Enhancing teaching with hands-on learning, data collection, and technology. The conversation between Dave and Matt covers various topics, including background noise, weather, simulations, teaching, data literacy, and the use of AI in the classroom. Matt discusses the benefits of simulations in teaching, the importance of hands-on activities, and th…

Education challenges, technology, storytelling, pop culture, personalized teaching. In this conversation, Dave and Matt discuss various topics related to education, including the challenges faced by teachers, the impact of technology in the classroom, and the need for change in the education system. They also touch on the nostalgia for a simpler ti…

Two instructional coaches share innovative teaching methods. Elizabeth and Kelly, science instructional coaches in a large school district in Texas, discuss their approach to science education. They emphasize the importance of phenomena-based learning and the integration of science and engineering practices. They explain how their district has been…

Teaching & AI: Policies, Ethics, and Practical Classroom Tips In this conversation, Dave and Shirin discuss various topics including Shirin's background, the use of AI in the classroom, and the importance of developing a policy for AI usage. They touch on the challenges of implementing AI in education, the benefits it can bring, and the ethical con…

Fostering curiosity and inquiry with real-world examples. Sara Plowman is a veteran teacher in Santa Monday and discusses with us various topics, including stinging nettles, biomimicry, authentic science, and project-based learning. They also discuss biomimicry design applications and other natural phenomena. The conversation then shifts to the imp…

Classroom data literacy and adaptability in education today. Jolie Pelds, Director of Innovative STEM Teaching for the Science Center of Iowa chats about various topics including life opportunities, the Science Center of Iowa, Silicon Valley, ecosystems, and the importance of technology and data literacy in education. The conversation explores the …

Challenge your students to create eco-inspired designs. Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of the Biomimicry Institute, an architect and advocate for biomimicry and biophilic design, discusses the importance of design that enhance the connection between people and nature. Biophilic design and Biomimicry involves bringing elements of nature into buildings, engine…

Exploring continuous learning and careers in education. In this conversation, Dave and Christine discuss various topics, including their past interactions, the importance of travel and learning, careers in technology, and the challenges of communicating complex ideas. They also touch on the significance of problem-solving skills and the need for co…

How student's personal experiences shape learning and scientific exploration. Join PBS and YouTube creator Dr. Joe Hanson to learn about the importance of storytelling and curiosity in education. Joe and Dave discuss the value of being the narrator of your own story and the dangers of algorithms and passive content consumption. They touch on the un…

Teaching students how to interpret headlines and media sensationalism. Join PBS correspondent Mile's Obrien as he discusses this current event with host Dave Bakker and special guest, Clifton Roozeboom. The conversation revolves around the topic of airline safety, specifically focusing on the recent issues with Boeing's 737 Max 9. The hosts discuss…

Enhancing STEM education and preparing students for technical careers. Mike Vargas discusses his involvement in the Arizona STEM Acceleration Project, a $10 million grant aimed at improving STEM education in the state. He highlights the need to start STEM education early and the importance of project-based learning. Vargas emphasizes the need for a…

Innovative science teaching through simulated space exploration. In this conversation, Lauren shares her experience of flying in zero gravity and conducting experiments. The chapters cover various aspects of the flight, including the parabolic flight pattern, the duration of zero gravity, and the unpredictability of movement in zero gravity. Lauren…

AI: the benefits, ethics, and future of critical thinking skills. Tammie Schrader, Science Coordinator in Washington State, discusses the impact of AI in education. She and Dave explore the challenges and benefits of implementing AI tools in the classroom, as well as the need for ethical guidelines and critical thinking skills. They also touch on t…

Georgia Curriculum Director uses technology to enhance learning. Dr. Scott Sweeting talks with us about integrating AI in science and computer science education, highlighting how it can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills vital for today's students. Key topics include using AI for more efficient assessment writing, fostering creati…

USASEF Director discusses learning motivation and discovery in STEM education. Amy Oliverio, Director of the USA Science and Engineering Festival discusses various topics related to learning, motivation, and the joy of discovery. They delve into the idea of challenging oneself and the satisfaction derived from overcoming obstacles, drawing parallel…

Empowering student innovation with the US Department of Education. In this conversation, Kari Byron (Mythbusters, EXPLR Media, Crash Test World) is joined by National STEM Champion Sritej Sai Padmanabhan. Kari, Sritej and Dave discuss his STEM Festival project Neuralize, which aims to quantitatively measure disease markers associated with Parkinson…

