Stem Everyday

Creating opportunities for young people to learn about patents by introducing invention education and IP literacy is an important part of STEM learning.Lauren Strechay and Nicolette Buonora, recently graduated high school students, developed the Battery Swap System as their solution in a classroom challenge. After continued iteration, their Battery Swap System was recognized at the US National Invention Convention, earning a patent sponsorship and a finalist award, propelling Lauren and Nicolette to the global convention and ultimately a USPTO patent approval. From the US Patent and Trademark Office, Juan Valentin is an education program advisor in the USPTO's Students and Learners Division in the Office of Public Engagement, where he is responsible for the development and implementation of educational projects of national and international scope, with a particular emphasis on directing and coordinating the development of STEM, design-thinking, or invention-focused projects infused with intellectual prop

Tara Koehler and John Sammon have been educators in New York for over 20 years. From their roles in classrooms to their current roles as instructional coaches, they don't lead from the sidelines. They get right in the game with the teachers to help them incorporate STEM, STEAM, and PBL in practical and efficient ways.In addition to their classroom work, they provide PD with STEAM learning, steammachinepd.com, and just wrote a book outlining their best ideas for PBL, The Tapas Approach to Project Based Learning, presents an innovative perspective on PBL by advocating a 'small bites' methodology. This approach emphasizes the benefits of breaking down complex educational concepts and processes into manageable, digestible segments, much like enjoying a variety of tapas in a meal. Tara says "students learn best by doing rather than being told, and learning is not one-size-fits-all. Students should be actively engaged in their learning." John agrees, "my intentions are to deepen under

Mike Cairns is a creator & innovator. His career in drones took a quick turn one day at home. His son showed him a character he called "Ninja Gator" made with popsicle sticks and tape. An idea was sparked. “Why don't we make a connector system so you can build and reuse craft sticks without glue or tape!?” Nurcs became that connector. Inexpensive & reusable, these small plastic connectors allow kids and adults alike to build bigger things than they have ever built before. After hundreds of prototypes and many long hours, they finalizes the proper proportions and settled on six standard pieces that allow people to build many different combinations of structures (and over seventy other combination pieces that may make their way into expansion sets down the road). The possibilities are endless and the quality is long lasting with this Made in the USA STEM resource. Connect with Mike & Nurcs:Website: nurcs.comTwitter/X: @nurcstoyFacebook: @nurcstoyInstagram: @nurcstoyYouTube: @nurcstoyC

Ed Charlwood has been a Design & Technology teacher in the UK for over 20 years. He also just published the book Mastering Tinkercad to help kids better understand one of the simplest CAD programs. As an instructor and helper of educators, Ed has a mission to empower students with power CAD tools so they can solve real problems. Specifically: Design is a superpowerCAD is a tool in a superheroes belt. We need tooled-up superheroes to save us, so we need our students to go to the dojo and master these tools.Find out more about a free PDF of Mastering Tinkercad  for your students on CadClass.org (or get a super helpful paper copy) Other episodes mentioned in this episode:#260 with Mike Harmon#248 with Josh & Jake from CadClass.orgPeople mentioned by Ed:Roma Agrawal, the author of Nuts and Bolts, Seven Small Inventions That Changed the World in a Big WayBill Hammack, the Engineer GuyConnect with Ed:Website: mrcharlwood.blogspot.comTwitter/X: @mrcharlwoodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ed-charlwoodChris Woods is

Jenny Young spent a great deal of time building with her father in their family’s garage when she was growing up. She learned how familiar things worked by taking them apart, and how to put them back together in new combinations. It was this hands-on building experience that stayed with Jenny and ultimately sparked the idea for Brooklyn Robot Foundry.After getting a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Jenny worked in various areas of design, manufacturing, supply chain management and software development. It was when she was working in education technology that Jenny saw an overwhelming need for more open-ended, hands-on learning for elementary school students. Between reduced school budgets, overcrowding, and standardized testing, students were no longer getting an immersive engineering education.In 2011, Jenny launched Brooklyn Robot Foundry at the New York City Maker Faire. The unique approach would combine kid-friendly projects with room for experimentation and creative design, resulting in working robots a

