The STEM Space Vivify STEM

Are you needing to plan an engineering lesson for your K-12 classroom? In this episode of the STEM Space, Natasha and Claire unpack their approach to developing a Stage 2 lesson that centers around the engineering design process. They discuss how to be intentional with science concepts, including the difference between engineering sciences and natural sciences, how to support engineering practices, and ways to integrate real world connections.

In this episode of the STEM Space, Claire and Natasha have reached the final day of the 2023-2024 school year! From 3D printed bridges to literally smashing STEM projects, the final days of Claire’s STEM class were dramatic but filled with memorable learning moments. Natasha also celebrates her recent successful Ph.D. defense and shares some ideas for a summer STEM camp.

On this episode of The STEM Space, Claire has just returned from a field trip with her STEM students to NASA's Johnson Space Center. She shares stories of meeting an astronaut, origins of ice cream in space, and an amazing tour led by a NASA mission control engineer! While she was away, Natasha hosted the 10th annual Space Colony Competition, where teams from across the globe showcased innovative designs using recycled materials. Speaking of materials, they discuss the most unusual donations parents have contributed to a STEM classroom.

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.

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 insights about the engineering field that will be valuable for teachers and parents preparing engineers of the future.

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.