The I Heart STEAM Teacher Podcast

New Year... New STEM and STEAM resources on the way!On the first episode of 2023, Matthias Kirschner joins us all the way from Germany! Matthias is the President of the Free Software Foundation in Europe, and he's been on this journey since 2004. Why do we need to know more about the Free Software Foundation? Teachers... their mission is to promote popular and professional education for all. It's an organization with the learner and the educator as a priority! See more about the FSFE mission here. I understand that, quite frankly, this area can be intimidating for educators around the world. Because of this, using, creating, and learning more software and the latest technology misses our students that are not intimidated at all in most cases! How do we fix this?Matthias has just published Ada and Zangeman that speaks to ALL in a wonderful story. It totally is a movie quality book... Will it come? I hope so! The character development and educational aspects for the use of technology and software by us, the users, has me wanting to pick up the phone and call Dreamworks! However, this is not all the mission for Matthias and the FSFE. Matthias has worked with students in camps and absolutely loves to teach and share with children and teens. Ada and Zangeman is a true reflection of his passion! Check out the FSFE repository with open educational resources just for the book here. Find more information about the FSFE on twitter!If you are feeling a little intimidating about teaching students more about the concepts of hardware and software, use All About Technology from the I Heart STEAM store that is a complete STEAM project unit: Upper Grades Version and Tiny Minds STEAM Version. Grab a free STEAM Classroom Start Up Kit to help you even more with your technology adventures! 

Family STEAM time is always fun. We love challenging each other and creating together, but this family STEAM is totally a new one for me!Meet Lobee Learning.. Mom, Tandy Moye and Son, John Moye have taken their best STEAM skills and combined them into an AMAZING platform for teachers, families, homeschoolers, and MORE! Not only will Lobee Learning take you through project-based learning like never before, but they are also going to make sure that you have all the tools in hand! That's right! This is a STEAM platform that comes with ALL the lesson materials.John explained to us the admiration he has for his mom and how opened curiousity with her students. He left the world of business to bring her thinking and his business skills to create a simply mesmerizing platform. Look, I love a good messy build. The build style spelling of Lobee in the logo had me at HELLO!Take a listen. It's not too often we get a good family competition on the show! I can't wait to start my first Lobee Learning project!And speaking of fun projects.. PLEASE tell me you have gotten the Elf Shelf Science Investigation from the I Heart STEAM store! When you walk in the doors after Thanksgiving Break.. the excitement and good behavior will begin! By the way, are you on the emailing list? Every single member just received an entire FREEBIE package of winter resources! Go ahead and get on their today! More freebies on the way!

How do we fit everything in during November and December?Staying on track with instructionHoliday activitiesBenchmark testingSTEAM?Use this episode to guide your classroom through the holidays and find time for STEAM!The Classroom Elf Investigation kills two birds with one stone: behavior and STEAM! Keep a No Wheels Field Trip on hand for those random timeframes! Enjoy a holiday project like German Christmas Markets!Use these holiday gift guides for your classroom!STEM Gift GuideClassroom Christmas ListRemember there is no way to get it all done! The best time in the classroom is always those that make an impact! Don't forget to get on the email list for a special treat!

Project-based learning, the beginning driving question, classroom essential questions, enduring understandings.. This list can be overwhelming! Today we break it down and make it right! If you do something in the classroom just for a leader and not the students, it won't matter much. You have to KNOW why you do something with students and know they need it. Let's get the whole question dilemma sorted out!Check out some great driving questions from our friends at Rock by Rock!In this episode, we talk about improving student connections to questions through inquiry practice. My favorite strategy: See, Think, Wonder ! Get a little more info right here on the blog and grab the latest resource for this strategy right here! To get even more inquiry practice in, take your students on a virtual investigation journey. This one is hot off the presses!Free resources always pick me up! Use these STEAM explanation posters for better understanding in the classroom, and hold your horses... I will be sending out 4 C posters to the email list soon. Make sure you are on it!Until next time, Do you I Heart STEAM, too?

