The STEM Space

By Vivify STEM

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

... more

· Education

4.8

2121 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about The STEM Space:

How many episodes does The STEM Space have?

The podcast currently has 192 episodes available.

The STEM Space episodes:

September 22, 2023 122. How to Motivate Students
Show Summary:
In this episode of The STEM Space, we talk all about motivation. How can teachers engage uninterested students? Natasha & Claire chat about their own struggles with motivation and strategies they have tried to increase intrinsic motivation, curiosity, and engagement in their classrooms.
Links from the Show:
Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes
50. How to Involve Girls in After-School STEM
121. The Importance of Clear Communication in Science
98. Who is an Engineer?
Vivify STEM Blog Posts
The Best STEM Challenge
Top 10 Ways To Encourage Girls In STEM
Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education
Vivify STEM Lessons
STEM Space Lander Challenge - Grades K-5 or 5-8
Stage 1 STEM: Icebreakers & Teambuilding
Other STEM Resources
TikTok: TX High School Teacher Talks Motivation
Speaking of Psychology: Why our attention spans are shrinking, with Gloria Mark, PhD
TikTok: Claire’s STEM Classroom Tour (ft. the Nature Wall)
Email us your questions!
THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES
THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP
VIVIFY INSTAGRAM
VIVIFY FACEBOOK
VIVIFY TWITTER
VIVIFY TIKTOK
...more
23min
September 15, 2023 121. The Importance of Clear Communication in Science
Show Summary:
In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire reflect on the first few weeks of school, including everyone getting sick! Claire shares her students’ reaction to the mysterious refilling water bottle and a new role she is taking on in addition to teaching STEM. Natasha shares an open-ended science inquiry activity that has students defining variables and collecting data. Teams then share their findings with other groups and quickly realize the importance of clear communication in science!
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
120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM (water bottle)
113. From Miniatures to Mariners: The Power of Prototyping
118. Adventures in Engineering Education with Rachelle Pedersen
87. How is STEM More Than a Problem?
Vivify STEM Blog Posts
Space Lander Mission
Exploring National Parks with a STEM Challenge!
Teaching STEM Through A Story
Vivify STEM Lessons
STEM Space Lander - K-5 or 5-8
Robot Hand STEM Activity
National Park Research & Design: 5E STEM Project
Other STEM Resources
Galileo
- How was the force of gravity (9.81 meters per second squared) determined?
- Role of resistance forces in Galileo's experiments (PDF: W G Breiland)
Subscribe to the Vivify STEM Newsletter!
THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES
THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP
VIVIFY INSTAGRAM
VIVIFY FACEBOOK
VIVIFY TWITTER
VIVIFY TIKTOK
...more
24min
September 08, 2023 120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM
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
VIVIFY FACEBOOK
VIVIFY TWITTER
VIVIFY TIKTOK
...more
28min
September 01, 2023 119. Think Like A Scientist
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
VIVIFY INSTAGRAM
VIVIFY FACEBOOK
VIVIFY TWITTER
VIVIFY TIKTOK
...more
27min
August 25, 2023 118. Adventures in Engineering Education with Rachelle Pedersen
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
...more
27min
August 18, 2023 117. Why Does Belonging Matter in STEM Education?
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
THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP
VIVIFY INSTAGRAM
VIVIFY FACEBOOK
VIVIFY TWITTER
VIVIFY TIKTOK
...more
35min
August 11, 2023 116. Back to School Icebreakers
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
VIVIFY INSTAGRAM
VIVIFY FACEBOOK
VIVIFY TWITTER
VIVIFY TIKTOK
...more
24min
August 04, 2023 115. How to Design a Makerspace
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
...more
28min
July 28, 2023 114. Strategies for a Teacherpreneur
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
...more
23min
July 21, 2023 113. From Miniatures to Mariners: The Power of Prototyping
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
...more
23min

FAQs about The STEM Space:

How many episodes does The STEM Space have?

The podcast currently has 192 episodes available.

More shows like The STEM Space

Travel with Rick Steves by Rick Steves

Travel with Rick Steves

172 Listeners

Reveal by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX

Reveal

8,253 Listeners

Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers by Angela Watson

Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

1,259 Listeners

Happier with Gretchen Rubin by Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

12,901 Listeners

Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain

43,358 Listeners

STEM Everyday by Chris Woods (DailySTEM)

STEM Everyday

20 Listeners

The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

The Lazy Genius Podcast

6,508 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

110,567 Listeners

10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher by Vicki Davis

10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher

272 Listeners

Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness by Kim & Penn Holderness

Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness

3,344 Listeners

Throughline by NPR

Throughline

16,064 Listeners

The Dr. John Delony Show by Ramsey Network

The Dr. John Delony Show

7,130 Listeners

The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast by Naomi Meredith

The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

33 Listeners

The Unteachables Podcast by Claire English

The Unteachables Podcast

37 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,359 Listeners