The STEM Space

The STEM Space

By Vivify STEMEducation
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The STEM Space episodes

  • 210. Parents as Partners in STEM

    Show Summary:

    When we think about parent volunteers, we often picture parents helping with classroom parties, fundraisers, field trips, or other special events. But what if we invited parents to be involved in the academic work happening at school, too?

    In this episode, Natasha and Claire brainstorm ways schools and teachers could rethink parent involvement, especially in STEM and science classrooms. Could parent volunteers help make hands-on science labs more manageable? Could PTOs create academic volunteer roles? Could parents share their careers and expertise, help gather materials, support STEM projects, or simply provide another set of hands during activities that are difficult for one teacher to manage alone?

    This episode isn't a list of things every school should be doing. It's a conversation about what's possible and an invitation to think beyond the usual ways we ask families to help.

    If you've ever wished you had an extra set of hands during a science lab, this episode might have you looking at your parent community in a whole new way.

    Links from the Show:

    Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

    209. 5 Mistakes Almost Every New STEM Teacher Makes (And What to Do Instead)

    127. Why You Should Teach About STEM Careers

    134. Are You Gifted?

    Vivify STEM Blog Posts

    STEM Family Night Planning Guide

    10 Amazing STEM Family Night Activities

    How to Integrate STEM into Your Gifted & Talented Program

    A Teacher’s Guide to Science Fairs

    Vivify STEM Lessons

    Botany STEM Challenge

    Space Club Mission to Moon or Mission to Mars - FREE!

    Other STEM Resources

    Facebook: The Drip Trip

    About Texas’s Bluebonnet Learning

    FREE Space Curriculum by Cosmic Leap Foundation

    Get in on This Conversation and Email Us!

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    24 min
  • 209. 5 Mistakes Almost Every New STEM Teacher Makes (And What to Do Instead)

    Show Summary:

    Are you making one of these common STEM teaching mistakes? Don't worry! Most of us have!

    In this episode, Natasha and Claire break down five mistakes that are especially common when teachers are new to STEM education. They'll talk about why focusing too much on the finished product can actually get in the way of the engineering design process, how real-world connections can transform a simple building challenge, why students sometimes need us to stop giving them the answers, and why great STEM teachers don't try to do everything alone.

    They also explore the importance of reflection and iteration—and the story of James Dyson's 5,127 prototypes reminds us that a design that doesn't work isn't necessarily a failed learning experience.

    Whether you're brand-new to STEM or you've been teaching it for years, this episode is an invitation to look at your STEM lessons through a different lens: less emphasis on making something that works the first time, and more emphasis on creating students who know what to do when it doesn't.

    Links from the Show:

    Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

    8. STEM vs STEAM+

    205. Can You See Stuff In Your Head?

    120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM

    Vivify STEM Blog Posts

    ​Why Early STEM Matters: Data-Driven Strategies

    What to Teach in STEM: A K-8 Engineering Education Framework

    How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward

    STEM Teacher & Classroom Essentials

    Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education

    Vivify STEM Lessons

    Intro to STEM: Think Like a Scientist & Engineer!

    Simple Machines | Inclined Planes: Operation Swift Escape (Part of our NEW 5th Grade STEM Innovators Series!)

    Biomimicry 5E Science Unit + STEM Design Lab (Nature-Inspired Design!)

    Stem Explorers: Antarctica Shelter STEM Challenge

    Space Capsule Heat Shield 5E Engineering Challenge

    Other STEM Resources

    Vivify STEM Facebook Reels: Let the Neighborhood Science Club Commence!

    How to Teach STEM

    “Enjoy your failure and learn from it. You never learn from success.” About Sir James Dyson

    Cosmic Leap Foundation: Space Colony Competition

    Boeing Community Engagement

    Access FREE STEM Lessons! Become a Member of The STEM Space by Vivify STEM

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    28 min
  • 208. How Do You Know What You Know?

