The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

You may have heard your students talk about wanting to be a YouTuber or TikToker, and in this day and age, it can very well be a reality for them. If you’re wondering if you should incorporate video production into your classroom, today’s episode is for you. In today’s episode, I’m sharing three benefits of video making for students. Who knows, you just might have the next big YouTube star in your...

Have you been hesitant to start a school-wide news club because running it sounds like a lot of work? Maybe you believe you don’t have access to what you need to get started. In today’s episode, I’m debunking 5 misconceptions about pre-recorded video school announcements and sharing many of the benefits of transitioning from traditional announcements to video announcements. Head to the show notes...

Today’s episode is an exciting one because it is the first time we have two guests! In this episode, I chat with two of my friends, Becca McMillan and Carly Dolliger, about their experience with how their school started their school-wide news. Becca and Carly share so many great insights on the importance of collaborating, how they’ve made their school-wide news engaging, and so much more! Head to...

If you’re thinking about starting a school-wide news club at your school, there are a few things you want to consider before you get started. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 tips for setting up your school-wide news. I share insight into how these tips helped me when I was hosting a school-wide news club and more. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all th...

If you've been considering hosting a school-wide news club but are unsure if it's worth it, today’s episode is for you. There are so many benefits to starting a school-wide news club. In today’s episode, I will be sharing three benefits that you’re missing out on by not having a school-wide news club and sharing some of my personal experiences from hosting one when I was a STEM teacher. Head to th...

You’ve made the exciting decision to host a STEM after-school club, but now you may be wondering what types of STEM after-school clubs you can host. That’s what I’m discussing today. With over a decade of teaching experience, I have gained much experience in hosting engaging and interactive after-school clubs that students love. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 8 types of STEM after-school clubs yo...

I recently polled my audience on Instagram, asking if they host a STEM after-school club. The results were surprising, with 75% of you voting that you don’t. After a long day of teaching, hosting an after-school club may be the furthest thing from your mind. There are so many benefits to hosting an after-school club, which is what I’m talking about today. In today’s episode, I’m sharing three reas...

One question I often receive is whether or not you should start the school year with an engineering design process project. Maybe you have this question, and you’re wondering when is the right time to introduce the engineering design process to your students. Today I’m shedding light on three misconceptions about when is the right time to introduce engineering design process projects and giving so...

In today’s episode, I sit down to chat with New York Times bestselling author, illustrator, and designer Rachel Ignotofsky. Rachel’s works are a combination of art and storytelling that teach STEM in an engaging way. Her books have garnered worldwide acclaim and have become invaluable resources for educators. Rachel shares what led her to become an author, the impact her books have had on the STEM...

Today's episode is a re-release of episode 7. With back to school time upon us, this episode is perfect to help you navigate the early months of the new school year. In this episode, I share 5 back to school STEM challenges for you to try in your classroom. Many of the STEM challenges I share are great for encouraging collaboration, which will help with building classroom community. Head to the sh...

If you’ve been wondering how to stretch out the lessons in the K-5 STEM year long bundle, then today’s episode is for you. As we approach the back-to-school season, teachers are busy organizing their lesson plans and daily activities. So, I want to provide you with guidance on year long planning and help you create a plan for your lessons that works best for your STEM classroom. Whether you see th...

Back to school time has officially arrived, which means you’re in full on prep mode. There are certain things you can do to prep for the new school year that will help set the tone for the school year. In today’s episode, I am sharing three STEM classroom back to school prep ideas. I'll be sharing personal experiences from my own K-5 STEM classroom, discussing everything from setting up a function...

With back to school right around the corner, many of you are planning, prepping, and gearing up for the new school year. In today’s episode, I am sharing three back to school STEM activities that are great for helping your students get to know one another and set the foundation for many of the lessons you will implement throughout the school year. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of th...

Ever since I was little, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I was fascinated by all things SCHOOL. From the exciting lessons, the organization of the classroom to even how the day ran and was fairly predictable, I was ALL about it. So how did my childhood dream become a reality? I’ll be sharing with you my journey in education from classroom teacher, to K-5 STEM teacher, and what’s in st...

As I reflect on my STEM teacher role, I can’t help but think about what I wish I knew as a 1st year STEM teacher. I faced so many challenges in my 1st year as a STEM teacher and learned so much along the way. In today’s episode, I’m sharing three things I wish I knew as a 1st year STEM teacher. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomi...

If you want to create lessons that are meaningful, engaging, and aligned with the standards, then STEM lesson plan auditing needs to be part of your classroom strategy. In today’s episode, I break down the importance of STEM lesson plan auditing and give some tips and strategies for conducting your own lesson plan audit. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and a...

Have you been wondering about how to incorporate 3D printing into your classroom but are not sure if it will work for your younger students? 3D printing with primary students is possible. Today’s episode is the audio recording from a virtual summit I spoke at. In this episode, I am sharing tips and strategies for implementing lessons on 3D printing with your primary students. Head to the show note...

Today’s episode is the audio from an online summit I spoke at. In this episode, I am sharing how to incorporate 3D print projects into your classroom with the standards in mind. Whether you are new to 3D printing or experienced, I share a lot of great takeaways for you to incorporate into your classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: htt...

Today’s episode is the audio from a presentation I did at the Seesaw Connect Summit. In this episode, I share how I merged the Engineering Design Process with my STEM survival camp unit in my K-5 STEM classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode103 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a...

Google tools have helped me so much in my teaching journey. They have helped me streamline my workflow and create more consistency for my students. The audio for today’s episode is from an online summit where I did a presentation on Google tools to improve STEAM instruction. In this episode, I am sharing four of my favorite Google tools and sharing some fun and engaging ways you can incorporate th...

In honor of Episode 101, we are taking today’s episode all the way back 100 episodes….all the way to Episode 1! This episode started it all, so what better way to continue the 100th episode celebration than by taking it back to the beginning? Thank you so much for joining me on this amazing journey and for sticking with me through 100 episodes. I appreciate each and every one of you! Also, there's...

Oh my goodness! We have officially hit 100 episodes on The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast! To celebrate this incredible milestone, the audio for today’s episode is the keynote speech I gave at Wonder Workshop’s spring 2023 International STEAM Summit. During this episode, I share a lesson from Ms. Frizzle and the many lessons I have learned as a STEM teacher. It is my hope that this episode will ins...

When it comes to incorporating robotics and coding into your STEM curriculum, it’s important to be intentional about connecting them to the curriculum we are teaching. In today’s episode, I am sharing the audio from the presentation I did at the International STEAM Summit hosted by Wonder Workshop. In this episode, I am sharing cross-curricular connections for robotics and elementary STEM lessons....

Are you looking for creative ways to get free STEM PD or professional development? In today’s episode, I share three ways you can use this podcast as free STEM PD. I also share about the free resource I created to help you track your STEM professional development hours as you listen to this podcast. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://...

I have talked about the Engineering Design Process a lot on this podcast in episodes 15 and 17-21. In today’s episode, I’m talking about the Engineering Design Process again, but in a different way. Today’s episode is the audio recording of an online summit I presented at in the past. In this presentation, I share all about creating engaging STEM projects using the Engineering Design Process. Head...