The STEM Space

Show Summary:

In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha sits down with Nichole Austion — children’s book author and Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI). Nichole shares the story behind her book Miles and the Math Monsters, inspired by her son’s journey to overcome struggles with math, where the character discovers math to be a helpful companion intertwined in their everyday environment. Listen in as she shares an excerpt of her book and practical advice on fostering a positive math identity in children.

About Nichole Austion, VP of Public Affairs at NMSI: Nichole Austion is the Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), where she leads marketing and government relations. With a focus on STEM advancement, Nichole orchestrates strategic initiatives, bridging marketing and government relations to amplify NMSI’s impact nationwide. Her expertise stems from her work with global technology firms like Sabre Holdings and Teradata, where she drove multimillion-dollar revenue through innovative marketing strategies. She is the author of “Miles and the Math Monsters,” a children’s book that transforms math into a friendly presence, encouraging children to see it as a helpful companion intertwined with their everyday environment. She holds an engineering degree from Howard University and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin.

About National Math and Science Initiative: The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving STEM education in the U.S. It focuses on expanding access to high-quality math and science programs, particularly for students who face barriers to educational opportunities. Since its founding in 2007, NMSI has worked with schools, teachers, and policymakers to enhance STEM learning and prepare students for careers in STEM fields.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

166. Why Math Matters ft. CEO of NMSI

179. Seeing Students as Mathematicians ft. Cherelle McKnight of Illustrative Mathematics

Is Teaching Engineering Bad? - Part 1 and Part 2

117. Why Does Belonging Matter in STEM Education?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Top 10 Ways To Encourage Girls In STEM

How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward

The Importance of Failure

Vivify STEM Lessons

FREE! - Add Math Practice to any Design Challenge using these Editable Budget Sheets

Catapult Challenge

Stomp Rocket Challenge

FREE! - Space for You in STEM Inspirational Posters

Break Down Stereotypes! Who is a STEM Professional? Game

FREE! - Women in STEM Classroom Posters

Other STEM Resources

Nichole Austion | LinkedIn

National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI)

Miles and the Math Monsters book

NMSI Professional Development Services

Webinar | Breaking Boundaries: Celebrating Black Excellence in STEM (ft. Nichole Austion, Joan Higginbotham, and Dr. Ciara Sivels)

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Show Summary:

In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha chats with Cherelle McKnight on all things math, including building a positive math identity, the systematic barriers in math education, and the challenges teachers face in the math classroom. Cherelle is a former mathematics teacher who now works as the director of PK–5 content development at Illustrative Mathematics, a non-profit organization that offers free K-12 math curriculum with a mission to create a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics.

About Cherelle McKnight, Director of PK-5 Content Development at Illustrative Mathematics: Cherelle McKnight received a BA in audio production and a minor in human development from Howard University. Cherelle went on to complete her MA, specializing in PK–5, at Mercer University.

Cherelle has served as a mathematics teacher, coach, curriculum and instruction specialist, and consultant. She is passionate about supporting students, teachers, and parents and helping them develop positive mathematical identities. Cherelle is currently the director of PK–5 content development at Illustrative Mathematics.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Cherelle is a Formula 1 driver. (Cherelle loves to play Mario Kart.) She and her wife are the proud pawrents of a Frenchie.

About Illustrative Mathematics: Illustrative Mathematics (IM) has created research-backed, standards-aligned K–12 mathematics curricula since its founding in 2011. Thoughtfully designed and expert-authored, IM’s comprehensive suite of math curricula is designed to encourage inclusive, engaging mathematical discussions supported by tasks, lesson plans, professional learning, and community.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

Is Teaching Engineering Bad? - Part 1 and Part 2

166. Why Math Matters ft. CEO of NMSI

73. Does STEM Track?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education

Top 10 Ways To Encourage Girls In STEM

Claire: I Didn't Always Want to be an Engineer

Vivify STEM Lessons

FREE! - Using Geometry to Build a Safe Shelter!