Amy Ely has been a STEM educator for almost 20 years, building STEM curriculum and classes at multiple schools in metro Detroit. Now at Detroit Catholic Central, she is the Director of STEM and Science Teacher. Amy has over the past 2 years had the opportunity to help plan and open the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science. With tailored programs and state-of-the-art facilities, the new STEM center provides the extra support students need to excel academically and gain valuable skills and experiences that prepare them for higher education and future careers.The George & Mary Turek Hall of Science, which will house CC's STEM curriculum and programs, and is scheduled to open for students in August 2024. The addition, funded by alumni and benefactors, will include a number of exciting features for students and the community:57,000 Sq Ft of Learning Space 8 Dedicated Science Labs4 Versatile Lab Prep RoomsCutting-Edge Engineering Lab5,300 Sq Ft FIRST Robotics Competition FieldRobotics Programming & Bu

How can kids have access to STEM opportunities no matter where they live? The Oklahoma Connections Academy was able to purchase a bus and are in the process of turning it into a mobile STEM lab! "It's a world of difference because we're taking what (the kids) are already exposed to, what they already have, and we're just elevating it to the next level. We want to make sure that they have just a full, comprehensive, educational experience. And we want them to enjoy what they're doing,” said High School Science teacher Kristen Whitmer.Jennifer Dewar is the high school assistant principal at Oklahoma Connections Academy, a virtual school serving students all over the state. She began her teaching career in 1994 and joined Oklahoma Connections Academy in 2017. She has always loved working with students since her days teaching in a preschool while she attended college. Teaching in elementary and middle schools in several states since then has afforded me the opportunity to have a positive

There are 3.5 million STEM jobs that need to be filled by 2025 in the United States.* Studies show that if children aren't exposed to math and science at an age of seven, they'll lose interest. SpaceKids Global is on a mission to ensure every child is ready to enter the space age.Sharon Hagle, entrepreneur and astronaut, founded SpaceKids Global™ in 2015 with the mission to inspire STEAM+ Environment Education, with the goal of bringing the possibility of space to children. Sharon shares her journey to space and introduces students through speaking engagements at schools, nonprofit youth organizations, science centers, universities and space organizations. To date, Sharon has reached over 700,000 students globally.The SpaceKids Press Squad (SKPS) is a national competition hosted by SpaceKidsGlobal. Eight U.S. students age 8-12, plus one parent or legal guardian for each, will be selected for an exclusive opportunity to witness a launch from Blue Origin’s Mission Control at Kennedy Space Center. Stud

The leaders behind Science of Sport use the familiarity of athletics to make STEM education more approachable and inclusive to all learners. The nonprofit organization partners with professional sports teams to provide exciting hands-on, minds-on learning experiences for elementary and middle school students across the county, creates interdisciplinary programming that translates the concepts of sports into an understanding of the underlying science and mathematics, and hosts training events for teachers to help bring more diverse lesson plans and STEM learning into classrooms.To date, Science of Sport has created over 100 lesson plans, handed out 20,000 STEM kits, and trained over 6,000 teachers, which has impacted more than 600,000 students. Science of Sport Executive Director Daren Heaton oversees all operations and programming and has worked with over 35 professional sports teams to deliver impactful education programs (MLB, NBA, MLS, NFL, and College Conferences). Heaton previously worked for the Arizona

As The Franklin Institute’s Senior Vice President of Science and Education, Dr. Darryl N. Williams  oversees all aspects of the science and educational programming at the heart of the Institute’s efforts to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology.Dr. Williams earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Hampton University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. After earning his doctorate, he served as a NIH Postdoctoral Fellow in pediatric cardiology research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  He also served as a Dean at Tufts University's School of Engineering, Dr. Williams joined the Institute from Tufts University’s School of Engineering as well as four years with the National Science Foundation, managing a range of federal programs and research focused on STEM teaching and learning, formal and informal learning environments, and workforce development. With more than a decade of experience in everything from clinical

