43. How Do We Define Success In STEM?
Can you design a roller coaster? How about a space rover or robot hand? How do we define success in STEM, especially with all of the variables presented to us as teachers? In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire discuss all the learning curves the majority of us encounter when trying to map out a STEM curriculum, make sure all the proper standards apply, and trying to discern whether our students are actually taking anything away from their STEM activities and following the engineering design process or if something, somewhere needs to change.
42. How Do You Chew?
In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire return to answer the much anticipated question: did Natasha get to eat her sandwich in class? Her professor had some very specific instructions (including but not limited to: don’t eat breakfast, bring a sandwich for lunch, and also bring a 1 pound bag of M&M’s) which left both Claire and our listeners scratching their heads. Listen now to find out what happened and how you can apply the thinking to your classroom!
P.S. Sadly, we could find no studies proving Claire’s statement that M&M’s taste differently.
41. What is Your Problem?
In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha discuss how to solve other problems you or your students may encounter. From Monkey the dog crossing a river without getting wet to a Masters Degree Program Professor inviting Natasha and the rest of class to participate in an oddly specific experiment, tune in to discover how you might benefit from asking the right questions.
40. Escape the STEM Room
In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha are discussing Claire's "Escape the STEM Room" challenge that she is teaching the first week of school, and the importance of introducing your students to difficult situations. From teamwork to public speaking and sharing what they've learned, tune in to learn more about Claire's plans to navigate this challenge and hopes to inspire educators everywhere!
39. How Did We Get Here?
The STEM Space loves hearing from you! In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire address an email from listener Jess Luttrell, who wanted to know how they decided to make the transition from careers in STEM fields to STEM education. Having a STEM background can mean an easier way to connect STEM to student interests by engaging kids with the exciting possibilities of real-world STEM either by teaching or simply volunteering. Tune in as they talk about their inspirations and continuing to evolve with the wide world of STEM education.
38. Back to School STEM
It’s time to go back to school! In this episode of The STEM Space, Natasha and Claire talk about ideas you can use at the beginning of the school year. From icebreaker activities and character-building exercises to engineering design challenges and classroom decor, tune in to get some tips and tricks as you prepare for the best year yet in STEM education!