ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

In this episode, Dave and STEM educator and TV personality, Steve Spangler have an enlightening conversation about the interest students and young people naturally have in science and how to bring that to life in the classroom. They discuss Steves's success with the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment and how it captured the attention of millions in and out of the classroom. Steve draws on his experie...

In this podcast episode, Dave and educator Xochitl engage in a dynamic conversation about the challenges and rewards of project-based learning (PBL) in science classrooms. They discuss the importance of rethinking the nature of projects, emphasizing the difference between low and high-quality PBL. Xochitl emphasizes the need for authenticity in projects, encouraging teachers to provide diverse exe...

In this podcast episode, Kaci Heins, Executive Director at Limitless Space, joins Dave to discuss exciting projects and initiatives in the field of space education. They discuss topics such as the Space Exploration Educator Conference and the potential integration of data into art. The conversation explores the profound impact of space experiences on individuals, as exemplified by William Shatner'...

The interview is a live recording from ScIC10 Live at CAST22 in Texas, Science is Cool Un-conferences . It features Brianna and Serena, also known as the Amoeba Sisters, who are educators and creators behind popular educational biology cartoons. In the interview, they discuss their journey, starting with the origins of their cartoon characters, Pinky and Petunia, and how their passion for making b...

This is a bonus episode from an interview at one of our Science is Cool conferences. In this interview, Miles O'Brien joins Dave in a discussion focusing primarily on climate change, renewable energy, and potential solutions. He cover various alternative energy sources like nuclear, geothermal, biofuels, and innovative technologies. O'Brien explores the challenges faced by different forms of energ...

In this discussion, Tammie Schrader, science coordinator for Eastern Washington State, joins Dave to discuss a wide range of topics related to education, technology, and the evolving nature of learning. Come hear what she has to say about AI in the classroom plus so much more!  They start by exploring the importance of providing students with access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, such as...

In this discussion, Dr. Sonny White, the Director of the Limitless Space Institute, and Dave, engage in a fascinating conversation about the future of space exploration and propulsion. They delve into various aspects of advanced propulsion technologies that could enable human exploration of the solar system and even beyond. Dr. White emphasizes the need to move beyond traditional chemical propulsi...

In this podcast episode, Edward and Dave discuss an exciting educational initiative centered around the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Edward is a passionate high school teacher from Canada and shares his vision for involving thousands of students and teachers in North America to engage in authentic scientific observations during this celestial event. He emphasizes the importance o...

In this two-part episode,  we explore the dynamic world of science education. Host Dave chats with Ariel Paul, a key contributor to the PhET Interactive Simulations project, delving into the art of making science engaging and accessible for all learners. They unravel the project's mission of creating interactive simulations that foster deep understanding and excitement in science classrooms. The c...

In this two part episode,  we explore the dynamic world of science education. Host Dave chats with Ariel Paul, a key contributor to the PhET Interactive Simulations project, delving into the art of making science engaging and accessible for all learners. They unravel the project's mission of creating interactive simulations that foster deep understanding and excitement in science classrooms. The c...

In part 2 of this episode, the insightful Adam Rogers, Senior Correspondent for Insider, takes listeners on a profound journey through the intertwining realms of science, education, and society. This episode is a must-listen for every science teacher aiming to spark genuine interest in their students. The lively discussion kicks off with an exploration into urban planning and the dynamics of citie...

In an enlightening podcast episode, host Dave Baker engages with Adam Rogers, senior correspondent at Insider and the celebrated author of 'Full Spectrum' and 'Proof'. This episode provides teachers with a captivating exploration into the science of color and the science of alcohol, beautifully illustrating their convergence with cultural advancements. Sparked by the internet's famed dress color p...

Dave and Jacob question the true meaning of education in a society where information is readily accessible through smartphones. Part 2 of this teacher podcast, host Dave Bakker engages in a thought-provoking conversation with guest Jacob Chastain, delving into various aspects of education and teaching.  This teaching podcast touches upon the ongoing debate between traditional and classical educati...