Hawaii teacher discusses teaching strategy with project-based learning. Mia-Pia Cummins shares her journey as a middle school science teacher, tackling curriculum challenges and emphasizing hands-on learning and adaptability in education. She discusses the beauty and challenge of teaching in such a rural area like she is in Hawaii. Mia-Pia discusse…

In this bonus episode, we have an extension of our conversation with professor, speaker, and author, John Spencer. We dig into his love of project-based learning and how he stays inspired in his classroom. https://spencerauthor.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@spencereducation https://twitter.com/spencerideas https://www.facebook.com/spencereducation/…

In this week's episode, Dave joins Dr. John Spencer to take a dive deep into the evolution of technology, education, and innovation. Their conversation delves into the importance of project-based learning in education, emphasizing the value of empowering students to explore, experiment, and learn through hands-on experiences. They discuss the signi…

In this podcast episode, Dave engages in a conversation with Christa Dillabaugh, Director of the Morpho Institute, discussing their conservation efforts and educational programs in the Amazon rainforest. Krista shares insights into the institute's initiatives, highlighting the delicate balance between progress and conservation in the region. They d…

This is a bonus episode of the Science is Cool Unplugged podcast where we get to hear more of our conversation we had with Chuck Nice. They discuss fostering a love for learning and why that is more important than the love of grades and achievement. They also dig into how to create meaningful classroom interactions and more! https://www.chuckniceco…

This is a bonus episode of the Science is Cool Unplugged podcast where we get to hear the extension of our conversation we had with Patti Lawrimore. They discuss how she utilizes Chat GPT in her classroom and the ways she uses it as a tool and not a crutch. They also delve into the importance of science literacy and its interdisciplinary importance…

In this week's episode comedian and science television host, Chuck Nice, joins Dave to delve into the fascinating realms of science, education, and the pursuit of knowledge. Chuck shares insights into the importance of generating excitement in learning, emphasizing that the key lies in understanding rather than merely acing tests. Drawing parallels…

In this episode, Science Educator Patti Lawrimore joins Dave to share her passion for science education and the joy she gets from seeing students enthusiastic about what they are learning and discovering. She shares the ways she changes classroom structure in response to the students and their learning styles and requests and the ways it helps them…

In this episode, science educator and founder of Kesler Science, Chris Kesler, joins Dave to discuss how to create student-focused learning that teaches them not just science concepts but how to learn and grow on their own by creating meaningful classroom experiences. They emphasize the importance of knowing your classroom and being attentive to st…

In this episode, Dave and STEM educator and TV personality, Steve Spangler have an enlightening conversation about the interest students and young people naturally have in science and how to bring that to life in the classroom. They discuss Steves's success with the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment and how it captured the attention of millions in an…

In this podcast episode, Dave and educator Xochitl engage in a dynamic conversation about the challenges and rewards of project-based learning (PBL) in science classrooms. They discuss the importance of rethinking the nature of projects, emphasizing the difference between low and high-quality PBL. Xochitl emphasizes the need for authenticity in pro…

In this podcast episode, Kaci Heins, Executive Director at Limitless Space, joins Dave to discuss exciting projects and initiatives in the field of space education. They discuss topics such as the Space Exploration Educator Conference and the potential integration of data into art. The conversation explores the profound impact of space experiences …

The interview is a live recording from ScIC10 Live at CAST22 in Texas, Science is Cool Un-conferences. It features Brianna and Serena, also known as the Amoeba Sisters, who are educators and creators behind popular educational biology cartoons. In the interview, they discuss their journey, starting with the origins of their cartoon characters, Pink…

This is a bonus episode from an interview at one of our Science is Cool conferences. In this interview, Miles O'Brien joins Dave in a discussion focusing primarily on climate change, renewable energy, and potential solutions. He cover various alternative energy sources like nuclear, geothermal, biofuels, and innovative technologies. O'Brien explore…

In this discussion, Tammie Schrader, science coordinator for Eastern Washington State, joins Dave to discuss a wide range of topics related to education, technology, and the evolving nature of learning. Come hear what she has to say about AI in the classroom plus so much more! They start by exploring the importance of providing students with access…

In this discussion, Dr. Sonny White, the Director of the Limitless Space Institute, and Dave, engage in a fascinating conversation about the future of space exploration and propulsion. They delve into various aspects of advanced propulsion technologies that could enable human exploration of the solar system and even beyond. Dr. White emphasizes the…

In this podcast episode, Edward and Dave discuss an exciting educational initiative centered around the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Edward is a passionate high school teacher from Canada and shares his vision for involving thousands of students and teachers in North America to engage in authentic scientific observations during th…

