
STEM Everyday
The STEM Everyday podcast focuses on how easy it is to incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) into education. We explore and share great ideas that inspire students to take ownership in their learning. Episodes include short (20 minute) interviews with educators, innovators, & authors who are using creative ways to add STEM to their classrooms and communities everyday!
Latest episodes

Aug 2, 2024 • 28min
STEM Everyday #270 | Tinkercad, Design, & Technology | feat. Ed Charlwood
Ed Charlwood has been a Design & Technology teacher in the UK for over 20 years. He also just published the book Mastering Tinkercad to help kids better understand one of the simplest CAD programs. As an instructor and helper of educators, Ed has a mission to empower students with power CAD tools so they can solve real problems. Specifically: Design is a superpowerCAD is a tool in a superheroes belt. We need tooled-up superheroes to save us, so we need our students to go to the dojo and master these tools.Find out more about a free PDF of Mastering Tinkercad for your students on CadClass.org (or get a super helpful paper copy) Other episodes mentioned in this episode:#260 with Mike Harmon#248 with Josh & Jake from CadClass.orgPeople mentioned by Ed:Roma Agrawal, the author of Nuts and Bolts, Seven Small Inventions That Changed the World in a Big WayBill Hammack, the Engineer GuyConnect with Ed:Website: mrcharlwood.blogspot.comTwitter/X: @mrcharlwoodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ed-charlwoodChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Jul 29, 2024 • 25min
STEM Everyday #269 | The Brooklyn Robot Foundry | feat. Jenny Young
Jenny Young spent a great deal of time building with her father in their family’s garage when she was growing up. She learned how familiar things worked by taking them apart, and how to put them back together in new combinations. It was this hands-on building experience that stayed with Jenny and ultimately sparked the idea for Brooklyn Robot Foundry.After getting a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Jenny worked in various areas of design, manufacturing, supply chain management and software development. It was when she was working in education technology that Jenny saw an overwhelming need for more open-ended, hands-on learning for elementary school students. Between reduced school budgets, overcrowding, and standardized testing, students were no longer getting an immersive engineering education.In 2011, Jenny launched Brooklyn Robot Foundry at the New York City Maker Faire. The unique approach would combine kid-friendly projects with room for experimentation and creative design, resulting in working robots and elated, children.Founded in 2011 and with four locations open currently, the brand focuses on sharing the fun of STEAM education with children everywhere, inspiring them to continue a life full of exploration, problem-solving, and imagination. They do this by offering fun, creative and educational classes, parties, camps and field trips to children 2-14 years old.Their signature designs and building methods allow children to build on their own, resulting not only in a cool robot but also in increased confidence. They provide the guidelines for each day’s robots, but the final design is up to the student, offering a variety of programs, ranging in commitment from a single class to an entire semester.Connect with Jenny & The Brooklyn Robot Foundry:Website: brooklynrobotfoundry.comFacebook: @robotfoundryInstagram: @robotfoundryChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Jul 27, 2024 • 27min
STEM Everyday #268 | The Ultimate STEM Lab | feat. Amy Ely
Amy Ely has been a STEM educator for almost 20 years, building STEM curriculum and classes at multiple schools in metro Detroit. Now at Detroit Catholic Central, she is the Director of STEM and Science Teacher. Amy has over the past 2 years had the opportunity to help plan and open the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science. With tailored programs and state-of-the-art facilities, the new STEM center provides the extra support students need to excel academically and gain valuable skills and experiences that prepare them for higher education and future careers.The George & Mary Turek Hall of Science, which will house CC's STEM curriculum and programs, and is scheduled to open for students in August 2024. The addition, funded by alumni and benefactors, will include a number of exciting features for students and the community:57,000 Sq Ft of Learning Space 8 Dedicated Science Labs4 Versatile Lab Prep RoomsCutting-Edge Engineering Lab5,300 Sq Ft FIRST Robotics Competition FieldRobotics Programming & Building ZonesFabrication & Machinery RoomInnovation & Conceptualization LabsMulti-Functional MakerSpaceEco-Friendly Green RoofSustainability Focused Greenhouse130-Seat Immersive Lecture Hall4 Meter Observa-Dome with GPS Computerized Celestron TelescopeRedBird 180° Flight SimulatorNASA MIE Alliance PartnerConnect with Amy & Detroit Catholic Central:Website: catholiccentral.netLearn more about the STEM lab: catholiccentral.net/academics/stemTwitter/X for Amy: @DCCSTEMTwitter/X for the school: @DCC1928Facebook: @DCC1928Instagram: @dcc1928Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Jul 7, 2024 • 23min
STEM Everyday #267 | A Mobile STEM Lab | feat. Jennifer Dewar