Real world projects for the classroom can be so overwhelming. Is it time to bring the ultimate hack for real world projects in the classroom?Yes! On today's episode, meet Jeff Lynch and Sungae Yang. Real teachers   have finally designed a real world project platform that only requires one click! It's an all in one everything platform that incorporates science, ela, math, social-emotional learning, and... you name it, it has it for your elementary students! Introducing Rock by Rock.The only way to really grasp the magnitude of Rock by Rock is to visit this platform and see for yourself! Create a free account and get started!Subscribe to stay up to dat this month with introductions of the many projects on the platform! Before you get started with projects in the classroom, make sure you give a good introduction to STEAM! Take a look at a few tips and amazing resources for that! Grab a set of STEAM posters for free!

Teach this word to your students this year without fail! Join me today and find out the most important word to teach, a plan for teaching it, and resources for your classroom!This isn't just a STEM word! It will help with every challenge in your classroom! I am bringing my favorite guest for teaching this word.. the one and only YODA! My favorite quotes from Yoda can be found here! Yoda Classroom Resources:Yoda Quote Wall DecorYoda BabyYoda Pop-It PadYoda Stickers for RewardsWhen it comes to really taking a deep dive into the challenges of STEM and STEAM, I love using All About the 4 C's! Teaching creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication in the classroom will help with many STEM challenges! In today's episode, I will share a list of books to use for this word. Find them below:Walt's Imagination: The Life of Walt Disney  by Doreen RappaportOprah Winfrey: A Kid's Book About Believing in Yourself by Mary NhinAlbert Einstein: A Kid's Book About Thinking and Using Your Imagination by Mary NhinThe Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert ColesTimeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives by Gene BarettaJoin me next week with our special guests, Jeff Lynch and Sungae Yang,  to start off the Rock by Rock September! Take a look now!Get ready for the best STEAM University ever! Join the waitlist! As always, do you I Heart STEAM, too?

Here it is... The STEAM Survival Guide of Resources!On this episode, I share the STEAMed UP Teacher Framework™️! Too good not to listen!Resources from the episode:9 Step Guide for the Ultimate STEAM ClassroomConversation/Routine PostersSTEAM Explanation PostersTiny Minds STEAM for K-1Introduction to STEAM and STEAM CareersWhen all else fails... have tons of peppermint! Find more information for your STEAMventures on the I Heart STEAM Website! ❤️️Tell us thank you by subscribing and leaving a review!❤️️

Grab something to write with and something to write on! We are going to get interactive! In this episode, I will share my favorite back to school project: Invention Smash Up. I love this project because it really brings out ideation with students and allows for teaching the design process.I take my students on a journey through thought. It blows their mind when I show them how to create thoughts and ideas with forced connections. I may or may not say that I have control of their mind. I use my favorite process poster to move students through the Engineering Design Process and consistently use it throughout the rest of the school year!Recently, I attended the US Patent Office's Summer Teacher STEM Institute and went through the process of design and patenting, myself! This was an amazing conference! Check it out! Keep listening for more of my favorite projects coming in this school year! Ready to change your classroom into project-based learning classroom? Grab the guide with 9 tips! I want to hear from you! Leave a review and share what you like or need!

Time to hear the truth about STEM. It's so hard to hear truth. As long as something isn't said out in the open, then it's not true. We have to face it. Things will never change if we don't.Come listen and hear 2 hard truths. One is actually personal! This one stung to talk about. Then, let's help you face a truth about STEM/STEAM you have to hear. Let's start the upcoming school year off right by facing the truth and being prepared! Join me for the Roadmap to STEAM Masterclass here. 3 time slots available next week! Grab the essential Introduction to STEAM Foundations for your classroom! Make sure you have the Engineering Design Process ready for your classroom with a free resource here. Please subscribe and leave a review if you love what you hear!

