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.

In the first episode of our third series we will be exploring STEM education as it relates to seeds, school/community gardens and partnerships with farms and other food producers in STEM. Starting with simple window seed solariums that are easily constructed (see photo on website for example), we will be discussing some of the diverse school gardens and programs from New Zealand (click here) and the Southwestern United States (click here) in the news.

Series 3 (Bonus Episode): Earth Day Special Edition of (STEM)2 - What are the Mid Century Challenges and Opportunities in K-12 STEM Education? - In the first bonus episode of Series 3 we will be exploring STEM news and events related to Earth Day celebrated around the world. We will be revisiting a landmark study in education from the United States: A Nation at Risk in environmental contexts and looking at six midcentury challenges in STEM education as listed by AI. You can learn more about Earth Day events and the history of this world wide celebration at www.earthday.org. The article we discuss in this article by Hammond-Todd and Monk can be found at this link: article.

In the second bonus episode of Series 2 we will be looking at ChatGPT (click here for link to program) and whether or not it is useful in science museums, nature centres, and other informal STEM learning programs. More specifically, we focus how ChatGPT might operate as a digital assistant in teaming and finding important educational linkages between formal and informal science education. In the news we share a recent article on generative AI research by Dr. Grant Cooper (article).

In the first bonus episode of Series 2 we will be looking at ChatGPT (click here for link to program) and whether or not it is useful in creating inclusive STEM lessons for students with exceptionalities or who are learning English. We will be testing the software for STEM lessons in the primary grades using the science curriculum from the Australia, Canada, and the United States. In the news we discuss ways teachers are currently using Chat GPT (article).

In the fourth episode of Series 2 we will be looking at the sun and constellations through multiculturally inclusive lessons and activities.​ Starting with an exploration on how individuals and communities view and experience the sun through diverse cultural lenses, we will discuss how educators can work with their students, families, and diverse communities to create science lessons and activities about different cultural perspectives and ceremonies tied to different solar phenomenon such as the summer or winter solstice (click here for events in Canada or Peru). This podcast will also include ideas for solar engineering, design and language support for Multilingual Learners (MLs). In the news we look art large solar plants in India and Saudi Arabia.

In the third episode we will be exploring ways to learn about the sun and other stars in the constellation for students who see the night sky through exceptional eyes and other senses. Key to exceptional STEM lessons related to the sun revolves around activities that include tactile models and digital augmentation such as the use of solar powered toys, buzzers, and miniature buildings. Audio descriptors and experiencing the sun through sensory-based activities are also discussed. In STEM news we will be looking at the James Webb Telescope which observes the visible and invisible lights in the universe. Teachers can also find a tactile book about the sun published by NASA.

In episode 2 of our second series we are going to explore what the sun means for children and the larger communities they live in. More specifically we will be talking about shadow and solar toy experiments with 5 year olds. We will then extend solar learning and energy activities for 10 and 15 year olds with a deeper understanding of sun as a type of star, and the significance of solar energy in our geologic past, present and future. We will be looking at young people's developing ideas of the sun within the context of Dr. Rosalind Driver's ideas of meaning making and alternative conceptions. Solar4STEM has some simple activities for 5 and 10 year olds to explore. NASA's webpage on stars and the James Webb Telescope has some fascinating information for secondary students. Solar Energy International has some excellent information and resources on solar technologies and activities for secondary students as well.