ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

National Geographic Explorer Gabby Salazar shares her journey into photography, starting at a young age and evolving with technology. She discusses the impact of digital advancements on wildlife photography, emphasizing the ethical considerations and authenticity in her work. Gabby highlights the importance of field experiences and citizen science in understanding nature, while also sharing her pa...

Tina Hovance, from one of the largest school districts in Texas (Katy ISD), discusses her role as the secondary science coordinator and the implementation of new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). She emphasizes the importance of planning, mentorship, and community support for new teachers, especially in a diverse district with a large emergent bilingual population. The conversation also...

Dr. Yampolskiy is a Latvian computer scientist who has warned of the possibility of existential risk from advanced artificial intelligence, and has advocated research into "boxing" artificial intelligence. Dr. Yampolskiy is mostly known for his work on AI safety, cybersecurity and his many published books . In this conversation, Professor Roman V. Yampolskiy discusses the critical aspects of AI sa...

The team from the Science Center of Iowa joins us to discuss various topics ranging from the impact of weather on museum operations to the fascinating world of pterosaurs and the innovative use of AI in education. They explore the ethical implications of AI, the importance of intellectual property in AI-generated content, and the role of project-based learning in developing critical thinking skill...

TeachAi expert explains why teachers will still matter   Veronica discuss the evolving role of AI in education, the challenges educators face in adapting to rapid technological changes, and the importance of core skills for teachers. They explore concerns about over-reliance on AI tools, the implications of AI in grading and IEPs, and the necessity of human feedback in the learning process. The di...

Is it safe to fly? Recent incidents, media influence, and systemic concerns.   Miles O'Brien discusses the current state of aviation safety, reflecting on recent incidents and the underlying statistics. They explore the roles of various organizations like the FAA and NTSB in ensuring safety, the importance of timely investigations, and the normalization of deviance in aviation practices. The discu...

Exploring technology, AI, simulations, curriculum challenges, and education's future.   Professor at Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Nancy Ruzycki discusses with us the current state of hands-on learning in education, the role of simulations, the impact of AI, and the challenges teachers face with curriculum and technology. Nancy and Dave explore the balance between hands-on experiences a...

Mentorship, project-based education, real-world science, and fostering curiosity. In this conversation, Taniece Thompson-Smith, seasoned educator and teacher of the years, discusses the importance of work-life balance for educators, the significance of engaging students in science, and the need for civic science literacy. Taniece shares her experiences as the Texas Teacher of the Year, emphasizing...

Penn State STEM Educational Specialist shares her teaching strategies.   Dave and Stephanie explore the evolving landscape of STEM education in elementary schools, emphasizing the new STEELS standards in Pennsylvania and the unique challenges that early-grade teachers face when teaching science. They discuss the importance of technology integration, hands-on learning, and fostering curiosity to ma...

Lessons and inspiration from Chrissy and Jay Kleburg on climate impact, wildlife, & conservation. Documentary producers and conservationists, Jay and Chrissy discuss their journey walking the Texas coastline, the challenges they faced, and the insights gained from their documentary 'Chasing the Tide.' They explore the importance of local ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and the educational impac...

Art, creativity, ai, and hands-on STEM reshape K-12 education Teacher and author, Tim Needles joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of education, particularly the integration of AI and its implications for teaching and learning. They explore the importance of local engagement in education, the role of creativity in STEM, and the challenges of curriculum development. Tim shares insights from h...

Students thrive with curiosity, mentorship, storytelling, collaboration, and resilience. Senior Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, Luc Mayrand, shares his journey as an Imagineer, discussing the importance of creativity, curiosity, and teamwork in the creative industries. He emphasizes the need for a clear purpose in career aspirations and the role of technology in enhancing storytell...

Free hands-on activites to get your students engaged in STEM. Teacher, professor and science specialist, Dr. Griff Jones talks about crash science and its application in the classroom. They discuss the mission of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the development of crash science educational materials, and engaging activities for students. Griff shares insights on how to implement...

Engaging, hands-on STEM education inspired by vehicle crash research. Crash experts Joe Young and Dr. Griff Jones, discuss the intersection of crash science and education, highlighting the upcoming virtual field trip hosted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at their amazing vehicle crash test facility! The discussion delves into the history of crash science in classrooms, the ev...

Dave Burgess discusses passion, authenticity, motivation, reflection, and impactful teaching. In this conversation, Dave Burgess shares his insights on the challenges of teaching and the importance of engaging students through passion and authenticity. He emphasizes the need for educators to embrace their unique strengths and to present their content in a way that captivates students. Burgess disc...

Engineer turned musician shares journey blending STEM, creativity, and inspiration. In this engaging conversation, Roy Moye III shares his unique journey from aerospace engineering to pursuing a full-time career in music, particularly in the realm of STEM education. He discusses the deep connections between music and engineering, the importance of music in education, and how cultural influences sh...

Connecting students to nature through immersive science education. We talk with the Host and Executive producer of the OutSCIder video series that teaches science, history, and environmental science concepts through our National Parks. The conversation between Dave and Chris Anderson revolves around the importance of teachers and their impact on students. They discuss the challenges teachers face...

Using technology to enhance learning and problem-solving skills. Today we explore the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Jeremy and Dave dive into how AI can transform classrooms by helping students develop critical, transferable skills that will prepare them for the future workforce. They discuss how educators can move beyond rote memorization to teach stud...

Engaging students through digital field experiences and technology.   In this conversation, Caroline Nickerson discusses her dissertation on webinars and the effectiveness of a model called a digital field experience. She partnered with extension agents in different locations in Florida to test the model's effectiveness in teaching people about climate hazards and engaging them in citizen science...

Balancing technology and creativity for impactful student experiences.   Donnie Piercey, an elementary school teacher and Kentucky Teacher of the Year, discusses his experiences and teaching methods. He emphasizes the importance of having male role models in the classroom and the impact it can have on students. Donnie also talks about the value of storytelling and performance in teaching, as well...

AI's impact on education, ethical use, and collaboration.   In this conversation, Dave speaks with Selene Verhofstad and Faryal Shaukat, experienced teachers who recently gave a talk at NSTA about AI in education. They discuss the use of AI in the classroom, the challenges and benefits it presents, and the importance of teaching students about AI and its ethical use. They also touch on the rapid p...

Engaging students through hands-on activities and innovative learning.   Denise Renfro, from the Academy of Green Technology, discusses the hands-on approach to learning and the use of AI in the classroom. The Academy offers courses on sustainability, renewable energy, drones, and more. Denise emphasizes the importance of engaging students and encourages teachers to start with simple hands-on acti...

Museum insights and programs for teachers and students.   The conversation between Dave and Shannon revolves around their visit to the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center. They discuss their favorite exhibits and the awe-inspiring experience of seeing the massive aircraft and spacecraft up close. Shannon shares stories about the Corona program's satellite bucket and the SR-71 Blackbi...

  Challenges, implications, rapid evolution and the future of Ai   The conversation covers various topics related to AI and its impact on education. Nancy discusses the technology stack behind AI, the role of AI in education, the limitations of AI models, and the potential costs and implications of AI in the classroom. The conversation explores the limitations and potential biases of GPTs, the rol...

Multidisciplinary science, ethical considerations, AI impact, & career possibilities.   In this conversation, Dave and Kelly discuss the realities of working in forensic science and the importance of understanding the potential trauma and ethical considerations involved. They also explore the evolving nature of science classrooms and the need for culturally relevant and engaging lessons. Kelly emp...