The STEM Space

Show Summary:

In this episode, Claire is back in her STEM classroom and focused on prototyping and troubleshooting for her kinder - 9th graders! Listen in as she and Natasha chat about a mysterious prototype, a STEM challenge intended to assess learning for back to school, and why her students asked if they could bring a dead cat to school.

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

113. From Miniatures to Mariners: The Power of Prototyping

40. Escape the STEM Room

119. Think Like A Scientist

51. How Do You Get Every Student to Speak?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Sub Plans for a STEM Classroom

Engineering in the Science Classroom

Vivify STEM Lessons

STEM Creativity Tools: 5 Activities to Boost Brainstorming Power

Sub Lesson Templates for a STEM Classroom

Paper Circuits STEM Activity - FREE in The STEM Space Explorer Library!

Robot Hand STEM Activity

Other STEM Resources

Tour Claire’s STEM Lab on TikTok or Instagram!

STEM Books:

- “What To Do With a Box?” by Jane Yolen

- “Boxitects” by Kim Smith

Who has the hat? on TikTok or Instagram

The STEM Space Membership (365 day access to ALL Vivify Lessons!)

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

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Show Summary:

Happy back to school! In this episode, Natasha shares her lessons and reflects on the first week of school. This includes two mystery box activities to get to know her students, establish expectations for classroom participation, and connect to the scientific process. She also shares how she introduced the teaching of science by having her students, who are undergraduate preservice teachers, complete ineffective science activities to highlight the challenges of promoting science knowledge.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

51. How Do You Get Every Student to Speak?

7. How to Ask Questions

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

A Teacher’s Guide to Science Fair

How to Host a Debate in Your Science Classroom

Engineering and the 5E Science Model

Pipecleaner STEM Challenge

Vivify STEM Lessons

Think Like a Scientist: Nature of Science 5E Inquiry Unit

Tower STEM Challenges: 5 Icebreaker Activities

Intro to STEM: Think Like a Scientist & Engineer!

Back to School (Stage 1 STEM) Bundle: 50+ Icebreaker Activities

Other STEM Resources

Mystery Box: Introducing Questioning

Mystery Tubes (UC Berkeley)

Pear Deck (for use with Google Slides)

Texas A&M University Professor Tatiana Erukhimova:

- Ready for a big cloud?! These kids sure were! (YouTube)

- A Texas A&M Professor Is Sharing Her Love Of Physics With Millions On TikTok (TAMU article)

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

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Show Summary:

In this episode, Natasha chats with one of her favorite people and classmates at Texas A&M University, Rachelle Pedersen! Natasha and Rachelle are both doctoral students in curriculum and instruction, and one of the few focused on engineering education. Rachelle shares her experiences teaching high school technology and engineering, including one of her favorite engineering design challenges. They also discuss the overwhelming expectations of STEM education and strategies to support teachers.

Rachelle Pedersen is a Graduate Research Assistant and Instructor of Record for the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Culture. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Engineering Science (Concentration Technology Education) from Colorado State University and a Masters of Science in Curriculum & Instruction (Emphasis Science Education) from Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on motivation and social influences (e.g. mentoring and identity development) that support underrepresented students in STEM fields. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Cosmic Leap Foundation and the Outreach Chair for the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program at Texas A&M. Prior to graduate school, Rachelle taught high school technology and engineering education (Robotics/Engineering, AP Computer Science, and Video Production) and advised several after-school programs (e.g., Technology Student Association, Girls in STEM, Stage Crew).

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

98. Who is an Engineer?

91. Defining STEM ft. Molly Seward (K-4 STEM Teacher)

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward

Engineering in the Science Classroom

Vivify STEM Lessons

STEM Scope & Sequence (Pacing Guides) - FREE!!

Roller Coaster STEM Challenge

Elementary School Version (K-5)

Middle School Version (5-8)

Interview Questions to ask STEM Professionals - FREE!!

Other STEM Resources

What is CTE? (from the Association of Career and Technical Education)

Vivify STEM Curriculum Map

Learn More About Space Club Career Chats

Voya Foundation’s National STEM Fellowship in partnership with the NNSTOY

WiSE at Texas A&M University

Skype a Scientist

Rachelle’s Favorite STEM Lesson: Making Cents of the Nature of Engineering

Quick Tips

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOK

Show Summary:

In this episode, Natasha has an incredible conversation with Nikole Collins-Puri, a social justice visionary and advocate who is the CEO of Techbridge Girls, a nonprofit organization that empowers girls from low-income communities to pursue STEM careers and achieve economic mobility and financial security as adults. Nikole shares her own journey in STEM, why belonging matters in STEM, and resources for educators.

