The STEM Space

Show Summary:

In this episode, Natasha chats with a STEM teacher from Portugal, Juan Nolasco. We connected through Space Club, and after hearing about all the amazing space STEM projects he does with students, we invited him to join us on the podcast! He is an electrical engineer turned educator with over 18 years of teaching engineering and technology to middle and high school students. Juan was awarded the Space Teacher Excellence Certificate and the Teacher of the Year award. Listen in as we chat about his passion for space education, defining STEM in Portugal, and his advice for participating in NASA and European Space Agency projects like CanSat, MoonShot, and Mission X.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

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

4. Why You Should Teach Space

84. Show Me the Money for STEM

125. Constraints in a STEM Classroom

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Teaching Space Inspires Youth

5 Steps to Get STEM Funding

Vivify STEM Lessons

Design a Moon Habitat STEM / STEAM Project Guide

Mission to Moon - Middle School Semester STEM Unit

Space Exploration STEM

Other STEM Resources

Juan Nolasco (LinkedIn)

STEM Space Club (Teacher Grants Available!)

European Space Agency links:

- CanSat

- Teacher Training Opportunities

- Training Like an Astronaut: Mission X

European Astro Pi Challenge

NASA Next Gen STEM For Educators

NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative

Email us your questions and more!

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOK

Show Summary:

Claire and Natasha delve into the topic of phenomenon-based science teaching as an engaging way to increase understanding of science concepts while improving science practices. However, we warn listeners that not all lessons labeled as phenomenon-based are equally effective! Natasha shares a simple but powerful lesson that starts with dropping cans of soda into water to enhance students' grasp of buoyancy and density concepts. On the flip side, we also critique a lesson on forces and motion that falls short, potentially reinforcing misconceptions and likely creating lots of confusion among students. Teaching science is hard, and writing curriculum for science teachers is equally difficult, so this is not meant to be a criticism towards a specific company but we want to support a more general conversation on how to promote effective science teaching!

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

128. Preparing for the New Science Standards in Texas

121. The Importance of Clear Communication in Science

92. Unpacking the NGSS ft. Molly Seward (K-4 Science Coach)

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Engineering and the 5E Science Model

Teaching STEM Through A Story

Vivify STEM Lessons

Density/Buoyancy STEM:

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

- STEM Pirate Ship Engineering Challenge (K-5)

- STEM Sailboat Challenge (4-10)

Drag STEM:

- Alphabet STEM - Activities for Letter D (PreK - 1)

- STEM Drag Device Parachute Challenge (2-8)

Other STEM Resources

What is Phenomenon-Based Learning? by TechLearning

Conference for the Advancement of Science Teachers (CAST)

YouTube: SHARING HER PASSION | Tatiana Erukhimova Ph.D. (Texas A&M Physics Professor)

Argument-Driven Inquiry Science (A Good Example of Phenomenon-Based Learning!)

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOK

Show Summary:

Texas teachers - are you ready for the new science standards coming next year? This was the hot topic at the recent Texas-based Conference for the Advancement of Science Teachers! Natasha shares her experiences attending the conferences and her thoughts on the similarities between these and the Next Generation Science Standards. Hint: they are both based on the same document, A Framework for K–12 Science Education, that promotes a three-dimensional approach to science teaching. Plus, we chat on how Vivify is working hard to align all our lessons to the new TEKS in time for next year!

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

92. Unpacking the NGSS ft. Molly Seward (K-4 Science Coach)

93. How Does Engineering Relate to Science?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning

Engineering in the Science Classroom

The ABCs of Kindergarten STEM

Vivify STEM Lessons

Starter STEM Activities (includes Egg Drop Challenge)

Turkey Nest Challenge Engineering Activity (A fun twist on the classic egg-drop challenge!)

Alphabet STEM Challenges Bundle - Kindergarten STEM Year-Long Curriculum

Other STEM Resources

Conference for the Advancement of Science Teachers (CAST)

Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC)

Claire’s STEM Stations:

- Brain Flakes

- Keva Planks

- Magna-Tiles

- Zoob BuilderZ

- LEGO® Building Blocks

YouTube: SHARING HER PASSION | Tatiana Erukhimova Ph.D. (Texas A&M Physics Professor)

Vivify’s Story from Texas A&M: Aerospace engineering former students bring engineering to life for kids of all ages

Egg Drop Challenge

A Framework for K–12 Science Education (2012)

Vivify STEM Curriculum Map

Quick Tips

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 emphasize the importance of introducing students to STEM careers at an early age. Learn how exposure to STEM fields can ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking skills in students, preparing them for the challenges of the future job market. The episode also highlights the significance of sharing the stories of famous scientists, showcasing how these role models can inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

55: How to Teach STEM During Women's History Month

98. Who is an Engineer?

117. Why Does Belonging Matter in STEM Education?

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

The ABCs of Kindergarten STEM

STEM Explorers: Travel the World with STEM Activities for Elementary

Teaching STEM Through A Story

How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward

Vivify STEM Lessons

Alphabet STEM Bundle (A-Z)

Try Letter A for FREE!

STEM Explorers: Elementary STEM Curriculum Around the World

Zip Line STEM Activity: Grades K-5 or 5-8

Tower STEM Challenges (includes cup tower challenge)

STEM Careers BINGO Game - Grades K-5 or 6-12

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

Other STEM Resources

Instagram: The Wyndcroft School STEM

TedEd: The genius of Marie Curie - Shohini Ghose

Book: Incredible Stories of the World’s Most Ingenious Inventors (Amazon Affiliate link)

Hedy Lamarr

Five Fast Facts about Actress and Inventor Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr and the Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

Book: Full of Beans by Peggy Thomas (Amazon Affiliate link)

Email us your questions!

