Series 5 Episode 5: Earth Day Episode - How Can AI Protect Wildlife and Teach Families About Nature? 


Earth Day special education we look at ways AI is being utilized by scientists and wildlife experts to protect rare and endangered species around the world (click here). We also examine how NASA is utilizing AI to better predict extreme weather in order to help local communities (click here). The main part of our show explores a theoretical model of dynamic interpretive software that helps children in the primary grades learn about nature and environmental topics in local and regional contexts. Should AI be utilized in outdoor science and environmental education programs? Let us know by contacting us at [email protected]. (Podcast S5E5)

Series 5 Episode 4: Thematic Experimentation and Prototyping with 6-8 Grade Students - Using AI for Thematic Problem Solving and Experimentation in STEM: 

What role does AI play in early secondary education? In Episode 4, we begin exploring AISE at the secondary levels in Grades 7-9 by introducing a forth class and educational model of science education that includes AI modelling and early prototyping of STEM tech that includes early AI coding and other elements. Secondary AISE also explores how lessons, topics and ideas beyond the local and regional cosmos that is more evident in elementary AISE. Working individually and in teams, students utilize AI in thematic lessons and/or problem-based learning that includes prototyping physical technology and robotics for community sharing at events such as an AI-linked robotics and other technical leagues and challenges (similar to Lego Robotics). In the news, we look at some of the early research into AI (click here), a new AI ethics curriculum for middle schoolers from MIT (click here) and share a website that utilizes Lego Robotics and AI (click here).

Series 5 Episode 3: Science Fairs and Experimentation with 3-5 Grade Students - Using AI for Phenomenon-Based Experimentation That Includes Authentic Testing and Critical Analysis: What role does AI play in the elementary school science fair? In Episode 3, we explore how the science fair might be transformed and enhanced by allowing students to utilize educational AI to explore experimental ideas which are then tested by the students to evaluate, confirm and/or further refine student ideas about the relationship between AI experimentation/modelling and actual physical testing and experimentation. Within this context, 3-6 Grade students participating in science fair might choose to create experiments independent of AI or augment experimentation using educational AI similar to the way scientists utilize both of these methods within science research and tech innovation. Like the previous episode, a model for future development in educational tech for 3-5 Grades is presented. In the news, we will be discussing AI based science experiments elementary students can use for experimentation from Science Buddies (click here) and the value of science fiction as it relates to student understanding (click here).

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)