29. Why Do We Teach Engineering in Schools?
What is the narrative being promoted when we are teaching engineering? Are we trying to train kids to be ready for their careers or should the focus be on something else? Tune in to this episode where we discuss this subject and the importance of knowing why we teach (or perhaps even “if we should teach”) engineering in grade school.
28. Elementary STEM Con & Beyond
The best virtual conference for STEM educators is just around the corner and we are sharing all the details to let you know why you don’t want to miss it. The conference is April 16-19, 2021 and the best part is, you don’t have to be available to watch anything on those days because your registration gives you access to ALL the content for an entire year! Here are a few of the details but you can find out all the information on the conference website here:
27. Launching A High Altitude Balloon
If you have ever thought about giving your students a high-flying hands-on project to apply their math, science, and engineering skills, we have the perfect project for you! Launch a high-altitude balloon to the edge of space! In this episode, Natasha shares her years of experience with this project as Claire prepares to embark on this epic journey with her students. Get all the details of how you can do it too.
26. Making Time for STEM (featuring Kerry Tracy)
Do you find yourself desiring more time to teach STEM? Maybe you only have 15 minutes to complete a STEM activity, but is that enough? In this episode, we are joined by Kerry Tracy to discuss how to have meaningful STEM lessons in short class periods and ideas for gaining more time to do STEM!
25. Teaching Fads: Should You Have A Makerspace?
Makerspaces! They are popping up in schools, libraries, and beyond. Maybe you even have one in your classroom (I do!). But are makerspaces just a teaching fad or is it an effective tool for teaching STEM? Listen to our discussion about their definition, purpose, design, and more as we weigh in on this popular trend!
24. Craft Projects vs. STEM (featuring Kerry Tracy)
We shared a post from Kerry Tracy of Feel Good Teaching entitled Science-Themed Crafts Are Not STEM Challenges and it got A LOT of comments! We sat down with Kerry to hash out why people are so passionate on both sides of this issue and what it all really means. Pull up a chair to our discussion and don’t forget to weigh in in the comments on our website or social media channels. The big take-away: we are all here to learn from each other and help each other grow!