Series 5 Episode 2: What role might AI play in K-3 science education?: Episode 2 starts by noting the value of science learning for K-2 students on “hands-on” and directly observable phenomenon about the “Local Cosmos” as experienced by children in these grade levels. As a result digital and virtual learning with AI technologies plays a minimal role as the educational focus within these grades is to provide foundational awareness and experiences that encourage children to observe and explore natural phenomenon about their “Cosmic” experiences in nature and 3D tech building that is predominately mechanical rather than digital in nature. Educational AI, when utilized by children (and ideally their families as most observable phenomenon and natural environments are explored outside of school) is utilized as a guide and/or tutor to help children better understand what they arre observing in nature or their “Local Cosmos”. A model for future development in educational tech for these grades is presented. In the news, we will be discussing outdoor field guides (click here) and simple engineering activities children might do with their families together.

Series 5 Episode 1: Exploring “The Cosmos” with K-12 Students Augmented by AI - A Developmental Model for Science Educators: In Episode 1 of our fifth series we start with a discussion on phenomenon-based learning in science education. Starting with real life examples of how science researchers and developers utilize AI in medical research, wildlife conservation, and the development of advanced tech (robotics and rockets), we examine how AI might be used with K-12 students within the context of augmented phenomenon based learning related to a child’s understanding of “The Cosmos”. A brief taxonomy of educational AI tech (some existing - others in development) is also presented. In STEM news we look at two ways scientists are utilizing AI to enhance public health (click here) and the conservation of endangered species (click here) and how NASE is using AI to construct hardware for space exploration (click here).

Series 4 Episode 5 (Bonus Episode): Big School Birdwatch in Britain and Nature Journaling - In the fifth bonus episode of Series 4 we will be exploring a fantastic birding program in Great Britain by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The Big School Birdwatch of 2024 (https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/get-ready-for-big-schools-birdwatch) is one of the largest school and citizen science projects in Great Britain and serves as an excellent model at school and community partnerships. The Big School Birdwatch also provides teachers and students with the opportunity to combine writing and art together through the use of nature journals. One organization that helps teachers and students journal is John Muir Laws journaling page (https://johnmuirlaws.com/journaling-curriculum/). Educational research supports the use of nature journals to foster increase science writing, observation and creativity when combined with art. In the news we share articles on the last flight of the Mars Ingenuity (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/nasa-ingenuity-mars-helicopter-taken-final-flight-180983667/?utm_medium=distribution&utm_source=pushly&utm_campaign=editorial) rover and educational research on the value of writing (https://interestingengineering.com/science/hand-writing-notes-better-brain-connections).

Series 4 Episode 4: STEM 2023 in Review and Plans for 2024 - In the fourth episode of Series 4 we will be looking at the biggest news articles in science (India's Rover) & (NASA's Bennu Program via Smithsonian), Technology (ht(AI Innovation via Smithsonian), and Engineering (Uht(US Fusion Engineering via CNN)lcompleting three summer engineering challenges students can complete and share at home. In the news we will be discussing engineering wonders from the United States.

Libraries, Museums, Parks and other STEM Programs - In the third episode we will be discussing free and low cost STEM programs and activities for children. In the news we will be discussing informal science activities for children in Canada (click here). You can find information on Canada's Live-it Program here as well (https://liveit.earth/).

Series 4 Episode 2: Finding STEM in Nature: In Episode 2 of our fourth series we are going to explore STEM activities students can easily complete in backyards, local parks, and other common outdoor settings. We will be connecting our outdoor adventures in nature to science journals and other writing/drasing activities. In the news we will be talking about Audubon Bird Count (click here) and UK's Big School's Birdwatch 2024 (click here).

Series 4 Episode 1: A Summer of STEM Explorations - In the first episode of our fourth series we will be exploring summer STEM activities that teachers and students can complete on their own or with family and friends over the summer. You can download the 2023 Summer STEM bookmark by clicking the link (bookmark) on our homepage. In the news we will be looking at summer gaps and opportunities for student learning (UK Report on Education Recovery): (Podcast S4-E1 Coming Soon)

Series 3 Episode 4: Multicultural STEM with Seeds from All Around the World - In the fourth episode of Series 3 we will be examining multiculturally inclusive gardens that can be cooperatively designed by diverse students and their families working in partnership with teachers and other garden experts. Our discussion will be based on a recent capstone project by Allegra Watson at the University of California, Davis (click here). In the news we will be discussing indigenous and First Nations garden projects from Canada (click here) and Australia (click here).

In the third episode we will be discussing Exceptional STEM ideas and practices for students in special education as it relates to learning about plants and gardens. In the news we will be discussing a special school garden project from England (click here). The Lane County School Garden Resource (click here) on the benefits and challenges of exceptional gardening will be explored as well.

In Episode 2 of our third series we are going to explore common misconceptions 5, 10 and 15 year olds have about plants and food systems. In the news we will be discussing research on protecting agricultural biodiversity (click here) and the use of drones and robotics in agriculture (click here). We will also be discussing the value of school gardens in K-12 education.