ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

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...

In this episode, Dave sits down with Hall Davidson from Discovery Education. Listen in to hear Hall tell us about his long career in education and about his current passion, the free Media Festival challenge for students worldwide and learn how to get involved as a judge. They also discuss the differences in autonomy that classrooms can have over a district but are still limited by rigid assessmen...

In this episode, we hear about the many world travels and projects of the one and only Jenny Buccos aka the real Dora the explorer. Listen in to hear Dave and Jenny discuss growing up in small-town America, traveling, visiting the Parthenon, and how much growth students can experience when they are taught to have a global worldview. They talk about involving students in the discussion of how educa...

On today's episode, we sit down with award-winning journalist, Miles O'Brien. Listen in to hear Dave and Miles discuss the death of the newspaper and how news has transformed thanks to technology. They discuss the importance of science communication and why teachers must empower their students with critical thinking skills. Don't have a degree in science? That's ok - Miles' doesn't either! Hear Mi...

Tune in to hear Gary Curts from  Activate Learning  swap travel stories with Dave  including what happens when you drive a rental car over the saddle road in Hawaii and Gary's adventures in volcanoes! Then, Dave and Gary talk about the state of science education today and the importance of the paper textbook in the digital age. Gary is a passionate science educator who also shares about his passio...

In today's episode, we are privileged to speak with Dr. Eugene Cordero a.k.a. Dr. Burrito 🌯. Eugene is a climate scientist, professor, and founder of Green Ninja , The only environmentally-focused science curriculum in the country. He is on a mission to turn more children into good science thinkers. He also knows a lot about the carbon footprint of a burrito! Listen in to hear about his love for...

In this episode, Dave chats with Mary Ford from Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots. Mary is a passionate advocate for science education and has had an extraordinary career. Listen in to hear about her work with primates in Borneo, making toast on a clothes iron with Jane Goodall, starting your own Roots and Shoots club, and how to get involved with more citizen science! Mary and Dave also discuss her...

In this episode of Science is Cool Unplugged, Dave talks to Dr. Joy Kiano, a lifelong scientist and educator, and is one of the busiest people we know! We first met Joy because she helped create a children's television program called  N*Gen TV Africa (pronounced "engine")  featuring students and teachers from pan Africa. This show served as a way for kids to stay engaged in their science education...

In this episode, we talk with the Chief Executive Tinkerer from Tinkercast! Meredith and her team are the producers of a vast amount of educational content, activities, and podcasts featuring Guy Roz and Mindy Thomas. You'll definitely want to check out their most well-known project,  Wow in the World ! Listen along with us and learn about their storytelling secrets to getting kids AND their paren...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Andersen, who needs no introduction in the world of science teachers. For many years, Paul has been traveling the world helping science teachers implement the Next Generation Science Standards to educate the youth of the planet. His unique approach, down-to-earth demeanor, and relatability have made him the go-to expert on NGSS and a highly sought-after profe...