Show Summary: The STEM Space is back! Natasha and Claire have a quick chat between teaching, traveling, and finishing up a dissertation…it’s been a busy semester, but we have so much to talk about! This episode Claire shares her elaborate STEM sub plans, and Natasha discusses an AI lesson gone wrong. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes “Pontificating” Episode: 135. What Should Students Learn? 111. How AI will Transform Education ft. André Thomas 101. How ChatGPT Will Transform Education Vivify STEM Blog Posts Sub Plans for a STEM Classroom Lunar STEM Activities Explori ..read more

Show Summary: On today’s episode of The STEM Space, Natasha chats with Luke Zollinger, the author of The Insider’s Guide to Engineering. Luke is a licensed professional engineer in mechanical and civil engineering. He is currently the chief engineer for a research and development company, which involves ballistic and blast testing, extreme forces, and other unconventional things. While working as an engineer, he decided to write this book because it is something he wished he had as a student. Listen in as we discuss Luke’s journey in engineering, how to best engage students in STEM, and insigh ..read more

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 inten ..read more

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. Explain ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 a ..read more

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 ..read more

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 Vivi ..read more