About Techbridge Girls: Techbridge Girls challenges gender, racial, and class bias in STEM fields and culture by developing gender responsive and culturally relevant STEM curricula that helps girls* see their unique STEM lineage, community, interests and path to success.

* Techbridge Girls (TBG) serves Black, Indigenous, and all girls of color, which includes cis girls, trans youth, gender non-conforming, and/or non-binary youth who experience(d) girlhood and economic insecurity as a part of their journey.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

18. What You Should Know About Failure

35. Question Everything

98. Who is an Engineer?

50. How to Involve Girls in After-School STEM

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward

Top 10 Ways To Encourage Girls In STEM

Vivify STEM Lessons

Women in STEM

Women in STEM Classroom Posters - FREE!

Botany STEM Challenge - highlights Katherine Esau

Bridge Engineering STEM Challenge - highlights Emily Roebling

Building Bricks STEM Women's History Design Challenge

Solar Oven STEM Challenge - highlights Maria Telkes

Other STEM Resources

Techbridge Girls

Be Part of Our STEM Equity Learning Community of Practice - Applications are open through August 30! Apply here.

NIH: The missing women in STEM? Assessing gender differentials in the factors associated with transition to first jobs

Dr. Colita Nichols Fairfax

Bring Space Club to Your School!

Email us your questions!

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

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Show Summary:

In this episode, Natasha and Claire explore a variety of icebreakers to help set the tone for the academic year. They share activities that are not just fun but also help in sharpening vital soft skills like communication and teamwork—key elements for the complex design challenges that lie ahead. From hands-on challenges with LEGO® blocks and towers to fun ways to keep attendance while building relationships with your students, they share how these activities lay the groundwork for an engaging and collaborative learning environment. Tune in as we navigate through these exciting strategies to kick-start your STEM classroom experience.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

114. Strategies for a Teacherpreneur

105. Explaining the 3 Stages of STEM

34. We Interviewed an Astronaut (Greg Chamitoff)

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Get Your STEM Classroom Ready for Back to School!

Find Student Sparks

The Best 3 Back to School STEM Icebreakers (includes Space Docking & Tower Challenges)

Pipecleaner STEM Challenge

Vivify STEM Lessons

Stage 1: Icebreakers & Teambuilding

STEM Task Cards for Building Bricks: Growing Bundle!

Tower STEM Challenges: 5 Icebreaker Activities

Back to School (Stage 1 STEM) Bundle: 50+ Icebreaker Activities

All Stage 1 - Icebreakers & Teambuilding

Name Plate STEM

STEM Scope & Sequence (Pacing Guide)

Elementary School (K-5)

Middle School (6-8)

Other STEM Resources

Vivify TikTok: Who Wears the Hat? (A Claire riddle!)

Claire’s Foam Magnets Recommendations

Book: Don’t Wake the Dragon

Subscribe to the Vivify STEM Newsletter!

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

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Show Summary:

In this episode, Claire and Natasha discuss what things they would include in a devoted STEM classroom or Makerspace. They share some must-have products and design elements as well as some things you could skip. Tune in to hear an answer to one of our most frequently asked questions and take-away some ideas you may use for your STEM room.

Have a question we could answer in a future podcast episode? Email us at [email protected]

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

25. Teaching Fads: Should You Have A Makerspace?

106. Why is Engineering in K-12?

93. How Does Engineering Relate to Science?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Must Haves for a STEM Lab

Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning

Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education

The ABCs of Kindergarten STEM

Vivify STEM Lessons

STEM Classroom Decoration

Intro to Coding: Communication STEM Activity

Alphabet STEM Challenges Bundle - Kindergarten STEM Year-Long Curriculum

STEM Scope & Sequence (Pacing Guide)

Elementary School (K-5)

Middle School (6-8)

Other STEM Resources

We Are Teachers: What is a Makerspace?

Claire’s Makerspace and STEM Materials original preview

Mentioned STEM Must-Haves (Amazon Affiliate links):

- CANARY Cutters

- ZOOB BuilderZ

- LEGO DUPLO

- LEGO Compatible Magnetic Brick Tiles

Sphero EDU

Vivify Recommended Resources

The STEM Space Membership (Yearly access to ALL Vivify Lessons!)

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOK

Show Summary:

In this episode, Claire and Natasha share their extensive knowledge and experience in crafting and marketing educational curricula. They delve into the details of creating compelling and effective learning materials that not only engage students but also meet educators' needs by imparting valuable insights about the business side of education. They discuss strategies for positioning and selling their curricula in the competitive market, shedding light on their big-picture approach, teacher notes, and understanding the needs of their target audience. This episode is a must-listen for educators looking to create and sell their own teaching resources or if you might one day!

