ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

In this podcast episode, Kaci Heins, Executive Director at Limitless Space, joins Dave to discuss exciting projects and initiatives in the field of space education. They discuss topics such as the Space Exploration Educator Conference and the potential integration of data into art. The conversation explores the profound impact of space experiences on individuals, as exemplified by William Shatner's emotional reflections after his space trip. They also delve into the significance of using sensors in art and share anecdotes about Cloudflare's unique approach to cryptography using lava lamps. They also touch on the challenges faced by teachers and the importance of fostering a supportive community, highlighting the efforts of the Limitless Space Institute and PocketLab in advancing space education.

Additionally, Kaci and Dave talk about their experiences with PocketLab sensors that enhance students' engagement with science. Kaci shares her positive experience using PocketLab in the classroom, noting its user-friendly interface and seamless integration into lessons. They emphasize the importance of providing teachers with resources that are easy to implement, sparking students' curiosity in science. Kaci expresses her enthusiasm for inspiring educators and students alike, contributing to a growing community of science enthusiasts. Throughout the episode, they reflect a passion for space education, innovative teaching tools, and collaborative efforts dedicated to making science accessible and exciting for learners around the world.

https://www.limitlessspace.org/

Kaci Heins Twitter: https://twitter.com/spacespartan

Kaci Heins serves as the Executive Director and was the former Director of Education at the Limitless Space Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and educating the upcoming generation about space exploration. With over 20 years in the education sector, her primary focus has been on STEM education intertwined with space exploration concepts.

Throughout her career, Kaci has partaken in a plethora of immersive STEM and space learning experiences that have profoundly shaped her perspective on space exploration. These include participating in two Zero-G flights carrying student experiments, overseeing two student experiments that launched to the International Space Station, and coordinating over ten high-altitude balloon launches, which transported student experiments to the stratosphere.

Deeply rooted in her beliefs, Kaci sees space exploration as an impactful learning tool for both students and educators in the realm of STEM education. She harbors a deep-seated passion for professional development within the STEM education community, particularly through the lens of space exploration. She believes that the foundation of inspiring the future STEM workforce and space explorers lies in nurturing educators who are fervent, well-informed, and confident in their teachings. According to Kaci, the journey of cultivating the next wave of innovators is heavily anchored in providing students with hands-on experiences tied directly to real-world scientific phenomena. She often asserts that the true ignition of a student's passion and curiosity can only be achieved when educators themselves are equipped with the right knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm.

Kaci obtained her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Southeast Missouri State University. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award, the AIAA Educator Achievement Award, the ISS National Lab Exceptional Educator Award, and the Air Force Association's National Teacher of the Year Award.

The interview is a live recording from ScIC10 Live at CAST22 in Texas, Science is Cool Un-conferences. It features Brianna and Serena, also known as the Amoeba Sisters, who are educators and creators behind popular educational biology cartoons. In the interview, they discuss their journey, starting with the origins of their cartoon characters, Pinky and Petunia, and how their passion for making biology more accessible led them to create engaging content on YouTube. They emphasize the importance of providing free educational resources for both students and teachers, sharing insights into their creative process, and the development of their mega review video and GIF slideshow. The duo addresses questions about the diversity of languages in which their content is available and their commitment to supporting educators worldwide.

Additionally, the interview touches upon the challenges faced by teachers in acquiring sufficient budgets for science resources, shedding light on the financial struggles many educators encounter. The conversation unfolds organically, revealing their dedication to supporting teachers globally and their plans for expanding into chemistry while still focusing on completing their biology series. Brianna and Serena also discuss their current project, a unique graphic novel-style biology book, blending humor and educational content, set to be released in the coming months. Overall, the interview provides a delightful glimpse into the Amoeba Sisters' educational mission, their creative process, and their exciting plans for the future.

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

You can find Amoeba Sisters fun classroom supplies and merchandise here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/amoebasisters/shop

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

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.

