Learning Unboxed

Camp Invention is a STEM summer program for grades K-6 that turns curious students into innovative thinkers, and it’s a program that our host Annalies has a personal love and connection with — because, after her son attended Camp Invention, he came back with absolutely rave reviews.Our guest today is Krissy Hostetler, Education Team Specialist at the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) in Akron, Ohio, which hosts Camp Invention in addition to a number of other fantastic programs for children of all ages. Krissy is a problem-solving powerhouse, with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a M.Sc. in Urban and Regional Planning.Krissy also included a fantastic tidbit in her bio that we wanted to share with you, to help you get a better idea of just how awesome she is:  "There are days where I am under a desk in the dark to observe LED brightness and other days where I'm building hydraulic cranes using paper cups, duct tape, and aquarium tubing." You just have to love a girl who can make anything happen with duct tape and paper cups.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgResources:Learn more at www.invent.orgYouTube: www.youtube.com/NationalInventorsHallofFame_NIHFTwitter: twitter.com/InventorsHOFLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nihfLearning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate MediaRecorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

We’re frequently talking about how we can broaden a student’s perspective of the world and their role in it, particularly through the lens of STEM education, but how do we get kids thinking about social change? And then, how do we get kids to start taking action to change the world?It was asking himself that question—how can I make an impact?—that led Adam Morris to his current career as a social impact coach who is inspiring greater social change in the world through Wild Tiger Tees and the People Helping People podcast.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgResources:People Helping People: peoplehelpingpeople.worldWild Tiger Tees: www.wildtigertees.comInstagram: @adam_s_morrisLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amorrisTwitter: @adam_s_morrisLearning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate MediaRecorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

Our guest and our host have something in common this week: they both started exploring technology and the world of STEM after their parents brought home a Gateway 2000 PC! It really can’t be understated how impactful just being exposed to the idea of new technology — and being encouraged to play with it — can change what you think is possible with your life.That’s why Olu Ibrahim created Kids in Tech, a nonprofit that strives to excite, educate, and empower children to acquire skills and confidence in technology through interactive after school programs. Their programs focus on helping kids develop the necessary tech skills and aptitudes to participate in and be future leaders of the 21st-century innovation economy.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgResources:Kidsintech.orgInstagram: instagram.com/kidsintechorgFacebook: facebook.com/kidsintechorgLearning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate MediaRecorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

We first talked about BioEYES — a K-12 science education program that aims to foster enthusiasm for science by offering students opportunities to explore life science through real-world applications using a hands-on approach to learning — back in episode 51 with the wonderful Jamie Shuda. Today, we're going to dive deeper into the nuts and bolts of the program with a conversation featuring a teacher and a couple of students who've actually lived and experienced BioEYES.Katie Benton is a 20-year veteran teacher, and she helps bring programs like BioEYES into Barrington Elementary School. Katie is joined by Louise and Evren, two rising fifth-graders who had the opportunity to participate in BioEYES in Katie’s classroom. We’ll learn what it was like for Katie to bring this program into her class, what it was like for the students who participated, and how being exposed to the program changed the students’ perspectives.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgResources:www.bioeyes.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/bioeyesInstagram: www.instagram.com/bioeyesLearning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate MediaRecorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

Today’s episode is all about the intersection of art education, joy, and critical thought. Our guests, Raygan Barrett & Nicole Clevenger, are the co-founders of Wonderment, creators of curated art experience that help educators and parents cultivate creative thinking. But the program is about more than just art; it’s a combination of connecting to the world, connecting to each other, and learning about all aspects of life through the lens of art.Wonderment is basically a combination of Nicole and Raygan’s experiences. Nicole's background in informal education allows her to dive deep into the subject matter, play off of children's interests, and encourage learning through experience. As an artist, Raygan focuses more on exploration, thinking like an artist, and the creative process. The alchemy of these two approaches and experiences is a truly one-of-a-kind learning experience, for everyone involved.Plus, Raygan and Nicole have come up with some great ideas for how parents can bring Wonderment into their own communities this Summer.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgResources:Learn more at www.wonderment.artWonderment on Instagram: www.instagram.com/wonderment.artRaygan on Instagram: www.instagram.com/artbyrayganNicole on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-clevenger-24497669Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate MediaRecorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

