Podcast Archive
Below is a collection from previous series and episodes of the (STEM)2 podcasts set to exploring the diverse STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics with education. In each series we will be discussing STEM as it relates to K-12 and community education projects, ideas and creating a more inclusive and diverse system of STEM education.
Series 5 Episode 1: Exploring “The Cosmos” with K-12 Students Augmented by AI - A Developmental Model for Science Educators. In Episode 1 of our fifth series we start with a discussion on phenomenon-based learning in science education. Starting with real life examples of how science researchers and developers utilize AI in medical research, wildlife conservation, and the development of advanced tech (robotics and rockets), we examine how AI might be used with K-12 students within the context of augmented phenomenon based learning related to a child’s understanding of “The Cosmos”. A brief taxonomy of educational AI tech (some existing - others in development) is also presented. In STEM news we look at two ways scientists are utilizing AI to enhance public health (click here) and the conservation of endangered species (click here) and how NASE is using AI to construct hardware for space exploration (click here). (Podcast S5-E1)
Series 5 Episode 2: Use or not? What role should AI play in K-3 Science Education?: Episode 2 starts by noting the value of science learning for K-2 students on “hands-on” and directly observable phenomenon about the “Local Cosmos” as experienced by children in these grade levels. As a result digital and virtual learning with AI technologies plays a minimal role as the educational focus within these grades is to provide foundational awareness and experiences that encourage children to observe and explore natural phenomenon about their “Cosmic” experiences in nature and 3D tech building that is predominately mechanical rather than digital in nature. Educational AI, when utilized by children (and ideally their families as most observable phenomenon and natural environments are explored outside of school) is utilized as a guide and/or tutor to help children better understand what they arre observing in nature or their “Local Cosmos”. A model for future development in educational tech for these grades is presented. In the news, we will be discussing outdoor field guides (click here) and simple engineering activities children might do with their families together. (Podcast S5-E2)
Series 5 Episode 3: Science Fairs and Experimentation with 3-5 Grade Students - Using AI for Phenomenon-Based Experimentation That Includes Authentic Testing and Critical Analysis: What role does AI play in the elementary school science fair? In Episode 3, we explore how the science fair might be transformed and enhanced by allowing students to utilize educational AI to explore experimental ideas which are then tested by the students to evaluate, confirm and/or further refine student ideas about the relationship between AI experimentation/modelling and actual physical testing and experimentation. Within this context, 3-6 Grade students participating in science fair might choose to create experiments independent of AI or augment experimentation using educational AI similar to the way scientists utilize both of these methods within science research and tech innovation. Like the previous episode, a model for future development in educational tech for 3-5 Grades is presented. In the news, we will be discussing AI based science experiments elementary students can use for experimentation from Science Buddies (click here) and the value of science fiction as it relates to student understanding (click here). (Podcast S5-E3)
Series 5 Episode 4: Thematic Experimentation and Prototyping with 6-8 Grade Students - Using AI for Thematic Problem Solving and Experimentation in STEM: What role does AI play in early secondary education? In Episode 4, we begin exploring AISE at the secondary levels in Grades 7-9 by introducing a forth class and educational model of science education that includes AI modelling and early prototyping of STEM tech that includes early AI coding and other elements. Secondary AISE also explores how lessons, topics and ideas beyond the local and regional cosmos that is more evident in elementary AISE. Working individually and in teams, students utilize AI in thematic lessons and/or problem-based learning that includes prototyping physical technology and robotics for community sharing at events such as an AI-linked robotics and other technical leagues and challenges (similar to Lego Robotics). In the news, we look at some of the early research into AI (click here), a new AI ethics curriculum for middle schoolers from MIT (click here) and share a website that utilizes Lego Robotics and AI (click here). (Podcast S5-E4)
Series 5 Episode 6: Science Research and Innovation for 9-12 Grade Students within Community and Real-World Contexts - Using AI for Science Research Experimentation and Tech Prototyping That Includes Practical and/or Real World Applications:
What role does AI play Grades 9-12? Episode currently in production. (Coming Soon)
Series 5 Bonus Episode 5: Earth Day 2024 - How Can AI Protect Wildlife and Teach Families About Nature? Earth Day special education we look at ways AI is being utilized by scientists and wildlife experts to protect rare and endangered species around the world (click here). We also examine how NASA is utilizing AI to better predict extreme weather in order to help local communities (click here). The main part of our show explores a theoretical model of dynamic interpretive software that helps children in the primary grades learn about nature and environmental topics in local and regional contexts. Should AI be utilized in outdoor science and environmental education programs? Let us know by contacting us at [email protected]. (Podcast S5E5)
