Stem Everyday

Jason McKenna is the director of global educational strategy for VEX Robotics. An educational strategist with 20 years of experience teaching in elementary classrooms, Jason ensures VEX Robotics’ educational STEM solutions align with global educational standards and fulfill educators’ needs. His new book What STEM Can Do for Your Classroom describes how teaching STEM education in his elementary school changed his classroom and his life, improving his students’ and his own approaches to problem-solving, collaboration, and general motivation to learn. Offering examples, tried and tested classroom projects, and collaborative strategies, this innovative resource opens up STEM education in K–6 classrooms in exciting and expansive new ways.To keep his finger on the pulse of society’s needs, Jason travels the world to meet with parents, educators, and key government stakeholders and discuss the challenges of preparing students for a contemporary, knowledge-based economy. He develops and implements research-based STE

No matter where you live in the world, the need for people to fill STEM careers is an urgent need. Many governments are looking for ways to encourage kids to build STEM skills, and educators are the avenue to make that happen.Jonathan Stancek is a math, engineering and physics teacher at the Design and Technology Academy at Roosevelt High School in San Antonio, Texas. Jonathan chose to leave his first career managing chemical inventories for a military aircraft maintenance site due to a desire to provide students with a strong foundation in math and science, much like his teachers did for him. Jonathan encourages students to study real-world situations that challenge STEM professionals every day because solving these problems can have a lasting impact and really change the world. He also looks for areas that students are already interested in to inspire them to learn more about the infinite opportunities available in a STEM career.John was selected for the DoD STEM Ambassador Program to help share the resourc

Dustin Goldie isn't your typical STEM teacher. He transitioned from a HS Social Studies classroom into a position created by his district to put employability front and center for students. His combination of practical and curricular connections has helped build the KHS Employability program into a model for connecting STEM and career readiness.Dustin is a teacher at Kings High School in Kings Mills, Ohio, and enjoys his cattle raising side hustle.Learn more about Dustin:Twitter:  @khsjobtrainingListen to Dustin's Workforce Development PodcastChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: youtubeGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Andrea Mango is currently a STEAM teacher in New York, helping her students and others in her school see that being flexible helps build STEM skills. While teaching STEAM lessons to K-2 students, she started to realize that planning 45 minutes for an activity didn't work. Kids would get into the lesson, and their excitement for learning ended up making the lesson last all day. This helped Andrea as she moved into a STEAM Teacher position, building a level of flexibility into every lesson.Learn more about Andrea:Twitter: @AndreaMango1 Instagram: @flexible_educator_steam_stemResources Andrea mentioned:YouTube Mark Rober: @MarkRoberYouTube Matty Benedetto: @UnnecessaryInventionsChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: youtubeGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Athena Brensberger is all about science communication for the non-scientist. Athena's goal is to popularize science and scientific awareness to all people, not just those fundamentally drawn to sciencey readings, content, and career-paths, etc. She believes the more people that adopt a scientific perspective and approach to things in their own lives will begin transforming the world around us. Athena Brensberger advocates for space exploration through her platform Astroathens. People can find DIY space demos, rocket launch coverage, and going behind the scenes at events around the world! She’s worked with NASA, SpaceX, ESA, Curiosity Stream, Seeker and many more as a correspondent on all things astronomy and rocket science. With a background in astrophysics and fashion, Athena’s mission is to show that space is within all of us, no matter what industry you are in, and curiosity about the physical world lies in everyone. Her research includes work on proto-planetary disks and low mass stars, which was con

Trey Moore has been painting and drawing as long as he can remember. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Trey has leveraged his Bachelor of Environmental Design degree into a successful career as a design and engineering instructor in North Carolina.Learn more about Trey:Website: treymooreart.comTwitter: twitter.com/tr8mooreInstagram: instagram.com/tr8moore/Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: youtubeGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

EarthEcho International is getting ready to launch the third edition of OurEcho Challenge. In this national STEM competition, teams of students aged 10-15, guided by a teacher or mentor, are challenged to address the decline in biodiversity by identifying threats to natural resources in their communities and developing innovative solutions. To learn more, please visit ourechochallenge.org.   The competition will kick off this year with a FREE 24-hour teach-in on November 2-3. To register for the teach-in, go to: https://www.accelevents.com/e/u/checkout/ourecho-challenge-24-hour-biodiversity-teach-in0/tickets/order(Learn more about EarthEcho in Episode 193 featuring Philippe Cousteau Jr. & Stacey Rafalowski) Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski is the Programs Manager at EarthEcho, and has been designing, developing, and coordinating innovative digital programming for non-profit organizations since 2002.Learn more about EarthEcho:Website: earthecho.orgFacebook: facebook.com/earthecho  Twitter: twitter.com/earthecho Ins