    Show Summary:

    How do we know what we know—and how do we decide whom to trust? In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha explore the challenge of teaching students to navigate a world filled with misinformation, misleading statistics, and confidently stated “facts.” From questioning commonly held beliefs to evaluating scientific claims, they discuss how educators can move beyond simply teaching students what is true and instead equip them with the critical-thinking skills to evaluate sources, examine evidence, and decide what deserves their belief.

    FREE STUDENT WORKSHEET IN THE SHOWNOTES!

    Links from the Show:

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    207. Project Hail Mary

    142. An AI Lesson Gone Awry

    148. AI Tips for Teachers ft. Lauren Kelly

    16. Everything You Know About Learning Styles Is Wrong

    103. Teaching Light & Breaking Misconceptions

    Vivify STEM Blog Posts

    Best Free AI Tools for Educators

    Top 3 AI Tools for Educators

    Vivify STEM Lessons

    FREE!- What Deserves Your Belief? Critical Thinking Activity

    Other STEM Resources

    Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC)

    Space for Teachers - Project Hail Mary Challenge

    Fact vs Myth

    ”You swallow 8 spiders a year while sleeping.”

    “The Great Wall of China is the only human-made object visible from space.”

    “We only use 10% of our brains.”

    “Goldfish have a three-second memory.”

    “Lightning never strikes the same place twice.”

    “Sugar makes children hyperactive.”

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    39 min
  • 207. Project Hail Mary

    Show Summary:

    In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire shares a special behind‑the‑scenes look at a project she’s been leading with her after‑school STEM club, inspired by Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary and the recent film adaptation. You’ll hear directly from her students as they talk through their designs, discoveries, and big STEM takeaways.

    A quick heads‑up: this episode includes a few Project Hail Mary spoilers, and the audio was recorded in the classroom rather than Claire’s usual setup, but the students’ excitement and creativity make it well worth the listen! Claire couldn’t be more proud of what they accomplished.

    Links from the Show:

    Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

    120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM

    113. From Miniatures to Mariners: The Power of Prototyping

    Vivify STEM Blog Posts

    Thrilling STEM Activities for Kids: Roller Coaster Challenge

    How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward

    Vivify STEM Lessons

    Roller Coaster Engineering Design Challenge - K-5 or 5-8

    FREE After School Space Club Curriculum: Mission to Moon or Mission to Mars

    Build a Moon or Mars Colony

    Other STEM Resources

    The Project Hail Mary Challenge

    Book: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

    IFLScience | Future Astronauts On The Moon And Mars Face Major Challenge As Healthy Muscle Gravity Threshold Revealed

    YouTube | NASA Science - The Vomit Comet: The Parabolic Flight Experience

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    31 min
  • 206. How to Turn Off Your Selective Attention

    Show Summary:

    What if turning off your selective attention could actually make you more creative? In this episode of The STEM Space, we explore how the brain filters information—and why loosening that filter might be the secret to innovation.

    You’ll also meet Ellen Swallow Richards, the chemist, environmental scientist, and sanitary engineer who transformed public health by revealing the hidden dangers in everyday water. Plus, we highlight several accidental scientific discoveries that changed the world in unexpected ways.

    Don’t forget to grab the free lesson that goes along with this week’s STEMist spotlight, and stick around for the latest STEM news from around the world!

    STEMist SPOTLIGHT: Ellen Swallow Richards (1842-1911) was an American chemist and a pioneer in environmental science and public health. Ellen became the first woman admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she studied chemistry and later worked as a researcher. Richards is best known for her work testing water quality and identifying pollution in drinking water, helping to establish modern sanitation and environmental safety standards. She also founded the field of home economics, applying science to everyday life, including nutrition and hygiene. Her work improved public health and changed how communities think about clean water and healthy living.

    As always, we have a free student activity that goes with our featured STEMist that you can find in our STEM Explorer Library using the image to the left or the link below (listed in under Vivify STEM Lessons).

