Engaging students through digital field experiences and technology. In this conversation, Caroline Nickerson discusses her dissertation on webinars and the effectiveness of a model called a digital field experience. She partnered with extension agents in different locations in Florida to test the model's effectiveness in teaching people about clima…

Balancing technology and creativity for impactful student experiences. Donnie Piercey, an elementary school teacher and Kentucky Teacher of the Year, discusses his experiences and teaching methods. He emphasizes the importance of having male role models in the classroom and the impact it can have on students. Donnie also talks about the value of st…

A very Afterschool Special-y Files adventure featuring scarily aggressive football players, the main guy from Office Space, Edgar Allan Poe's goofy cousin, and the principal from Ferris Bueller.

AI's impact on education, ethical use, and collaboration. In this conversation, Dave speaks with Selene Verhofstad and Faryal Shaukat, experienced teachers who recently gave a talk at NSTA about AI in education. They discuss the use of AI in the classroom, the challenges and benefits it presents, and the importance of teaching students about AI and…

Engaging students through hands-on activities and innovative learning. Denise Renfro, from the Academy of Green Technology, discusses the hands-on approach to learning and the use of AI in the classroom. The Academy offers courses on sustainability, renewable energy, drones, and more. Denise emphasizes the importance of engaging students and encour…

Museum insights and programs for teachers and students. The conversation between Dave and Shannon revolves around their visit to the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center. They discuss their favorite exhibits and the awe-inspiring experience of seeing the massive aircraft and spacecraft up close. Shannon shares stories about the Corona …

Big cats in zoos? Boring. Big cats in passenger vehicles? Heck yeah. Nancy and her entourage are investigating the theft of several civets (Babou!) from the River Heights Zoo because George's hot (dumb) crush Owen is prime suspect. Owen is a charisma vacuum. Nancy is the most accurate 18 year old she's been yet for this plot. Also she leaves a vill…

Challenges, implications, rapid evolution and the future of Ai The conversation covers various topics related to AI and its impact on education. Nancy discusses the technology stack behind AI, the role of AI in education, the limitations of AI models, and the potential costs and implications of AI in the classroom. The conversation explores the lim…

Multidisciplinary science, ethical considerations, AI impact, & career possibilities. In this conversation, Dave and Kelly discuss the realities of working in forensic science and the importance of understanding the potential trauma and ethical considerations involved. They also explore the evolving nature of science classrooms and the need for cul…

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…

Nancy is framed! Sadly, she doesn't go on the lam with Ned and end up in a seedy motel room. Some hussy slapped on a wig, borrowed Nancy's name, and bilked some rich idiots in Ned's hometown out of some cash, and Nancy is of course the prime suspect. Bess goes full Spirit Halloween and turns Nancy into River Heights's cattiest reporter. Light B&E! …

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…

Nancy heads to Emerson to help the least competent admin, Dean Jarvis, find out who has been stealing a really lowkey dangerous compound from a research lab on campus and runs into an ecofascist maniac who is ready to speedrun a violent police confrontation. It's a lot! Complete with callbacks to Files 8, my villain origin story!…

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…

It's Halloween and Ned's working on a marketing project with some VERY dramatic Emerson seniors! They're in River Heights giving out free samples of proto Proactiv and being snippy. Also, Bess falls for one of said seniors before literally falling out of her chair. Nancy, Ned, and George try to find out what KO'd Bess, and of course there's some ma…

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…

Nancy's father asks her to connect with a jeweler, Mr. Moto, who was robbed of an expensive pearl necklace which belongs to a socialite (Paris Hilton). Nancy and Carson end up heading to Japan and are threatened with math riddles! Then they come back and Ned escorts Nancy to a cult party while they're in full prom. It's bonkers and the last of the …

In which Nancy channels Steve Irwin and hangs out with wildlife. Carson's old college buddy Mr. Gonzalez has fallen for a crypto scam and Nancy and the girls head to Florida to check it out. This one is flat out bonkers. There are also submarines, though, so at least there's that.

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 which the lambs are quite loud! Nancy's old friend, whose family owns a pretty big sheep farm, invites Nancy to check out a mysterious parchment picture that her dad recently bought, and then Nancy gets involved in a weird Hitchcock/Sopranos crossover episode featuring human trafficking. So, a normal week for her. Also, Nancy invites her entire …

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…

Nancy takes flying lessons while Bess decides to live out a western romance novel. George is the rodeo clown. Most of the mystery is based on the disappearance of a pilot (Robert Pattinson?) and a weird medallion and a horse theft and a bizarre cloud, and in the end, I blame L. Ron for everything.

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…

Nancy, who should be wildly unqualified for it, is called to help decipher clues leading to a possible treasure related to a long-abandoned indigenous settlement near Las Vegas. Ned, her common law husband, has arranged it since they are super traumatized from his kidnapping in Glowing Eye and need to hang out, and/or chase down clues. The Scientol…

Ned is missing and Carson has a sidepiece. Nancy is DISTRAUGHT. This book also has the BEST post-kidnapping reunion scene. Hollywood, turn THIS into your next attempt at Nancy Drew media, you cowards.