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 understanding and excitement in science classrooms. The conversation delves into the evolution of education, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and critical thinking skills. Ariel and Dave ponder the challenges and opportunities of preparing students for an ever-changing job landscape, touching on the significance of hands-on vocational skills and cultivating curiosity. They also reflect on the philosophy of science, stressing its dynamic and imperfect nature while promoting healthy skepticism. The discussion unfolds to highlight the project's global impact, particularly the PhET Fellows Program that empowers educators worldwide. This enlightening episode encourages listeners to appreciate the power of simulation-based learning and the vitality of representing diverse voices in the world of science education. Free PhET Interactive Simulations Lessons PhET Interactive Simulations from the University of Colorado, Boulder Help keep PhET Simulations free! Donate here. You can connect with PhET Interactive Simulations here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PhET-Interactive-Simulations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phetsims/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhETSims   ABOUT ariel Ariel Paul has been a member of the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado since 2011, both as a designer and helping to oversee the development of the simulations. An advocate for broadening participation in STEM, he has taught physics at the high school and undergraduate levels. Ariel received his B.A. in physics in 1999 from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the PhET team, Ariel received his Ph.D. in physics in 2007 from the University of Colorado for his research focused on coherent imaging with extreme-ultraviolet light. Following his Ph.D., he also completed an apprenticeship in scientific instrument making.

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 exploration into urban planning and the dynamics of cities in a post-pandemic world. Using San Francisco as a prime example, Rogers elaborates on the ramifications of unused commercial spaces due to COVID-19, igniting a conversation about societal impacts, city resilience, and the pressing need for adaptation. The duo also ventures into the realm of city infrastructure, from the dangers of large vehicles to the often controversial subjects of protected bike lanes and urban housing initiatives. For educators, this segment offers a real-world context to engage students in subjects ranging from urban planning to socio-economic impacts of global events. But perhaps the most engaging part for science educators is Rogers' impassioned discourse on the power of curiosity. Drawing from personal experiences, he speaks about the magic of discovering and understanding new scientific concepts. He emphasizes the importance of not just absorbing facts, but truly understanding the "why" and "how" behind them. This sentiment, coupled with humorous anecdotes about detailed drink recommendations and personal life, showcases the holistic nature of science – it's everywhere, from the classroom to the bar! Dave wraps up this enlightening conversation by highlighting Adam’s illustrious writing career, ensuring eager listeners know where to find more of his writings. For science teachers, this episode serves as a potent reminder: to inspire the next generation, we must first be insatiably curious ourselves. Dive into this episode and reignite that spark! You can find Adam Rogers' books here: Books available through Amazon  You can connect with Adam Rogers here: His website: https://www.adam-rogers.net/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrrogers  Twitter: https://twitter.com/jetjocko    ABOUT adam Adam Rogers is a journalist at Insider, writing about science, technology, and culture. A longtime editor and writer at Wired, he wrote that one story about the Dress that one time (think which color do you see?). He is also the author of the New York Times science bestseller Proof: The Science of Booze, and his latest book is Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern.  

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 advancements. Sparked by the internet's famed dress color perception controversy, Rogers delves into the intriguing science of color in his book 'Full Spectrum'. His investigation uncovers the central role of titanium dioxide, a mineral pigment prevalent in our everyday environment. The podcast emphasizes how our understanding of color propels us to create and simulate more colors, further deepening our knowledge, a cycle that Rogers also identifies in the science of alcohol in his book 'Proof'. Rogers champions the use of familiar concepts, such as with cocktails, to simplify and communicate complex scientific ideas effectively. He advocates for an interconnected teaching approach that highlights practical applications, aiding students in grasping the intricate interplay between different disciplines. Rogers demonstrates his point by explaining the science behind whiskey production. The podcast also sheds light on the historical and cultural significance of the pigment trade, drawing parallels to the spice trade due to their rarity and location-specific availability. The discussion underlines the lasting vibrancy of certain colors, like blue, and the fascinating color advancements in civilizations around the world. Baker's conversation with Adam Rogers offers a vibrant journey through the landscapes of science, culture, color, and alcohol. It serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of scientific advancements and cultural changes. Be sure to tune in for part 2 of this engaging podcast episode, promising to continue this enlightening exploration of the science of color and the science of alcohol. You can find Adam Rogers' books here: Books available through Amazon  You can connect with Adam Rogers here: His website: https://www.adam-rogers.net/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrrogers  Twitter: https://twitter.com/jetjocko    ABOUT adam Adam Rogers is a journalist at Insider, writing about science, technology, and culture. A longtime editor and writer at Wired, he wrote that one story about the Dress that one time (think which color do you see?). He is also the author of the New York Times science bestseller Proof: The Science of Booze, and his latest book is Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern.