    Links from the Show:

    Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

    48. What Is In Our Air?

    205. Can You See Stuff in Your Head?

    36. Are You A Visualizer?

    Vivify STEM Blog Posts

    Top 10 Ways to Encourage Girls in STEM

    A Neuroscientist’s Top 5 STEM Activities for Kids and Families!

    How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward

    Vivify STEM Lessons

    FREE! - Featured STEMist Lesson: Ellen Swallow Richards

    FREE! - What is in the Air? - A Middle School Environmental Science Unit

    STEM Creativity Tools: 5 Activities to Boost Brainstorming Power

    Mars Soil Testing STEM Mission (pH, Acids, Bases)

    Women in STEM BINGO Game

    Women in STEM History Engineering Challenges Bundle

    Who is an Engineer or Scientist? STEM Career Game & Activity

    Other STEM Resources

    Publications by Ellen Swallow Richards

    YouTube: Selective Attention Test from Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris

    That Fatigue You Feel Might Just Boost Your Creativity | Psychology Today

    In STEM News

    Why Mosquitoes Always Find You -Scientists from Georgia Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology discovered that mosquitoes don’t follow each other—instead, they independently respond to the same cues, especially carbon dioxide from breath and dark visual targets like clothing. Using 3D tracking and millions of data points, researchers found that the combination of CO₂ and dark colors is what most strongly attracts mosquitoes, helping explain their behavior and offering new ideas for more effective mosquito control. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020247.htm

    How Beavers Are Fighting Climate Change - Scientists found that beavers can transform rivers into powerful carbon-storing systems by building dams that create wetlands and trap carbon-rich materials. Over time, these beaver-shaped environments can store significantly more carbon than normal streams—making them a surprising and natural ally in reducing climate change. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020245.htm

    Keep Your Eyes Open - A study from Shanghai Jiao Tong University found that closing your eyes in noisy environments can actually make it harder to hear faint sounds. Researchers discovered that visual input, especially images or videos related to the sound, helps the brain focus, while closing the eyes causes over-filtering that can block out important sounds. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260320073819.htm

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    38 min
  • 205. Can You See Stuff In Your Head?

    Show Summary:

    In this episode of The STEM Space, we explore the fascinating world of the mind’s eye. Some people can picture vivid images in their minds, while others see nothing at all—so where do you fall on the imagination spectrum? We’ll dive into the science of visual perception while learning about modern neuroscientist Margaret Livingstone and her work uncovering how the brain processes visual information. Plus, grab your free classroom lesson inspired by this research and stay tuned for the latest top feats of STEM in the news.

    STEMist SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Margaret Livingstone has spent her career uncovering how the brain turns light into meaning, showing that what feels effortless - recognizing color, motion, faces, and form - is actually the work of specialized pathways working together behind the scenes. Drawn to both science and art from a young age, she earned her Ph.D. in neurobiology at Harvard and went on to map how different parts of the visual system process information. Her research revealed why certain artworks seem to glow or move and how artists have long tapped into the brain’s visual circuitry, insights she later shared in Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing. Her work has shaped fields from neuroscience and psychology to art, display technology, and virtual reality, reminding us that while our eyes capture the world, it’s the brain that creates what we see.

    Links from the Show:

    Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

    16. Everything You Know About Learning Styles Is Wrong

    Vivify STEM Blog Posts

    How to Integrate STEM into Your Gifted & Talented Program

    Vivify STEM Lessons

    FREE! - Featured STEMist Lesson: Dr. Margaret Livingstone

    STEM Creativity Tools: 5 Activities to Boost Brainstorming Power

    Astronaut Training: 4C's of STEM Middle School Unit | Engineering Our Cosmos

    Other STEM Resources

    Vision and Art by Margaret S. Livingstone

    The Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire at Aphantasia Network

    In STEM News

    What Do Mummies Smell Like? The Answer Is Revealing Ancient Secrets - Scientists at the University of Bristol discovered that the distinctive scent of Egyptian mummies comes from chemicals left behind by embalming ingredients such as oils, beeswax, plant resins, and bitumen. By analyzing tiny samples of air around mummy fragments, researchers identified dozens of chemical compounds that reveal how mummification techniques evolved and became more sophisticated over more than 2,000 years. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315225153.htm