Paper Football Math Activity

FREE! - Add Math Practice to any Design Challenge using these Editable Budget Sheets

Other STEM Resources

Illustrative Mathematics

Inviting Students to the Math Party: Creating an Inclusive and Engaging Math Community blog by Cherelle McKnight

Quick Tips

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Show Summary:

Claire is in survival mode as she juggles multiple big STEM projects, including a weather balloon launch to the stratosphere! Claire and Natasha also chat about something we’ve both noticed in our classrooms: how students don’t know how to think through a problem. Instead of pausing to figure things out, they immediately ask for help. So in this episode, we’re talking about ways to encourage our students to slow down, think critically, and build those problem-solving muscles.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

122. How to Motivate Students

119. Think Like A Scientist (mystery box)

105. Explaining the 3 Stages of STEM

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Top 10 STEM Activities for Spring

Weather Balloon

7 Ideas for Teaching Social Studies with STEM

Astronaut Training and the 4 C's of STEM

Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education

Top 10 Ways To Encourage Girls In STEM

Vivify STEM Lessons

Plant Device (Botany STEM Challenge)

Weather Balloon Project Guide

STEM Explorers: Ancient Egypt Chariot Challenge or Chile Solar Car Challenge

Mission to Moon or Mission to Mars

Straw Rocket STEM Challenge - K-3 or 4-10

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

Astronaut Training: 4 Cs of STEM

Other STEM Resources

TikTok | Weather Balloon and STEM Explorers (ft. Chariot Challenge)

Instagram | STEM Explorers (ft. Chariot Challenge) and Weather Balloon

YouTube | Weather Balloon

Rosie Revere, Engineer book

More Vivify Recommended STEM Books

Rube Goldberg Contests

Teacher Talk: STEM Career Chats (YouTube playlist)

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Show Summary:

Natasha chats with Dr. Leah Hanes, CEO of the Two Bit Circus Foundation, a nonprofit transforming STEAM education through hands-on, student-driven learning. Dr. Hanes highlights the power of makerspaces and how her organization upcycles industrial materials into creative classroom tools. She also advocates for embracing AI in education. While some fear student use of AI, she encourages AI as a tool to level the playing field, providing personalized support for students and helping teachers enhance learning for all.

About Dr. Leah Hanes, CEO of Two Bit Circus Foundation: Dr. Leah Hanes blends creativity, leadership, and a passion for education in her work at Two Bit Circus Foundation. From award-winning TV production in Toronto to talent representation in Hollywood, she has built a career driven by storytelling and innovation.

Her early life on a Canadian farm shaped her commitment to sustainability, while her studies in Early Childhood Education fueled her dedication to hands-on learning. With a Master’s in Organizational Management and a PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University, she continues to champion student-driven, experiential education that prepares learners for the future.

About Two Bit Circus Foundation: Two Bit Circus Foundation is a Los Angeles based 501(c)3 nonprofit that creates STEAM learning experiences for kids that inspire innovation and entrepreneurship by building games, telling stories with technology, and challenging kids to make what they imagine using sustainable materials and STEAM.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

115. How to Design a Makerspace

119. Think Like a Scientist

148. AI Tips for Teachers ft. Lauren Kelly

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Qweebi: Transforming STEM Education with a Virtual Makerspace

Top 3 AI Tools for Educators

Best Free AI Tools for Educators

How to Host a Debate in Your Science Classroom

How to Launch Model Rockets & Amaze Your Students!

10 Easy STEM Career Classroom Activities (Find Your Student Sparks)

Vivify STEM Lessons

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

Manipulating Genetics: GMO STEM Unit + Classroom Debate (5E Model)

Straw Rocket STEM Challenge - K-3 or 4-10

Other STEM Resources

Two Bit Circus Foundation

Dr. Leah Hanes | LinkedIn

How MIT’s fab labs scaled around the world

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Show Summary:

In this episode of the STEM Space, Claire and Natasha discuss how to build an entrepreneurial mindset in the classroom, why free isn’t always a good thing (especially when it comes to materials in a STEM challenge!), and why constraints spark creativity.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

125. Explaining the 3 Stages of STEM

90. We Launched a Weather Balloon

154. How to Make Space for STEM

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Top 10 STEM Activities for Spring

Not All STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM

How to Launch a Weather Balloon: Ultimate STEM Challenge

10 Tips for Managing a STEM Classroom

Vivify STEM Lessons

FREE - STEM Challenge Budget Sheets

Botany STEM Challenge

FREE - Brick by Brick: Introduction to Criteria & Constraints

Candy Grabber STEM Challenge

Weather Balloon Launch: STEM Project Guide

Other STEM Resources

Vivify Instagram | Mary Anderson (reel)

National Inventors Hall of Fame© | Teaching Kids About Patents

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Show Summary:

In this episode of The STEM Space, we bring you a special live-recorded conversation with Jason McKenna from VEX Robotics! Broadcasting straight from the VEX Classroom, Jason showcases an incredible lineup of robotic solutions designed to transform learning environments. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Jason shares his personal journey—including a pivotal moment when he almost walked away from education due to burnout. But everything changed when he saw firsthand how a robotics lesson could transform his classroom. Join us as we explore why robotics and STEM education are for every student, and how they can empower both learners and educators to embrace creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on discovery.

