In this episode we chat with how a small rural school district in Texas built a mobile STEM lab program and also hear from our friends from Merge EDU.

Have you ever thought about having your own mobil STEM bus in your school district? Well, anything is possible when you dream big and collaborate with the community around here. The Instructional Technology Department in Van ISD joins us to chat about how they got started, how the fund it, and all the experiences they are providing not only for their students in Van, but in other school districts and events all over Texas!  

Our friend Isabella from Merge EDU also joins us to share how augmented reality is changing the game. See how this hands on, interactive, 3D online database provides a different way for kids to explore science concepts.  

We're back!! In this episode, we are kicking off the 2025-2026 school year with ways librarians can set the tone for collaboration in the upcoming school year. We also chat with STEMfinity's new Chief Innovation Officer, Shawn Petty, who shares the inside scoop on school funding and creative ways to spread the dollars!  

We're back!! In this episode, we are kicking off the 2025-2026 school year with ways librarians can set the tone for collaboration in the upcoming school year. We also chat with STEMfinity's new Chief Innovation Officer, Shawn Petty, who shares the inside scoop on school funding and creative ways to spread the dollars!

Welcome to STEM in the Stacks and Beyond, a podcast where two passionate school librarians embark on a journey to explore the world of STEM and education. Join Jennifer Sanncedio-Boatman from STEMfinity and Shannon McClintock-Miller, an award-winning librarian and future-ready librarian spokesperson, as they kick off their mini-season with a countdown to the 2025 ISTE conference. Each week leading up to the conference, they will delve into innovative tools, creative programs, and real-world strategies to bring science, technology, engineering, and math to life in school communities. Whether you're ISTE-bound or just STEM-curious, get ready to geek out, gear up, and get inspired with STEM in the Stacks and Beyond.

As Jennifer and Shannon share their partnership journey, they reflect on their backgrounds and how they never expected to find their passion in the library world. With diverse experiences ranging from theater to art education, they both found their calling in the library space, where they discovered the power of STEM to engage and inspire students of all backgrounds and interests. By incorporating a wide range of resources and tools, they aim to make the library a space that fosters curiosity, creativity, and collaboration among students.

Together, Jennifer and Shannon discuss the critical role of libraries in providing equal opportunities for all students, debunking the myth that STEM tools replace traditional library resources. They emphasize the importance of offering hands-on experiences and innovative activities that go beyond books, creating a dynamic learning environment that empowers students to explore diverse STEM fields and develop essential skills for the future.

Through engaging anecdotes and insights, the hosts highlight the transformative impact of STEM programs in schools, from promoting career readiness to fostering a culture of play and discovery among students. They share stories of students utilizing STEM tools to create personalized accommodations, collaborate on projects, and explore new career pathways they never knew existed. With a focus on cultivating a love for learning and providing meaningful experiences, Jennifer and Shannon showcase how STEM in libraries can inspire creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning.

As they gear up for the ISTE conference, the hosts offer a sneak peek into their exciting plans, including the launch of the ISTE Digital Explorers book series and a fun scavenger hunt with valuable prizes. They invite listeners to join them on this journey of exploration and discovery, where they will share insights, resources, and inspiring stories from the world of STEM in education. Whether you're a teacher, librarian, or education enthusiast, STEM in the Stacks and Beyond promises to spark your imagination, ignite your passion for STEM, and empower you to innovate, inspire, and STEMulate your mind. Join Jennifer and Shannon on their mission to explore the power of STEM in education and stay tuned for more exciting episodes to come. Thank you for listening and don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your fellow educators. Let's keep innovating, inspiring, and STEMulating our minds together.