    New “Jerk” Signal Could Warn of Volcano Eruptions Hours in Advance - Scientists from the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris and the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences developed a method called the “Jerk” detector that identifies tiny ground movements caused by magma rising underground. Tested for ten years at the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, the system successfully predicted **92% of eruptions—sometimes up to eight hours in advance—**offering a promising new tool for early volcanic warning systems. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315004411.htm

    Smart Underwear Reveals the Truth About Farts - Scientists at the University of Maryland created “Smart Underwear,” a wearable sensor that measures hydrogen in intestinal gas to track how often people pass gas. Early results show people may fart about **32 times per day on average—more than twice previous estimates—**while the technology could help researchers better understand gut microbes and digestive health. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260314030516.htm

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    31 min
  • 204. What Makes a Great Inventor?

    Show Summary:

    In this episode, Claire introduces us to the fascinating inventor and engineer, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, who is best known for creating the super soaker water gun. However, that is the least of his accomplishments. Claire and Natasha follow with a discussion on what makes a great engineer and the difference between engineers and inventors… if there is a difference! STEMist storytime, a debate on important engineering skills, and more feats of STEM in the news are in store for you, dear listeners. Tune in to hear what it is all about and don’t forget to grab the free lesson to go with the STEMist Highlight in our STEM Explorer library.

    ENGINEER SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Lonnie Johnson (b. 1949) is an American inventor and engineer whose curiosity started early. Growing up in Alabama, he loved taking things apart and even built a working robot in high school, winning a statewide science fair as the only Black student competing. Johnson went on to earn engineering degrees and worked for the U.S. Air Force and NASA, contributing to major missions like Galileo’s exploration of Jupiter.

    While experimenting at home in the 1980s, he accidentally created a powerful water stream that sparked an idea. After refining the design, he invented the Super Soaker, one of the best‑selling toys of all time. Dr. Johnson used its success to fund research in advanced batteries and clean energy through his own company. With more than 100 patents, he continues to innovate and inspire young engineers today.

    Links from the Show:

    Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

    178. Getting Kids to Think

    71. How to Create a Relevant STEM Challenge

    193. Are You Manufacturing Engineers?

    150. Screw the Standards! Or Should We? ft. Dr. Pedersen

    Vivify STEM Blog Posts

    Go On a Mission to Mars!

    7 Activities Featuring Women in STEM History

    What to Teach in STEM: A K-8 Engineering Education Framework

    Vivify STEM Lessons

    FREE! - Featured Engineer Lesson: Dr. Lonnie Johnson

    Design a Lunar or Mars Colony

    Orbital Mission

    STEM Innovators lessons

    Who is an Engineer or Scientist? STEM Career Game & Activity

    STEM Innovators BINGO Game: 24 Game-Changing Thinkers in STEM!

    Astro-Rover Space Science & Engineering Design Unit

    Other STEM Resources

    Dr. Lonnie Johnson Official Website

    NASA Galileo Mission

    Book: Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton

    NASA Artemis

    Article: The 5 Traits of a Great Engineer

    In STEM News

    Boiling Space Oceans: A study in Nature Astronomy suggests that some icy moons, including Enceladus, may have underground oceans that can begin to boil as their ice shells thin.

    Light Control: Scientists at NYU have developed a new way to control how crystals form by using light as a “remote control.”

    Thing IRL: Researchers led by roboticist Aude Billard at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology have developed a highly flexible robotic hand that can grasp multiple objects at once — and even detach to crawl around independently.

    Lunar Construction: Astroport Space Technologies and Venturi Astrolab have successfully tested a robotic lunar excavator designed to help build future infrastructure on the Moon.

    Retinal Implant: A miniature wireless retinal implant is offering renewed hope to individuals who have lost their sight due to advanced age-related macular degeneration.