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOK

Show Summary:

In this episode, Natasha and Claire take you on a journey beyond the classroom as they delve into the magical world of hosting a Star Party for students! Join them as they explore how you can teach the wonders of the universe through telescopes at an exciting school-wide event. Learn how to ignite the sparks of curiosity in your classroom by also donning enchanting costumes that bring your educational content to life!

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

124. Bones & STEM: Spooky Special Episode

52: How to Host a STEM Family Night

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

10 Amazing STEM Family Night Activities

Teaching STEM Through A Story

Vivify STEM Lessons

Explore the Universe: Science Astronomy Scavenger Hunt - FREE!

Bundle: STEM Family Night Planning Guide, Activity Instructions

All About Space Club

YouTube Playlist: STEM Career Chats

Bring Space Club to Your School!

Video: Space Club: Mission to Moon

Video: Space Club: Mission to Mars

Space Colony Competition by Vivify and the Cosmic Leap Foundation

Other STEM Resources

Fort Worth Astronomical Society: Star Parties

Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC)

Vivify Instagram: Natasha Costume Reveal

Champions for Science

Raquel Nuno – Planetary scientist, science educator

Subscribe to the Vivify STEM Newsletter!

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOK

Show Summary:

How much time do you have with students in your STEM classroom? In this episode, Natasha and Claire share the findings of Vivify’s national survey of over 600 STEM teachers including the average time for elementary and middle school STEM classes. Who do you think has the most time? Tune in for the results plus how time is just one constraint in trying to achieve our goals for students.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

26. Making Time for STEM (featuring Kerry Tracy)

84. Show Me the Money for STEM

57. How to Organize a STEM Summer Camp

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

STEM Explorers: Travel the World with STEM Activities for Elementary

How to Launch a Weather Balloon

5 Steps to Get STEM Funding

10 Tips for Managing a STEM Classroom

Vivify STEM Lessons

Solar Oven STEM Challenge

STEM Explorers: Elementary STEM Curriculum Around the World

- Chile Solar Car STEM Challenge

Weather Balloon Launch: STEM Engineering Project Guide

Alphabet STEM Challenges Bundle - Kindergarten STEM Year-Long Curriculum

- Alphabet STEM - Activities for Letter A

Catapult STEM Challenge

STEM Space Lander

STEM Scope and Sequence - FREE!!

- Elementary (K-5)

- Middle School (6-8)

5E STEM Projects

- Design a Zoo! 5E STEM Project

Other STEM Resources

Frontiers in Education Conference

Email us your questions and more!

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 chat all about bones in celebration of the spooky season of Halloween! From designing a prosthetic leg to a creepy science project involving a rat skeleton, join us for a spine-tingling episode!

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

82. How to Rock It with Rockets

52: How to Host a STEM Family Night

120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM (student asks to bring a dead cat)

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

How to Launch Rockets

10 Amazing STEM Family Night Activities

5 Spooky Halloween STEM Activities

Engineering and the 5E Science Model

Vivify STEM Lessons

Straw Rocket STEM Challenge (Forces & Motion, Variables)

STEM Family Night Planning Guide

Prosthetic Leg Engineering Design STEM Challenge

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

Halloween STEM

- Spider Parachute

- Haunted House Paper Circuit

- Fall Pumpkin Catapult

- Candy Grabber

Other STEM Resources

Pitsco Education Kits

- Straw Rocket Launcher

- Family STEM Night Bundle

Vivify TikTok: Tour Claire’s STEM Classroom (including the Nature Wall)

Everything You Want to Know About Flesh-Eating Dermestid Beetles

Prosthesis facts for kids

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOK

Show Summary:

Join us for an episode filled with celestial celebrations as we guide you through hosting a Solar Eclipse Party using ready-made kits and embracing World Space Week through space-themed STEM lessons. Learn how to safely witness a solar eclipse and our favorite space lessons including Rockets and rovers. Whether you're a space enthusiast or just looking for some educational fun, this podcast episode will inspire your cosmic curiosity!

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

4. Why You Should Teach Space

83. How to Engage Families with STEM

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

Solar Eclipse Party and Activities

Rocketry

Vivify STEM Lessons

Solar Eclipse Pinhole Projector STEM Challenge

STEM Family Night Planning Guide

**FREE Solar Eclipse Paper Circuit Activity

Claire’s Classroom: Favorite Vivify Space Lessons

-STEM Space Lander Math & Engineering Activity

-Straw Rocket STEM Challenge

-Space Docking (included in Family Night)

-Space Rover STEM Engineering Design Challenge

-Ultraviolet Solar Light Shelter STEM Challenge

Eating in Space STEM Challenge: Design a Menu for an Astronaut!

Other STEM Resources

Future Eclipses | NASA

Vivify STEM Kits from Pitsco Education

Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses

Astreas - "Rocket Fuel in Your Pocket"

Quick Tips

Space Club

Bring Space Club to Your School!

Space Club Student Highlights: Space Club: Mission to Mars

Space Colony Competition

THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES

THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP

VIVIFY INSTAGRAM

VIVIFY FACEBOOK

VIVIFY TWITTER

VIVIFY TIKTOK

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

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