The 5th-Grade Futurists

John Spencer, educator and voice of The Creative Classroom Podcast has inspired us with some “Slime-y rhetoric.” Using this SLIME acronym, the Fifth-Grade Futurists have laid out their 2022 resolutions. Come listen! Music Credit: Intro Music, "Dreams" by Violette Outro Music, "Copyright" by Sophia

In this episode, John, Gabe, and Noah channel their passion for sports and discuss some of the amazing contributions Black Americans have made to the games we know and love today.

Juliana, Jack, and Noah discuss the latest racist controversy about Theodore Geisel Seuss, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss. Kids need to know about the hurtful imagery and ideas espoused by the author and the difference between learning from their mistakes and carrying on with ignorant stereotypes.

In this episode, the 5th-grade Futurists explore the important lives and legacies of three extraordinary women who have fought for freedom and equality for People of Color and explore a poem written by another brave girl, Amanda Gorman.

The 5th-Grade Futurists share insights on the Civil Rights era, as well as what it means to be woke.

For every fight that's been fought to protect and continue the despicable of slavery, there have also been acts of resistance. In this episode, John, Jason, Olivia, Juliana, and Noah share why it's important to learn our history, and how to use our voices to fight for that in which we believe.

Welcome to Season 3 of our classroom production. In this episode of the Fifth Grade Futurists Podcast, we learn from Gabe and Noah about the early years of slavery in America, discuss some powerful quotes, and share a poem by Mahogany L. Browne. Cover design by Miles Music selection by Olivia

The New York Times has been posting fresh writing prompts every school day for over a decade now, and every so often they create a themed collection like this one. Over the next few episodes, the 5th-Grade Futurists will be talking about the intersection between technology and the lives of kids like them. We hope they'll inspire you to consider these issues and reflect by Tweeting us back at @GMcKinney2. So dive in and listen to the answers these students have come up with to the questions that have most inspired us to reflect on who we are and what we believe.

Circuses must STOP animal cruelty now. Here in Michigan, the United States, and the world. Listen to these 5th graders explain why. Episode cover art by Olivia C.

Have you ever thought about starting your own podcast? In this episode, our 5th-grade Futurists will explain how they got their start, and how you can too!

It's Shark Week in Room 14! For the Fifth-Grade Futurists 10th episode, we take on the topic of sharks: friend or foe? Do we have more to fear from them, or them from us? You be the judge after listening to Evan, Owen, and Faith explain why they think these apex predators are nothing more than cute and cuddly critters!

Today, the fifth grade futurists will take you on a journey below the sea... Well, at least to Sea World.... And there, they will share with you their opinion on whether or not Orca Whales should be kept in captivity and forced to entertain us. Spoiler alert! They don't think that they should. Listen to find out about the united nations' global goals for a better future, specifically looking at life below water and learn about the conditions that our gentle giant friends are forced to endure.

From poisoning and injuring marine life to harming human health, from littering our beaches and landscapes to clogging our waste streams and landfills, the exponential growth of plastics is now threatening the survival of our planet. In episode 008, we'll learn about how we can and should be innovating the way we use single-use plastic bags from 5th-grade experts Eric, Chloe, and Ellison.

In this latest episode of The 5th-Grade Futurists, you'll hear a creative take on the traditional classroom podcast. Instead of a scripted conversation, you'll hear Ryan, Roberto, and Ekaansh debate off the cuff about the impact of plastics on the environment, and the alternatives that may usher in a better future!

The latest episode of The 5th-Grade Futurists includes passionate interviews with Chase, Saanvi, Olivia, and Colin. They will be discussing zoos and the potential harm that they can cause. It will make you rethink your next family outing for sure!

In episode 005, we'll learn about how we can save the animals we love such as tigers, otters, and blue macaws, by preserving life on land. Our 5th-grade experts featured in this episode are Colin, Ellison, Chloe, and Chase.

In today's episode, you will hear 5th-grade students who were asked to research a topic close to their heart, and become an advocate for change through their agency. In episode 004, we'll hear from Michael, Van, and Faith, who have done some research into the UN's global goals for sustainable development surrounding health and well-being.

In today's episode, you will hear 5th-grade students talking about the issues that they care most deeply about, and the things that they want to take action on in order to make the world a better place. In episode 003, we'll catch up with Ashwin, Ryan, Saanvi, and Ekaansh as they advocate for the 11th, 13th, and 17th global goals: Making cities inclusive, safe, and sustainable as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

In episode 002, we'll check in with Olivia, Evan, Owen, and Ben, as they discuss threats that are facing many of Earth's animals, above and below the water.

In this episode, you will hear from 5th-graders Eric, Roberto, Emma, and Olivia, explaining why the world needs to secure a quality education for all, while ridding itself of gender discrimination and poverty.