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Are you ready for an adventure in learning? Need some STEMspiration in your life? Each episode brings a new adventure as we talk with fascinating guests about connecting real world experiences, multicultural children's literature, and engaged STEM/STEAM learning -- with a little joy sprinkled in for good measure! Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor travels the world in search of the coolest authors, illustrators, educators, adventurers, and STEM thought leaders to share their stories and inspire the W ...
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show series
 
Can play truly transform the way we learn? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Tyana Velasquez-Smith, the visionary CEO of Sensational Inclusions. Dr. Tyana shares her five non-negotiables for education and argues that play is not just a pastime but a human right essential for our emotional and psychological well-being. Learn how Sensa…
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What if thoughtfully transforming museum spaces could ignite a lifelong passion for learning? Join us as Bryan Wunar, President and CEO of Discovery World, shares his unexpected journey from pre-med student to museum powerhouse. Bryan's story is one of serendipity and passion, ignited by a chance opportunity to teach Newton's laws. Drawing on his p…
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Could you imagine finding joy in both graphic design and traditional art? On this episode of Adventures in Learning, we chat with the multi-talented Janae Matthews. From her earliest memories of coloring and drawing to choosing graphic design as her college major, Janae shares the unique blend of artistry and communication that fuels her creative p…
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Math+Literacy = A Winning STEAM Combo Discover how to blend math and literacy into the joy of everyday play and learning. Dr. Kateri Thunder shares her incredible strategies for sparking children's innate mathematical curiosity through storytelling, play, and intentional language. From the pages of The Very Hungry Caterpillar to the adventures of J…
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Welcome to another episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast! I fell in love with Megan Benedict's work at a conference this spring, when she captivated an audience of teachers armed with only a typewriter and her imagination. I was excited to discover that she also writes nonfiction picture books, effectively blending poetry and science in a w…
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Have you ever wondered how a tale of gorillas can touch upon the deepest themes of our human experience? Newbery Award-winning author Katherine Applegate joins us to unwrap the layers of The One and Only Family, her latest book that sees the beloved Ivan navigating the unpredictable waters of fatherhood. As Ivan's story unfolds with the birth of tw…
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Have you ever wondered how the seeds of global citizenship are planted in the minds of our youngest learners? Kennesaw State University professors Dr. Raynice Jean-Ségur and Dr. Douglas Bell join us for an enlightening discussion on the intricate tapestry of early childhood education. They guide us through the conception of global awareness in chil…
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Happy Earth Day! This week we ascend a very windy Grandfather Mountain in Linville, NC. At the top of the mountain, we meet a dedicated team of informal educators whose passion for STEM and STEAM shines as brightly as the natural beauty around them. Listen in as they share their unique methods of sparking curiosity and fostering a sense of environm…
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Science, history, and gastronomy are on the menu this week! Building on our cicada episode with the buzz-worthy Dr. Gene Kritsky, co-hosts Dr. Diane and Lynn Wareh Coles unlock the secrets of the cicada convergence with a swarm of guests. First up, Sue Fliess, author of the beautiful picture book Cicada Symphony. Sue's passion for cicadas, ignited …
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The Cicadas Are Coming!!! It's a once-in-our-lifetime opportunity to observe and take part in citizen science with your class. Not since Thomas Jefferson was President have broods XIX and XIII emerged together! It won't happen again until 2245. And we have you covered with everything you need to share this magic with your students and friends. Join…
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From computer scientist to a storyteller weaving children's tales, Sahtinay Abaza's path has been anything but ordinary. Sahtinay’s picture books, The Ramadan Drummer and Looking for the Eid Moon, serve as a magical gateway to understanding Muslim holidays, while simultaneously fostering universal values such as kindness and empathy. Her global per…
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Join us as we welcome back the remarkable Alicia D. Williams, who shares the journey of crafting her new book Mid-Air, a narrative that delves into the nuanced world of black boyhood and sensitivity. Listen in as we discuss the powerful character of Isaiah, a young boy whose tenderness and unique interests challenge the typical notions of masculini…
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Ismée Williams is the award-winning author of the young adult novels Water in May and This Train Is Being Held, which won an International Latino Book Award for Best Young Adult Romance, and a coeditor of the anthology Boundless: Twenty Voices Celebrating Multicultural and Multiracial Identities. Her debut picture book, Abuelo, the Sea, and Me, is …
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Not only is she STEAMsational, she's the force behind Sonsational Creations! Explore the intersection of creativity and STEM with Sonja Howard! Learn about the journey of this autistic young artist into a world of crafting fantastical creatures. I first met Sonja in the studios of Wētā Workshop in New Zealand, where she was painstakingly crafting a…
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Feel the enchantment of Australia's wild birds in our new podcast episode! Zookeepers Jessica Ratcliff and Megan Whittard help us soar with their feathered friends as we learn about the work of Healesville Sanctuary and its awe-inspiring Spirits of the Sky. Jessica and Meg share personal stories about favorite childhood animals (not necessarily the…
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This week, join me on a journey where the classroom canopy reaches the sky, and every leaf turns the page to a new lesson and experience. On this week's Adventures in Learning Podcast, we meet some of the creative minds behind North Carolina's successful Schools in Parks program. Join Randy Bechtel and Mary Meyer of North Carolina State Parks, and …