Looking at the skies just got the kind of million dollar makeover we all dream of! Listeners of all types....teachers, parents, and ANYONE on this PLANET, get ready for the kind of space tech at your fingertips we thought was CLASSIFIED!!Meet Mike from Slooh! Michael Paolucci is an internet entrepreneur and a pioneer of online advertising, as well as online video editing, online labor marketplaces, and social astronomy. Michael is currently the founder and CEO of Slooh, a digital education platform teaching students to explore space via a network of online telescopes. He holds a patent for live astronomy.Funded in part by a National Science Foundation grant, Slooh brings the wonders of space exploration to upper elementary through post-secondary students around the world with The Online Telescope for Teachers. For almost 20 years, the company has provided the ability to view space phenomena, capture observational data, and engage in gamified learning through its patented user-controlled network of online telescopes in the Canary Islands and Chile. The company additionally provides robust professional development to help educators drive student learning. Slooh also recently announced The Online Telescope for Families which enables families to explore, capture, and analyze more than 1,000 real-world space objects and events using professional-grade technology together – all from the comfort of their homes. I literally haven't seen anything like this and said, "YES!" I took my own photographs of the crescent moon last week! Yep, that's right my own images that are stored on the Slooh Library in my dashboard. Don't walk... RUN to Slooh and get started! Find the link below:https://www.education.slooh.com/familiesFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SloohEDU Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slooh/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SloohLive/ Let's light up Slooh on May 15 at 9:30 PM Eastern and join in their community celebration!Ready for more STEM/STEAM to transform your classroom? STEAM University is open and more affordable than EVER! Go ahead and start planning for a classroom filled with wonder, joy, and 21st century learners by signing up at: https://teach.iheartsteam.com/steam

On today's show I have the perfect STEAM superhero for us ALL!We have Mike Schloff from the Maple Woodshop on the show, and he's going to tell us all about woodworking can come into your classroom. Yes, you and your students can build new shelves, birdhouses, a mud kitchen, a solution to your latest problem for project-based learning, or anything you can imagine! Better yet, he is here to build your confidence and make you feel like a woodworking expert for your students!The first thing I did after recording this show was report to my administration that I have found our next AMAZING PD! Don't miss this episode!Take a look at the opportunities the Maple Woodshop is offering for schools below:Maple Woodshop School OpportunitiesGo ahead and connect with them on Instagram!There is no better way to start understanding more when you walk into the hardware store than the Maple Woodshop! I am super excited to start building more with wood in the classroom now! Officially, I am now collecting wood scraps and adding more training to STEAM University! Are you ready to get in? Right now and right now only, I have a special running for those who join! Just hit the link below!STEAM UniversityPlease subscribe and leave us a review if you enjoyed today's show!

Dr. Marci Klein is joining the show to share the MOST amazing tiny little STEM tools with us!After working in child development as a pediatrician for over 20 years, she transitioned into the STEM Education world inspired by none other than her own children! Cardboard is literally a pain in my side and the best tool in the shop when it comes to STEM building for K-5, but I bet many of us would agree that it isn't the easiest item to cut or connect. I've tried many neat ideas, but 3duxDesign has blown me away with their connectors and teacher resources! Yep, teacher resources.... Did I mention they're FREE? Please tour the 3duxDesign website and take a look under the learn section!https://www.3duxdesign.com/In today's episode, we talk about sustainability and conservation of supplies/resources.  If you have listened, as promised, here is the link to Precious Plastics which I could not remember at all!I always love a good story, and she has one to tell us! Psssst.... There may be some collaborations coming soon... possibly to STEAM University! Get on the waitlist today, but before you go grab the totally FREE Ultimate STEAM Classroom Guide!

