On Air Today: Teaching Science by Tackling ‘Grand Challenges,’ with UNC’s Troy Sadler

On Air Today: Teaching Science by Tackling ‘Grand Challenges,’ with UNC’s Troy Sadler

From Chapelboro.com by Chapelboro.com

May 5, 2026 · 14 min

About this episode

Aaron Keck interviews UNC education professor Troy Sadler about his innovative approach to teaching science through real-world challenges.

Aaron welcomes UNC education professor Troy Sadler, who recently won a national award for his work in science education. Sadler’s work grew out of his own past experience as a middle- and high-school teacher, where he grew to appreciate the benefits of teaching math and science by starting with the “grand challenges” that we all face, from climate change to global pandemics. Today, he focuses on developing ways that educators can teach basic science concepts by starting with those real-world issues. 97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday morning, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck chats with government officials, UNC scholars, business and nonprofit leaders, area musicians, and others in our community as they share their thoughts, their experience, and their expertise on the central issues of today. Click here to listen back to all of Aaron’s conversations – and tune in to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” at 7:30 a.m. on 97.9 The Hill to hear those conversations live. You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his…

People in this episode

Host: Aaron Keck

Guest: Troy Sadler

Topics covered

  • science education
  • grand challenges
  • real-world issues
  • climate change
  • global pandemics

Keywords

  • science education
  • Troy Sadler
  • grand challenges
  • climate change
  • global pandemics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UNC, 97.9 The Hill, Chapelboro.com

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