This is a bonus episode from an interview at one of our Science is Cool conferences. In this interview, Miles O'Brien joins Dave in a discussion focusing primarily on climate change, renewable energy, and potential solutions. He cover various alternative energy sources like nuclear, geothermal, biofuels, and innovative technologies. O'Brien explores the challenges faced by different forms of energy production, including investment, government intervention, and technological advancements needed for sustainability.

They also touch upon the significance of journalism in highlighting solutions to climate problems and express enthusiasm for pursuing stories centered around climate change solutions in their future work. They emphasize the urgency of addressing climate issues and finding feasible solutions to combat the impending crisis.

Alongside the exploration of alternative energy sources and climate solutions, the conversation delves into the limitations and potential advancements in energy storage technologies. They discuss innovative methods, such as repurposing abandoned oil wells for energy storage, illustrating the diverse approaches being explored to address the intermittency issue in renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Furthermore, Dave expresses a strong commitment to journalistic storytelling that focuses on actionable solutions rather than solely highlighting problems, aiming to create a more informed and motivated audience engaged in climate change mitigation.

Find the Chasing Carbon Zero documentary here: https://www.pbs.org/video/chasing-carbon-zero-mzijvs/

Learn more about Miles on his website: https://milesobrien.com/

Connect with Miles on Twitter at https://twitter.com/milesobrien

Watch Mile's conference session from Science is Cool 8: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic8/miles-obrien

Miles O'Brien is a veteran, award-winning journalist who focuses on science, technology, aerospace, and the environment.

He is the science correspondent for PBS NewsHour, a producer and director for the PBS science documentary series NOVA, and a correspondent for the PBS documentary series FRONTLINE and the National Science Foundation Science Nation series.

For nearly seventeen of his thirty-two years in the news business, he worked for CNN as the science, environment and aerospace correspondent and the anchor of various programs, including American Morning.

While at CNN, he secured a deal with NASA to become the first journalist to fly on the space shuttle. The project ended with the loss of Columbia and her crew in 2003 – a story he told to the world in a critically acclaimed sixteen-hour marathon of live coverage.

Prior to joining CNN, he worked as a reporter at television stations in Boston, Tampa, Albany, NY and St. Joseph, MO. He began his television career as a desk assistant at WRC-TV in Washington, DC.

O'Brien is an accomplished pilot and is frequently called upon to explain the world of aviation to a mass audience. He has won numerous awards over the years, including a half-dozen Emmys, and a Peabody and DuPont for his coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

In February of 2014, a heavy equipment case fell on his forearm while he was on assignment. He developed Acute Compartment Syndrome, which necessitated the emergency amputation of his left arm above the elbow.

Born in Detroit and raised in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, he is based in Washington, DC. He has a son at the US Naval Academy and a daughter at Davidson College in North Carolina. He was a history major at Georgetown University.

In this discussion, Tammie Schrader, science coordinator for Eastern Washington State, joins Dave to discuss a wide range of topics related to education, technology, and the evolving nature of learning. Come hear what she has to say about AI in the classroom plus so much more! They start by exploring the importance of providing students with access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, such as AI and chatbots, to enhance their learning experiences. They emphasize the need for equity in education, as not all students have the same access to these tools, and ensuring that all students can benefit from the latest technology is a crucial goal.

The conversation also delves into the idea that education should focus on teaching students how to think rather than preparing them for specific jobs. They discuss the value of introducing students to a variety of tools and fostering their creativity and problem-solving skills, as the jobs of the future may not even exist yet. They raise questions about traditional educational practices, like reading specific literary texts, and whether providing more choices to students in what they read or study could enhance their understanding and engagement.

Overall, the conversation highlights the need for flexible and innovative approaches to education that empower students to think critically, adapt to change, and find their own path in an ever-evolving world.