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 debate between traditional and classical education, and the hosts delve into the value of studying classics and engaging in time-tested educational activities. Looking toward the future, this STEM podcast episode discusses potential changes in education, including automated essay writing and the utilization of AI-generated prompts. However, the hosts express reservations regarding the potential lack of engagement and enjoyment in these approaches. The conversation also widens its scope to explore the broader societal implications of relying heavily on AI and automation, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the limitations and possibilities that technology presents. Throughout the podcast, the hosts stress the positive contributions that technology has made to education, such as fostering connections among people and providing new avenues for expression. They advocate for finding a balance between recognizing the limitations and potential dangers of technology while harnessing its positive impacts to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Empowering teachers to innovate within the education system is seen as crucial, and creative solutions are highlighted as essential in navigating the challenges of modern education. Moreover, the podcast episode delves into the influential role of teachers in inspiring students, recognizing their individual learning styles and preferences. This teaching podcast emphasizes the significance of understanding students' diverse needs and tailoring educational approaches accordingly. The conversation also explores the profound impact of failure on personal drive, highlighting the value of self-awareness and taking ownership of one's actions. They discuss the importance of teaching problem-solving and communication skills, promoting a well-rounded education that prepares students for various real-world challenges. Dave and Jacob encourage listeners to reflect on the impact of technology, the role of inspiring teachers, and the power of self-reflection in personal growth. With an emphasis on finding a balance and fostering creativity in education, this episode offers practical perspectives for both teachers and educators seeking to navigate the ever-changing educational landscape. Connect with Jacob: Teach Me Teacher Podcast Facebook—Facebook.com/teachmeteacher Instagram—@teachmeteacherhost Twitter—@jacobchastain_     ABOUT JACOB Jacob Chastain is the host and creator of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast, a former literacy coach, author, speaker, trainer, and curriculum writer, and is currently teaching seventh-grade English in Ft. Worth Texas. Jacob believes that educators should be pushing the boundaries of what it means to engage students in the classroom and that teachers are currently in the golden age of education. With the advent of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, educators all over the world can connect and share ideas to improve their craft. His award-winning Teach Me, Teacher podcast reaches tens of thousands of educators every month across the world, is a top-rated podcast on Apple Podcasts, and has featured some of the premier minds and personalities in education on the show. Some of the top guests featured on the show are Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Kim Bearden, Hamish Brewer, Kelly Gallagher, and Todd Whitaker. The show covers anything and everything related to the wonderful world of education but is sure to focus on how they can all step up and be a positive influence for good in their students’ lives.

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-overlooked heroes of the classroom - a must-listen for educators looking to connect, learn, and grow. Jacob shines a light on the thrilling spontaneity that comes with nurturing a dedicated audience on teacher podcasts. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, authenticity, and genuine commitment to the subject matter, making it a significant resource for teachers worldwide. Jacob also brings attention to the underappreciated work of educators in classrooms, lauding those who offer exceptional insights despite not having extensive fame or publications. In his view, the establishment of reliable teacher communities where educators can exchange experiences, learn from each other, and extend mutual support is critical. He advocates for sincere discussions and collective initiatives as the roadmap to meaningful transformation in education. The discussion further delves into the theme of standardized testing in science and its impact on education. Jacob and Dave scrutinize how traditional testing methods might not adequately capture students' growth and capabilities, especially in disciplines like writing and science. Jacob accentuates the need for real-world problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills, arguing that these crucial abilities aren't effectively evaluated by standardized tests. Jacob strongly advocates for integrating language arts and science education to produce proficient scientists and engineers capable of effectively communicating their ideas. He also suggests a more holistic approach to assessment, such as portfolio-based evaluations, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of students' progress and potential. Throughout this dynamic conversation with Jacob Chastain, they traverse a wide array of topics, delving into the subtleties of podcasting, emphasizing authenticity, and calling for a shift in the assessment approach in education. This episode brims with thought-provoking insights and profound, meaningful dialogue, making it a must-listen for every educator interested in teacher podcasts, standardized testing in science, and integrating language arts and science. Connect with Jacob: Teach Me Teacher Podcast Facebook—Facebook.com/teachmeteacher Instagram—@teachmeteacherhost Twitter—@jacobchastain_     ABOUT jacob Jacob Chastain is the host and creator of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast, a former literacy coach, author, speaker, trainer, and curriculum writer, and is currently teaching seventh-grade English in Ft. Worth Texas. Jacob believes that educators should be pushing the boundaries of what it means to engage students in the classroom and that teachers are currently in the golden age of education. With the advent of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, educators all over the world can connect and share ideas to improve their craft. His award-winning Teach Me, Teacher podcast reaches tens of thousands of educators every month across the world, is a top-rated podcast on Apple Podcasts, and has featured some of the premier minds and personalities in education on the show. Some of the top guests featured on the show are Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Kim Bearden, Hamish Brewer, Kelly Gallagher, and Todd Whitaker. The show covers anything and everything related to the wonderful world of education but is sure to focus on how they can all step up and be a positive influence for good in their students’ lives.  

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 into the curriculum to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation among students. They also explore the significance of 21st-century skills, such as problem-solving and project management, and emphasize the role of teacher professional development in implementing effective PBL strategies. Tune in to gain insights on engaging students through real-world applications and promoting STEM education through project-based experiences. Connect with Sally on Twitter: https://twitter.com/STEMsally  Connect with Sally's innovation department: https://twitter.com/STEMcobb  Connect with Cobb County School District STEM department on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cobbscience  If you are in Georgia, sign up for STEM Palooza happening Summer of 2023: http://www.stemcobb.com/stemapalooza-2023.html  Re-watch the Science is Cool 8 panel featuring Dr. Sally Creel, "The State of STEM in Georgia": https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic8/the-current-state-of-stem-in-georgia    ABOUT sally STEM and Innovation Supervisor for Cobb County School District Dr. Sally Creel, K-12 STEM & Innovation Supervisor for Cobb County Schools in Georgia, has spent the last 28 years as an educator, science and STEM administrator working with leaders, teachers, and K–12 students. Dr. Creel earned a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education from Shorter College in Georgia, a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont College in Georgia, and her doctorate in Teacher Leadership from Kennesaw State University. Dr. Creel served as the President of the Georgia Science Supervisors Association and Science Teaching Association and continues to work as a professional development consultant for several organizations including the National Science Teaching Association, Georgia DOE, Kennesaw State University, FTW Robotics, Picture Perfect Science, Teacher Created Materials and various federal grants. Dr. Creel has most recently contributed to the publication Navigating the challenges of elementary science teaching and learning: Using case-based pedagogy to understand dilemmas of practice. She was also a consulting author for the Smithsonian’s STEAM Readers series and STEM Position Statement for the National Science Teaching Association.  Dr. Creel currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Georgia Aquarium, Underwriter’s Laboratory OREE Advisory Board, and Interactive Research Methods Lab at Kennesaw State University. 

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 educational game developer that has worked with some of the biggest names in education, including Amazon, Scholastic, and the US Department of Education. According to Dan White, online educational games are games that are specifically designed to teach or reinforce a particular concept or skill. They can be targeted at any age group, from preschoolers to adults, and can cover a wide range of subjects, including science, social studies, and language arts. One of the key benefits of online educational games is that they can make learning fun. "Games have a unique ability to engage players in a way that traditional classroom instruction simply can't," says Dan White. "By tapping into the player's natural curiosity, we can create experiences that are both entertaining and educational." But online educational games are much more than just a source of entertainment. They can also improve a range of skills, from problem-solving and critical thinking to collaboration and communication. "Games can provide a safe and low-stakes environment for players to practice and develop skills that are relevant to real-world situations," says Dan White. Another advantage of online educational games is that they can be tailored to each individual learner's needs and abilities. "One of the great things about games is that they can adapt to the player's performance," explains Dan White. "If a player is struggling with a particular concept or skill, the game can adjust the difficulty level or provide additional support to help the player succeed." While online educational games are not a substitute for traditional classroom instruction, they can be a valuable tool for teachers and students alike. "Games can be used to supplement classroom instruction and provide students with an additional opportunity to practice and reinforce what they are learning," says Dan White. In conclusion, online educational games have the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and teach. By making learning fun, improving a range of skills, and providing tailored instruction, they can help students achieve better outcomes and develop a lifelong love of learning. Check out the session from ScIC6 with Dan White featuring Filament Games and First Global: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic6/virtual-robotics  Connect with Filament Games on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FilamentGames  Learn more about Filament Games: https://www.filamentgames.com/  ABOUT DAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER for Filament Games Dan White believes that good gameplay and good learning are complementary rather than oppositional forces. An alumnus of Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Dan earned an M.S. in Education Technology under seminal learning game scholars Drs. Kurt Squire and James Paul Gee. Prior to founding Filament, Dan worked as a teacher, an instructional designer, and a game developer. Dan’s passions include learning games, sustainability, mindfulness, and modernizing institutional education.