In every episode of the I Heart STEAM Teacher Podcast, I make it a point to provide useful and completely positive information.My heart has been heavy for a few years with the directions public education is moving into, but this year takes the cake. So today.... I am discussing quite a few topics that WE should ALL stop for just a moment and think about a little bit.So.. DEAR EDUCATION, It's time we talked.This isn't a total rant. It's a thoughtful hmmmmmm.... Has common sense and proven researched brain and age appropriate learning styles our teachers need to be using just taken a U-turn upon seeing the Krispy Kreme "Hot Now" sign lit up on the road to sound educational practices.... and forgotten to leave those wonderful treasures found in the Krispy Kreme shop to find their way back to us?I would love to know your thoughts on the episode topics! Drop an email to bonnie@iheartsteam.com anytime! As promised in the episode, my two best management strategies for independent learning and listening/speaking skills are ready for you to download! Grab them here. Yes, they are so simple.... How could this work? Friends.... simple isn't always a bad thing. I see you glittery teacher with sparkly management tools and routines in your classroom, but I will sit and get to know my students more while they just follow two simple guidelines that work, work, work, and you can keep applying more glitter! Side note: I like glitter, too!Listening and Speaking Skills Strategy Poster/ Independent Activity Movement Strategy Poster

The Outdoor Classroom is so much more than a garden! In this episode, find out how I have worked with school partners to revamp, remodel, and repurpose the Outdoor Classroom to fit so many more STEM needs! We are going to totally HACK the Outdoor Classroom!Want to grab many of the storage items and resources discussed in the episode? Find them here!Need a little guidance on how to bring more of your content into an Outdoor space for enhanced retention? Take a look at Lower Grades Outdoor Classroom Activities and Upper Grades Outdoor Classroom Activities.The BEST tasks happen OUTSIDE!Ready for STEAM University? It's coming! Get on the waitlist!

 STEM gifts obsession list has arrived! I like to think of myself as an extreme curator. Without a doubt, one of my favorite things to do is share new ideas with other teachers, as well. These two characteristics go hand in hand so I have curated a list of ALL my STEM product obsessions just for the teacher… That's right. Not what to buy the kids, but what will make this teacher have the BEST DAY EVER with students! Delivered to you today in 5 categories. These obsessions make ME happy, students learn and explore with curiosity, and they are classroom approved must-haves!If you missed last year's list, take a peek here!Read more about all of these goodies on the blog!The Must-Haves ListScotch Laminator - Gotta get that!IKEA Tubs - At $2.99.. did I just say $2.99? This is most spacious tub for storing a STEM center with sections inside!Wooden Trays - You can't have enough of these! So useful.. and I love natural wood.Peppermint Jar - Clears the head and engages the senses. My students are allowed to take one when they need it. We love the soft peppermint the best.Blisslight Projector - Do not hang lights again! Create a mood in the room for a lesson or just enjoyment!Splash Mats - LIFE CHANGER!! I use outside with kinetic sand on the mat or inside to catch things and tiny parts!Induction Cooktop - AMAZING! Cooking is one of the best activities for incorporating STEM! We love becoming a play dough making factory!You can my Amazon Affiliate Shop here organized with all the categories!On the bougie side of things... they are talented crafters and educators that deserve a shout out!Tanglewood HollowNature Based ToysAborInspirations on EtsyYoung, Wild, & Friedman

I get asked this question so often..... How do you manage all the chaos and moving parts during project-based learning and STEM?So today... I'm telling you exactly how I do it. I have NO trouble ever. It takes practice, but just like with STEM and project-based learning our goal is to have students experience and work through their own failures.... I want group and project work order to be their responsibility, too.SHOCKER... I don't have a raise hand policy in my classroom. It's silly to me. How should I pick between 10 raised hands and not exclude the others? We don't have time for everyone. Let's face it, too. The same students that raise their hands... are always the same for the most part.So dig into this episode and grab these tricks and tips for management. We go in-depth into all things management for STEM/STEAM and project-based learning in the STEAM University Course! Get on the waitlist for the next cohort today!!