How can kids have access to STEM opportunities no matter where they live? The Oklahoma Connections Academy was able to purchase a bus and are in the process of turning it into a mobile STEM lab! "It's a world of difference because we're taking what (the kids) are already exposed to, what they already have, and we're just elevating it to the next level. We want to make sure that they have just a full, comprehensive, educational experience. And we want them to enjoy what they're doing,” said High School Science teacher Kristen Whitmer.Jennifer Dewar is the high school assistant principal at Oklahoma Connections Academy, a virtual school serving students all over the state. She began her teaching career in 1994 and joined Oklahoma Connections Academy in 2017. She has always loved working with students since her days teaching in a preschool while she attended college. Teaching in elementary and middle schools in several states since then has afforded me the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of students and families.The academy was given a $212,374 grant from the HDR Foundation to build their mobile STEM lab. HDR "specializes in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that."The HDR Foundation has donated over $9 million in grants since 2012.Connect with Jennifer & the Academy:Website: connectionsacademy.com/oklahoma-virtual-school/News story about the mobile labFacebook: @OklahomaConnectionsAcademyThe HDR Foundation: hdrinc.com/about-us/hdr-foundationChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

May 24, 2024 • 12min
STEM Everyday #266 | SpaceKids Global | feat. Sharon Hagle
There are 3.5 million STEM jobs that need to be filled by 2025 in the United States.* Studies show that if children aren't exposed to math and science at an age of seven, they'll lose interest. SpaceKids Global is on a mission to ensure every child is ready to enter the space age.Sharon Hagle, entrepreneur and astronaut, founded SpaceKids Global™ in 2015 with the mission to inspire STEAM+ Environment Education, with the goal of bringing the possibility of space to children. Sharon shares her journey to space and introduces students through speaking engagements at schools, nonprofit youth organizations, science centers, universities and space organizations. To date, Sharon has reached over 700,000 students globally.The SpaceKids Press Squad (SKPS) is a national competition hosted by SpaceKidsGlobal. Eight U.S. students age 8-12, plus one parent or legal guardian for each, will be selected for an exclusive opportunity to witness a launch from Blue Origin’s Mission Control at Kennedy Space Center. Students selected will form the Press Squad and transform into space reporters with the unique access to interview astronauts and various Blue Origin astronauts and staff. Learn more: www.spacekids.global/press-squadConnect with SpaceKids Global:Website: www.spacekids.globalInformation about the Press Squad: www.spacekids.global/press-squadTwitter/X: @spacekidsglobalYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCBbnk-mxgfULHMYkuVhCmKQFacebook: @thespacekidsglobalInstagram: @spacekidsglobalChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

May 4, 2024 • 23min
STEM Everyday #265 | The Science of Sport | feat. Daren Heaton
The leaders behind Science of Sport use the familiarity of athletics to make STEM education more approachable and inclusive to all learners. The nonprofit organization partners with professional sports teams to provide exciting hands-on, minds-on learning experiences for elementary and middle school students across the county, creates interdisciplinary programming that translates the concepts of sports into an understanding of the underlying science and mathematics, and hosts training events for teachers to help bring more diverse lesson plans and STEM learning into classrooms.To date, Science of Sport has created over 100 lesson plans, handed out 20,000 STEM kits, and trained over 6,000 teachers, which has impacted more than 600,000 students. Science of Sport Executive Director Daren Heaton oversees all operations and programming and has worked with over 35 professional sports teams to deliver impactful education programs (MLB, NBA, MLS, NFL, and College Conferences). Heaton previously worked for the Arizona Diamondbacks as the Manager of Education Initiatives, where he managed all education programs in the community through the Sales Department, and helped start the D-backs Science of Baseball program. His additional affiliations to professional sports teams include the Los Angeles Galaxy from 2009 to 2011 where he was a Group Sales Account ExecutiveConnect with The Science of Sport and Daren:Website: sciencesport.orgFind the lesson plans: sciencesport.org/lessonsEmail Daren: daren@sciencesport.org Twitter/X: @ScienceofSport_YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC-knCxjr7xKJohaSW-U2LQQFacebook: @scienceofsportofficialInstagram: @scienceofsport__Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Apr 28, 2024 • 22min
STEM Everyday #264 | Museums & STEM | feat. Darryl Williams
