STEM Everyday

Paul Shircliff is not your typical makerspace or STEM educator. He doesn't just know about coding or cardboard or tools or electronics...he knows about ALL of it! And when someone says something about a makerspace, he's quick to remind that "the real makerspace is between your ears"Paul has been a nuclear engineer, a teacher, and most importantly a maker. Connect with Paul:Website paulshircliff.orgTwitter @shirky17Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:dailystem.comtwitterinstagramyoutubeGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Paul Shircliff is not your typical makerspace or STEM educator. He doesn't just know about coding or cardboard or tools or electronics...he knows about ALL of it! And when someone says something about a makerspace, he's quick to remind that "the real makerspace is between your ears"Paul has been a nuclear engineer, a teacher, and most importantly a maker. Connect with Paul:Website paulshircliff.orgTwitter @shirky17Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:dailystem.comtwitterinstagramyoutubeGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

About codeSpark AcademyThe Parents Choice Award-winning codeSpark Academy, which has a presence in more than 1/3 of US school districts, teaches the ABCs of coding through a combo of structured challenges and open-ended play. The app is ideal for at-home learning as its self-directed, project-based model allows kids to learn a complex subject like coding at their own pace. Kids can even learn virtually from their classmates and friends through multi-player modes and sharing completed games and stories on the platform. codeSpark Academy’s gender-neutral characters and easy to use “no words” interface is perfect for kids in 170 countries just starting to master the basics of technology. Teachers can sign up for a FREE educator account About Grant HosfordGrant Hosford is the CEO and co-founder of codeSpark, the venture backed edtech company behind codeSpark Academy, the world’s #1 coding platform for young kids. Using a proprietary “no words” interface, codeSpark has introduced more than 30 million kids ages 4 to 10 to coding in just four years. codeSpark was inspired by Grant’s young daughters, who wanted to know how computers work.Grant is a code.org advisor and speaks regularly about how we can get more girls interested in STEM and computer science. When not working or playing board games with his author wife and three kid coders you can find him on his bike.Connect with Grant & codeSpark:Website codespark.comTwitter @codesparkappInstagram @codesparkappFacebook @codesparkincChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:dailystem.comtwitterinstagramyoutubeGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Just a few short years ago, Ethan Klein and his sister Ayana were making things with cardboard. Now, they're teenage entrepreneurs who created a tool to help kids build creations out of cardboard. Their 3Dux connectors allow pieces of cardboard to be connected together, which allows kids to build "castles, kingdoms, characters, and communities"This podcast isn't just about a great new classroom or makerspace tool, it's also a look behind the scenes of how any kid can create their own business. Listen to this episode with your classroom!Check out the promo video: youtu.be/FLMiA5OeqEQ Connect with 3Dux Design:Website 3duxdesign.comInstagram 3duxdesignFacebook 3duxdesignChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:dailystem.comtwitterinstagramyoutubeGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

What if we took all the good ideas of coding and combined them with the lessons of kindness? That's the idea that Valerie Sousa came up with for her book Coding To Kindness!Valerie Sousa has been a Kindergarten teacher in Massachusetts for 10 years. She began coding with her students three years ago and loved what she saw throughout the process. Her students were engaged, kind, worked collaboratively, and were so excited to code. One thing Valerie noticed during coding time in particular was how much kindness her students showed toward one another. They took turns, showed patience, and respectfully agreed and disagreed with one another. Quickly it became apparent coding in Kindergarten was much more than mathematical, spatial thinking, and understanding of basic programming. Kindness through coding shined each and every time. Her book is inspired by all of those shining moments.Get the book Coding to KindnessOr for bulk discounts, check out EduMatch PublishingConnect with Valerie:Website valeriesousaauthor.comTwitter @valeriesousa7Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:dailystem.comtwitterinstagramyoutubeGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Relevance. Empathy. Action. Lifelong learning. That's the REAL education that Anthony Chiles wants to see in his school and in all of education.Anthony Chiles is a STEAM Educator, consultant, and Student Support Coordinator in Burke County Public Schools, Georgia. When the Mutual, Visual and Physical Spaces (MVP spaces) combine with the four foundational principles of Relevance, Empathy, Action and Lifelong learning, they produce a holistic learning environment. Education must go back to the simple, integrated format for which the greatest minds came from. Learning that is experiential, real and connected to all facets of life. Beyond economics, government policy, or environmental issues, R.E.A.L. education is the foundation for 21st century learningConnect with Anthony:Website mvpspaces.comTwitter @principalsteamChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:dailystem.comtwitterinstagramyoutubeGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

STEM isn't just for elementary kids. In Baltimore, Building STEPS is building opportunities for kids to pursue STEM college and career opportunities. Their program launched in 1999 with the sole purpose of creating a college pathway for underrepresented students to become STEM professionals. Each year, the Building STEPS team helps approximately 200 HS students, 200 College students, and 100 alumni explore careers, participate in internships, attend college, and find success in STEM careers. In a city where 8% of kids go on to earn a college degree, Building STEPS helps 80% of the students they work with earn a college degree!Connect with Building STEPS:Website buildingsteps.orgTwitter @BuildingSTEPSConnect with Debra dhettleman@buildingsteps.orgConnect with Sheyna sheyna.mikeal@buildingsteps.orgChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:dailystem.comtwitterinstagramyoutubeSupport the show

If you've ever thought that biology (or any science) seemed hard to learn, or hard to teach, Melanie Peffer has the solution: "Where have you experienced biology today?"That's the question to ask any kid (or any adult) to help them think about the interconnectedness of biology (or any STEM subject) to the world around us.Melanie is a university educator & researcher in Colorado, and the author of the new book Biology Everywhere: How the Science of Life Matters to Life. It's less textbook and more of a practical way to help break down barriers to science learning for non-science audiences.Connect with Melanie:Book Website biologyeverywhere.comMore info about Melanie melaniepeffer.comTwitter @Melanie_PefferChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:dailystem.comtwitterinstagramyoutubeSupport the show

Robotics used to mean an intro to STEM subjects and head to college, but robotics is part of every career today. Kids are excited to build, program, and drive robots. Robotics can even help kids build friendships!"I don't just want the next generation of STEM leaders & thought leaders, I want kids to learn to accept and understand. Robotics is a universal language for technology, acceptance, and making friends."Dan Mantz is working with the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation to help kids engage with robotics at every age group and all types of machines. Their goal is to inspire students, one robot at a time.Connect with Dan & the REC:RoboticsEducation.org (don't forget to click on your state or region to get specific info)RobotEvents.comTwitter @REC_Foundationvexrobotics.comvexrobotics.com/vexcode for virtual Vex codingChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:dailystem.comtwitterinstagramyoutubeSupport the show

What if there was a podcast with real scientists sharing how they solved big problems?And what if that podcast was designed for kids?Jen Swanson and Jed Doherty designed the Solve it For Kids podcast with that exact goal! Each episode features a great scientist sharing their stories and ideas in easily accessible terms, all in a fun format.Jen is also a prolific children's book author and also speaks at conferences, schools, libraries, & more!Connect with Jennifer:Website solveitforkids.comMore about Jen Swanson jenniferswansonbooks.comSTEAM Team Books website steamteambooks.comListen to Jen on Episode #170 of the STEM Everyday PodcastChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:dailystem.comtwitterinstagramyoutubeSupport the show