How to develop creativity in the classroom should totally be part of your teacher growth and development list. Yes friends, the time has come to say it out loud. It's not the easiest skill to work on with students at all. Especially if you feel like you aren't creative yourself, but that's NOT true. It takes a plan and some active research. We even need to research this topic on a class by class or student by student basis. Why? It is literally something that we have to unlock, and it may take different approaches. But let's be clear… being creative or teaching others to be creative just means having one thought inspire another thought!Jump into the episode and get the low down on optimizing for brain functioning at different age levels to improve retention and creativity. I simply love studying concepts of how the brain functions to optimize learning in the classroom. For sure, we all need to dig into it more! The 4 C's for 21st Century Learning are: CreativityCritical thinkingCollaborationCommunicationYour lesson goals should be to strive for these concepts to be included in your lessons as much as possible! But we don't always know how to include these in our lessons and especially how to develop creativity. I know you believe creativity is something you have or don't have, but it's developed. Yours can be developed, too. Here's a little something to help you out in the classroom: STEAM Concepts Posters

This! What a great episode!Growth mindset is an absolute must for teaching students in any subject area, but for STEM or STEAM, they have to learn how to work through failure and stay positive! Don't we all!Come take a listen to this incredible story with Ron from the Pick-a-Stic company! I have truly loved using Pick-a-Stics with my family to promote table discussion!!I can't wait to bring them to the classroom, but I am enjoying them so much at home, I may have to order another set! If you want to know more about Pick-a-Stics... you can find them on Instagram @pickastic. Of course, going straight to the website will give you even more information! Go to the website.This year needs tons of growth mindset practice with students! Take a look at and grab some free STEAM instructional posters for your classroom that are hot off the presses from me!Keep STEAMing on!

Back to school STEM or STE(A)M is a crucial time for all elementary teachers.Why? During the first weeks of school, THIS is when the foundations and fundamentals for a STE(A)M culture can be laid that will benefit all of the core subjects. These foundational posters will help you get started!Yes… all of the core subjects!So how should back to school STEM look? Is it a week of STEM challenges? Is it the start of a STEM project? Actually, back to school STEM doesn't look like this at all! If you want students to benefit more from the STEM or STE(A)M projects that they work on throughout the year, FIRST they need to get what STE(A)M is. We can't just say the acronym or say the words like science, engineering, and so on.In this episode, I will share the exact process you should use to begin the school year off with STEM or STEAM. It's so simple... you may thin it's too good to be true! You really must start the year off with back to school STEM this way! So… these definitions listed above… you can grab them here! I've got them ready for you to print and use in the classroom!I know you probably need a little more than just a set of definitions for back to school STEM! If you are a Kindergarten or 1st grade teacher, Tiny Minds STEAM is a complete 5 week introduction to STEAM that will really boost their understanding in many areas beyond just STEM. For teachers in grades 2-5, Introduction to STE(A)M is perfect for you and completely integrated into English Language Arts! Back to school STEM is important and sets the precedence for the year! Did you enjoy today's episode? Let us know! Subscribe if we make you happy and leave a review! What do you want to know more about?Thanks for joining us today! Do you I Heart STEAM, too?

Yes... we are going to combine STEM, Escape Rooms, and Cooking!Meet the STEM Chef... Ashie Bhandiwad! Ashie, a BIOENGINEER, has focused her scientific know how and love for teaching scientific application to children into virtual escape rooms! This passion project was came to life during "the shutdown" when her physical escape rooms geared to children had to close.Simply AMAZING! I can't wait to see how this project evolves and grows. Teachers, why should you check out Ashie?Expose your students to STEM without all the set up!Engage with curiosity and excitement!Time limits will allow your students to complete during instruction.Let them experience and live through failure!Core subject content practice and understanding involved!Check out the STEM Chef at www.stemchef.comAlso find her on Tik Tok (hallelujah!), Instagram, and Facebook @stemchefI can't wait to try this out with a group of students! Ready to engage your students with STE(A)M? Download the 9 Tip Guide for the Ultimate STE(A)M Classroom! Join the Roadmap to STEAM Masterclass for a plan to start the year off with!Take part in weekly conversations in the STEAM University Facebook Group! We would love to have you!

