The Power of (STEM)2

Series 9 Episode 3: Island STEAM - Engineering and Ecology that Includes 3D Island Building Activities for Students — In the third episode of our Island STEAM series we explore 3D island modelling and building can enhance students understanding of science and engineers in ways that particularly benefit our visually exceptional learners. Like information presented in previous episodes, the physical construction of islands can be deeply steeped in place-based learning and direct observation of arctic, temperate, tropical, desert and/or volcanic islands as an individual/class based learning activity that can be shared with the rest of your school and families at STEAM nights. In the news we look at the engineering of artificial reef building in Malaysia and geothermal partnerships between Island and Columbia. We have included a link to a middle school island building activity as well for educators wanting to see and example of how 3D island building might be incorporated into the classroom.

Series 7 Episode 2: STEM Education Opportunities in the United States and Beyond - In the second episode we explore how historical failures in STEM education including closing the US Department of Education in the United States as a model includes opportunities to re-imagine STEM education both in the United States and beyond. Like the first episode, we look at the history of public schools and how they were historically expanded due to technological, industrial and economic advancements during the industrial revolution and cold war eras. It is likely that technological innovation, combined with an increasingly complex international economic systems will push countries like the United States and Canada are STEAM to be in educational alignment with many European and Asian nations where post secondary education becomes universal as well expanding the older K-12 model here in North American into K-14 or K-16 educational systems that also include STEM and tech re-training opportunities for every economic sector and class of workers. The news links below explore some of the diverse support for STEM and STEAM programs around the world. (S7E2) Article Link: STEAM Education Policies in Europe ReviewWebsite Link: Latin American FUNDSTEAM ProgramWebsite Link: Community Based STEAM Ed in New ZealandWebsite Link: E-STEAM and Wildlife Education in Africa

Series 6 Episode 6: (STEAM)2, Bonus Episode -The Future of Artemis & STEM in 2025: In this bonus episode we look at the future of Artemis and biggest challenges in K-12 STEM education in 2025. More specifically, we look at the increasing challenges of science misconceptions and skepticism emerging in three key areas of science including research and education tied to climate science, the human body, and microscopic diseases. Recent elections in the United States and other parts of the world including significant research and policy changes within science, research and educational agencies suggest the need for increase efforts in climate literacy, place-based learning and earlier experiences with microscopes and the study of complex body systems by K-12 students. In the news we look at an article on the future of NASA’s Artemis program in 2025 and look back to a pivotal study on education in the United States. We also discuss the You Belong in STEM resource page for educators and students (S6E6)News links: Here is What Trump’s Win Means for NASA from Time Magazine (Click Here) Educational Website: US Department of Education’s You Belong in STEM (Click Here)Historical Research: A Nation at Risk Educational Study (Click Here)

Series 6 Episode 4: (STEAM)2, The Art of Moonbases and Egg-o-nauts!: In the 4th episode we explore STEAM, Art and Aesthetic Design. In addition to talking about the private and public sectors design and work together in building the complex Artemis rockets, rovers, robots, and habitats together, we explore the creative elements connected to the arts and aesthetic design as it relates to transforming creative curiosity and problem solving into testable concepts in STEAM. More specifically, this episode explores the importance of including and infusing art into Artemis lessons as a way to help students imagine themselves as future participants in lunar or other space exploration. In the news we look at public and private partnerships work together within the Artemis program as it relates to rocket, landing and lunar habitat systems. Educators interested in integrating the arts and aesthetic design as it relates to designing lunar habitats as an educational diorama. (S6E4)Educational Link: European Space Agency Art for ArtemisEducational Link: National Space Centre Make Your Own Moonbase Video

Series 6 Episode 2: (STEAM)2 - NASA Artemis Lunar Robotics Challenge: In the second episode, we explore STEAM and transformative learning. Like its predecessor program Apollo, there is a tremendous amount of innovation in technology evident in NASA’s Artemis program including the infusion of robotics, AI and 3D printing discussed in this episode. Artemis educators are also using media and technologies in novel ways to help students see the connection between these emerging technologies and society. In the news we look at NASA’s main rocket called the Space Launch System and comparing it to the SpaceX system that will be used in Artemis 3. The NASA SLS booklet for elementary students and a paper model students can build is discussed as well. (S6E2)Educational Link: NASA's Artemis Space Launch SystemEducational Link: AXM Paper Space Models - SLSEducational Link: SpaceX Starship SystemEducational Link: NASA SLS Illustrated Book for Children

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 5E6).

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).