Series 5 Episode 6: Bonus Episode - Cicadas in North America
In this bonus episode, we look at the rare emergence of two broods of cicadas in North America and how this rare double emergence of Broods 13 and 17 has not been seen in over two centuries. As trillions of noisy cicadas complete their life cycle, we discuss the benefits to ecosystems and share articles on how people celebrate cicadas around the world. In the news we share articles on Broods 13 and 17 (click here) and National Geographic resources four kids and schools (click here and click here). (Podcast S5E6)
Series 5 Episode 2: Use or not? What role should AI play in K-3 Science Education?: Episode 2 starts by noting the value of science learning for K-2 students on “hands-on” and directly observable phenomenon about the “Local Cosmos” as experienced by children in these grade levels. As a result digital and virtual learning with AI technologies plays a minimal role as the educational focus within these grades is to provide foundational awareness and experiences that encourage children to observe and explore natural phenomenon about their “Cosmic” experiences in nature and 3D tech building that is predominately mechanical rather than digital in nature. Educational AI, when utilized by children (and ideally their families as most observable phenomenon and natural environments are explored outside of school) is utilized as a guide and/or tutor to help children better understand what they arre observing in nature or their “Local Cosmos”. A model for future development in educational tech for these grades is presented. In the news, we will be discussing outdoor field guides (click here) and simple engineering activities children might do with their families together. (Podcast S5-E2)
Series 5 Episode 3: Science Fairs and Experimentation with 3-5 Grade Students - Using AI for Phenomenon-Based Experimentation That Includes Authentic Testing and Critical Analysis: What role does AI play in the elementary school science fair? In Episode 3, we explore how the science fair might be transformed and enhanced by allowing students to utilize educational AI to explore experimental ideas which are then tested by the students to evaluate, confirm and/or further refine student ideas about the relationship between AI experimentation/modelling and actual physical testing and experimentation. Within this context, 3-6 Grade students participating in science fair might choose to create experiments independent of AI or augment experimentation using educational AI similar to the way scientists utilize both of these methods within science research and tech innovation. Like the previous episode, a model for future development in educational tech for 3-5 Grades is presented. In the news, we will be discussing AI based science experiments elementary students can use for experimentation from Science Buddies (click here) and the value of science fiction as it relates to student understanding (click here). (Podcast S5-E3)
Series 5 Episode 4: Thematic Experimentation and Prototyping with 6-8 Grade Students - Using AI for Thematic Problem Solving and Experimentation in STEM: What role does AI play in early secondary education? In Episode 4, we begin exploring AISE at the secondary levels in Grades 7-9 by introducing a forth class and educational model of science education that includes AI modelling and early prototyping of STEM tech that includes early AI coding and other elements. Secondary AISE also explores how lessons, topics and ideas beyond the local and regional cosmos that is more evident in elementary AISE. Working individually and in teams, students utilize AI in thematic lessons and/or problem-based learning that includes prototyping physical technology and robotics for community sharing at events such as an AI-linked robotics and other technical leagues and challenges (similar to Lego Robotics). In the news, we look at some of the early research into AI (click here), a new AI ethics curriculum for middle schoolers from MIT (click here) and share a website that utilizes Lego Robotics and AI (click here). (Podcast S5-E4)
Series 5 Episode 6: Science Research and Innovation for 9-12 Grade Students within Community and Real-World Contexts - Using AI for Science Research Experimentation and Tech Prototyping That Includes Practical and/or Real World Applications:
What role does AI play Grades 9-12? Episode currently in production. (Coming Soon)
Series 5 Bonus Episode 5: Earth Day 2024 - How Can AI Protect Wildlife and Teach Families About Nature? Earth Day special education we look at ways AI is being utilized by scientists and wildlife experts to protect rare and endangered species around the world (click here). We also examine how NASA is utilizing AI to better predict extreme weather in order to help local communities (click here). The main part of our show explores a theoretical model of dynamic interpretive software that helps children in the primary grades learn about nature and environmental topics in local and regional contexts. Should AI be utilized in outdoor science and environmental education programs? Let us know by contacting us at [email protected]. (Podcast S5E5)
Series 5 Episode 6: Bonus Episode - Cicadas in North America
In this bonus episode, we look at the rare emergence of two broods of cicadas in North America and how this rare double emergence of Broods 13 and 17 has not been seen in over two centuries. As trillions of noisy cicadas complete their life cycle, we discuss the benefits to ecosystems and share articles on how people celebrate cicadas around the world. In the news we share articles on Broods 13 and 17 (click here) and National Geographic resources four kids and schools (click here and click here). (Podcast S5E6)
Series 4 Episode 1: A summer of STEM Explorations - In the first episode of our fourth series we will be exploring summer STEM activities that teachers and students can complete on their own or with family and friends over the summer. You can download the 2023 Summer STEM bookmark by clicking the link (bookmark) on our homepage. In the news we will be looking at summer gaps and opportunities for student learning (UK Report on Education Recovery): (S4-E1)
Series 4 Episode 2: Finding STEM in Nature - In Episode 2 of our fourth series we are going to explore STEM activities students can easily complete in backyards, local parks, and other common outdoor settings. We will be connecting our outdoor adventures in nature to science journals and other writing/drasing activities. In the news we will be talking about Audubon Bird Count (click here) and UK's Big School's Birdwatch 2024 (click here). (S4-E2)
Series 4 Episode 3: Libraries, Museums, Parks and other STEM Programs - In the third episode we will be discussing free and low cost STEM programs and activities for children. In the news we will be discussing informal science activities for children in Canada (click here). You can find information on Canada's Live-it Program here as well (https://liveit.earth/). (S4-E3)
Series 4 Episode 4: STEM 2023 in Review and Plans for 2024 - In the fourth episode of Series 4 we will be looking at the biggest news articles in science (India's Rover) & (NASA's Bennu Program via Smithsonian), Technology (ht(AI Innovation via Smithsonian), and Engineering (Uht(US Fusion Engineering via CNN)lcompleting three summer engineering challenges students can complete and share at home. In the news we will be discussing engineering wonders from the United States. (S4-E4)
Series 4 Episode 5 (Bonus Episode): Big School Birdwatch in Britain & Nature Journaling - In the fifth bonus episode of Series 4 we will be exploring a fantastic birding program in Great Britain by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The Big School Birdwatch of 2024 (https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/get-ready-for-big-schools-birdwatch) is one of the largest school and citizen science projects in Great Britain and serves as an excellent model at school and community partnerships. The Big School Birdwatch also provides teachers and students with the opportunity to combine writing and art together through the use of nature journals. One organization that helps teachers and students journal is John Muir Laws journaling page (https://johnmuirlaws.com/journaling-curriculum/). Educational research supports the use of nature journals to foster increase science writing, observation and creativity when combined with art. In the news we share articles on the last flight of the Mars Ingenuity (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/nasa-ingenuity-mars-helicopter-taken-final-flight-180983667/?. (S4-E5)
Series 3 (Bonus Episode): Earth Day Special Edition of (STEM)2 - What are the Mid Century Challenges and Opportunities in K-12 STEM Education? - In the first bonus episode of Series 3 we will be exploring STEM news and events related to Earth Day celebrated around the world. We will be revisiting a landmark study in education from the United States: A Nation at Risk in environmental contexts and looking at six midcentury challenges in STEM education as listed by AI. You can learn more about Earth Day events and the history of this world wide celebration at www.earthday.org. The article we discuss in this article by Hammond-Todd and Monk can be found at this link: article. (Podcast S3)
Series 3 Episode 1: Seeds and STEM in Society - In the first episode of our third series we will be exploring STEM education as it relates to seeds, school/community gardens and partnerships with farms and other food producers in STEM. Starting with simple window seed solariums that are easily constructed (see photo on website for example), we will be discussing some of the diverse school gardens and programs from New Zealand (click here) and the Southwestern United States (click here) in the news: (Podcast S3-E1)
Series 3 Episode 2: The Transformative Nature of School Gardens in STEM: In Episode 2 of our third series we are going to explore common misconceptions 5, 10 and 15 year olds have about plants and food systems. In the news we will be discussing research on protecting agricultural biodiversity (click here) and the use of drones and robotics in agriculture (click here). We will also be discussing the value of school gardens in K-12 education. (Podcast S3-E2)
Series 3 Episode 3 Growing Exceptional Gardeners in STEM Education - In the third episode we will be discussing Exceptional STEM ideas and practices for students in special education as it relates to learning about plants and gardens. In the news we will be discussing a special school garden project from England (click here). The Lane County School Garden Resource (click here) on the benefits and challenges of exceptional gardening will be explored as well. (Podcast S3-E3)
