The STEM Space

Show Summary:

Natasha chats with Maya Morales Garcia the Chief Program Officer at Beyond100K, an organization working to end the STEM teacher shortage by 2043, especially for those most excluded from STEM opportunities. The conversation covers her journey into STEM education and the importance of developing a positive STEM identity from a young age, especially for young girls. As a former science teacher, Maya also shares her experiences with teaching STEM including a focus of making instruction joyful, rigorous, and relevant. But they also acknowledge the barriers that restrict the best intentions of teachers and the work needed to to improve the cultivation and retention of quality K-12 STEM teachers.

About Maya: Maya Morales Garcia is the CFO at Beyond100K and has an extensive background in both STEM and education, having served as the Science and STEM education lead for Colorado Department of Education and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia. Her experience includes teaching 8th-grade science, overseeing standards implementation, leading strategic initiatives in STEM, and cultivating cross-sector stakeholder groups. She holds a bachelor's degree in neuroscience and behavior and an MAT, and is pursuing a doctorate in Education in Leadership for Educational Equity. Maya is dedicated to creating affirming, justice-centered learning environments in STEM.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

117. Why Does Belonging Matter in STEM Education?

98. Who is an Engineer?

127. Why You Should Teach About STEM Careers

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Top 10 Ways To Encourage Girls In STEM

Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning

Vivify STEM Lessons

“There is space for you in STEM.” Inspirational STEM Classroom Posters

Women in STEM Classroom Posters FREE!!

Straw Rocket STEM Challenge

Tower STEM Challenges

Other STEM Resources

Beyond 100K:

- Facebook 

- Instagram

- Twitter

- LinkedIn (Maya's profile)

Tufts Early Education Programs

PBS Learning Media

NSTA

The STEM Space on Facebook

Become a member of The STEM Space!

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Show Summary:

Claire and Natasha continue the discussion from episode 137 on the frustrations college professors expressed about the way engineering is taught in K-12 education. Many faculty complained that incoming engineering students are not prepared with basic math skills, and students have lots of misconceptions around professional engineering. How does this translate into improving K-12 STEM classrooms? What is the role of a STEM teacher?

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

137. Is Teaching Engineering Bad? (Part 1)

138. Prepare for the Solar Eclipse

105. Explaining the 3 Stages of STEM

136. Cool Lessons on Heat Transfer

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Solar Eclipse Party and Activities

Teaching Space Inspires Youth

Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning (including Engineering Habits of Mind)

Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education

Vivify STEM Lessons

Simple Machines Toy Factory STEM Challenge

Design a Zoo! 5E STEM Project (Animal Habitats)

Design a Mars Habitat STEM / STEAM Project Guide

Bridge Engineering STEM Challenge - Women in STEM History Activity

Tower STEM Challenges

STEM Catapult Math & Engineering Activity (Angles and Ratios)

STEM Space Lander Math & Engineering Activity

Other STEM Resources

The Rube Goldberg Machine Contest®

Tinkercad

NASA, Intuitive Machines Share Images from the Moon, Provide Science Updates

Water & Ices on the Moon - NASA Science

Escape Velocity | Let's Talk Science

The Apollo 15 Hammer-Feather Drop | NASA

Bring Space Club to Your School with Cosmic Leap!

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Show Summary:

Listen in as Natasha and Claire provide essential tips for educators on preparing your students for the upcoming solar eclipse and organizing a memorable watch party. From understanding safety precautions to engaging lesson ideas, we explore how to effectively incorporate this rare celestial event into your classroom while ensuring students' safety. With insights on selecting viewing equipment, planning interactive activities, and fostering a sense of wonder, we hope to equip you to create an enriching experience for your students and their families.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

123. Solar Eclipse Partying and World Space Week

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Top Resources for the 2024 Solar Eclipse!

Vivify STEM Lessons

Solar Eclipse Pinhole Projector STEM Challenge

**FREE Solar Eclipse Paper Circuit Activity

STEM Family Night Planning Guide

Solar Eclipse Explorer Kit

Ultraviolet Solar Light Shelter STEM Challenge (uses UV beads)

Chile Solar Car STEM Challenge

Astronaut Boot STEM Challenge

Other STEM Resources

NASA: Eye Safety During a Total Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse Glasses (ISO 12312-2:2015E & CE Certified, Durable Plastic; Amazon affiliate link)

Why do shadows change during a solar eclipse?

NASA: Measuring Solar Energy During an Eclipse

GLOBE Eclipse: Only available when a solar eclipse is happening somewhere in the world, the GLOBE Eclipse tool will prompt users to record air temperature measurements in addition to observations of sky conditions and vegetation at the data collection site.

Quick Tips

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Show Summary:

Dive into the frustrations college professors express about the way engineering is taught in K-12 education that are leaving students ill-prepared for higher education. Tune in to hear about the disconnect between K-12 and college-level engineering education as well as some of our experiences from the Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC).

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

133. Conferences You Should Attend in 2024

105. Explaining the 3 Stages of STEM

103. Teaching Light & Breaking Misconceptions

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education

Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning

How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward

Vivify STEM Lessons

6 Icebreaker Teamwork Activities

STEM Creativity Tools: 5 Activities to Boost Brainstorming Power

Heart Rate Ratios & Graphing Activity

Asteroid Math Bundle: Real World Math (Fractions, Ratios, and Geometry)

FREE Editable Budget Sheet for Engineering Design Challenges

Roller Coaster STEM Activity: Middle School Engineering Design

Other STEM Resources

SEEC

Svaha USA

solar system necklace

Joseph M. Acaba - NASA Astronaut

TikTok: The Savannah Bananas

SNExplores: Mosquitoes see red, which may be why they find us so appealing

LiveScience: Loads of mammals — including cats — glow under UV light, but we don't know why

ASEE Annual Conference (June 23-26, 2024)

Email us your questions and more!

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Show Summary:

Unravel the secrets of heat transfer and explore the science behind why your tumbler keeps your drink cold. In this episode, we delve into innovative teaching strategies to make the complexities of heat transfer engaging for students. Discover the fascinating principles that govern thermal energy movement and gain insights into the clever design of insulated tumblers. Whether you're a science enthusiast, an educator seeking inspiration, or simply curious about everyday science, tune in for a dynamic exploration where science meets fascination!

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM

103. Teaching Light & Breaking Misconceptions

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

The ABCs of Kindergarten STEM

STEM Explorers: Travel the World with STEM Activities for Elementary

Vivify STEM Lessons

Alphabet STEM Challenges Bundle - Kindergarten STEM Year-Long Curriculum

STEM Explorers: Elementary STEM Curriculum + History Around the World

Stem Explorers: Antarctica Shelter STEM Challenge

Space Capsule Heat Shield 5E Engineering Challenge

Other STEM Resources

YouTube: What’s Inside a Hydro Flask?

STEMCON and Beyond 2024

Subscribe to the Vivify STEM Newsletter!

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

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Show Summary:

“Here is an essential principle of education: to teach details is to bring confusion; to establish the relationship between things is to bring knowledge.”
Maria Montessori

In this episode, Natasha and Claire delve into the subject of whether students should focus on acquiring specific knowledge or developing strong critical thinking skills built on discovering relationships. They explore the importance of equipping students with the ability to think independently and critically, weighing the balance between content knowledge and cognitive abilities. Additionally, they touch on the significance of public speaking skills, guidance on where to obtain effective scope and sequence resources, and other key aspects of fostering well-rounded and thoughtful learners in today's education landscape.

We would love to get to know you in person and that opportunity is coming soon! Come hang out with us in Houston, TX on Saturday February 10th, 2024 for a Friends of Vivify lunch. Let us know if you plan to join us by submitting your information here and we will send you all the details. Hope to see you there!

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

101. How ChatGPT Will Transform Education

111. How AI will Transform Education ft. André Thomas

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

The ABCs of Kindergarten STEM

The Importance of Failure

Vivify STEM Lessons

Catapults

Alphabet STEM Bundle

Other STEM Resources

Become a member of The STEM Space!

Vivify STEM Curriculum Map

The Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Course

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOK

Show Summary:

Who is gifted and why does it matter? In this episode, Natasha and Claire reflect on their experiences of being rejected from an elementary gifted and talented program. They also discuss differences between motivation, exposure, and natural abilities and whether STEM education is only for those gifted students.

We would love to get to know you in person and that opportunity is coming soon! Come hang out with us in Houston, TX on Saturday February 10th, 2024 for a Friends of Vivify lunch. Let us know if you plan to join us by submitting your information here and we will send you all the details. Hope to see you there!

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

82. How to Rock It with Rockets

73. Does STEM Track?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

How to Launch Rockets blog posts

The Importance of Failure

Vivify STEM Lessons

STEM Catapult

Straw Rocket STEM Challenge

“There’s Space for You in STEM” Inspirational STEM Classroom Posters

Other STEM Resources

Department of Education:

- Recognizing Gifted Students: A Practical Guide for Teachers (PDF)

- Gifted Education and STEM: A Thematic Review (PDF)

EduTopia: Identifying and Supporting Gifted ELLs

Bring Space Club to your school!

Invention Convention

Are STEM Students Creative Thinkers? - PMC - NCBI

Submit a Quick Tip!

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

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Show Summary:

Are you in need of some CPE credit hours or just wanting to attend some great learning opportunities for educators? In this episode, Natasha and Claire share a list of their favorite conferences happening in 2024 and they want you to join them! The list includes SEEC, STEM Con & Beyond, STEM4Innovation, NSTA and more! Also, learn about a chance to meet up with Natasha and Claire in person to celebrate 10 years of Vivify!

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

Episodes ft. STEM Con & Beyond’s Kerry Tracy:

- 24. Craft Projects vs. STEM (featuring Kerry Tracy)

- 26. Making Time for STEM (featuring Kerry Tracy)

111. How AI will Transform Education ft. André Thomas

101. How ChatGPT Will Transform Education

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

25 Year-Round STEM Task Cards for Building Bricks!

Engineering in the Science Classroom

Best Free AI Tools for Teachers

Vivify STEM Lessons

Semester STEM Units:

- Mission to Moon

- Mission to Mars

Year-Round STEM Task Cards for Building Bricks

Other STEM Resources

STEM4Innovation (Jan 20, 2024)

SEEC (Feb 8-10, 2024)

- Vivify Meet-up (February 10, 2024, 12:00PM near NASA in Houston, TX). Fill out interest form here.

STEM Con & Beyond (April 5-7, 2024)

NSTA (March 20-23, 2024)

ASEE Annual Conference (June 23-26, 2024)

Space Port Area Conference for Educators (SPACE) (June 26-28, 2024)

Quick Tips

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

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Show Summary:

In this episode, Natasha shares her experience with a high school design competition. A design competition and any engineering design challenge should adequately relate to the real world of engineering while appropriately incorporating students’ prior knowledge. Claire and Natasha discuss how to approach this task and what steps can be taken to prepare students for true engineering.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

131. How to Scaffold Engineering Design in K-12

125. Constraints in a STEM Classroom

120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning

Engineering in the Science Classroom

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

Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education

Vivify STEM Lessons

Design a Sustainable Eco-House (Environmental Science)

Design a Zoo! 5E STEM Project

Semester STEM Units:

- Mission to Moon

- Mission to Mars

Other STEM Resources

About Rube Goldberg

FIRST® LEGO® League

SA Smart Challenge

Email us your questions and more!

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

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Show Summary:

In this episode, Natasha and Claire answer a listener's question about how to differentiate engineering design practices for each grade level. You will learn different approaches to preparing your students to become expert problem solvers by slowly introducing them to the engineering design process all while making it accessible and engaging for young minds.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

1. The 3 Stages of STEM

87. How is STEM More Than a Problem?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Sub Plans for a STEM Classroom

25 Year-Round STEM Task Cards for Building Bricks!

Top 35 Amazing STEM Books for Kids

Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education

STEM Explorers: Travel the World with STEM Activities for Elementary

Vivify STEM Lessons

Building Bricks STEM Task Cards

Building Bricks: STEM Careers Task Cards

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

- Elementary School (K-5)

- Middle School (6-8)

Thanksgiving Turkey Nest Challenge Engineering Activity

STEM Explorers: Elementary STEM Curriculum Around the World

Design a Habitat STEM/STEAM Project Guide

- Mars

- Moon

Robot Hand STEM Activity

Other STEM Resources

The STEM Space Membership

Subscribe to the Vivify STEM Newsletter!

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY X

VIVIFY TIKTOK1. The 3 Stages of STEM

87. How is STEM More Than a Problem?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Sub Plans for a STEM Classroom

25 Year-Round STEM Task Cards for Building Bricks!

Top 35 Amazing STEM Books for Kids

Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education

STEM Explorers: Travel the World with STEM Activities for Elementary

Vivify STEM Lessons

Building Bricks STEM Task Cards

Building Bricks STEM: STEM Careers

FREE - STEM Scope & Sequence (Pacing Guide) - K-5 or 6-8

Thanksgiving Turkey Nest Challenge Engineering Activity

STEM Explorers: Elementary STEM Curriculum Around the World

Design a Habitat STEM/STEAM Project Guide: Mars or Moon

Robot Hand STEM Activity

Other STEM Resources

The STEM Space Membership

Subscribe to the Vivify STEM Newsletter!