As The Franklin Institute’s Senior Vice President of Science and Education, Dr. Darryl N. Williams oversees all aspects of the science and educational programming at the heart of the Institute’s efforts to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology.Dr. Williams earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Hampton University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. After earning his doctorate, he served as a NIH Postdoctoral Fellow in pediatric cardiology research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He also served as a Dean at Tufts University's School of Engineering, Dr. Williams joined the Institute from Tufts University’s School of Engineering as well as four years with the National Science Foundation, managing a range of federal programs and research focused on STEM teaching and learning, formal and informal learning environments, and workforce development. With more than a decade of experience in everything from clinical research to workforce development, Dr. Williams brings not only a wealth of knowledge on science and technology learning to The Franklin Institute, but also a vibrantly interdisciplinary perspective.Two important Franklin Institute programs discussed are the PACTS (Partnership for Achieving Careers in Tech & Science) program, which is a middle school program that partners with STEM professionals for middle school students to understand the processes of science, and STEM Scholars, which helps high school students with college and career prep, ACT tutoring, college essays, scholarships, paid internships, and more.Connect with The Franklin Institute and Darryl:Website: fi.eduCheck out the Franklin Institute Award winners Twitter/X: @thefranklinInstagram: @franklininstituteDarryl's Twitter/X: @dnwilliChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Apr 14, 2024 • 26min
STEM Everyday #263 | Media Arts for STEM | feat. Adam Todd
Adam Todd is an elementary Media Arts teacher in New York City Public Schools. He turned his experiences in the media industry into practical opportunities for his students to create the daily "Bee TV" news at his school. His students have even appeared on local news in NYC! Check out some of their work & appearances on their YouTube Channel. Adam also started the Classroom Dynamics podcast to help educators "dive into powerful professional development insights designed to cultivate a vibrant 21st-century classroom environment." In April of 2024, the podcast focuses on STEM & STEAM experts sharing ideas and experiences.Learn more by following the links below or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Connect with Adam:Website: classroomdynamics.wixsite.com/podcastTwitter/X: @classdynamicsChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Apr 5, 2024 • 22min
STEM Everyday #262 | A STEM Workforce | feat. Nicole Otte of Endress+Hauser
Endress+Hauser is a global company focused on measurement and automation technology for process and laboratory applications, helping to shape the industry’s digital transformation. Nicole Otte is the Director of Workforce Development at Endress+Hauser, and previously spent 11 years as a HS Engineering & Technology teacher, including using Project Lead the Way curriculum. She also served as Director of Central Nine Career Center in Greenwood, Indiana.Endress+Hauser USA has made a commitment to students and community members through its workforce development and philanthropy initiatives. In 2023, Endress+Hauser USA hosted 15 visits for more than 800 K-12 visitors from seven public and private school corporations at its Design & Innovation Studio in Greenwood, Indiana, delivering learning opportunities and resources to students and educators. The Design & Innovation Studio is equipped with Industry 4.0 technology. In partnership with the Purdue Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC), the Endress+Hauser USA Design & Innovation Studio also offers 3-D printing, robotics, Sphero BOLTS, littleBits, micro:bits, engineering and science modules and coding. In addition, Endress+Hauser USA’s annual Community Career+Education Forum (CCEF) hosted more than 300 students in Greenwood and more than 250 students in Pearland, Texas.Connect with Nicole and Endress+Hauser:Website: endress.comLearn about the Design & Innovation StudioChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Apr 3, 2024 • 21min
STEM Everyday #261 | Be The Cause | feat. Josh Korb
Josh Korb strives to revolutionize the world of education. Beginning his career as a math teacher, Josh's innate drive to innovate led him to become a Director of Technology and Innovation. This role allowed him to merge his love for teaching with his profound experience in instructional technology, in hopes of transforming the educational landscape. As an accomplished author, educational consultant, and captivating speaker, Josh shares his insights on the intersection of technology and education, inspiring audiences and unboxing potential. His ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction has cemented his reputation as a thought leader in his educational community.Josh's new book Be The Cause is based on a simple statement, yet it holds the power to change lives, shape futures, and set countless stories in motion. His goal is to help educators come away inspired to not just be A teacher, but THE teacher! "If we are intentional in the little moments, they can stack up to be a massive shift in the way a child learns, feels, and ultimately grow. Be The Cause challenges you to reflect on your own experiences as both a student and an educator. Consider the teachers who made a lasting impact on your life and how they did it. Then, ask yourself how you can do the same for your students."Connect with Josh:Website: joshkorb.org Book Website: youcanbethecause.comTwitter/X: @bethecausebookTwitter/X: @mrjkorbInstagram: @mrjoshkorbChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show