Tammie is a Regional Science and Computer Science Coordinator for Northeast Washington Education Service District 101 in Washington State. Tammie was a science teacher at Cheney Middle School, in Cheney, Washington for 15 years. She is currently an adjunct science methods instructor at Whitworth University. She taught Life Science as well as Computer Programming, Gaming Programming, Robotics as well as coaching the Science Olympiad Team, Robotics Club, SeaPerch Team as well as Future Business Leaders of America at her middle school. She has her B.A. in Education as well as a B.S. in Biology. She earned her M.A. in Education and Teaching At-Risk Students from Gonzaga University. She is currently enrolled as a Ph.D. candidate and is writing her dissertation on Leadership and Game-Based Education in the Classroom.

In this discussion, Dr. Sonny White, the Director of the Limitless Space Institute, and Dave, engage in a fascinating conversation about the future of space exploration and propulsion. They delve into various aspects of advanced propulsion technologies that could enable human exploration of the solar system and even beyond.

Dr. White emphasizes the need to move beyond traditional chemical propulsion for long-distance space travel. He discusses concepts like nuclear electric propulsion, which uses nuclear reactors to generate electrical power for more efficient propulsion, and fusion propulsion, which involves the fusion of hydrogen isotopes for even faster travel. These technologies have the potential to take humans to distant destinations within our solar system.

The conversation also touches on the idea of space warps or wormholes, which could provide shortcuts through space-time, potentially enabling interstellar travel. However, the challenges of communication and the limitations imposed by the speed of light remain significant hurdles in exploring other star systems. They highlight the importance of inspiring and educating the next generation of scientists and engineers, particularly through outreach programs like Limitless Space, which aims to expose students to cutting-edge space science and technology. Dr. White stresses that exposure expands expectations, motivating students to explore the frontiers of physics and engineering.

The discussion underscores the boundless possibilities and challenges of space exploration, emphasizing the importance of taking the next steps in advancing our understanding of the cosmos and developing the technologies that will make interstellar travel a reality, even if it may take generations to achieve.

Learn more about Limitless Space Institute: https://www.limitlessspace.org/

Dr. White has accumulated 25+ years of experience working in the aerospace industry with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, NASA, and Limitless Space Institute. He currently serves as Director of Advanced Research and Development at LSI. In this role, he leads all R&D work for LSI and establishes priorities for investigations and expenditures. Dr. White obtains grants and other resources in support of R&D efforts; markets LSI to major benefactors to increase resources and related R&D efforts; and arranges/schedules/conducts events ensuring appropriately related well-known individuals are involved.

Dr. White holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Rice University, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Wichita State University, and a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from University of South Alabama.

Dr. White has been recognized many times over the span of his career for his excellent work ethic, exceptional technical skills, abilities as a project manager, and dedication to the pursuit of human space flight. He was awarded the NASA Medal for Excellence in Achievement by the Administrator for his role in getting the Thermal Protection System robotic inspection tools built, delivered and certified to support the STS-114 mission. He was awarded the Silver Snoopy Award by the crew office for his actions in the discovery and disposition of critical damage to the robotic arm prior to the STS-121 mission. He received the NASA Spaceflight Awareness Honoree award for the STS-122 mission, one of the highest, most prestigious awards available to employees of NASA. He was awarded the NASA Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal for his role in exploring and incorporating advanced power and propulsion concepts into human spaceflight architectures.

In this podcast episode, Edward and Dave discuss an exciting educational initiative centered around the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Edward is a passionate high school teacher from Canada and shares his vision for involving thousands of students and teachers in North America to engage in authentic scientific observations during this celestial event. He emphasizes the importance of promoting real scientific experiences for students, allowing them to contribute to peer-reviewed journals, and fostering a love for genuine scientific inquiry. Throughout the conversation, they underscore the significance of encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to engage in STEM and STEAM fields and mention how partnerships and funding opportunities can help make this initiative accessible to a broader audience. They also touch on the fusion of science, mathematics, and technology and the transformative potential of breakthroughs in these areas.