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In today's society, childhood anxiety is increasingly visible, as more young people and their families find themselves grappling with these silent battles. On this week's episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, award-winning author Hena Khan discusses her latest book, Drawing Deena. In Drawing Deena, Hena addresses the subtle onset of anxiet…
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Explore the integration of storytelling and STEM with Jason M. Burns. His comics aren't just for fun—they're gateways to learning and discovery! In a world where education is constantly evolving, graphic novels have emerged as a potent tool for teaching complex concepts in an engaging way. Jason M. Burns, an innovator in the educational comic book …
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How can educators embrace their crucial role in shaping lives and communities? Meet motivational speaker, author, and educational leader Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson, whose life work illuminates the transformative power of teaching. I have known Dr. Kimberly for nearly 25 years, since we first met at a children's literature conference, where she inscrib…
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Have you ever wondered how a childhood filled with reading struggles could blossom into a career of crafting captivating stories for middle-grade readers? James Ponti, the creative force behind the City Spies series, takes us on an exhilarating journey from his days as a fledgling reader to becoming a literary hero for the younger generation. His t…
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Prepare to be dazzled as we unlock the secrets of New Zealand's glowworms with the help of our enthusiastic guides, Ruben and Xavier from Ruakuri Cave Tour and Black Water Rafting Company. Imagine creatures that light up the dark with their own living lanterns, dangling mucus fishing lines to ensnare their prey. We'll track these glowing beings fro…
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Embark on an enlightening voyage through the expressive world of educational performance art with the incredible mime and teaching artist, Jef Lambdin. His captivating tale begins in a mime troupe and unfolds into a nationwide journey, blending his artistry with academic learning standards. As Jef regales us with experiences from his Lincoln Center…
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Get ready to blast off into a world where science meets storytelling with our special guest Jen Swanson, the NASA STEMfluencer who is making waves with more than 40 nonfiction books for kids (and their curious adults), as well as her inspiring podcast Solve It for Kids. In this episode, we journey through Jen's inspiring path to becoming a NASA STE…
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Does the world have you baffled? Looking to spark your curiosity and make sense of what's going on? Join Dr. Diane for a very special year-end edition of the Adventures in Learning podcast with award-winning producer and writer Aisha Turner. Aisha is a producer and writer from the Baltimore area. She is currently the Executive Producer on the NBC N…
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Do you remember your favorite book as a child? If you do, there's probably a good reason for that. Must have left an impression on you. Something about it was impactful. Maybe it taught you something you didn't know before, or you were able to see yourself in the main character's shoes. Whatever the reason, children's stories are important in this …
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Join Dr. Diane on the Adventures in Learning podcast as she delves into the extraordinary world of STEAMing Into Iceland with early childhood and elementary education STEAM specialist Katherine Mohr! 🌋🇮🇸 Immerse yourself in the magic of early childhood education, where curiosity meets creativity! From inside the volcano to the mesmerizing landscape…
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This podcast episode explores Beth Ferry's love for words and the impact of her picture books on empathy, friendship, and environmental awareness. 00:43: Guest Introduction Dr. Diane welcomes Beth Ferry, an acclaimed author known for books like Stick and Stone, Christmassy Cactus, and the upcoming Solar Bear 00:46: The Power of Words Beth shares he…
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Dive into the latest Adventures in Learning podcast with Dr. Diane and special guest Skyler Fountain! SUNY New Paltz junior Skyler takes the mic and leads a conversation where we explore what it means to engage the community in learning beyond the classroom, the impacts and opportunities of teaching in a post-COVID world, and the future of educatio…
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🎉 Join Dr. Diane on the Adventures in Learning Podcast, where wonder, curiosity, and connection guide our exploration of the world. In today's episode, we meet picture book author June Smalls, whose latest release, They Lead: The Wolf Pack, is captivating readers of all ages. From the depths of the animal kingdom to the joyous play of wildlife, Jun…
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On this week's episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, we meet Caldecott Medalist Jason Chin, whose books include Grand Canyon, Your Place in the Universe, The Universe in You, and Watercress. Join us for a conversation that explores the importance of story and connection in nonfiction books, as well as the ways educators can build real STEA…
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It's NONFICTION NOVEMBER! Join us for an Antarctic adventure with the Penguin Guy, Guillaume de Remacle! Dive into a world of penguins, breathtaking landscapes, and the secrets of the Southernmost Post Office. Discover the beauties and challenges of Antarctica, the incredible world of these fascinating birds, and how we can all become Antarctic amb…
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Get ready for an artistic adventure with Abigail Gómez, the force behind Arte Libre VA! Explore the fusion of STEM and the arts, discover the magic of children's books that celebrate culture, and learn how public art is shaping communities. A dynamic professor at Shenandoah University and the visionary executive director of Arte Libre VA, Abi share…
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What does it take to encourage young women and people of color to enter polar careers? On this episode of the Adventures in Learning Podcast, we meet Kimberly Aiken, a PhD student at the University of Tasmania, Australia, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. Kimberly is currently undertaking a research project focused on building more divers…
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On this spooktacular episode, we meet the very talented author/ illustrator Ashley Belote, whose STEMsational books include the brand new Witch and Wombat, Frankenslime, Valenslime, Listen Up, Louella, and Don't Wash Winston (available for pre-order now). We talk about the importance of read-alouds, of the joy of illustrations that leave you search…
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This week on the Adventures in Learning podcast, we celebrate the book birthday of Nesting Dolls and the real-life birthday of its author/illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton. Join us for an exuberant episode that touches on everything from dyslexia to embracing your inner five year old. We talk about the importance of books as windows and mirrors, …
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Are you looking for shivers this spooky season? Today. Encanto meets Coraline in Finch House, a delightfully thrilling middle grade novel by Ciera Burch. I read Finch House in a day, and I thought it was incredibly spooky, as well as warm and wonderful, and I highly recommend you run out and grab it. Finch House is a gloriously creepy read (but not…
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Meet Ann Braden, a modern day Judy Blume, who has written the most wonderful, sensitive middle grade books about that time in your life when you're struggling between being a child and being an adult. Today we explore the inspiration behind The Benefits of Being an Octopus, Flight of the Puffin, and her latest book, Opinions and Opossums. Join us f…
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Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join me for a chat with rock star Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate as we celebrate the book birthday of Dogtown, The One and Only Ruby, and Odder. You know her from The One and Only Ivan, but you also know her from so many other books like Crenshaw, Wishtree, and the Animorphs series, now in a new graphic forma…
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Meet author/illustrator team Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford (also mother and son). Carole has authored 70+ books, including award winning Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre; Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom; and All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson. Jeffery's beautiful illustrations can be found in We Ri…
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She's STEMspirational! Meet youth inventor Lydia Denton. At 15, she's already been honored for many of her inventions, including the Beat the Heat car seat. In this episode we explore strategies for engaging girls in STEM and inventing, as well as secrets to being well-rounded and happy. [00:52] Lydia's Background and Inventions: Lydia shares her j…
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Covey Denton is a rock star STEM educator. We met through Steve Spangler, when we were both presenting workshops at Science in the Rockies. Check out her strategies for helping you get your science classroom funded., [01:26] - Covey's Journey Covey explains her diverse career path, starting from biomedical engineering, and transitioning into teachi…
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Dr. Ronda Taylor Bullock is the co founder and executive director of we are (working to extend anti-racist education), a nonprofit in North Carolina that provides antiracism training for children, families, and educators. I first met Dr. Ronda at the North Carolina Reading Conference, and she blew me away with the resources and the thoughtfulness s…
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Meet Wincey Terry-Bryant, an incredible, knock your socks off edutainer who knows how to connect history, STEM, cultural, and the performing arts in a way that engages early childhood and elementary audiences. She's the CEO of WinceyCo, and an international artist who has performed with Sting and Tina Turner and guested on Sesame Street In 1988, Wi…
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Could this be the first podcast broadcast from inside a volcano's magma chamber? As Iceland braces itself for another potential eruption, join us for a special episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast. In this episode, we go Inside the Volcano with co-founder Ólafur Þór Júlíusson and Science of Iceland host Steve Spangler. Join us to learn abo…
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Corinna Luyken joins us to share her journey and the story behind her latest book, ABC and You and Me. This delightful picture book celebrates movement, creativity, and the power of imagination. We delve into the inspiration and collaborative process behind, Patchwork, written by Matt de la Pena and illustrated by Corinna. We also touch upon the in…
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Welcome to Adventures in Learning, where curiosity and connection lead to exciting discoveries. In this episode, we delve into the world of STEM picture books with the acclaimed author Sue Fliess. With a passion for combining science, technology, engineering, and math with captivating storytelling, Sue has captured the hearts of young readers and e…
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What is an edutainer? How do we use entertainment to inspire STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for and with young students? In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, we talk with DLR Foundation executive director Shaakira Hardy. Shaakira has worked in roles such as science training, program and curricul…
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Miranda Schnoor works for NAMI, the National Alliance of Mental Illness. As NAMI Virginia’s Educational Support & HelpLine Coordinator, Miranda oversees the HelpLine, developing and leading a number of NAMI’s programs, and working directly with volunteers. In this conversation, we share resources and picture bo…
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If we want to be the change in the world as the adult, first we have to look at ourselves and say, this is something we value, and then tell our children that we value that because we want every child to be seen, heard, and valued. We want every family to be seen, heard and valued. In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane ch…
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"When I think about what experiences I want guests on the expedition to bring back with them, it's this sense of connectedness with our planet." -- Phil Hunter When I traveled to Antarctica on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with my father and sister last December, we were fortunate enough to have Phil Hunter as our expedition guide. Phil has been g…
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