The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

In today’s episode, I chat with STEM children’s book author Dr. Rajani LaRocca. Dr. Rajani practices medicine and writes award-winning children’s books that cover a span of topics, many of which include STEM-related topics. During this interview, you’ll hear about her passion for the STEM world, how she incorporates STEM into her children’s books, and so much more. Head to the show notes for a ful...

What are some 3D printer recommendations for elementary classrooms? There are a lot of brands out there, which can quickly make it overwhelming to decide. So, I asked YOU what your recommendations are and compiled them altogether in this episode. Current STEM teachers share their 3D printer recommendations and what works in their elementary classrooms. Head to the show notes for a full transcript...

How can you implement 3D printing in classroom settings in meaningful ways? In today's episode, I chat with Bruce Wyman, who is an experienced STEM professional, the owner of 3D Protect Me, and an environmental advocate with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Bruce shares how to add 3D printing into your instruction and gives insight into some differences betwe...

Do you do 3D printing in your classroom or hoping to get started? 3D printing isn’t as complicated as you might think with young students. In fact, I do 3D printing lessons will all of my students K-5! In today’s episode, I'll be sharing with you my top tips for 3D Printing in the elementary classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https...

There has been so much talk about Chat GPT, but what in the world is it? How can we use it as STEM teachers? Is Chat GPT for STEM teachers? In this episode, I will be explaining what in the world chat GPT is and three practical ways you can use it in your classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode68 Downlo...

Do you need ideas for March STEM activities? In this episode, I share three lesson ideas that you can do in your STEM classroom that have a variety of themes and topics that go along with March and springtime. I have organized these lessons and done all of the research for you, so you have the materials you need to implement these lessons in your classroom successfully. Head to the show notes for...

How can you make your STEM lessons rigorous and also make those cross-curricular connections? This structure has changed the way I plan for my upper elementary students throughout the school year. While it does take more work up front, students have PLENTY to work on throughout the week and see the world in new ways. How can 2-hours of your time impact the way you plan STEM for 3-5 for the rest of...

So you've planned this STEM lesson. You've gathered the supplies, and you've made sure that the lesson is exciting. But your fifth graders just aren't having it. In fact, they don't even seem interested in the STEM project that you planned. In those moments, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. In today's episode, I’m sharing why your fifth graders aren't motivated in STEM and how to fix it....

In today’s episode, I share how I plan a student podcasting lesson about light pollution and how we figure that out through the Engineering Design Process. In this lesson, students explore what light pollution is, the effects of light pollution, and possible solutions. They then share all of this information through a mini-podcast. With their podcast, they take on the role of a citizen scientist....

Today's episode is a re-release of one of the most popular episodes on the podcast! In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes look into how to write your STEM lesson plan from start to finish and help you improve the experiences in your classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode26 Download my Free K-5 S...

How can you have students plan and build a community based on Earth's features in an area? In today's episode, I share an in-depth overview of the build a city STEM project. In this lesson, I tie in the concept of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. It also incorporates the Engineering Design Process. This is a fun Makerspace lesson that my students loved, and I know yours will too. Head to...

Are you looking for an innovative teacher conference to attend this summer? Well, I have the perfect one in mind that you don't want to miss out on. This conference is perfect for all k-12 educators looking for fresh ideas, building their community, and exploring new innovative resources. In today's episode, I'm talking about the InnEdCO conference and why you should attend this summer. Head to th...

You may have read the title of today’s episode and thought, how does this relate to STEM? Friend, keep listening because this is a wonderful episode that every teacher needs to hear. Stepping into a new role like elementary STEM can be completely overwhelming. Many of you are like me and have transitioned from a classroom of your own with 25-plus students to teaching all the students in the school...

Wondering what it’s like having a guest speaker for school events who connects with your STEM content? In this episode, I was interviewed by Shauna Douglas from SAM Labs for their STEAM and Sip video segment. During the interview, Shaunda asked me how I scheduled an industry expert for my school and what the entire process entailed. I also discussed other creative ways to have industry experts spe...

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...

In honor of February being Black History Month, in today’s episode, I'm sharing three STEM activities that you can do with your students to celebrate this time. Of course, these are activities that you can do all year long to help students learn about important people that have made an impact on history and impact in the present. Whether you’re a STEM teacher or a classroom teacher, these activiti...

Today's episode is special because I had the opportunity to collaborate with Wonder Workshop, the robotics company, and EdWeb to interview Bekah Sosland Siegfriedt, a current flight director at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She was one of the featured team members in Amazon Prime's GOOD NIGHT OPPY and got to work with space rovers Spirit and Opportunity. This episode was a live webinar; the vi...

Stepping into a K through five STEM role is equally exciting and overwhelming. If you were a classroom teacher before, like I was, you were thrown into a whole bunch of new teacher responsibilities. Without systems and boundaries, you can quickly drown in everything you have to do, and you might not get anything done. In this episode, I will share with you three STEM teacher boundaries that you ne...

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...

In today's episode, I am interviewing Tiana Walton, who is a former long-term substitute and is now a STEM teacher for first through fifth graders. In her role, she teaches over 400 students in her building and loves to teach her students and show them all the ways to learn about projects and create their challenges. Tiana shares her journey to becoming a STEM teacher, how things have been going i...

Are you struggling with how to structure your STEM time for grades K-2? Well, these little friends in our STEM space can often have a lot of energy, but they also have a ton of creativity that they can bring into this environment. In today’s episode, I am sharing three hacks for K-2 STEM planning to help you make the most of your time with these little ones. Head to the show notes for a full trans...

In today's episode, I interview Kristin Kenner, a K through sixth STEM teacher who taught in the regular classroom for over 25 years. Many of you will relate to Kristin's experience since many of you were also in the classroom before your STEM role. Kristin and I were talking over the summer before her role in STEM, and she was super nervous and asking for advice. I knew that the experience she al...

Looking for books to promote growth mindset in your STEM classroom. These 5 picks are perfect for all ages of elementary students that should be added to your classroom library. These books are great for teaching specific growth mindset topics throughout the school year. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/stemspotlig...

How do you teach growth mindset activities in STEM? In my opinion, a growth mindset is one of those soft skills you should definitely be teaching in your STEM classroom. In this episode, we'll be going over strategies on how to teach a growth mindset in your STEM space and how it can also be a natural fit into what you are already teaching. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this epis...

I can’t believe we have made it to the 50th episode! We have a special guest on today’s episode to celebrate this special occasion. Today I am chatting with Aaron Shepard, a software engineer at NASA Goddard. We had an awesome discussion about his journey and career, his passion for STEM, STEM in the real world, and how to get kids involved in STEM. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of...