Libo Valencia is a mathematics educator in New York with over a dozen years of experience. Libo is a passionate teacher who strongly believes that understanding mathematics can help all students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be utilized outside the classroom. His upcoming book Math Play on CodeBreaker Publishing will provide any educator practical ideas for expanding a child's perspective of math beyond assignments to engagement.Libo is known for his use of different technologies to engage his students and bring math concepts to life. He currently teaches at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, CUNY Lehman College, and Mercy College. As a mathematics educator, he has taught a wide range of subjects, from remedial algebra classes to upper-level calculus. Libo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, a Master of Arts in Pure Mathematics, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership. Resources mentioned during the episode:Desmos: desmos.comGeogebra: geogebra.orgArtic

Every educator knows how much kids benefit academically from real-world, project-based learning and that it can ignite a passion for learning. Jeff Imrich and Sung-Ae Yang started Rock by Rock to help make that happen. "Our world requires kids to solve meaty problems, innovate and come up with creative solutions. Kids need to be learners for life that see the joy in a challenge. Planning and executing this type of learning is really hard and takes a long time. Time that many educators do not have. Teachers today are under more pressure than ever before. Between state tests, scripted curriculum, new technologies and increased responsibility, educators have even less time. And learning in too many settings looks less and less like authentic, real-world learning and more and more like rote skill and drill and worksheets. Rock by Rock is on a mission to change that reality. They’ve worked with public, private, charter, faith-based and home educators to design a solution that makes it easy to make projects a

Each year Samsung hosts a $2 million national competition for public schools grades 6–12 in which students are asked to consider how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) can be used to create change in their communities. 2022 marks the 13th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest, and with the help of their teachers, students can apply to the contest and compete to win up to $100,000 in prizes for their school, plus the opportunity to work with Samsung employees to develop their prototypes. And just by applying, teachers will receive free professional development opportunities from Samsung such as Teacher Academy and access to education platforms like Nepris.To enter the contest, and for official contest rules, please visit samsung.com/solvefortomorrow. Registration begins in September 2022!“We have seen the incredible projects that have emerged from the minds of students through this contest, and we cannot wait to see the ideas that come to life this year that will undoubtedly ignite lasting im

Kids love learning about space. When we connect them with great space themed resources, we can inspire more STEM learning and ambitions of amazing STEM careers in space exploration. The United States' space agency NASA has propelled technological breakthroughs, pushed the frontiers of scientific research, and expanded our understanding of the universe through journeys to space. These accomplishments, and those to come, share a common genesis: education in science, technology, engineering, and math.(Learn more about NASA STEM on Ep 224)Resources mentioned during the podcast:NASA Connects: nasacentral.force.com/cop/s/NASA STEM Website: stem.nasa.govNASA EXPRESS Newsletter: nasa.gov/stem/expressArtemis resources: stem.nasa.gov/artemisConnect with NASA STEM:Twitter: @NASASTEMFacebook: @NASASTEMEngagementYouTube: NASA STEMCindy Hasselbring serves as a K-12 Education Advisor for Next Gen STEM in NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). She led the development of NASA’s first online community of practice for e

Cybersecurity is more than just stopping hackers. Adding cybersecurity learning to  classroom learning can help kids experience more practical hands-on learning and expose them to STEM careers they never dreamed of. A recently released benchmark report on the state of cybersecurity education in K-12 schools, shows that less than 50% of students in the U.S. have access to cybersecurity education today.In an effort to make K-12 cybersecurity education accessible to all learners, CYBER.ORG has launched Project Access, a nationwide program designed to expand access to cybersecurity education for blind and vision impaired students between the ages of 13-21 who are in pre-employment transition (Pre-ETS). The Project Access program will introduce blind and vision impaired students to key cybersecurity topics, help them develop cybersecurity skills, and explore the possibility of a career in a growing industry.Built off of the success of CYBER.ORG’s pilot program with Virginia’s Department for the Blind and Vision Im

Mathematics illuminates the patterns that abound in our world.  Kids need opportunities to experience math beyond the textbook. One such opportunity is the National Museum of Mathematics, founded to enhance public understanding and perception of mathematics. Its dynamic exhibits and programs stimulate inquiry, spark curiosity, and reveal the wonders of mathematics. Cindy Lawrence, the Museum’s Executive Director and CEO, describes the origin story of the National Museum of Mathematics (an award-winning museum) and highlights the role of mathematics in illuminating the patterns and structures all around us.  The dynamic exhibits, galleries, and programs at MoMath are designed to stimulate inquiry, spark curiosity, and reveal the wonders of mathematics.  The Museum’s innovative exhibits will engage visitors of every age, from 1 to 100! Whether you visit in person at their New York City location,  experience their Math Midway 2 Go traveling exhibits, or join their online programs, you and your kids will be amaze

Inspire2Dev was founded by a group of high school students to make a positive impact in communities by providing STEM learning opportunities for middle school students. They seek to inspire kids through fun and collaborative environments of free virtual Hackathons. Their 2nd Free Virtual Hackathon for middle schoolers and incoming 9th graders is happening Saturday, Aug 6, 2022 from 9:00am - 4:30pm PDTCharlotte Law, founder of Inspire2Dev, is a rising Senior at Dougherty Valley High School in California who loves STEM, computer science, artificial intelligence, and biotech. She and her friends founded Inspire2Dev to provide a supportive environment for middle school students, from anywhere in the country, to learn more about STEM and collaborate with others to create innovative and meaningful projects.Connect with Inspire2Dev:Website inspire2dev.orgSign up for the 2022 HackathonInstagram @inspire2devChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter: @dailyst