In the first part of this enlightening episode, Dave engages in a dialogue with Jacob Chastain, the dynamic host of the popular 'Teach Me, Teacher Podcast'. As a guiding star in the education realm, Chastain offers illuminating insights into the bustling world of teacher podcasts, while championing authentic conversation and acknowledging the oft-overlooked heroes of the classroom - a must-listen...

In this podcast, Dave discusses Project Based Learning (PBL) with Sally Creel, a STEM & Innovation Supervisor in Cobb County, Georgia. They delve into the benefits of authentic learning, inquiry-based approaches, and hands-on experiences in fostering student-centered and collaborative education. Sally highlights the importance of integrating PBL into the curriculum to develop critical thinking ski...

Online educational games have been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many schools to transition to remote learning. But what exactly are online educational games, and why are they so effective? To answer these questions, we spoke with Dan White, the CEO of Filament Games, a leading educational game developer that has worked with some...

In this intelligent episode, we sit down with an artificial intelligence expert, Jordan Harrod and learn about the immediate impact of AI and how it can help shape our future.  Dave and  Jordan's dive deep about everything AI and how it will change education. They also discuss Chat GPT, machine learning, models and AGI, and we learn more than we thought we needed to know about how AI works. They d...

In this super fun episode, you will have the privilege of experiencing the incredible energy of the Hip Hop M.D.! Maynard Okereke talks with us about his amazingly upbeat approach to bringing STEM education to underserved populations and making it fun and accessible for everyone! Dave and Maynard discuss aspects of our modern world such as social media and AI and how they can both help and hurt st...

Quite possibly the "Most Interesting Man in the World". Victor Vescovo joins us on the show to tell us all about his explorations and what he thinks about the future of our civilization. Victor has done many things in life, but during this episode we hear about his recent scientific explorations of the deepest parts of our oceans. He tells us about the creation of the first of its kind, reusable s...

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Uchenna Emenaha to discuss the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy. We learn about Uchenna's journey to complete her Ph. D. on the topic and how she is applying her research in the real world. Uchenna explains the basics of CRP (culturally responsive pedagogy). Dave and Uchenna discuss the impact that students' "lived experiences...

In this fun episode, Dave sits down with Brianna and Sarina, the creators of the hit YouTube channel The Amoeba Sisters ! We learn all about their backgrounds and motivation for creating the channel that has been viewed by teachers and classrooms around the world over 160 million times! Listen in to learn why their style of science content is so appealing to teachers and how it can be used in the...

In today's episode, we are joined by Steve Isaacs. Steve was a classroom teacher for almost 30 years and helped pioneer Esports and gaming as part of student education. Listen in to hear his inspiring stories of empowering students through games, technology, and Esports leagues that are run entirely by student teams. Dave and Steve discuss the difference between recreational gaming and using Espor...

In today's episode we talk to the voice of science for Canada and the world, Bob McDonald . Bob and Dave discuss growing up in the space age, learning about fundamental science as a child and ultimately going on to host Canada's popular science radio program, "Quirks and Quarks". We hear fun stories about Bob's efforts to educate the masses about science. This man even has an asteroid named after...

In today's episode, we talk with Dr. Temple Grandin and hear about her passion for hands-on learning and preparing students to enter the workforce with the practical skills that are essential for the sustainability of our world. Dave and Dr. Grandin discuss the need to add "shop" and other skills-based classes back into public schools. Dr. Grandin shares personal anecdotes about her colleagues who...

In today's episode, Dave talks with Kari Byron, a professional curiosity communicator. Kari tells us about her career, her many diverse projects, and her mission to help people become good critical thinkers and "find the hope" in the world! They also discuss how to sell the Eiffel tower, how to do flood control with diapers, and how many mentos you can eat while drinking diet coke before it become...