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 thought we needed to know about how AI works. They discuss AI literacy, how AI is trained, how accurate or inaccurate AI can be, and how AI is even learning bias! But of course, this is an education podcast, so what does this all mean for your students? Jordan and Dave discuss how students can use AI in the classroom, what they should avoid, and how teachers can leverage AI to help prepare their students for the future! The also answer the question - what do educators need to understand and watch out for in the classroom now that students can access this new technology?   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jordanharrod  IG: https://www.instagram.com/jordanbharrod/ Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/jordanharrod Twitter: https://twitter.com/JordanBHarrod Newsletter: https://www.jordanharrod.com   ABOUT Jordan Jordan Harrod (she/her) is a Ph.D. Candidate in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics at the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program. Her research focuses on applying neuromodulation to clinically relevant challenges and using neurotechnology and machine learning to develop new tools for brain stimulation. Jordan received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University in 2018, where she worked on interfacial tissue engineering, medical image analysis, and machine learning for MRI reconstruction. In her spare time, Jordan is actively involved in science communication via her YouTube channel, which focuses on engaging the public on artificial intelligence and Twitter, Tiktok, and Instagram.   

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 media and AI and how they can both help and hurt students during their childhood education. But both agree that this technology can be extremely helpful if used correctly to foster learning in a positive way! They delve into the topic of AI and Chat GPT and ways that teachers and students can both use and learn from it in the classroom. They also discuss at length the drawbacks of brand-new technology and acknowledge the need to either embrace it or face getting left behind.  Maynard shares about his work in schools, at STEM events and conferences, and on his various media platforms. His goal is to show that STEM is definitely fun, but he stresses that the delivery matters. Maynard's passion is reaching underserved student populations, and he hopes to inspire students around the world to look up to "celebrity" scientists that look like themselves, just like they do sports figures or movie stars. Maynard also fills us in on his exciting work with the USA Science and Engineering Festival during their many X-STEM events around the country. You can hire Maynard for your own school or event! Connect with him and learn more at https://www.hiphopscienceshow.com/  ABOUT MAYNARD Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D.,  graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He is an award-winning Science Communicator, having received both the Asteroid Award for "Best Streaming Content" and the People of Change Award for his community outreach efforts.  His passion for science and entertainment, along with his curiosity for new innovation has taken him through an incredible life journey. Noticing a lack of minority involvement in the S.T.E.M. fields, he created Hip Hop Science with the goal of encouraging minorities and youth to pursue more advanced career paths.  His background in engineering, acting, music, business, and credible work in STEM make him uniquely qualified to engage on a wide variety of topics from an entertaining perspective.  This is highly reflected in his speaking engagements and daily social media posts which provide both humorous and informative SciComm content.

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 the creation of the first of its kind, reusable submersible that united build teams from around the world. Victor and his team used this new technology to dive into the five deepest trenches in the ocean. Victor also talks with Dave about what the deep sea can teach us about the planet and how we can use that research to progress our society into the future. Can you guess which classic novel was Victor's inspiration? Dave and Victor get into their favorite science fiction dystopian films and how close we have come to them becoming a reality. We also learn why Victor does what he does, and he shares his childhood and the teachers in his life that made a real impact on him! You can connect with Victor on his Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictorVescovo    ABOUT VICTOR Victor is a 20-year veteran private equity and venture capital investor with particular expertise in the aerospace, defense, and electronics industries. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School where he was named a Baker Scholar, received a Master’s Degree from MIT and earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University. He also served 20 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve as an intelligence officer, retiring as a Commander.  Victor was the 12th American to complete the “Explorer’s Grand Slam” which requires climbing the highest peak on all seven of the world’s continents including Mt. Everest and skiing 100 kilometers to the North and South Poles. In 2020, he piloted the first repeated dives to Challenger Deep -- now fifteen times, and in August 2019 became the first person to visit “The Five Deeps,” the deepest point in each of the world’s oceans. Victor has personally been to the bottom of seventeen deep ocean trenches, while no other person has ever been to the bottom of more than two. He has also made three dives to the Titanic including the only solo dive ever made there. In the last two years, Victor located and dove on the deepest and second-deepest wrecks in history at the sites of the USS Johnston and USS Samuel B. Roberts. Victor is also a commercially rated multi-engine jet and helicopter pilot, a certified submersible test pilot, and recently flew into space on Blue Origin’s New Shephard-21 mission, thus becoming the first person in history to climb Mount Everest, explore the very bottom of the ocean, and visit space.