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    33 min
  • 203. What Your Students Should Know About Robots

    Show Summary:

    In this episode, Natasha and Claire explore the fascinating world of robots and robotics—from the driver’s seat of their Tesla cars to the competition floor of First In Texas robotics. Natasha shares firsthand insights from her work in competitive robotics, while both hosts reflect on how robotics is already shaping our everyday lives.

    You’ll also hear the inspiring story of George Devol, the inventor who helped launch the modern robotics industry, and why his legacy still matters today. The conversation dives into how and when students should be introduced to robotics, practical ways to spark curiosity, and why robotics education is more important than ever in preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving world.

    Plus, the episode wraps with exciting recent feats in STEM that highlight just how fast innovation is moving.

    Whether you're an educator, parent, tech enthusiast, or just robot-curious, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a glimpse into the future.

    ENGINEER SPOTLIGHT: George Devol (1912-2011) was an American inventor who helped start the modern robotics industry. George, fascinated by circuits and mechanics, loved experimenting with electronics and machines. In 1954, he patented the first programmable robotic arm, a machine that could move objects automatically by following coded instructions. Working with engineer Joseph Engelberger, he built Unimate, the world’s first industrial robot. In 1961, it was put to work in a car factory, handling hot metal parts and doing dangerous jobs that once put people at risk. Devol’s invention changed manufacturing forever and helped pave the way for the robots we use today.

    Links from the Show:

    Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

    105. Explaining the 3 Stages of STEM

    132. The Focus of an Engineering Design Competition

    Vivify STEM Blog Posts

    Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education

    How to Teach STEM Through A Story

    5 Tips for Teaching STEM With Robots

    Hour of Code Resources + Unplugged Coding Activity

    Vivify STEM Lessons

    FREE! - Featured Engineer Lesson: George Devol

    Robot Hand Design Challenge

    Simple Machines STEM: Levers - Operation: Secret Lever

    Design a Pneumatic Device Middle School STEM Unit | Engineering Our Cosmos

    Intro to Coding: Unplugged STEM Activity

    Astro-Rover Space Science & Engineering Design Unit

    Other STEM Resources

    FIRST® LEGO® League

    FIRST® Tech Challenge

    FIRST® Robotics Competition

    NASA Robotics Alliance Project

    NASA Space Vehicle Mockup Facility (Building 9)

    Bee-Bot

    Ozobot Evo Entry Kit

    How to Teach STEM

    In STEM News

    Perseverance and AI!NASA’s Perseverance rover has achieved a major milestone on Mars by navigating with routes planned by artificial intelligence rather than human drivers. Using a vision-based AI system, the rover analyzed terrain images, spotted hazards like rocks and sand ripples, and mapped out its own safe path.

    Do cows have the smarts to use tools? Read more about this fascinating study and use this free accompanying lesson plan from the New York Times!

    New Dinosaur Species found!Scientists have discovered a new species of massive predatory dinosaur in Niger’s Sahara Desert: Spinosaurus mirabilis. It is only the second known Spinosaurus species and features a striking 20-inch, sword-shaped head crest likely used for display.

    Eat pecans! A new review published in Nutrients finds strong evidence that pecans support heart health, particularly by improving cholesterol and other blood lipid markers.

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    34 min
  • 202. Trashy STEM and a Review of SEEC

    Show Summary:

    We’re kicking off the new year with a spotlight on real engineers and scientists who inspire our work in STEM education. This week, we’re featuring Lillian Gilbreth and the incredible impact she made on engineering and human factors.

    We’re also sharing highlights from our time at the 2026 SEEC conference — including the ideas, resources, and classroom-ready activities we brought back with us. And don’t miss the end of the episode, where we round up some of our favorite STEM news stories from the week!

    ENGINEER SPOTLIGHT: Lillian Moller Gilbreth (1878–1972) was an American industrial engineer and psychologist who pioneered ergonomics and human-centered design. She helped develop the Therbligs, a system for analyzing basic human motions to improve efficiency, and applied these ideas to both workplaces and everyday objects, including the foot-pedal step trash can. With more than 20 patents, Gilbreth showed how thoughtful engineering can simplify tasks and improve daily life!

