STEM Educator Pod

Sometimes the simplest tools and equipment can make the biggest difference in our classrooms. Check out today's episode to hear about some of my favourites! All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: Magnetic Clips Tape Measures Roll of Kraft Paper Power Cutter Zip Lock Bags Plastic Cutlery & Crockery A3 Document Wallets A3 Document Trays Electrical Power Boards Velcro Stic...

Struggling to improve STEM units without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode, I share my go-to strategy: choosing one small focus to tackle at a time. This week, we're looking at authenticity—how small tweaks can make a big difference. Tune in for practical tips! All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: #6 Minecraft Education: A Beginner's Guide! If you enjoyed today’s episo...

A crucial part of the STEM design process is providing students with opportunities to test and improve their designs. However, to make this phase effective we need to equip students with the skills to do so. In this episode, we explore five strategies we can explicitly teach to our students to help them effectively reflect on and make improvements to their STEM designs. All links to the resources...

Looking for seamless ways to integrate digital technology into your teaching and learning? Padlet is such a simple, but versatile tool! Today's episode explains five ways Padlet can be used...and that's just the tip of the iceberg! All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: https://padlet.com/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can follow the podcast, join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook Gr...

Design & Technologies is an important component of STEM Education, however the curriculum outcomes can sometimes sound more complicated than they are! Today's episode unpacks the Design & Technologies curriculum and you'll be surprised at how simple it is to integrate into your STEM program. All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: The STEM Pillars Primary Years Desig...

STEM can be broken down into three key pillars - Knowledge, Tools & Skills. Today's episode outlines a simple way to ensure there is explicit instruction of a variety of tools in our program. Cue The 'Toolbox' ! Listen in for step by step instructions on how to get this initiative started in your classroom! All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: Ep #3 Navigating Design...

STEM units about animals are some of my favourites! But what should be a quick research session for our students, often turns into login issues and endless scrolling. In today’s episode, I’ll share six digital tools that make research easy and provide high-quality information for both you and your students. All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: Vic Field Guide App iNatural...

It's important to have a consistent approach to how STEM is taught in each school! In this episode we discuss four key STEM frameworks, their pros and cons and how to select which one best suits your classroom and students. All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: #3 Navigating Design Thinking In Primary Education Primary Years Design Thinking Process Blog Post: A Guide to Ch...

The first lessons of a new unit of work can sometimes be the most important! It is our opportunity as teachers to capture students' attention and get them excited about the learning ahead. Today's episode explores five simple strategies for planning successful lessons during the provocation phase of STEM units. All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: Navigating Desig...

End of term can be be a busy time, but today's episode explore some simple things you can do to make your life a whole lot easier! I promise your future self will thank you! All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: End of Term Checklist The Transformative Power of 'Working Walls' In A STEM Classroom Primary Years Design Thinking Framework If you enjoyed today’s ep...

There are just so many resources out there for STEM and so little time to explore them! I've spent some time checking out Google Labs and Experiments with Google, and they have so much to offer. Today's episodes shares what Google Labs is all about and some of it's specific tools that can be implemented in the classroom. All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: Go...

STEM Expos are a great way to engage the community and showcase what your school's STEM program is all about! Today's episode gives you five key tips to hosting a successful expo at your school. All links to the resources discussed in the episode today are below: Blog Post: Your Guide To Hosting A Primary STEM Expo Be sure to click follow on the podcast to ensure you don’t miss any of the...

Looking to invest in some robots, but not sure where to start? With so many options out there it's important to choose devices that are going to suit your student's needs. Today's episode explores four of the best suited robots for our youngest learners: Kubo , Ozobot , Sphero Indi and M Tiny . A condensed pros and cons list can also be found here. If you enjoyed today’s episode, you c...

Robotics can be a really valuable addition to primary STEM programs, however we need to be clear on its purpose. Today's episode explores the role of robotics in primary STEM and some specific strategies to introduce it to our youngest learners! Check out the CPA model discussed in the episode HERE. If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can follow the podcast, join the Facebook Group  or explore...

There are some pretty incredible digital tools out there that can be used to amplify your STEM program. However, sometimes it’s challenging to find the time to investigate them! Today’s episode shares five digital resources that are FREE and can be seamlessly implemented in your STEM programs straight away.  All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: Google Lens Gardening Austr...

Rubrics are such an amazing tool in a STEM classroom. They are well suited to the project style of learning and provide clear outcomes for students! This episode explores why rubrics are such a valuable addition to any STEM program, as well as clear steps to creating your own rubric. All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: FREE Downloadable Rubric Framework Solo Taxonomy Art...

The STEM classroom environment plays a crucial role in student learning, however setting up the space so it works for you and your students' needs can be challenging! Whether you're working with limited space or have the opportunity to invest in new equipment, today's episode is all about practical tips that will help you make the most of your primary STEM classroom. All links to the r...

Diagrams are such a versatile tool in the STEM classroom and it's our job as STEM teachers to build student's capacity to create them to a high quality level! This episode unpacks specific skills for explicit instruction at each year level so that diagrams can become a useful tool for your STEM classroom. All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: From Scribbles to Prec...

Finding the funding for your STEM program can often be a big challenge! Whilst applying for grants can be tedious process, they can be extremely useful in enhancing student learning opportunities. Today's episode explores 8 strategies for grant writing and how you can use them to improve your chances of funding success! All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: Join the ST...

Community partners are a great way to build authenticity in your STEM units, however sometimes they idea of getting some external involved is a little daunting! Today’s episode explore what community partnerships are, why they’re important and five key tips for getting them involved in your school. All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: Ep #13 Optimising Your Primary STEM P...

Wanting to improve your STEM program, but not sure where to start? Use this STEM Program Rubric! Today's episode explains key components of what makes an effective STEM program, how to use celebrate what you've achieved so far and how to use this rubric to set goals for you as a teacher. All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: STEM Program Rubric Ep #9 Effective Asse...

Teachers are prone to overcomplicating! We are often trying to teach new and exciting things every lesson, however research suggests that students actually need repetition.  Today’s episode is all about multiple exposures and how you can structure STEM units to not only provide students with better quality learning opportunities…but reduce your planning as a teacher as well! All links to the resou...

Lego has become such an important tool in my STEM classroom and is used with students all the way from Prep to Year 6! Today's episode covers strategies for selecting lego equipment, explicit instruction of lego techniques and ideas for lego units of work. All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: Lego Skill Progression Lego Terminology Downloadable Poster STEM Educator Hu...

Stop Motion has become a favourite in my STEM classroom! And it ticks all the boxes for me as a teacher...simple, versatile, low cost and super engaging! Today's episode explores how to get started with Stop Motion and some key tips on how to make it a fun and successful experience. All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below: Stikbot App Lights, Camera, STEM: Stop Motion Fun...

Data, data, data! When I first started as a STEM Specialist teacher this was something that was missing in my program. I was very reliant on ‘gut feel’ in my assessments of student understanding and was unsure of how to implement a consistent assessment approach. A few years down the track and I’ve now got some tried and tested assessment methods to share with you all! This episode explores some h...