In this two-part episode, we explore the dynamic world of science education. Host Dave chats with Ariel Paul, a key contributor to the PhET Interactive Simulations project, delving into the art of making science engaging and accessible for all learners. They unravel the project's mission of creating interactive simulations that foster deep understa…

In this two part episode, we explore the dynamic world of science education. Host Dave chats with Ariel Paul, a key contributor to the PhET Interactive Simulations project, delving into the art of making science engaging and accessible for all learners. They unravel the project's mission of creating interactive simulations that foster deep understa…

In part 2 of this episode, the insightful Adam Rogers, Senior Correspondent for Insider, takes listeners on a profound journey through the intertwining realms of science, education, and society. This episode is a must-listen for every science teacher aiming to spark genuine interest in their students. The lively discussion kicks off with an explora…

In an enlightening podcast episode, host Dave Baker engages with Adam Rogers, senior correspondent at Insider and the celebrated author of 'Full Spectrum' and 'Proof'. This episode provides teachers with a captivating exploration into the science of color and the science of alcohol, beautifully illustrating their convergence with cultural advanceme…

Dave and Jacob question the true meaning of education in a society where information is readily accessible through smartphones. Part 2 of this teacher podcast, host Dave Bakker engages in a thought-provoking conversation with guest Jacob Chastain, delving into various aspects of education and teaching. This teaching podcast touches upon the ongoing…

In the first part of this enlightening episode, Dave engages in a dialogue with Jacob Chastain, the dynamic host of the popular 'Teach Me, Teacher Podcast'. As a guiding star in the education realm, Chastain offers illuminating insights into the bustling world of teacher podcasts, while championing authentic conversation and acknowledging the oft-o…

In this podcast, Dave discusses Project Based Learning (PBL) with Sally Creel, a STEM & Innovation Supervisor in Cobb County, Georgia. They delve into the benefits of authentic learning, inquiry-based approaches, and hands-on experiences in fostering student-centered and collaborative education. Sally highlights the importance of integrating PBL in…

Online educational games have been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many schools to transition to remote learning. But what exactly are online educational games, and why are they so effective? To answer these questions, we spoke with Dan White, the CEO of Filament Games, a leading edu…

In this intelligent episode, we sit down with an artificial intelligence expert, Jordan Harrod and learn about the immediate impact of AI and how it can help shape our future. Dave and Jordan's dive deep about everything AI and how it will change education. They also discuss Chat GPT, machine learning, models and AGI, and we learn more than we thou…

In this super fun episode, you will have the privilege of experiencing the incredible energy of the Hip Hop M.D.! Maynard Okereke talks with us about his amazingly upbeat approach to bringing STEM education to underserved populations and making it fun and accessible for everyone! Dave and Maynard discuss aspects of our modern world such as social m…

Quite possibly the "Most Interesting Man in the World". Victor Vescovo joins us on the show to tell us all about his explorations and what he thinks about the future of our civilization. Victor has done many things in life, but during this episode we hear about his recent scientific explorations of the deepest parts of our oceans. He tells us about…

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Uchenna Emenaha to discuss the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy. We learn about Uchenna's journey to complete her Ph.D. on the topic and how she is applying her research in the real world. Uchenna explains the basics of CRP (culturally responsive pedagogy). Dave and Uchenna dis…

In this fun episode, Dave sits down with Brianna and Sarina, the creators of the hit YouTube channel The Amoeba Sisters! We learn all about their backgrounds and motivation for creating the channel that has been viewed by teachers and classrooms around the world over 160 million times! Listen in to learn why their style of science content is so app…

In today’s episode, we are joined by Steve Isaacs. Steve was a classroom teacher for almost 30 years and helped pioneer Esports and gaming as part of student education. Listen in to hear his inspiring stories of empowering students through games, technology, and Esports leagues that are run entirely by student teams. Dave and Steve discuss the diff…

In today's episode we talk to the voice of science for Canada and the world, Bob McDonald. Bob and Dave discuss growing up in the space age, learning about fundamental science as a child and ultimately going on to host Canada’s popular science radio program, “Quirks and Quarks”. We hear fun stories about Bob's efforts to educate the masses about sc…

In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Temple Grandin and hear about her passion for hands-on learning and preparing students to enter the workforce with the practical skills that are essential for the sustainability of our world. Dave and Dr. Grandin discuss the need to add "shop" and other skills-based classes back into public schools. Dr. Grandin …

In today’s episode, Dave talks with Kari Byron, a professional curiosity communicator. Kari tells us about her career, her many diverse projects, and her mission to help people become good critical thinkers and "find the hope" in the world! They also discuss how to sell the Eiffel tower, how to do flood control with diapers, and how many mentos you…