This episode is a MUST listen to!Kindergarten - Third Grade EXCELLENT literature can be hard to find... but the Blocks Books... WoW!Meet STEM children's book author Javier Garay. Javier is super passionate about unleashing the natural curiosity children possess. He is so passionate about it... He left Wall Street to pursue his passion of working with children.You can find some seriously good videos and weekly lives with Javier on Tik Tok @javiertheauthor!Check out the the Lloyd and Sonia the blocks in his book series here: www.theblocksbooks.comThis was a great summer celebration. Parents, teachers, administrators.... THESE ARE A MUST READ FOR THE SUMMER OR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR!!Another summer celebration from I Heart STEAM... The Roadmap to STEAM Masterclass is open again, but with limited spots! Join us!! Totally FREE. Totally Awesome!!

This podcasting friend has been teaching for 23 years, and he is the ULTIMATE design teacher living internationally and delivering design instruction!It's time for a celebration! I invited Jason to be part of the summer celebration podcasts because this selfless educator has joined together podcasters like myself and many others into the #designcastnetwork which is a group of educators all podcasting on the topic of design.  I just feel lucky to be included in such an awesome group of educators.To really see what Jason is all about, I recommend a follow on twitter @diskon4no. I truly enjoy the information shared there by Jason. But... the best way to find out more about design and STEM education is by taking a listen to the Design Cast Podcast .Other ways to link up with Jason Reagin:Instagram: @discon4noWebsite: https://www.jasonreagin.ga/If you visit the website, you will find his publications and educational experiences that would make any educator feel that duty was served with extreme dedication. Take a few design tips from the Master!

This is the first summer celebration in STEM! As we wrap up the 1st season of the I Heart STEAM Teacher Podcast, I want us to focus on anything and everything we can celebrate!Introducing Children's Book Author.... Micheal Anderson! We will be discussing her book Zoey's Big Move to the Lou. Micheal and her family have a rich background in STEM careers... including her children!You will here the backstory, which is AMAZING, and reason Micheal decided to make this a must on on her to do list, and we are so glad that she did! All children should be able to find themselves and see themselves in the book characters that they read about for inspiration! We THANK YOU, Micheal! You are a mover and a shaker. So many of us notice problems, but do not take REAL action. Micheal did that for us!You can find Micheal and her book on her website! She is also present on Instagram, where we connected @everythingmicheal!Listen to this episode filled with passion! Micheal, I can't wait for us to take that tour of your hometown!And one more celebrations!! The I Heart STEAM Teacher Podcast has been chosen as one of the Top 10 PBL Podcasts on Feedspot! We are thrilled! Stay tuned because STEAM University is opening up for the summer soon! Don't wait around on joining this summer for AMAZING PD! If you aren't on the email waiting list yet, you can join here!

Claim, Evidence, Reasoning in the K-5 classroom has changed my teacher life, and I'm pretty sure many other elementary teachers! This is part 4 in the Set It Up series!So, yeah… I remember when it first came across my desk I was hesitant. Why? Well.. because someone is always coming up with a new way to say something, repackage, and basically take the old and make it new in education. That's exactly what I thought when I saw the terms Claim, Evidence, Reasoning. It looked like the scientific method, went through the same process, but would require me to teach something else to my students.So what do you need to keep curiosity alive in your classroom? Surely this will take lots of supplies. No, not really. Just a notebook for collecting evidence and going through the process. I do know you may want a place to start. Who doesn't?For K-1 teachers… Tiny Minds Science is perfect for getting started and teaching students what science is all about. For students in grades 2-5, I recommend…What is a scientist? It even ends with baking cookies on the sidewalk! Don't forget to grab the Ultimate Project-Based Learning classroom guide to help along with all these endeavors! Let me know what you need! Send me an email at bonnie@iheartsteam.com !