About Jason McKenna, VP of Global Education Strategy for VEX Robotics: Jason McKenna is an educator, author, and advocate for innovative and equitable learning practices. As Vice President of Global Educational Strategy at VEX Robotics, Jason helms the strategic direction of educational platforms within the VEX Continuum. With a focus on integrating STEM, technology, and creative thinking into education, Jason is passionate about empowering teachers and preparing students for the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

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

131. How to Scaffold Engineering Design in K-12

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Astronaut Training and the 4 C's of STEM

15 Ways to Teach Robotics Virtually

Scientific Method vs. Engineering Design Process: Which is used in STEM learning?

Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning

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FREE - Robotics Programming Maze Challenge

Astronaut Training: 4 Cs of STEM (Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking)

Intro to Coding STEM Activity

Technology Choice Boards

Other STEM Resources

VEX Robotics

LinkedIn Profiles: Jason McKenna | VEX Robotics

X Profiles: Jason McKenna (@MckennaJ72) | VEX Robotics (@VEXRobotics)

Book: What STEM Can Do for Your Classroom: Improving Student Problem Solving, Collaboration, and Engagement by Jason McKenna

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Show Summary:

As a mom to two daughters, Natasha is always on the lookout for STEM-inspired clothing that’s both stylish and empowering. If you can relate or are interested in the story of two passionate entrepreneurs, then this episode is for you! Join Claire and Natasha as they sit down with Margarita (Maty) and Ana—the creative co-founders behind Prisma Kiddos. Frustrated by the lack of options in kids’ fashion, these passionate moms took matters into their own hands, launching a brand that blends STEM inspiration, gender empowerment, and sustainability into every unique outfit. In this conversation, we explore their journey as entrepreneurs, the challenges they’ve faced, and the passion that drives their mission. (Plus, Remi makes a special appearance to show off one of her favorite Prisma Kiddos looks!)

About Prisma Kiddos:

Prisma Kiddos is driven by the vision of two incredible moms, Ana and Maty, who saw a need to break free from traditional gender norms and promote equality through fashion. Their mission is to inspire the next generation of kids to embrace their curiosity, creativity, and passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

With designs that go beyond stereotypes, Prisma Kiddos offers non-traditional clothing options that empower girls and introduce boys to sensitive and thoughtful themes. Their eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices reflect their commitment to sustainability, making sure that their products are not only stylish but also kind to the planet.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

90. We Launched a Weather Balloon

153. Don't Tell Your Kid to be an Engineer

127. Why You Should Teach About STEM Careers

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

How to Launch a Weather Balloon: Ultimate STEM Challenge

Top 10 Ways To Encourage Girls In STEM

Vivify STEM Lessons

Weather Balloon Launch: STEM Engineering Project Guide

Break Down Stereotypes! Who is a STEM Professional? game & activities

STEM Classroom Posters - Inspirational or Careers!

Building Bricks STEM: STEM Careers - K-5 Challenge Mats or 3-5 Building Challenges

STEM Careers BINGO - K-5 or 5-12

Other STEM Resources

Prisma Kiddos

Rube Goldberg Competitions

Boston Children’s Museum

The Whiteside Museum of Natural History

International Dimetrodon Day - April 5

Natasha & Family go to Boston Children’s Museum (ft. Prisma Kiddos apparel)

Houston Museum of Natural Science

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Show Summary:

Natasha chats with Debra Hettleman, the CEO of Building STEPS, which stands for Science, Technology And Education Partnerships. This nonprofit is dedicated to fostering college and career success through a multi-year program in Baltimore’s most underserved public high schools. From college prep workshops to summer internships at local STEM companies, Building STEPS helps students navigate the path to college success including applying, attending, and graduating. Debra also shares her journey in growing the organization, insights on scaling it to other cities, and surprising lessons learned from expanding the program to younger grades.

