The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Another year of Hour of Code has arrived. Are you ready for it? If not, that's okay because, in today's episode, I am sharing three hours of code lessons you can implement in your classroom. These lessons do not require you to be an expert coder, and they are easy to implement. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/epis...

I’m sharing three turkey-themed STEM lessons perfect for Thanksgiving week, plus a bonus LEGO activity to engage your students. These low-prep ideas pair with the books The Great Turkey Race, How to Catch a Turkey, and Turkey Trouble , incorporating creativity, engineering, and storytelling. Whether it’s building turkey catapults, or designing turkey disguises, these activities are easy to adapt f...

In this special episode , I’m recording from an exciting new location—my mobile STEM trailer! This trailer is something I’ve dreamed of since 2020, and I’m thrilled to share how this vision came to life. Join me as I give you a behind-the-scenes look at my journey, from hunting for the right vehicle to the inspiring reasons behind creating a mobile STEM classroom. I’ll share some fun stories, like...

After being a classroom teacher for 6 years and stepping into a K-5 STEM role, there was a lot that I didn't know and also realized I would be concerned about. Over the years as a passionate STEM educator, there are a handful of things that scare me about K-5 STEM education that might scare you, too. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https:/...

If you are looking for Fall-themed STEM stations that aren’t Halloween-related, but still celebrate the time of year, I got you covered in this episode! I’ll explain how I organized the stations with a group of students and how they rotated through. Then, I’ll share with you the three, easy-to-prep pumpkin STEM stations that you can try with students. In my group, I had kids from 4 years old to 10...

I’m diving into the spooky spirit with three fun and easy science experiments you can try with your students! Whether you’re planning a Halloween-themed lesson, a special event like trunk-or-treat, or want to add some excitement to your classroom, these activities are low-prep and big on fun. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomime...

Are you looking for fun ways to celebrate Halloween in your STEM classroom without any chaos or your students bouncing off the wall? In today’s episode, I’m sharing seven spooky STEM activities that your students will love. Whether you’re looking for fun activities for a Halloween party or to incorporate some fall-themed activities into your lessons, these spooky STEM activities are perfect for yo...

When you teach multiple classes a day, how can you easily set up a classroom incentive that encourages positive behaviors? In this episode, I'll share with you a game I came up with that's easy, fun, and motivating for elementary students of all ages. There is also a bonus clip where you will hear me introduce this incentive with a class and hear their reactions! Link to Behavior Blast Off: https:...

During Parent Teacher Conference season, what is the typical expectation for STEM teachers? While this can vary from school to school, overall there is a common consensus amongst STEM Teachers of what they do during this time. How do I know this? Well, I went ahead and asked YOU and sharing your responses in this episode. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and...

In this episode, I dive into my Instagram DMs to answer some of the most common questions you’ve asked me about Makerspace. Whether you're an experienced STEM teacher or just getting started, I’m sharing tips on everything from managing materials to encouraging student collaboration. I’ll walk you through how I handle group projects, how students can "buy" supplies using a Makerspace menu, and cre...

I’m sitting down with two incredible women in STEM, Kristie Reddick and Jessica Honaker—also known as The Bug Chicks ! These two amazing entomologists have a passion for bugs and an even bigger passion for teaching kids and educators how to use insects as a powerful learning tool. Kristie and Jessica share their fascinating journey from grad school to building a career that inspires others to see...

Back to school night for STEM teachers and classroom teachers can look very different. Back to school night expectations for STEM teachers is different for each school. As a STEM teacher, what should you set up for back to school night? In today’s episode, I will be sharing 5 back to school night ideas that STEM teachers can incorporate into their classrooms. Head to the show notes for a full tran...

How can you actually get it all done and keep track of everything as a STEM teacher? I'm sharing my tried-and-true systems and hacks to help you stay on top of your busy schedule as a STEM teacher. Balancing the demands of teaching, meetings, and other responsibilities can be overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can maximize your productivity and keep track of everything that needs to...

No matter how long you have been teaching, preparing for back to school is a lot of work. From setting up your classroom and figuring out systems and routines to attending back-to-school meetings and lesson planning for the first few weeks, it can feel overwhelming even for the seasoned teacher. With so much on your plate, what types of activities should you plan that will be meaningful to your st...

Today's episode is a special one! You'll be hearing a special episode from the podcast "Who Smarted" where they will chat about what causes ocean waves. This is an episode that you can listen with your students and own children. I highly recommend their show! Subscribe to their full show here: https://pod.link/1533462141 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice message HE...

In this episode, I’m sharing some of my favorite tips and strategies for gathering materials for your STEM classroom, no matter what kind of budget you’re working with. Whether you're starting the school year or need to replenish your supplies midway through, I’ve got you covered. From self-donations and tapping into your school community, to grant writing and borrowing materials, I’ll walk you th...

In this episode, I share my top three essentials for setting up a successful K-5 STEM classroom. Drawing from my extensive experience in various STEM spaces, I discuss the importance of having a group meeting place, planning storage for student projects, and labeling materials for easy accessibility and independence. Whether you're reconfiguring your space or setting it up for the first time, thes...

It’s officially time for back to school, which means you’re most likely preparing to start decorating your classroom. With so many ideas available for decorating your classroom, what should you set up? What are some creative ways you can set up your bulletin boards? In today’s episode, I’m sharing six STEM classroom bulletin board ideas that you can implement for the new school year.  Head to...

Today, we are wrapping up our STEM in Action Series with math in elementary STEM. Whether you already purposefully plan and implement math in your STEM lessons or are looking for ways you can effectively create math STEM lessons, today’s episode is for you. In this episode, I share some of my favorite tools for incorporating math in elementary STEM, some of my most popular math lessons, and how to...

We are continuing our STEM in Action series with engineering in the classroom examples. In this episode, I will be sharing how to incorporate the engineering aspect of STEM into your classroom, my favorite tools for engineering lessons, and examples of different types of engineering lessons and projects you can incorporate into your classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this e...

How can you purposefully plan and add technology into your STEM lessons? How is technology used in STEM? We are continuing our STEM in Action series with technology. In this episode, I will be sharing how technology fits into the ISTE standards for students, my top tools for technology in STEM, and lesson ideas that focus on technology. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode,...

Have you been thinking of some ways to purposefully plan and add science into your STEM lessons? In today’s episode, we are continuing with our STEM into Action series, with me sharing my insights and some practical lessons that answer the question, “How is science used in STEM?” Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/ep...

Are you tired of feeling like you don’t have enough time to implement effective STEM lessons in your classroom? Or maybe you haven’t been able to get your school on board with incorporating STEM curriculum into your classroom. Today’s guest, Nichole Austion can relate to both scenarios. In this episode, she shares some great tips for creating a STEM culture and getting support as a teacher who wan...

In today’s episode, we are continuing the STEM into Action Series with tips and strategies for supporting students in math and critical thinking. I chat with Dr. Christopher Roblész, the Founder and CEO of Math N’ More. Roblész shares some practical ways that you can implement math and also help kids think about math differently in your STEM instruction. Head to the show notes for a full transcrip...

Wondering what are some simple ways you can implement technology and growth mindset into your STEM classroom? In today’s episode, we are continuing our STEM in Action Series. Today, I chat with Dr. Amy about why growth mindset and technology in STEM are important, and practical ways to plan for both in your STEM lessons.  Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures,...