Edward Csuka's Website https://terryfox.sd43.bc.ca/steam/mr-csukas-page/

Solar Max Project Website: https://terryfox.sd43.bc.ca/steam/solar-max-international-research-expedition/

Terry Fox STEAM Program Website: https://terryfox.sd43.bc.ca/steam/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edward.j.csuka

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edward.j.csuka

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edward.j.csuka

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm7DVui_2ceE2a1ayL-2KJg

Edward Csuka is an innovative educator passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). With a Bachelor's in Science and a Master's in Environmental Education from SFU, he's been teaching since 2002. Edward's contributions include coordinating Power of Ideas events, founding the Terry Fox Innovation Society, and receiving the Canadian Association of Physicists Award in 2022. As a Program Coordinator for Terry Fox Secondary's STEAM Program, he equips students with vital 21st-century skills. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies for STEAM Education, Edward continues to shape future leaders. One of Edward's current endeavors is the Solar Max International Eclipse Research project. Edward is currently spearheading the Solar Max International Eclipse Research initiative, aiming to engage teachers and students continent-wide in collecting scientific data during the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Educators interested in participating can connect via email: [email protected].

In this two-part episode, we explore the dynamic world of science education. Host Dave chats with Ariel Paul, a key contributor to the PhET Interactive Simulations project, delving into the art of making science engaging and accessible for all learners. They unravel the project's mission of creating interactive simulations that foster deep understanding and excitement in science classrooms. The conversation delves into the evolution of education, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and critical thinking skills.

Ariel and Dave ponder the challenges and opportunities of preparing students for an ever-changing job landscape, touching on the significance of hands-on vocational skills and cultivating curiosity. They also reflect on the philosophy of science, stressing its dynamic and imperfect nature while promoting healthy skepticism. The discussion unfolds to highlight the project's global impact, particularly the PhET Fellows Program that empowers educators worldwide.

This enlightening episode encourages listeners to appreciate the power of simulation-based learning and the vitality of representing diverse voices in the world of science education.

Free PhET Interactive Simulations Lessons

PhET Interactive Simulations from the University of Colorado, Boulder

Help keep PhET Simulations free! Donate here.

You can connect with PhET Interactive Simulations here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PhET-Interactive-Simulations

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phetsims/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhETSims

Ariel Paul has been a member of the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado since 2011, both as a designer and helping to oversee the development of the simulations. An advocate for broadening participation in STEM, he has taught physics at the high school and undergraduate levels. Ariel received his B.A. in physics in 1999 from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the PhET team, Ariel received his Ph.D. in physics in 2007 from the University of Colorado for his research focused on coherent imaging with extreme-ultraviolet light. Following his Ph.D., he also completed an apprenticeship in scientific instrument making.

In this two part episode, we explore the dynamic world of science education. Host Dave chats with Ariel Paul, a key contributor to the PhET Interactive Simulations project, delving into the art of making science engaging and accessible for all learners. They unravel the project's mission of creating interactive simulations that foster deep understanding and excitement in science classrooms. The conversation delves into the evolution of education, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and critical thinking skills.

Ariel and Dave ponder the challenges and opportunities of preparing students for an ever-changing job landscape, touching on the significance of hands-on vocational skills and cultivating curiosity. They also reflect on the philosophy of science, stressing its dynamic and imperfect nature while promoting healthy skepticism. The discussion unfolds to highlight the project's global impact, particularly the PhET Fellows Program that empowers educators worldwide.

This enlightening episode encourages listeners to appreciate the power of simulation-based learning and the vitality of representing diverse voices in the world of science education.

Free PhET Interactive Simulations Lessons

PhET Interactive Simulations from the University of Colorado, Boulder

Help keep PhET Simulations free! Donate here.

You can connect with PhET Interactive Simulations here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PhET-Interactive-Simulations

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phetsims/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhETSims

Ariel Paul has been a member of the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado since 2011, both as a designer and helping to oversee the development of the simulations. An advocate for broadening participation in STEM, he has taught physics at the high school and undergraduate levels. Ariel received his B.A. in physics in 1999 from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the PhET team, Ariel received his Ph.D. in physics in 2007 from the University of Colorado for his research focused on coherent imaging with extreme-ultraviolet light. Following his Ph.D., he also completed an apprenticeship in scientific instrument making.

In part 2 of this episode, the insightful Adam Rogers, Senior Correspondent for Insider, takes listeners on a profound journey through the intertwining realms of science, education, and society. This episode is a must-listen for every science teacher aiming to spark genuine interest in their students.

The lively discussion kicks off with an exploration into urban planning and the dynamics of cities in a post-pandemic world. Using San Francisco as a prime example, Rogers elaborates on the ramifications of unused commercial spaces due to COVID-19, igniting a conversation about societal impacts, city resilience, and the pressing need for adaptation. The duo also ventures into the realm of city infrastructure, from the dangers of large vehicles to the often controversial subjects of protected bike lanes and urban housing initiatives. For educators, this segment offers a real-world context to engage students in subjects ranging from urban planning to socio-economic impacts of global events.

But perhaps the most engaging part for science educators is Rogers' impassioned discourse on the power of curiosity. Drawing from personal experiences, he speaks about the magic of discovering and understanding new scientific concepts. He emphasizes the importance of not just absorbing facts, but truly understanding the "why" and "how" behind them. This sentiment, coupled with humorous anecdotes about detailed drink recommendations and personal life, showcases the holistic nature of science – it's everywhere, from the classroom to the bar! Dave wraps up this enlightening conversation by highlighting Adam's illustrious writing career, ensuring eager listeners know where to find more of his writings.

For science teachers, this episode serves as a potent reminder: to inspire the next generation, we must first be insatiably curious ourselves. Dive into this episode and reignite that spark!

You can find Adam Rogers' books here: Books available through Amazon

You can connect with Adam Rogers here: His website: https://www.adam-rogers.net/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrrogers

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jetjocko

Adam Rogers is a journalist at Insider, writing about science, technology, and culture. A longtime editor and writer at Wired, he wrote that one story about the Dress that one time (think which color do you see?). He is also the author of the New York Times science bestseller Proof: The Science of Booze, and his latest book is Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern.

In an enlightening podcast episode, host Dave Baker engages with Adam Rogers, senior correspondent at Insider and the celebrated author of 'Full Spectrum' and 'Proof'. This episode provides teachers with a captivating exploration into the science of color and the science of alcohol, beautifully illustrating their convergence with cultural advancements.

Sparked by the internet's famed dress color perception controversy, Rogers delves into the intriguing science of color in his book 'Full Spectrum'. His investigation uncovers the central role of titanium dioxide, a mineral pigment prevalent in our everyday environment. The podcast emphasizes how our understanding of color propels us to create and simulate more colors, further deepening our knowledge, a cycle that Rogers also identifies in the science of alcohol in his book 'Proof'.

Rogers champions the use of familiar concepts, such as with cocktails, to simplify and communicate complex scientific ideas effectively. He advocates for an interconnected teaching approach that highlights practical applications, aiding students in grasping the intricate interplay between different disciplines. Rogers demonstrates his point by explaining the science behind whiskey production.

The podcast also sheds light on the historical and cultural significance of the pigment trade, drawing parallels to the spice trade due to their rarity and location-specific availability. The discussion underlines the lasting vibrancy of certain colors, like blue, and the fascinating color advancements in civilizations around the world.

Baker's conversation with Adam Rogers offers a vibrant journey through the landscapes of science, culture, color, and alcohol. It serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of scientific advancements and cultural changes. Be sure to tune in for part 2 of this engaging podcast episode, promising to continue this enlightening exploration of the science of color and the science of alcohol.

You can find Adam Rogers' books here: Books available through Amazon

You can connect with Adam Rogers here: His website: https://www.adam-rogers.net/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrrogers

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jetjocko

Adam Rogers is a journalist at Insider, writing about science, technology, and culture. A longtime editor and writer at Wired, he wrote that one story about the Dress that one time (think which color do you see?). He is also the author of the New York Times science bestseller Proof: The Science of Booze, and his latest book is Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern.