The STEM Space

Show Summary: Maybe you have stocked up on exciting activities for your STEM classroom or program, but do you know how to manage the supplies, the students, and your class time? Aspen Meineke is back this week sharing her tips from running her STEM programs. Listen in to get inspired by the ways she has found to make a STEM program work well. Links From The Show: STEM Family Night How To Start an...

Show Summary: Have you tried Sphero robots? We love them and we tell you why in this podcast episode. Hear from Sphero Hero brand ambassador Aspen Meineke as she shares her tips and activity ideas to use Sphero robots in your classroom or program. Sphero robots are perfect for all ages and can be used safely with social distancing within your classroom. Tune in to learn more. Links From The Show:...

Show Summary: What’s in a name? Well, it depends on who you ask, but we feel that STEM does not need the addition of any other letters if done correctly. Tune in to this episode to hear about why we believe the standard STEM acronym (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is important and complete. Have a different opinion, or does your school use STEAM, STREAM, or another version? Let us kno...

Show Summary: Do you ask open-ended questions with your students? In this episode, Natasha provides insight into what she is learning while getting her Masters in Science Education. Learn about strategies in helping your students developing a deeper understanding of your lessons and fostering more student participation by asking better questions and increasing wait time. Links From The Show: Space...

Show Summary: Tune in as we discuss our biggest takeaways from the 3 virtual conferences we participated in this summer for teacher professional development. From Elementary STEM Con to the Champions for Science Middle School Conference, and ending with the Whole Teacher EclecticCon, we have truly enjoyed the flexibility and accessibility of the virtual conference platform. We have learned so much...

Show Summary: Get your STEM lab ready for back to school by stocking up on the basics or acquire some new gems for your students! From recyclables like toilet paper tubes to construction supplies like Keva Planks or 3D printers, we share all of our favorite tools in this episode. Listen to gain ideas on what you should invest in as well as free resources and strategies for which robots you should...

Show Summary: Space exploration can be an effective lens to teach and inspire kids in STEM education. From connecting to the exciting space missions in current events, to showing how your students could contribute to advancing the human race, space is something that everyone can relate to. Share these events and connect your science concepts and engineering design challenges to space exploration w...

Show summary: In this episode, we discuss the topic of distance learning and how you can use icebreakers, games, and online tools to engage and build relationships with your students. Connecting with your students is vital in keeping them focused in your class and building classroom culture whether you are in person or conducting classes in a distance learning environment. In distance learning, th...

In this episode, we discuss ways you can implement STEM careers in your classroom by connecting them to student sparks— your students’ passions! STEM careers should be a part of every STEM lesson as you connect what your students are learning to the careers that use those same skills or that relate to the topics discussed. All of our STEM lessons incorporate STEM careers and one of our favorite wa...

In this episode, we take you on a journey through how we use the 3 stages of STEM. Learn how to effectively build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills with Stage 1 STEM activities, then guide students through the engineering design process with Stage 2 challenges, and then finally apply all of those skills in a more long-term STEM project or design competition. Not all STEM activiti...