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

71. How to Create a Relevant STEM Challenge

84. Show Me the Money for STEM

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

10 Tips for Managing a STEM Classroom

Vivify STEM Lessons

Heart Rate Ratios & Graphing Activity

STEM Space Lander Math & Engineering Activity

Editable Teacher Slides for Engineering Design Challenges (FREE!!)

STEM Scope and Sequence (Pacing Guide)

Elementary School (K-5)

Middle School (6-8)

Mission to Mars: STEM Curriculum Unit

Elementary School (PreK-5)

Middle School (5-8)

Design a Zoo! 5E STEM Project

Other STEM Resources

Vivify STEM on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT)

Vivify Curriculum Map

The STEM Space Membership (Yearly access to ALL Vivify Lessons!)

Exploring STEM Like an Aerospace Engineer - Vivify’s story

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOK

Show Summary:

In this episode, Claire dives into how she plans to inspire her students to understand complex concepts, such as buoyancy. She explores the transformative process of moving from paper sketches to mini-models, and ultimately to life-sized, functioning products. Claire explains the critical role of prototyping, the eureka moments, the challenges, and the triumph or failure of the end result. Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover how the power of prototyping can create unforgettable educational experiences for your students.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

94. How Sphero Supports STEM Teachers ft. Michelle Acaley

97. Robots and Computer Science ft Hal Speed

112. Have We Over-Engineered the Goals of Engineering Education?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning

The Importance of Failure

Vivify STEM Lessons

Intro to Coding: Communication STEM Activity

Roller Coaster STEM Activity - K-5 or 5-8

Ocean Study: 5E Science Unit (Explore buoyancy, salinity, ocean layers, & ecosystem)

STEM Catapult Math & Engineering Activity (Angles and Ratios)

Newspaper STEM Challenges: 3 Engineering Activities

Other STEM Resources

CodeHS - Coding platform for schools

Quick Tips

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOK

Show Summary:

The STEM Space podcast is back! While Natasha jetted off to France during the break, Claire shuttled her kids around town, from swim practice to piano camp. Now, somewhat rejuvenated, we're thrilled to be back to talk all things STEM! In this episode, Natasha reflects on her first time teaching undergraduate pre-service students, while Claire shares a student question she will never answer. Plus, we tackle the topic of: Have we over-engineered the goals of engineering education?

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

106. Why is Engineering in K-12?

33. My Students Built A Wheelchair

90. We Launched a Weather Balloon

7. How to Ask Questions

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

All About Rockets

How to Launch a Weather Balloon: Ultimate STEM Challenge

How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward

Vivify STEM Lessons

Weather Balloon Launch: STEM Engineering Project Guide

Teaching Buoyancy

STEM Sailboat Challenge Math & Engineering Activity

Ocean Study: 5E Science Unit (Sink/Float, Salinity, Ocean Layers)

STEM Creativity Tools: 5 Activities to Boost Brainstorming Power

Other Resources

Marco Polo video chat app

Email us your questions!

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOKWeather Balloon Launch: STEM Engineering Project Guide

Teaching Buoyancy

- STEM Sailboat Challenge Math & Engineering Activity - K-5 or 5-10

- Ocean Study: 5E Science Unit (Sink/Float, Salinity, Ocean Layers)

STEM Creativity Tools: 5 Activities to Boost Brainstorming Power

Show Summary:

In this episode, Natasha continues her conversation with André Thomas, game-based learning expert and Director of the LIVE Lab in the Visualization program at Texas A&M University. Explore the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI) as André shares his views on how it can personalize learning experiences, enhance engagement, and potentially revolutionize various aspects of our lives. Sign up for André’s online course Introduction to Game-Based Learning and get 30% off with code OMYM0G

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

110. How to Implement Game-Based Learning ft. André Thomas (part 1)

68. Game-Based Learning with André Thomas

101. How ChatGPT Will Transform Education

35. Question Everything

Vivify STEM Lessons

Intro to Coding: Communication STEM Activity

Other STEM Resources

ChatGPT

15 Tips To Help Businesses Use AI And Automation Responsibly And Effectively (Forbes)

Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (UNESCO)

Rayyan - AI Powered Tool for Systematic Literature Reviews

AutoGPT Official

Join The STEM Space!

Game-Based Learning (GBL) Resources

Game Based Learning (YouTube)

A&M-developed calculus video game helps students pass, pursue STEM careers

Variant: Limits Educational Trailer (YouTube)

Variant: Limits (game)

TED Talk: The Effective Use of Game-Based Learning in Education

Texas A&M University LIVE Lab: Introduction to Game-Based Learning - Get 30% with code OMYM0G (course unavailable as of June 2024)

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

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