This week, we’re talking about one of our favorite styles of education — one that asks students to get hands-on, roll up their sleeves, get in the weeds (among other things), and actively apply everything they’re learning. Specifically, we’re talking about Zoo Schools, which are just as cool as they sound. Our guests are Emily Cunningham, a veteran science educator and an instructor at the Columbus Zoo School, and Erin Murray, a senior at the Zoo School. We’ll learn what exactly goes on at Zoo School and why these alternative forms of education can serve so many students so much better than the traditional high school route.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgResources:Learn more about Columbus Zoo SchoolDelaware Area Career CenterLearning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate MediaRecorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

Raymond Alf Museum of Paleontology in Claremont, CA, is unique in that they’re the only nationally accredited Natural History Museum that's located on a high school campus, which also makes The Webb Schools one of the coolest high school campuses in the country.To learn more about this collaboration, we sit down with Andy Farke, a paleontologist and educator who involves high school students in every step of the scientific research process.This is an incredible conversation that offers a glimpse at how STEM education can be transformed and given life for students, even in formal education spaces, as well as how non-traditional educators can be mentors to students.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgResources:Raymond Alf Museum: www.alfmuseum.orgLearn more about Andy’s  work: www.alfmuseum.org/science/research/andrew-a-farke-ph-d/Twitter: twitter.com/andyfarkeLearning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate MediaRecorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

When Maurice Womack was a kid, he loved science fiction. Star Trek, Star Wars, Transformers, Voltron — pretty much anything an 80s kid could watch on Saturday morning that made him think about the world differently. This love for space ships and robots turned into imaginative play, which in turn turned into a passion for engineering. So, growing up, Maurice always knew he wanted to be an engineer. He didn’t, however, know that he’d become an educator.Now Maurice is the co-founder of OASIS, a STEAM learning company based in Columbus, Ohio. And if that wasn’t already enough to get us excited at the PAST Foundation, just check out what OASIS stands for: Opening Access to STEAM in Informal Settings. This emphasis on play and informal education is exactly what we hope to see more of from children’s programs, and it’s interesting to hear how the increasing popularity of things like Marvel superheroes is helping kids follow the same path from play to passion that Maurice forged in his childhood.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgResources:Oasismatters.comFREE STEM Club: Club OASISLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mauricewomackLearning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate MediaRecorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

This spring many families found themselves as defacto teachers, while trying to work from home and manage their families. It was heavy lift for all of us. But now what, schools out - summer is upon us but camps, parks and rec centers, and such may still be shut down -- what!! You mean more working, learning, playing.... Take a deep breadth, and learn a few valuable lessons from a seasoned Home School mom. 

Tom Burden was an F-16 mechanic in the Air Force, and every day, one of the most painful parts of the job was having his tools slide off the aircraft. Lucky for the Air Force and all of the mechanics who came after him, this mechanical engineer made a decision: to solve that problem, no matter what. And, with some inspiration from his mom’s dashboard mount for her phone, he developed the Grypmat.Tom has become a frequent visitor to The PAST Foundation, and the kiddos just love hearing his story — because it’s awesome. We are constantly telling teachers, schools, and members of our community the same thing: tap into the thing that you're passionate about. But, for many, it’s hard to take action on this admittedly esoteric advice. However, when they hear Tom’s story, it makes the esoteric concrete; it makes the idea of finding and leveraging your passions and talents feel doable, no matter what age you are.So, we love that we’re now able to share his story on the podcast because we truly want everyone in the world to feel like they’re capable of finding their superpower and turning that into a career. Tom even has a great hack for finding something you’re passionate about if you have no idea where to start.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgResources:www.grypmat.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/toburdenLearning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate MediaRecorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio