STEM Everyday

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Every educator knows how much kids benefit academically from real-world, project-based learning and that it can ignite a passion for learning.
Jeff Imrich and Sung-Ae Yang started Rock by Rock to help make that happen. "Our world requires kids to solve meaty problems, innovate and come up with creative solutions. Kids need to be learners for life that see the joy in a challenge. Planning and executing this type of learning is really hard and takes a long time. Time that many educators do not have. Teachers today are under more pressure than ever before. Between state tests, scripted curriculum, new technologies and increased responsibility, educators have even less time. And learning in too many settings looks less and less like authentic, real-world learning and more and more like rote skill and drill and worksheets.

 Rock by Rock is on a mission to change that reality. They’ve worked with public, private, charter, faith-based and home educators to design a solution that makes it easy to make projects a core part of your instructional program. Learn more at rockbyrock.com about their growing community as they work with educators to develop a library of projects and reshape how learning happens for our kids.

Connect with Rock By Rock :

• Website rockbyrock.com 
• email [email protected]

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: youtube

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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Each year Samsung hosts a $2 million national competition for public schools grades 6–12 in which students are asked to consider how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) can be used to create change in their communities. 2022 marks the 13th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest, and with the help of their teachers, students can apply to the contest and compete to win up to $100,000 in prizes for their school, plus the opportunity to work with Samsung employees to develop their prototypes. And just by applying, teachers will receive free professional development opportunities from Samsung such as Teacher Academy and access to education platforms like Nepris.
To enter the contest, and for official contest rules, please visit samsung.com/solvefortomorrow. Registration begins in September 2022!
“We have seen the incredible projects that have emerged from the minds of students through this contest, and we cannot wait to see the ideas that come to life this year that will undoubtedly ignite lasting impact on communities while reducing our collective impact on the planet,” said Ann Woo, Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. 

Kevin Lay is a Solve for Tomorrow alumni and  STEM teacher at Allen D. Nease High School in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Before teaching at Allen D. Nease, Kevin taught sciences at Owensville High School in Missouri for 16 years. In 2019, Kevin and his students at Owensville High School  were one of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow National Winners. Check out their project on the Winners page

(Note: If you're listening to this episode after the entry deadline has passed, check out all of the resources on samsung.com/solvefortomorrow and start preparing & brainstorming to enter next year!)
(Listen to Ep 217 for more ideas & a chat with Ann and another winning teacher)

Connect with Solve for Tomorrow :

• Website samsung.com/solvefortomorrow
• Twitter @SamsungNewsUS
• Instagram @solvefortomorrow
• Facebook facebook.com/SamsungSolveForTomorrow

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: youtube

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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Kids love learning about space. When we connect them with great space themed resources, we can inspire more STEM learning and ambitions of amazing STEM careers in space exploration. The United States' space agency NASA has propelled technological breakthroughs, pushed the frontiers of scientific research, and expanded our understanding of the universe through journeys to space. These accomplishments, and those to come, share a common genesis: education in science, technology, engineering, and math.
(Learn more about NASA STEM on Ep 224)

Resources mentioned during the podcast:

• NASA Connects: nasacentral.force.com/cop/s/
• NASA STEM Website: stem.nasa.gov
• NASA EXPRESS Newsletter: nasa.gov/stem/express
• Artemis resources: stem.nasa.gov/artemis

Connect with NASA STEM:

• Twitter: @NASASTEM
• Facebook: @NASASTEMEngagement
• YouTube: NASA STEM

Cindy Hasselbring serves as a K-12 Education Advisor for Next Gen STEM in NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). She led the development of NASA’s first online community of practice for educators, CONNECTS, served as Senior Policy Advisor and Assistant Director for STEM Education at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.  Previously, she led STEM initiatives as Special Assistant to the State Superintendent at the Maryland State Department of Education, completed two years as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the National Science Foundation, and taught math for 16 years at Milan High School in Michigan. She was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and earned National Board Certification. 

Stephanie Stern-Protz is a STEM/STEAM Specialist and Experiential Learning Specialist for the North Bergen STEM Academy. In 2011, Stephanie was among 50 teachers nationwide awarded a scholarship for the NASA Endeavor Teaching Certificate from US-Satellite. Stephanie was invited as a STEM Educator to present her work at the NASA Lunch and Learn Session in 2013 at Capitol Hill. She has continued to be a part of NASA education efforts through her work as an Ambassador, special projects, the North Bergen STEM Initiative with NASA Goddard Institute of Space Studies, CONNECTS for teachers, and as a co-facilitator and assistant teacher for the NASA Endeavor Teacher Certificate organization. 

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: youtube

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Cybersecurity is more than just stopping hackers. Adding cybersecurity learning to  classroom learning can help kids experience more practical hands-on learning and expose them to STEM careers they never dreamed of. A recently released benchmark report on the state of cybersecurity education in K-12 schools, shows that less than 50% of students in the U.S. have access to cybersecurity education today.

In an effort to make K-12 cybersecurity education accessible to all learners, CYBER.ORG has launched Project Access, a nationwide program designed to expand access to cybersecurity education for blind and vision impaired students between the ages of 13-21 who are in pre-employment transition (Pre-ETS). The Project Access program will introduce blind and vision impaired students to key cybersecurity topics, help them develop cybersecurity skills, and explore the possibility of a career in a growing industry.

Built off of the success of CYBER.ORG’s pilot program with Virginia’s Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI), Project Access uses nonvisual techniques, is accessible to students who don’t have prior computer or technology experience and offers those with secondary disabilities hands-on learning opportunities and STEM career exploration.

Dr Chuck Gardner, the Associate Director of CYBER.ORG (a cybersecurity workforce development organization) shares why it's vital for K-12 schools to get cybersecurity education in the hands of more teachers and students.  The free resources available on CYBER.ORG are tailored to help any age student learn more about the challenges of cybersecurity.

Connect with CYBER.org:

• Website: CYBER.ORG
• Project Access: cyber.org/initiatives/project-access
• Twitter: @cyber_dot_org

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: youtube

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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Mathematics illuminates the patterns that abound in our world.  Kids need opportunities to experience math beyond the textbook. One such opportunity is the National Museum of Mathematics, founded to enhance public understanding and perception of mathematics. Its dynamic exhibits and programs stimulate inquiry, spark curiosity, and reveal the wonders of mathematics.

Cindy Lawrence, the Museum’s Executive Director and CEO, describes the origin story of the National Museum of Mathematics (an award-winning museum) and highlights the role of mathematics in illuminating the patterns and structures all around us.  The dynamic exhibits, galleries, and programs at MoMath are designed to stimulate inquiry, spark curiosity, and reveal the wonders of mathematics.  The Museum’s innovative exhibits will engage visitors of every age, from 1 to 100! Whether you visit in person at their New York City location,  experience their Math Midway 2 Go traveling exhibits, or join their online programs, you and your kids will be amazed by the relevance and beauty of math.

Connect with The National Museum of Math:

• Website: momath.org
• Website for Rosenthal Prize: rosenthalprize.momath.org
• Math Midway 2 Go: mm2go.org
• Virtual Venus orbit game: venus.momath.org
• Twitter: @momath1

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: youtube

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Inspire2Dev was founded by a group of high school students to make a positive impact in communities by providing STEM learning opportunities for middle school students. They seek to inspire kids through fun and collaborative environments of free virtual Hackathons. Their 2nd Free Virtual Hackathon for middle schoolers and incoming 9th graders is happening Saturday, Aug 6, 2022 from 9:00am - 4:30pm PDT

Charlotte Law, founder of Inspire2Dev, is a rising Senior at Dougherty Valley High School in California who loves STEM, computer science, artificial intelligence, and biotech. She and her friends founded Inspire2Dev to provide a supportive environment for middle school students, from anywhere in the country, to learn more about STEM and collaborate with others to create innovative and meaningful projects.

Connect with Inspire2Dev:

• Website inspire2dev.org
• Sign up for the 2022 Hackathon
• Instagram @inspire2dev

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: youtube

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Kids love to be creative. Erik Thorstensson learned that when he created a simple connector that allowed for the joining of straws and cardboard. Kids were instantly hooked on the simple & intuitive STEM resource. Today, Strawbees is an award-winning Swedish EdTech company focused on inspiring the next generation of inventors. Using building and coding systems, and proven hands-on methodology, teachers worldwide are seeing student engagement soar using Strawbees. Regardless of age or ability, their STEAM learning tools are ideal for developing creative confidence and problem-solving skills of kids everywhere. Start learning about the power of Strawbees by trying the simple Shoemerang Boomerang activity.

Find out more about Strawbees:

• Website: strawbees.com
• Strawbees classroom website: classroom.strawbees.com
• Simple STEAM ideas: classroom.strawbees.com/simple-steam-ideas
• Twitter @Strawbees

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: youtube

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

The annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the nation’s premier science competition for grades 5-8. This one-of-a-kind video competition has sparked a sense of wonder and discovery in hundreds of thousands of students and enhanced science, innovation and communication across the United States. Students submit a 1-2 minute video describing a unique solution to an everyday problem for the chance to win $25,000 and an exclusive 3M Mentorship. Ten finalists will be chosen for their passion for science, spirit of innovation and ingenuity, and effective communication skills.

When first launched in 1999, the Young Scientist Challenge had the same mission it does today: to foster a new generation of American scientists at an age when interest in science generally declines. In 2008, Discovery Education joined forces with 3M – one of the world’s most notable innovators – to cultivate the next generation of problem-solvers and give students the unique opportunity to work directly with 3M scientists. Jeff Emslander is a 3M Scientist and has helped mentor finalists as part of the Young Scientist Challenge for many years. 

Your students can enter their innovative idea videos by May 16, 2022. If that entry date has passed, make a note to start getting kids ready for next year's challenge!

Find out more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge:

• Website: youngscientistlab.com/challenge
• More resources for educators: youngscientistlab.com 
• Follow #YoungScientist on social media

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: youtube

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

We live in a digital age which gives us many benefits. However, many kids have lost a connection to working with their hands. When kids create, they take pride in what they've made, break down complex ideas, collaborate with others, and learn skills that can save or earn them money.

Mike Schloff created Maplewoodshop in 2016 to help all children develop life skills through woodworking in any classroom. He's an experienced local woodworker and parent of a 14-year-old and a 12-year-old. Mike has taught woodworking to over 100 children at Maker Faires and at a collective school in Montclair. He has worked with elementary school children in classroom settings in Hoboken. He has also taught ESL and has mentored people over his 20-year professional career. Mike is a member of the North Jersey Woodworkers Association.

Books mentioned in the podcast:

• Building To Teach - Teaching Math through Boatbuilding - Joe Youcha
• The Wisdom of Hands - Book on teaching woodworking to youth - Doug Stowe
• By Hound and Eye - Graphic novel on teaching design and geometry - Jim Tolpin and George Walker
• From Truth to Tools - Graphic novel on language, the physical world, and geometry -  - Jim Tolpin and George Walker

Connect with Mike & Maplewoodshop:

• Website: maplewoodshop.com
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCpPIu2juABNjm_2ZoMjrx4w
• Twitter: @MaplewoodshopNJ
• Facebook: @MaplewoodshopNJ

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: youtube

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Space inspires. The United States' space agency NASA has propelled technological breakthroughs, pushed the frontiers of scientific research, and expanded our understanding of the universe through journeys to space. These accomplishments, and those to come, share a common genesis: education in science, technology, engineering, and math.

NASA STEM Engagement delivers tools for students and educators to learn and succeed. They seek to:

• Create unique opportunities for a diverse set of students to contribute to NASA’s work in exploration and discovery.
• Build a diverse future STEM workforce by engaging students in authentic learning experiences with NASA’s people, content and facilities.
• Attract diverse groups of students to STEM through learning opportunities that spark interest and provide connections to NASA’s mission and work.

Mike Kincaid,  Associate Administrator at the Office of STEM Engagement, and Alicia Baturoni Cortez, Human Spaceflight Embed at Office of STEM Engagement, share some of the great resources and opportunities available to educators and students through NASA STEM.

Connect with NASA STEM:

• Website: stem.nasa.gov
• Twitter: @NASASTEM
• Facebook: @NASASTEMEngagement
• YouTube: NASA STEM
• Pinterest: NASA STEM

Resources mentioned during the podcast:

• Artemis resources: stem.nasa.gov/artemis
• NASA EXPRESS Newsletter: nasa.gov/stem/express
• Artemis I Learning Pathway Newsletter: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artemis-i-registration-144043131885
• NASA Connects: nasacentral.force.com/cop/s/
• Internship opportunities: intern.nasa.gov

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: youtube

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show