In this episode, Eugene and Matt talk about storytelling and the value that stories bring to learning and in particular, learning science. They relate to their own experiences using storytelling, describe some of the latest research, and offer tips for how teachers can bring stories and storytelling into their own science classroom. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ignorant Pineapple https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0yv5bMjv7g Playlist of Green Ninja Film Festival Winners https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4Q5pqbnCmP4l1U9fl2e5DRxUtaeFjpZS Copenhagen by Michael Frayn https://www.c ..read more

Eugene talks about Green Ninja with Pod of Gold hosts Stefanie B. Overbeck and Mel Wymore. The Pod of Gold podcast is created to inspire creative activism and social innovation as they believe the successful evolution of human society will require a profound transformation of the systems that shape our behavior. They were interested in talking to Eugene about Green Ninja because they were curious if education could play a role in ultimately promoting a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future. Original episode: Pod of Gold Podcast: "The Green Ninja | Eugene Cordero" https://linktr ..read more

In this episode, Matt and Eugene talk with Paul Andersen, an educational consultant, a Montana-based science teacher for 20 years, and most famously the creator of hundreds of science YouTube tutorials that have been viewed by millions of teachers and students. Paul has also created a trusted online resource for science teaching and NGSS called 'The Wonder of Science', and we'll talk with Paul about NGSS, science teaching, and the environment. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Wonder of Science https://thewonderofscience.com/ Bozeman Science - Paul Andersen's YouTube channel https ..read more

In this episode, we'll talk about the election, from our own vantage points, and from what we expect to see with a new government for science and education. We’ll also discuss how scientific thinking and data can be used to explain aspects of the election for our students, so we can fairly use the election as an important learning opportunity for our students. Resources mentioned in this episode: 2016 Science Framework for California Public Schools, Appendix 2: Connections to Environmental Principles and Concepts https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/sc/cf/documents/scifwappendix2.pdf ..read more

In this episode, we'll hear from Elizabeth Brooking - a middle school science teacher who faces daily challenges supporting at-risk students during this period of remote instruction. Elizabeth shares her story and together with Matt, we'll discuss ideas for how teachers can make progress helping their students during these difficult times. Resources mentioned by Elizabeth in this episode: ClassDojo - School communication platform that connects teachers with students and their families to build a community by sharing what's being learned in the classroom https://www.classdojo.com/ Nearpod ..read more

In this episode, we'll hear from Sarah Rahman - a practicing middle school science teacher on how remote learning is going for her. What is working, what is not, and what techniques has she used to engage her students and help them move forward. The discussion with Matt and Eugene offers some interesting insights that we can all use right now. Resources mentioned by Sarah in this episode: Pear Deck - Google Slides add-on for formative assessments and interactive questions https://www.peardeck.com/googleslides Zoom's Breakout Rooms - Can be used for collaborative work in student groups ht ..read more

In this episode, we find ourselves engulfed in some of the worst weather and air quality that we have seen in the western states. Here is what was on the front page of the LA Times reports two weekends ago in big letters - “California’s Climate Apocalypse - fires, heat, air pollution: The calamity is no longer in the future - it’s here, now.” We’ll spend all of this episode digging into the science of our recent experience but also looking for short-term and long-term educational opportunities to use this reality to help students cope and hopefully thrive in this new world. Resources mentione ..read more

In this episode, we try to look past some of the immediate challenges that all teachers are facing for some benefits and new opportunities. What can we learn about education from this experience, what exemplars have we witnessed of success, and what happens when the vaccine comes and things return to 'normal'? Can we take some of what we’ve learned during this odd year to improve education? Join us as we discuss these topics ..read more

In this episode, we explore some of the challenges teachers are facing right now as they start a new term teaching remotely, and how we might continue to emphasize a coherent focus around science learning and NGSS while students are learning at home. We discuss synchronous versus asynchronous methods and share some insights we had while developing a remote learning program for Green Ninja in the summer. Resources mentioned in this episode: Sample of Grade 8 Unit 1 Chapter 1 Student Slide Deck https://bit.ly/3lREZqn Sign up for a guest access account https://app.greenninja.org/registratio ..read more

In this episode, Eugene and Matt focus on the shift to online or remote teaching and the particular challenges and advantages that NGSS offers us. Matt shares his experience online teaching including his current offering of synchronous science classes with 3rd and 5th graders. Although Matt would be the first to admit that it doesn't always go according to plan, there are some valuable insights for everyone ..read more