Kids love to be creative. Erik Thorstensson learned that when he created a simple connector that allowed for the joining of straws and cardboard. Kids were instantly hooked on the simple & intuitive STEM resource. Today, Strawbees is an award-winning Swedish EdTech company focused on inspiring the next generation of inventors. Using building and coding systems, and proven hands-on methodology, teachers worldwide are seeing student engagement soar using Strawbees. Regardless of age or ability, their STEAM learning tools are ideal for developing creative confidence and problem-solving skills of kids everywhere. Start learning about the power of Strawbees by trying the simple Shoemerang Boomerang activity.Find out more about Strawbees:Website: strawbees.comStrawbees classroom website: classroom.strawbees.comSimple STEAM ideas: classroom.strawbees.com/simple-steam-ideasTwitter @StrawbeesChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter: @dailystemInstagram:

The annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the nation’s premier science competition for grades 5-8. This one-of-a-kind video competition has sparked a sense of wonder and discovery in hundreds of thousands of students and enhanced science, innovation and communication across the United States. Students submit a 1-2 minute video describing a unique solution to an everyday problem for the chance to win $25,000 and an exclusive 3M Mentorship. Ten finalists will be chosen for their passion for science, spirit of innovation and ingenuity, and effective communication skills.When first launched in 1999, the Young Scientist Challenge had the same mission it does today: to foster a new generation of American scientists at an age when interest in science generally declines. In 2008, Discovery Education joined forces with 3M – one of the world’s most notable innovators – to cultivate the next generation of problem-solvers and give students the unique opportunity to work directly with 3M scientists. Jeff Emslander is a 3

We live in a digital age which gives us many benefits. However, many kids have lost a connection to working with their hands. When kids create, they take pride in what they've made, break down complex ideas, collaborate with others, and learn skills that can save or earn them money.Mike Schloff created Maplewoodshop in 2016 to help all children develop life skills through woodworking in any classroom. He's an experienced local woodworker and parent of a 14-year-old and a 12-year-old. Mike has taught woodworking to over 100 children at Maker Faires and at a collective school in Montclair. He has worked with elementary school children in classroom settings in Hoboken. He has also taught ESL and has mentored people over his 20-year professional career. Mike is a member of the North Jersey Woodworkers Association.Books mentioned in the podcast:Building To Teach - Teaching Math through Boatbuilding - Joe YouchaThe Wisdom of Hands - Book on teaching woodworking to youth - Doug StoweBy Hound and Eye - Grap

Space inspires. The United States' space agency NASA has propelled technological breakthroughs, pushed the frontiers of scientific research, and expanded our understanding of the universe through journeys to space. These accomplishments, and those to come, share a common genesis: education in science, technology, engineering, and math.NASA STEM Engagement delivers tools for students and educators to learn and succeed. They seek to:Create unique opportunities for a diverse set of students to contribute to NASA’s work in exploration and discovery.Build a diverse future STEM workforce by engaging students in authentic learning experiences with NASA’s people, content and facilities.Attract diverse groups of students to STEM through learning opportunities that spark interest and provide connections to NASA’s mission and work.Mike Kincaid,  Associate Administrator at the Office of STEM Engagement, and Alicia Baturoni Cortez, Human Spaceflight Embed at Office of STEM Engagement, share some of the great resource

What do your kids want to be when they grow up? Alyssa has know since she was 3 that she wanted to be an astronaut and fly to Mars!Alyssa Carson, 20, is not just a normal college student studying biology at Florida Institute of Technology looking to be the first woman on Mars.  She owns her own condo, has her rocket license, advanced scuba certification, a pilot license, skydiving class A license, and is a certified Aquanaut. Amongst all of that and her studies, she encourages financial best practices by working with CCU Florida, voted the Best Banking Service in Brevard County, Florida, to teach these skills to others her age as they begin their financial journey. She is part of CCU’s newly launched 321 Financial Liftoff! Educational series, supporting the needs of younger generations as they learn different pathways towards financial stability. Connect with AlyssaWebsite: nasablueberry.com Instagram: @nasablueberryTwitter: @nasablueberry1Facebook: @nasablueberryChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday P

Students learn best when they are engaged...Breakout EDU provides an opportunity for students to play active roles in their classrooms. Engagement soars as students become immersed in the game – asking questions, solving problems, and participating in group discussions.Adam Bellow is the founder and CEO of Breakout EDU, but more importantly Adam is a former teacher (and a dad) who knows how important engagement and collaboration are to the educational process for every kid!You can even start a free 14-day trial: breakoutedu.com/freetrialConnect with Adam & Breakout EDUWebsite breakoutedu.comBreakoutEDU Twitter: @BreakoutEDUAdam's Twitter: @adambellowAdam's Email: adam@breakoutedu.comFacebook: facebook.com/breakouteduChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:dailystem.comtwitterinstagramyoutubeGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show