Nickerson discusses her dissertation on webinars and the effectiveness of a model called a digital field experience. She partnered with extension agents in different locations in Florida to test the model's effectiveness in teaching people about climate hazards and engaging them in citizen science projects. The findings showed that the digital field experience model was effective in engaging people and prompting them to take action on climate change. They also discuss the value of vicarious learning and the potential of technology to connect people to scientific knowledge and projects. They highlight the importance of project-based learning and the integration of AI in education. SciStarter is a platform that connects people to citizen science projects and provides resources for educators. The core of the site is the project finder, where users can discover and participate in various projects. SciStarter has also expanded to include curated programs for educators and partnerships with organizations like HHMI Tangle Bank Studios. The platform promotes accessibility and inclusivity by translating project materials into different languages and creating kits for hands-on activities. The goal is to make citizen science a formal national priority and encourage its integration into schools and libraries. ABOUT CAROLINE

Caroline Nickerson is the Executive Director and co-founder of Florida Community Innovation (FCI), a civic technology nonprofit. Caroline empowers over 50 student innovators from more than five different universities to build social services technologies, engage in research projects, and conduct public service efforts to benefit Floridians, including the Florida Resource Map, which promises to be the first-of-its-kind digital access point connecting Floridians to food banks, job resources, and more. https://floridainnovation.org

Caroline is also a PhD candidate in Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida. At UF, Caroline has worked on multiple projects, including a climate change communication series with UF/IFAS Extension, creating the Internet of Things for Precision Agriculture community engagement team, research assessing the Restore the Shore project, and public engagement research about a certification for pollinator-friendly plants. She has also TA'd for multiple classes, including a social media class, a public policy class, and a multimedia communication class. http://bit.ly/climatecastlive

She has worked with SciStarter in various capacities, including as Senior Program Director at SciStarter where she managed the Citizen Science Month Program, SciStarter's Corporate Volunteer Programs and other programmatic and outreach efforts, including working with SciStarter's Syndicated Blog Network, which encompasses the Discover Magazine and SciStarter platforms, as well as large-scale programs with multiple federal agencies (including NASA, NOAA, and the National Library of Medicine) and global groups (including the United Nations Environment Programme). She currently works at SciStarter as an program specialist. https://scistarter.org

Caroline is a Master of Public Policy graduate from American University, where she was a Reilly Environmental Policy Scholar, an honor conferred by the former director of the EPA, Bill Reilly. Caroline was an undergrad at the University of Florida and was one of the inaugural recipients of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Student Excellence Award, an honor conferred to only three graduating seniors. She graduated with honors as a double major in History and Chinese.

In her spare time, she volunteers with the UF-VA Bioethics Unit, the Christensen Project (where she serves homeless and underserved groups), and others.

Caroline also co-founded the Commission on Local Debates and produced multiple debates for local elections in Central Florida that ran on local news.

As a fun fact, Caroline was the 2019 Cherry Blossom Princess representing the state of Florida and the grand prize scholarship winner at Miss Earth USA 2021 as Miss Louisiana Earth. She was also recently featured in a children's book about open science!

Balancing technology and creativity for impactful student experiences. Donnie Piercey, an elementary school teacher and Kentucky Teacher of the Year, discusses his experiences and teaching methods. He emphasizes the importance of having male role models in the classroom and the impact it can have on students. Donnie also talks about the value of storytelling and performance in teaching, as well as the integration of technology and cross-curricular activities. He shares examples of using AI tools in the classroom and the benefits of both physical books and digital resources. Donnie Piercey discusses the use of AI in the classroom and the importance of maintaining a personal connection with students. He shares his favorite activity of having students write and present their own poems, emphasizing the value of personal connection and creativity. Donnie highlights the presence of AI in education and the need for teachers to embrace it while also teaching students about its limitations and the importance of critical thinking. He provides examples of how AI can be used to save time and enhance student learning, such as generating rubrics and examples for assignments. Donnie emphasizes the role of teachers in verifying AI-generated content and guiding students in their understanding of AI. Links: Book: https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/p/50-strategies-for-integrating-ai-into-the-classroom/140172/ Resources for teachers: resources.mrpiercey.com Socials: X --> twitter.com/mrpiercy Instagram --> instagram.com/mr.piercey TikTok --> https://www.tiktok.com/@mrpiercey ABOUT DONNIE Donnie Piercey is the 2021 Kentucky Teacher of the Year and teaches fifth grade in Lexington, Kentucky. After graduating from Asbury College and earning his master's from Auburn Montgomery, he has been teaching in Kentucky since 2007. Donnie specializes in using technology to promote student inquiry, learning, and engagement. Over the past seventeen years of teaching, these interests have given him the unique chance to represent Kentucky and his students around the world. He runs a podcast called Teachers Passing Notes that is produced by the Peabody Award winning GZMShows. He also runs a podcast that combines his love of pop-culture and education called Partial Credit. He was the recipient of a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship to Antarctica, and he also represents Kentucky on the inaugural National Geographic Teacher Advisory Council. He is the North American lead for the Google Earth Education Experts Network, and he was the first teacher in Kentucky to become both a Google Certified Innovator and a Google Certified Trainer. Donnie's recent work in AI and Edu has not gone unnoticed, earning him multiple appearances on Good Morning America, the Associated Press, and PBS. His upcoming book, "50 Strategies for Using AI in the Classroom," published by Teacher Created Materials, is written for educators looking for practical classroom approaches to using AI to revolutionize their teaching methods and enrich their students' learning experiences. Donnie has been invited to keynote and present at schools in thirty-three states and on five continents. In 2017, he co-authored The Google Cardboard Book: Explore, Engage, and Educate with Virtual Reality based on virtual experiences he created for his students. The Bluegrass always calls him home, however, and he regularly leads professional development at school districts around the state.