Adam Todd is an elementary Media Arts teacher in New York City Public Schools. He turned his experiences in the media industry into practical opportunities for his students to create the daily "Bee TV" news at his school. His students have even appeared on local news in NYC! Check out some of their work & appearances on their YouTube Channel. Adam also started the Classroom Dynamics podcast to help educators "dive into powerful professional development insights designed to cultivate a vibrant 21st-century classroom environment." In April of 2024, the podcast focuses on STEM & STEAM experts sharing ideas and experiences.Learn more by following the links below or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Connect with Adam:Website: classroomdynamics.wixsite.com/podcastTwitter/X: @classdynamicsChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Endress+Hauser is a global company focused on measurement and automation technology for process and laboratory applications, helping to shape the industry’s digital transformation. Nicole Otte is the Director of Workforce Development at Endress+Hauser, and previously spent 11 years as a HS Engineering & Technology teacher, including using Project Lead the Way curriculum. She also served as Director of Central Nine Career Center in Greenwood, Indiana.Endress+Hauser USA has made a commitment to students and community members through its workforce development and philanthropy initiatives. In 2023, Endress+Hauser USA hosted 15 visits for more than 800 K-12 visitors from seven public and private school corporations at its Design & Innovation Studio in Greenwood, Indiana, delivering learning opportunities and resources to students and educators. The Design & Innovation Studio is equipped with Industry 4.0 technology. In partnership with the Purdue Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Ce

Josh Korb strives to revolutionize the world of education. Beginning his career as a math teacher, Josh's innate drive to innovate led him to become a Director of Technology and Innovation. This role allowed him to merge his love for teaching with his profound experience in instructional technology, in hopes of transforming the educational landscape. As an accomplished author, educational consultant, and captivating speaker, Josh shares his insights on the intersection of technology and education, inspiring audiences and unboxing potential. His ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction has cemented his reputation as a thought leader in his educational community.Josh's new book Be The Cause is based on a simple statement, yet it holds the power to change lives, shape futures, and set countless stories in motion.  His goal is to help educators come away inspired to not just be A teacher, but THE teacher!  "If we are intentional in the little moments, they can stack up to be

Mike Harmon is a "retired" middle school technology teacher from Michigan, but his real passion is sharing with kids & educators how to build and create in digital space! His YouTube channel @HLModTech is filled with over 4500 videos to help everyone from novice to expert master the skills for design software, especially Tinkercad.Mike even recently partnered with CADclass.org (Ep 248) to create Tinkercad in Twenty Days (https://www.cadclass.org/courses/Tinkercad). If you visit the website, you can learn more about the exciting courses that are offered, including FREE previews of the courses so you can determine if they fit your learning style (use the coupon code 25hltinkercad to get 25% off).Some of the playlists Mike mentioned:Day 1 TinkercadTinkercad Sim Lab TutorialsTinkercad TVThe Tinkercad 10Connect with Mike:Website: hlmodtech.comYouTube: @HLModTechTwitter/X: @HLtinkercadChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemIn

Harshal Chhaya is a distinguished Engineer looking for ways to help educators integrate STEM, coding, & robotics in practical ways. He believes that "Life is cross-curricular" and that education should reflect that.As the lead Systems Engineer and Product Manager for TI's STEM product line, Harshal has led the development of products like the TI-Innovator Hub and TI-Innovator Rover, and led the system design for adding Python programming to TI calculators. His work at Texas Instruments has allowed him to see the convergence of technology with teachers, and help educators find ways to respond to ever changing tech. Ultimately, his goal is to extend the reach of STEM technology products to coding, physical computing, and robotics for middle school and high school students.Connect with Harshal:Twitter/X: @hschhayaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harshal-chhaya/Blog posts: education.ti.com/en/search?page=1&size=25&q=harshal Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with h

