The STEM Space

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire shares a special behind‑the‑scenes look at a project she’s been leading with her after‑school STEM club, inspired by Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary and the recent film adaptation. You’ll hear directly from her students as they talk through their designs, discoveries, and big STEM takeaways. A quick heads‑up: this episode includes a few Project...

Show Summary: What if turning off your selective attention could actually make you more creative? In this episode of The STEM Space, we explore how the brain filters information—and why loosening that filter might be the secret to innovation. You’ll also meet Ellen Swallow Richards, the chemist, environmental scientist, and sanitary engineer who transformed public health by revealing the hidden da...

Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, we explore the fascinating world of the mind’s eye. Some people can picture vivid images in their minds, while others see nothing at all—so where do you fall on the imagination spectrum? We’ll dive into the science of visual perception while learning about modern neuroscientist Margaret Livingstone and her work uncovering how the brain processes vis...

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire introduces us to the fascinating inventor and engineer, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, who is best known for creating the super soaker water gun. However, that is the least of his accomplishments. Claire and Natasha follow with a discussion on what makes a great engineer and the difference between engineers and inventors… if there is a difference! STEMist storytime, a de...

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire explore the fascinating world of robots and robotics—from the driver’s seat of their Tesla cars to the competition floor of First In Texas robotics. Natasha shares firsthand insights from her work in competitive robotics, while both hosts reflect on how robotics is already shaping our everyday lives. You’ll also hear the inspiring story of George D...

Show Summary: We’re kicking off the new year with a spotlight on real engineers and scientists who inspire our work in STEM education. This week, we’re featuring Lillian Gilbreth and the incredible impact she made on engineering and human factors. We’re also sharing highlights from our time at the 2026 SEEC conference — including the ideas, resources, and classroom-ready activities we brought back...

Show Summary: Claire sits down with Sharon Boese, a dynamic STEM educator from McKinney Christian Academy in Texas, to explore what hands-on, inquiry-based science education looks like in action. Sharon shares what a typical day in her classroom entails - from guiding 8th graders through Earth and Space Science to inspiring younger students in the school’s K–5 STEM enrichment program. We talk abou...

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire shares her recent discovery of a backyard superfood – the Black Soldier Fly! She and Natasha discuss how this creature plays a key role in ecosystems involving efficient decomposition, nutritional livestock feed, and even in future space habitats. Learn why you may want to get involved, too! Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 197. You...

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire shares how she tells her story to inspire students and realistically see themselves achieving their dreams. Hear about her recent outreach day teaching about rockets using a home-built 8 foot tall model and of course an update on her chickens. Also get a taste of how STEM teachers can address the social emotional learning of their students. Natasha and Claire...

Show Summary: In this episode, Claire is joined by Audrey Gilfillan and Alison West, licensed professional counselors and embedded therapists in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder . Together, they bring extensive experience in college mental health, academic and career support, and community-based counseling. Audrey and Alison are co-authors of Decompile Your Mind: An Eng...

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire dive into Claire’s upcoming outreach presentation on rockets. As Claire builds a large-scale cutaway model to showcase each part of a rocket, they explore the value of hands-on learning, problem-solving activities, and tackling common misconceptions about rockets. Plus, stick around for a fun update on Claire’s chickens! Links from the Show: Relate...

Show Summary: In this episode of the STEM Space podcast, Claire chats with the Founder & CEO of Changemaker Education , David Richards. He shares his passion for love-based, personalized education that led to establishing a microschool for his own children. As an alternative to the outdated factory model of education, microschools tailor learning to the children that are being served. Tune in...

Show Summary: You are in for a treat! Do you have someone in your life that is interested in video games or game development? Claire talks with Aaron Thibault, the director of The LIVE Lab which is a research lab at Texas A&M University in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts where students learn to create interactive learning experiences while getting real industry experien...

Show Summary: Natasha and Claire outline a new STEM curriculum that will be available for free through Space Club. Claire details her process on creating the science labs and engineering design challenges in the curriculum including representing accurate science content. Unsurprisingly, she learned that turning to the subject matter experts is the best way to ensure quality science and engineering...

Show Summary: Natasha and Claire dive into the often-overlooked role of manufacturing in STEM education, exploring how it connects to engineering and real-world applications in the classroom. Along the way, they catch up on the back-to-school happenings from the humor of kindergarten drama to the challenges of STEM burnout and strategies for managing it. Tune in to hear why manufacturing matters,...

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire kick things off with their latest animal adventures. But the real focus is on helping STEM teachers gear up for the new school year. They break down the top things you should be doing right now, including how to strategically approach your curriculum planning and what supplies you’ll want to stock up on before the school rush hits. Whether you’re a...

Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire kick things off with their latest animal adventures. But the real focus is on helping STEM teachers gear up for the new school year. They break down the top things you should be doing right now, including how to strategically approach your curriculum planning and what supplies you’ll want to stock up on before the school rush hits. Whether you’re a...

Show Summary: Get ready for a deep dive into this year’s smartest Prime Day finds from Vivify STEM! In this episode, Claire spotlights her top picks to save you some money! From hands-on learning kits like Snap Circuits and the Smartphone-Controlled Paper Airplane, to classroom must-haves including science posters, thermal imaging cameras, and fluorescent light covers. Whether you're an educator,...

Show Summary: Natasha sits down with Rolanda Baldwin, a dynamic leader whose 20+ years in math education are transforming the way we think about numbers. Rolanda’s journey is nothing short of inspiring: from her early days as a classroom teacher and instructional coach in North Carolina, to serving as a district curriculum coordinator, and then rising through the ranks at UnboundEd from math speci...

Show Summary: Natasha and Claire return to unpack an essential question for STEM educators: Should you be using the Design Process or the Engineering Design Process in your classroom? With a mix of practical advice and personal stories, they explore how each approach supports creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. Whether you're a seasoned STEM teacher or just getting started, you'l...

Show Summary: Have you used ST Math in your classroom? In today’s episode of The STEM Space, Natasha chats with Ki Karou, Senior Director of Product at MIND Education, creators of this game-based math program. Their goal is to challenge students through active, visual learning and critical thinking that teaches students not only to learn math, but how to think. Tune in on a great conversation incl...

Show Summary: What happens when you bring physical education into the STEM classroom? In this episode of The STEM Space , we’re joined by Naomi Hartl , Education Strategist at School Specialty , who is excited about the possibilities of exactly that! With a teaching background that spans subjects such as biology, math, health, and PE, Naomi shares her passion for integrated learning that supports...

Show Summary: How do we help kids make better decisions, such as in  STEM challenges? In this episode of The STEM Space , we’re joined by Ramin Mohajer and Alison Stumacher from the Alliance for Decision Education. Ramin, a former corporate attorney turned nonprofit leader, is the Deputy Director of Organizational Development and believes students need cognitive tools—not just rules—to manage...

Show Summary: Natasha sits down with Jonathan Schor, visionary co-founder and CEO behind CodeMonkey . This award-winning, game-based platform isn’t just fun; it equips students with real-world coding skills in a way that makes computer science accessible and exciting for every classroom. Discover how Jonathan’s leadership has propelled CodeMonkey into a globally trusted tool for educators, and get...

Show Summary: Claire is back — and she’s taking us to the edge of space! Listen in as she shares the behind-the-scenes story of launching a weather balloon nearly 89,000 feet into the atmosphere! Despite flooding in Texas, a helium tank mix-up, and a few unmotivated students, her class pulled off one of the ultimate STEM challenges: a high-altitude balloon mission with a successful recovery! Tune...