    Links from the Show:

    Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

    150. Screw the Standards! Or Should We? ft. Dr. Pedersen

    Vivify STEM Blog Posts

    Teaching Space Inspires Youth

    Go on a Mission to Mars! An inside look into Space Club’s Mission to Mars

    Vivify STEM Lessons

    FREE! - Featured Engineer Lesson: Lillian Moller Gilbreth

    Design a Pneumatic Device Middle School STEM Unit | Engineering Our Cosmos

    Other STEM Resources

    Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC)

    Titan Curriculum: COMING SOON! - Fill out this interest form to receive it as soon as it releases!

    Cosmic Leap Foundation

    Space for Teachers

    Blue Origin Educational Resources

    Astronaut Aymette Medina

    3D Lunar Rock Files

    In STEM News

    Scientists Make Sound Waves Create “Levitating Time Crystals”

    Travel for Engineers

    Yeast That Could Survive on Mars

    AI Solves a Dinosaur Mystery

    Turning Air Pollution Into Something Useful

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    26 min
  • 201. How to Structure a STEM Program ft. Sharon Boese

    Show Summary:

    Claire sits down with Sharon Boese, a dynamic STEM educator from McKinney Christian Academy in Texas, to explore what hands-on, inquiry-based science education looks like in action. Sharon shares what a typical day in her classroom entails - from guiding 8th graders through Earth and Space Science to inspiring younger students in the school’s K–5 STEM enrichment program.

    We talk about how to balance multiple class preps and design unique experiences to prevent repetition across grade levels, and integrate creativity and rigor through project-based learning. Sharon also gives us a peek inside her students’ engineering notebooks and explains how documentation supports problem-solving and reflection. Whether you’re a fellow teacher looking for classroom inspiration or simply curious about how STEM education comes alive, this conversation offers practical insights and plenty of passion for learning.

    About Sharon Boese: Sharon Boese is currently an eighth grade science/STEM teacher and an Elementary School STEM Coordinator at McKinney Christian Academy in McKinney, Texas. She has a great passion for all things space and constantly encourages her students to reach for the stars. Sharon is happily married to Michael, an environmental engineer. They have three sons who all have no choice but to love the nighttime sky. All are Eagle Scouts who earned the Astronomy and Space Exploration merit badges! Sharon hopes that one day one of her sons will become an Astronaut!

    Credit: NASA Directory | Solar System Ambassadors - NASA Solar System Exploration

    Links from the Show:

    Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

    128. Preparing for the New Science Standards in Texas

    131. How to Scaffold Engineering Design in K-12

    105. Explaining the 3 Stages of STEM

    Vivify STEM Blog Posts

    How to Start an After School STEM Club

    Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning

    Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education

    10 Tips for Managing a STEM Classroom

    Vivify STEM Lessons

    Intro to Coding: STEM Distance Learning Activity

    Building Bricks STEM Challenge Mats - GROWING BUNDLE!

    STEM by Grade Level

    Bridge Engineering STEM Challenge

    FREE! - Engineering Design Teacher Slides (editable)

    FREE! - Editable Budget Sheet for Engineering Design Challenges

    Tower STEM Challenges

    Design a Car Engineering Design Challenge | 1st Grade STEM Discoveries

    Sailboat STEM Challenge - K-5 or 6-8

    Simple Machines Toy Factory STEM Challenge

    Other STEM Resources

    NASA Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC)

    Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) | Texas Education Agency

    Vivify STEM Space Library - free (Explorer Library) and paid (STEM Space All-Access: ALL Vivify lessons, PD, videos, and MORE) options

    Vivify Scope and Sequence

    Sphero Bolt+ | Sphero Education

    Tinkercad

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    33 min

About The STEM Space

From the publisher's feed

Two engineers turned educators discuss resources, tips, and current events within the scope of STEM education.