Career technical education and workforce development has arguably never been more important than it is now, due the rapidly changing landscape. With things like innovation and AI happening so quickly, it becomes more important for educators to prepare students for the changing work environment through early STEM integration that continues through a student’s academic career. By the time they reach high school, most students have already decided whether or not they think science and math are ‘cool’. That's why the VEX Continuum begins with Kindergarten and spans through a child's career. Starting with intuitive tool-less systems, then snapping together robots and graduating to advanced metal robots, VEX Robotics can unlock a curiosity and a passion that will stay with them for a lifetime.No one knows that more than Lauren Harter, Director of Instructional Technology for VEX Robotics! She has dedicated her professional career to developing robust educational tools for teacher support from Kinder to Co

Gareth Campbell is a Bristol based artist and former secondary school science teacher who founded The Museum of Science, the Arts & Interdisciplinary Collaboration (The MoSAIC) in 2022 to address a problem in the education system that frustrated him.  "Science is not seen as a creative subject in schools, even worse my experience as a teacher showed me that our current rigid curriculum fails to show students the beautiful, and essential, connections that exist between disciplines.  All of the greatest scientists have had to be creative to innovate. STEM industries are desperate for creative employees willing to explore outside the box. And students crave context to connect with their internal motivation to learn. Many students found it eye opening to have a science teacher that also worked as an artist, and often it made them rethink their own career paths."The MoSAIC is providing both educators and learners with unique resources, training and in-person workshops that help to bridge the gap betw

Chad LeDune lives in rural Indiana with his beautiful wife, Heather, their four children, and their two dogs. He loves to travel wherever his teacher’s salary will allow, spend his rare downtime with family and friends, and competing against his fellow middle-aged friends in local basketball games. Experiencing the ups and downs of life has given him an appreciation of time and all of the small, precious details of an ordinary day.  Having dedicated 21 years to educating middle and high school students, Chad is passionate about meeting today’s students' diverse needs through STEM education. His dedication to his vision and message of 'Discomfort by Design' has taken him well beyond his previously cherished comfort zone. In addition to his work as a Science, STEM, CTE teacher, and STEM coach, Chad has challenged himself with several other educational endeavors. These include writing STEM curriculum for his state of Indiana, founding and coordinating an annual STEMfest for area youth, leading tea

The 2024 National STEM Challenge is a nationwide initiative to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for STEM subjects among middle and high school students. The Challenge invites students in grades 6-12 from across the U.S. and its territories to conceive and submit STEM innovations, inventions, and research. Students will create a 3 page PDF presentation about their project (tested if using the scientific method or constructed physically or digitally if using the engineering design process). The best projects from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories will become Challenge Finalists with the opportunity to advance to the next level by submitting a video in the second round. Up to 200 National Champions will win a trip to the National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C., in April 2024. There, Champions will showcase their projects to some of our nation's most influential leaders. The Festival is co-presented by the U.S. Department of Education and EXPLR.Canva als

Matt Zigler is a teacher, artist, and maker. He is currently the Bullis Innovation and Technology Lab (BITlab) Coordinator at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, where he works with students and teachers to bring design thinking and the Maker process into traditional content area classes, teach Maker related classes, and oversees a state of the art Makerspace and Fab Lab. Matt has presented on how to design and build a Makerspace that meets the needs of specific schools, how to create a culture of Making and innovation, and how to develop Maker programming for all levels of ability, K-12. The Maker movement has been an excellent opportunity for people to become producers rather than just consumers, and schools are recognizing the value of offering students the tools, materials, and skills necessary to design sophisticated and meaningful projects. But teaching technical skills should not be the end goal: At its best, a Maker education teaches students to think and act in creative ways that can be applied to di