AI's impact on education, ethical use, and collaboration. In this conversation, Dave speaks with Selene Verhofstad and Faryal Shaukat, experienced teachers who recently gave a talk at NSTA about AI in education. They discuss the use of AI in the classroom, the challenges and benefits it presents, and the importance of teaching students about AI and its ethical use. They also touch on the rapid pace of technological change and the need for teachers to stay updated on new tools and platforms. The conversation explores the potential of AI to enhance education while also highlighting the importance of human supervision and critical thinking. The conversation explores the impact of AI on education and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The speakers discuss the competition between different AI technologies and the need for teachers to adapt their teaching methods. They also touch on the potential for AI to assist with goal setting and time management for students. The conversation highlights the importance of communication and collaboration skills in the age of AI and the role of teachers in fostering these skills. The speakers also discuss the need for policies and vetting processes to ensure student privacy and safety when using AI in the classroom. ABOUT SELENE

Dr. Selene Verhofstad is an experienced high school and community college science educator with a passion for creating inclusive learning experiences. She holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a STEM emphasis from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Selene teaches science methods courses at UHCL, preparing preservice teachers for grades 4-12, and coordinates teacher mentors with instructional coaches in PISD and CCISD. Additionally, she teaches introductory chemistry at San Jacinto Community College and organizes inquiry-based labs for 9th to 12th graders in various science subjects. Her leadership roles include serving as an Academic Decathlon Coach, Science UIL Coach, and former National Honor Society Advisor. Selene has collaborated on action research projects to improve AP enrollment, initiate AP Capstone, and enhance engineering science teaching, which has led to presentations at CAST, NSTA, and NSF NOYCE. Her diverse skill set includes designing online science curricula, conducting professional development, and managing budgets and logistics for educational programs.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drverhofstad/

ABOUT FARYAL

Dr. Faryal Shaukat is an accomplished educator and STEM specialist with extensive experience in curriculum development, teacher mentoring, and workshop facilitation. Holding a Doctorate in STEM Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, she is dedicated to integrating technology and inquiry-based learning in educational settings. Dr. Shaukat has designed and implemented numerous professional development programs, recently leading sessions on AI in Education at NSTA Denver24. In her roles as an AP Biology, AP Research lead educator, and part-time Biology Adjunct at a Community College, she emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. Dr. Shaukat regularly shares her expertise at prominent conferences, contributing valuable insights on STEM integration and AI applications in education.

linkedin.com/in/drfshaukat

Engaging students through hands-on activities and innovative learning. Denise Renfro, from the Academy of Green Technology, discusses the hands-on approach to learning and the use of AI in the classroom. The Academy offers courses on sustainability, renewable energy, drones, and more. Denise emphasizes the importance of engaging students and encourages teachers to start with simple hands-on activities. She also suggests seeking local grants and support from industry partners. Denise believes that AI can enhance learning and problem-solving skills, but acknowledges the need for responsible usage and teacher guidance. Denise Renfro discusses the use of drones in education and the energy industry. She shares examples of how her students have used drones to study corrosion on the Mars rover and to explore the role of drones in the energy industry. Denise also mentions the National STEM Challenge and the potential for using drones in film projects. She and Dave brainstorm ideas for remote drone activities and discuss the pressure drop when a drone takes off from the ground. ABOUT DENISE

Denise Weinhoeft Renfro, MS, is the Director for the Academy of Green Technology at Douglas Bryd High School in Fayetteville, NC. The Academy of Green Technology is a four-year Career and Technical Education Academy that focuses on preparing students for careers in renewable energy generation with a focus on solar energy. Renfro has degrees in physical education and physical sciences from Indiana University, and she has been a teacher for over 35 years. She recently received the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Education from the EPA for her efforts to provide STEM opportunities to her students, specifically as it relates to the environment, and she received the Governor's Discovery Award to help fund professional development of her choosing. Renfro also serves as the Chairman of the Board for Sustainable Sandhills, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and enhancing the communities and environment of the eight county region of the Sandhills through education, demonstration, and collaboration.