The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Stop-motion animation is one of the oldest animation techniques, so why teach it in your STEM classroom? Is it even possible to make stop motion animation meaningful for students? In today's episode, I'm sharing all the details about stop motion animation for students and how to make it a meaningful experience in your STEM classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pi...

February is one of my favorite months, and that is because my birthday happens to be on Valentine’s Day! I’m sure you know by now that I love a good theme. In today’s episode, I share five February STEM activities you can use in your classroom. These are lessons that I have done with my students over the years, and they have absolutely loved them, so I know that your students will too. All of thes...

Last week, I shared how to host your own STEM Career Day Event at your school. Now, you may be wondering about the benefits of hosting a STEM Career Day Event, which is what I'm talking about today. I'll be diving into how a STEM Career Day Event can greatly benefit the students at your school, the significant impact these types of events can have on students, and more. Head to the show notes for...

Have you been thinking about a STEM career day for your students? Although It's a fun and exciting event, it can be a lot of work. In today's episode, I'm sharing the top 3 things every STEM teacher should know when hosting a STEM career day in elementary schools. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode143 Downloa...

It's important to have guest experts speak with your students in the STEM space. While the experiences that they are having in your classroom are powerful, you can bring another dimension to their learning by hosting guest experts. In addition, students should be exposed to role models who are different from them so that they respect the ideas, abilities, and potential of others. I'm sharing three...

With so many studies and statistics out there signifying that there is a significant gap of women who work in the STEM fields compared to men, advocating for girls in STEM is important. By closing this gap, we are giving more opportunities to various careers, creating a more diverse workforce, and helping limit bias in various projects. In today's episode, I interview Alexandrina Satnoianu, who is...

Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions to read more this year? I got you covered! In today's episode, I am sharing my list of 12 STEM Professional Development Books for 2024 that you definitely want to read this year! Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://www.naomimeredith.com/episode140 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Pla...

Today's episode is a replay of episode 42. Looking for some fun winter STEM activities? These five winter-themed challenges are perfect for sub plans, one-day lessons, and even classroom parties. My students have had a really fun time with these. So you can definitely implement these winter STEM activities in your classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, a...

Today's episode is a replay of episode 44. In this episode, I will be sharing with you five winter-themed robot lessons that you can teach in your classroom. These are lessons that I have taught my students that they have absolutely loved, and I know that yours will too. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode44 D...

This time of the year is such a busy time for a STEM teacher, so I decided to do something fun in today's episode. Today, we're playing would you rather STEM teacher edition. A while back on Instagram, I asked you all to vote on these would you rather questions. So today, I'm sharing the results and my answers to the questions. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures...

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...

Makerspace projects are so much fun for kids to build and explore. When they are thoughtfully planned with standards in mind, you can make a bigger impact on the types of projects students can explore. Take, for example, Earth Science. In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing with you what I teach inside of my Earth’s Engineers lessons for K-5 and how they connect to Makerspace. Head to the show notes...

Are your force and motion projects in need of a refresh? If so, I have just the project for you! In today's episode, I'm breaking down my STEMusement park force and motion projects for K-5 STEM. These projects are engaging, and your students will look forward to them every year. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/epi...

Is grading STEM projects a task you don’t enjoy? If so, I can relate. Trying to figure out the best approach for grading STEM projects can feel overwhelming. In today’s episode, I’m sharing three strategies for grading using a STEM project rubric. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode133 Download my Free K-5 STE...

Have you been wanting to implement group STEM projects in your classroom but aren’t sure of the most effective approach? As educators, we understand the importance of collaboration in fostering teamwork skills. However, it's not always easy teaching students how to work in groups. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down how to teach students to work in groups for STEM projects and sharing examples o...

Do your students struggle with effectively planning their designs for their STEM projects? If yes, you’re not alone. This was something I saw with many of my students when I was a STEM teacher. They would create plans, but they weren’t plans that supported them in the building process. Knowing this needed to change, I pulled from my teaching experience, tested out different ways to support student...

Have you been wondering about the best way to teach simple building ideas for STEM projects for elementary students in your STEM classroom? Well, I received this question from a listener, and I’m excited to answer it in today’s episode. I also share some tips and strategies for teaching students how to build. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links...

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...

With fall upon us, that means it’s time to start planning fall-themed activities for your STEM classroom. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 pumpkin STEM challenges for you to implement in your classroom. These STEM challenges were such a hit with my students, so I know your students will enjoy them, too. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: htt...

Have you ever felt frustrated because you don't have certain materials to implement innovative STEM lessons? One way I’ve been able to navigate this issue is through writing grants for the materials I need in my STEM classroom. Grant writing is a great way for STEM teachers to secure the resources they need to incorporate fun and engaging STEM activities in their classrooms. In this episode, I’m s...

Creating a STEM curriculum from scratch is hard! However, this after-school STEM teacher had great success creating and implementing her custom curriculum. She took her learning from our group coaching program and was able to successfully implement it with her students. In today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my group coaching program and sharing many of the wins that an after-scho...

Once you hit 4+ years as a STEM teacher, you enter into the next phase of the STEM teacher pathway, which is the Connector STEM teacher stage. This stage is where you find your groove as a STEM teacher. In today's episode, I’m sharing the successes and challenges that come with this stage, the importance of continuous growth and innovation in your teaching practices, and sharing behind the scenes...

You made it through your first year of STEM as an investigator STEM teacher, and now you’re transitioning into the navigator STEM teacher role. Whether this is your 2nd or 3rd year as a STEM teacher, there is so much more to learn when you enter the navigator stage of the STEM teacher pathway. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my experience as a navigator STEM teacher, things that I learned, and giv...

During my career as a STEM teacher, I went through different stages of what I call the STEM teacher pathway. The first stage of this pathway is the Investigator STEM teacher. In today’s episode, I’m discussing the first stage of the STEM teacher pathway and sharing my experience with navigating this stage. I also share insight into what I wish I knew during this stage and give tips and strategies...

Through my own STEM teaching experience and talking with so many of you about yours, I came to realize that there are three stages of being an elementary STEM teacher: the investigator, the navigator, and the connector. In today’s episode, I am discussing the phases of the STEM teacher pathway and highlighting what happens at each stage. I also share my experiences at each phase and tips and strat...