About Debra Hettleman, CEO of Building STEPS: Debra launched Building STEPS in 1999 with the purpose of creating a college pathway for underrepresented students to become STEM professionals. Today, she oversees all aspects of this Baltimore nonprofit from developing and maintaining corporate and institutional partners to advising the Board on creating and implementing growth strategies. She is a graduate of the Greater Baltimore Committee’s The Leadership and has been honored by the Baltimore Business Journal as Maryland’s Top 100 Women. She earned her Project Management Professional certification in 2020. Outside of work, Debra can be found hiking the trails of Maryland’s parks.

Building STEPS (Science, Technology and Education Partnerships, Inc.) is a nonprofit that equips Baltimore's brightest students with the tools to propel them to college and career success. The multi-year program, currently available in fifteen of Baltimore's more challenged public high schools, includes seminars, a paid summer internship, college counseling and alumni services.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

127. Why You Should Teach About STEM Careers

122. How to Motivate Students

82. How to Rock it with Rockets

73. Does STEM Track?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

10 Easy STEM Career Classroom Activities

Top 10 Ways To Encourage Girls In STEM

How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward

How to Launch Model Rockets & Amaze Your Students!

Vivify STEM Lessons

Break Down Stereotypes! Who is a STEM Professional? game & activities

STEM Careers BINGO - K-5 or 5-12

STEM Careers or Inspirational STEM Classroom Posters

STEM Tech Choice Boards - Career, Field Trip, and Types of Tech

FREE - Interview Questions to Ask STEM Professionals

Other STEM Resources

Building STEPS - Baltimore

Towson University

Communities in Schools (CIS)

Step Into STEM - VelocityTX

University of Maryland, College Park

Texas A&M University Young Scholars PATHS-UP Program

US Naval Academy

Email us your questions and more!

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Show Summary:

Do you use a 3D printer in your classroom? In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha dive into the reality of owning and using 3D printers in the classroom. These machines definitely bring the ‘wow’ factor, but are they really worth the hype? From bridges to weather balloons, we share our experiences incorporating 3D printing into our design challenges. But these projects also came with a lot of headaches including an overwhelming time commitment and ultimately unclear learning outcomes. Join us as we discuss why it might be time to hit pause on the 3D printer craze and rethink their role in your curriculum.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

115. How to Design a Makerspace

Prototyping:

- 113. From Miniatures to Mariners: The Power of Prototyping

- 120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM

144. Another Year of Smashing STEM (bridging classroom objects)

90. We Launched a Weather Balloon

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

10 Must Have STEM Tools

Launching Weather Balloons

Vivify STEM Lessons

Australia Safety Capsule STEM Challenge

Bridge Engineering STEM Challenge

Weather Balloon Launch: STEM Engineering Project Guide

Semester STEM Units (includes Space Colony!): choose from Moon or Mars themes!

Other STEM Resources

CAD Software:

- SOLIDWORKS

- Tinkercad

- CATIA

- Revit (for students)

Rube Goldberg contests

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Show Summary:

Natasha chats with Carlos Romero, a STEM professional who is passionate about making STEM more inclusive and accessible for all students. With a background in chemical engineering and a career in product development and project management, Carlos shares his experiences in the STEM industry to highlight how educators can prepare students for future careers. He also shares ideas for the STEM classroom including ways to integrate entrepreneurship, market research, and patents into an engineering lesson.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

121. The Importance of Clear Communication in Science

98. Who is an Engineer?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward

Top 10 Ways To Encourage Girls In STEM

Vivify STEM Lessons

Lessons About Communication:

- Astronaut Training: 4 Cs of STEM

- Intro to Coding STEM Activity

- Manipulating Genetics: GMO STEM Unit + Classroom Debate (5E Model)

STEM Creativity Tools: 5 Activities to Boost Brainstorming Power

STEM Careers:

- Who is an Engineer or Scientist? STEM Career Game & Activity (Break down stereotypes!)

- STEM Career Classroom Posters

- STEM Careers BINGO: K-5, 5-12, or Women in STEM

- Interview Questions to ask STEM Professionals

- FREE Women in STEM Classroom Posters

Other STEM Resources

LinkedIn | Carlos Romero

74Million.org | Encouraging Latino Students to Pursue STEM Careers

National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI)

National Inventors Hall of Fame | Teaching Kids About Patents

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