Series 3 Episode 4: Multicultural STEM with Seeds from All Around the World - In the fourth episode of Series 3 we will be examining multiculturally inclusive gardens that can be cooperatively designed by diverse students and their families working in partnership with teachers and other garden experts. Our discussion will be based on a recent capstone project by Allegra Watson at the University of California, Davis (click here). In the news we will be discussing indigenous and First Nations garden projects from Canada (click here) and Australia (click here). (Podcast S3-E4)
Series 3 Episode 1: Seeds and STEM in Society - In the first episode of our third series we will be exploring STEM education as it relates to seeds, school/community gardens and partnerships with farms and other food producers in STEM. Starting with simple window seed solariums that are easily constructed (see photo on website for example), we will be discussing some of the diverse school gardens and programs from New Zealand (click here) and the Southwestern United States (click here) in the news: (Podcast S3-E1)
Series 3 Episode 2: The Transformative Nature of School Gardens in STEM: In Episode 2 of our third series we are going to explore common misconceptions 5, 10 and 15 year olds have about plants and food systems. In the news we will be discussing research on protecting agricultural biodiversity (click here) and the use of drones and robotics in agriculture (click here). We will also be discussing the value of school gardens in K-12 education. (Podcast S3-E2)
Series 3 Episode 3 Growing Exceptional Gardeners in STEM Education - In the third episode we will be discussing Exceptional STEM ideas and practices for students in special education as it relates to learning about plants and gardens. In the news we will be discussing a special school garden project from England (click here). The Lane County School Garden Resource (click here) on the benefits and challenges of exceptional gardening will be explored as well. (Podcast S3-E3)
Series 3 Episode 4: Multicultural STEM with Seeds from All Around the World - In the fourth episode of Series 3 we will be examining multiculturally inclusive gardens that can be cooperatively designed by diverse students and their families working in partnership with teachers and other garden experts. Our discussion will be based on a recent capstone project by Allegra Watson at the University of California, Davis (click here). In the news we will be discussing indigenous and First Nations garden projects from Canada (click here) and Australia (click here). (Podcast S3-E4)
Photo by Rampal Singh on Unsplash
Series 2 Episode 1: The Sun - A Child's First Star - In the first episode we will be exploring the brightest light we see, feel or experience as children (the sun) and exploring the nature of stars. As we discover in this episode, the sun is more than the sky's lightbulb for children to learn about. Stars like the sun have provided light (visible and invisible), heat and energy for both living systems and human systems as long as both existed. In STEM news we will be looking at the creation of nuclear fusion by scientists as well (click here for the article and here for educational links). (Podcast S2E1)
Series 2 Episode 2: Young People (5, 10 & 15 year olds) Conceptions of the Sun and Stars: In episode 2 of our second series we are going to explore what the sun means for children and the larger communities they live in. More specifically we will be talking about shadow and solar toy experiments with 5 year olds. We will then extend solar learning and energy activities for 10 and 15 year olds with a deeper understanding of sun as a type of star, and the significance of solar energy in our geologic past, present and future. We will be looking at young people's developing ideas of the sun within the context of Dr. Rosalind Driver's ideas of meaning making and alternative conceptions. Solar4STEM has some simple activities for 5 and 10 year olds to explore. NASA's webpage on stars and the James Webb Telescope has some fascinating information for secondary students. Solar Energy International has some excellent information and resources on solar technologies and activities for secondary students as well. (Podcast S2E2)
Series 2 Episode 3 An Invisible Star - In the third episode we will be exploring ways to learn about the sun and other stars in the constellation for students who see the night sky through exceptional eyes and other senses. Key to exceptional STEM lessons related to the sun revolves around activities that include tactile models and digital augmentation such as the use of solar powered toys, buzzers, and miniature buildings. Audio descriptors and experiencing the sun through sensory-based activities are also discussed. In STEM news we will be looking at the James Webb Telescope which observes the visible and invisible lights in the universe. Teachers can also find a tactile book about the sun published by NASA. (Podcast S2E3)
Series 2 Episode 4: Our Multicultural Star - The Sun - In the fourth episode of Series 2 we will be looking at the sun and constellations through multiculturally inclusive lessons and activities. Starting with an exploration on how individuals and communities view and experience the sun through diverse cultural lenses, we will discuss how educators can work with their students, families, and diverse communities to create science lessons and activities about different cultural perspectives and ceremonies tied to different solar phenomenon such as the summer or winter solstice (click here for events in Canada or Peru). This podcast will also include ideas for solar engineering, design and language support for Multilingual Learners (MLs). In the news we look art large solar plants in India and Saudi Arabia. (Podcast S2E4)
Bonus Episode #1 for Series 2: Can ChatGPT Create Inclusive Lessons? Let's Find Out: In the first bonus episode of Series 2 we will be looking at ChatGPT (click here for link to program) and whether or not it is useful in creating inclusive STEM lessons for students with exceptionalities or who are learning English. We will be testing the software for STEM lessons in the primary grades using the science curriculum from the Australia, Canada, and the United States. In the news we discuss ways teachers are currently using Chat GPT (article). (Podcast S2E5)
Bonus Episode #2 for Series 2: Can ChatGPT Create Inclusive Lessons? Let's Find Out: In the second bonus episode of Series 2 we will be looking at ChatGPT (click here for link to program) and whether or not it is useful in science museums, nature centres, and other informal STEM learning programs. More specifically, we focus how ChatGPT might operate as a digital assistant in teaming and finding important educational linkages between formal and informal science education. In the news we share a recent article on generative AI research by Dr. Grant Cooper (article). (Podcast S2E6)
Series 1 Episode 1: What is (STEM)2? - In the pilot episode we will be introducing the (STEM)2 learning framework and discussing the relationship between the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with teaching and learning in education. We will also look at NASA's educational resources for the Artemis 1 Program to send humans back to the moon. (Podcast S1E1)
Series 1 Episode 2: STEM and Society: In episode 2 of our first series we exploring how STEM is connected to a child's sense of place and discussing the value of including authentic world collections that are place-based learning and/or tied to citizen-based STEM learning. We also discuss TIMS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science assessments as they are set to begin again in 2023. (Podcast S1E2)
Series 1 Episode 3 Transformative STEM - In the third podcast of our pilot STEM series we will be exploring the idea of transformative STEM with an examination of the Nature of STEM (NOSTEM) and children's conceptions and misconceptions in understanding STEM. The process of STEM transformation revolves around continuous and differentiated STEM assessments and dialogues with learners. Common examples of transformational STEM in K-12 eduction are presented. (Podcast S1E3)
Series 1 Episode 4: Exceptional STEM - In the fourth episode of our pilot series we will be exploring the idea of exceptional STEM with a discussion on the educational research related to the importance of creating STEM experiences and learning activities for all exceptional learners including cognitive, neural, physical, and social/emotional exceptional learners. In STEM news we will be checking in on NASAs Artemis 1 curriculum and support for exceptional learners. (Podcast S1E4)
Series 1 Episode 5: Multicultural STEM - In the final podcast of Series 1 we will be discussing the multicultural STEM and its importance in education. Inclusive STEM within multicultural contexts include activities related to the multicultural histories and representations of the diverse scientists, inventors, engineers and mathematicians involved in STEM. In STEM news we look at the diverse scientists and engineers with NASA's Artemis 1 program. The second half of this podcast will look at supporting linguistically diverse learners in STEM education and will introduce the second series currently in production called, "STEM Squared and The Sun: A Child's First Star". (Podcast S1E5)
Bonus Episode for Series 1: Artemis 1, Canada & The Moon Squared: In this bonus episode we check-in on the new November launch date for Artemis 1. We also check-in on educational programs by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) which is set to have their first astronaut on the moon in 2024. You can access CSA educational programs at this link (click here). Finally, we look at the Moon's connection to society, common misconceptions children have about the moon, and ideas for exceptional and multicultural inclusion in your lunar lessons. Click on the links if you are interested in learning more about NASA's Artemis lunar lander (click here) or trying a video simulation of the lunar lander (click here). The next bonus episode will come out in November and explore exceptionally and multiculturally inclusive lessons about the moon. Here is the link for this bonus episode. (Podcast S1E6)
Bonus Episode #2 for Series 1: Artemis 1 Racing to the Moon & Building Paper Models: In this second bonus episode we check-in on the recent launch of Artemis 1. We will explore what the next few weeks look like and the remarkable engineering related to the Artemis 1 rocket and Orion space capsule as engineering lessons and activities for students. You can see a live recording of the Artemis 1 launch at this link (click here). The history of lunar rockets from the Apollo Era to Artemis can be viewed at this link (click here). Students wanting to build their own paper model of Artemis 1 can do so at this link (click here). We also continue to explore the moon from exceptional hands-on education and multicultural inclusion. (Podcast S1E)
Photo by Iñaki del Olmo on Unsplash