Design Thinking in the classroom actually came to me later than the Engineering Design Process. I must say, I like it a lot! It's like the cool older brother of the design processes. It doesn't matter which one of these you use in the classroom when it comes to creating and designing with students. It does matter how you… SET IT UP as a routine for elementary students. Welcome to the Set It Up Series… Episode 3! When it comes to Design Thinking in the classroom, you know, ideas lead to other ideas. We may have to go back to defining the problem. We may even have to go back to ideation from testing. It's all okay! There is so much flexibility within the design process. Life lessons here will come ten-fold. Every idea counts. Get weird. We can thank the peeps over at IDEO who started this whole thing for us!One of my favorite resources and avenues for creation is Maker's Empire. Students can use this application to create 3D print designs. You don't have to do that if you aren't ready, but go grab some of there handy Design Thinking resources and guides! You will love them! Using this STEAM guide you can start to see how all the design processes can work in a STEAM cultured classroom! Grab it and get started! Come on over to the STEM/STEAM University Facebook group and get even more support and a community to support you!TweetSharePin27Share27SHARES«»Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZEDShop on TPTSTEAM Guide!Art SuppliesMy FAV PlannerBEST KIT EVER!

Engineering Design Process for kids adds so many valuable lessons to your content at school. Having systems that work in place is ESSENTIAL for a successful STEM or STEAM classroom. The Engineering Design Process is a process, but it's a system that will NEVER let you down.On today's episode, I break it down for you! Why we need this process set up as a routine! When should you set it up? What do you do at every step along the way?Grab some helpful resources!Resources are a teachers BEST friend! Explore the I Heart STEAM website, and you will find them everywhere. If you want a point to start… Grab the Ultimate Guide mentioned earlier. This Engineering Design Process planner linked here is great for digital documentation! Finally, I highly recommend students documenting in a STEAM journal, but if you must use a printable…. grab this one for FREE!Hey teachers... want to get in on STEAMshop? Sign up right here!

The best STEAM lesson I ever taught is golden. It works anytime. Anywhere. And…. they love it.Do you believe students in general enjoy looking at classic works of art? I mean… really looking like some cool cat at an art gallery opening? Do they know how to evaluate and process what they are looking at? Maybe even form their own opinion or uses for the work of art?Yeah… most elementary students aren't there… yet. Until I taught the best STEAM lesson I ever taught.Join me in this first episode in SET IT UP... How  we make STEM and STEAM run smoothly on a daily basis...Setting up this lesson gives you a system you can always have on hand to teach your content! Teach your students how to curate! Check out the full explanation and print it out from the blog here! I love to introduce this lesson with Meet me at the Museum.  Find it in the I Heart STEAM Amazon store from the previous link. To support this lesson further, check out the National Core Art Standards! Join this conversation with us! Come over to the STEM/STEAM University Facebook Group!As always... Stay STEAMy!

Makerspaces in India? Yes, that's right my friends! Makerspaces, STEM, STEAM, Designing with Students.... it's EVERYWHERE! If you haven't jumped on the train yet....We have plenty of seats to spare!! Come listen to my friend, Emi Sharma from Sprouting STEMS. This fine educator has a certification from Harvard in Makerspaces!!!She knows her stuff and eludes passion for STEM! She is currently residing in New Delhi, India where she has brought the Makerspace world to her school where she teaches and an afterschool program she started.  Her STEMprint on the world will make a lasting impression for years to come! You don't have to travel to New Delhi to work with Emi... take a look in her Teachers Pay Teachers Store contact her through her website. Try a lesson flip today!! If you need any extra help and tips on your STEM or STEAM journey.. grab my free guide! Make sure to check out some of the latest STEM focused Virtual Field Trips I have added to I Heart STEAM! As always... Do you iheartSTEAM, too?

Whoop! Whoop! First episode of 2021.... WE ARE HERE!Back to the Basics is continued with creating engagement through HOOK and HYPE!!Find out in the episode what hook and hype are all about and.... how to HOOK and HYPE Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics every day!!! Get some EASY tips you can use now!A couple of fun and SUPER EASY techniques I like to use are SEE, THINK, WONDER and virtual field trips! Read about them by clicking on the links you see here.I want to officially invite you to attend: The Roadmap to STEM/STEAM Masterclass so that you can get your hands on an AMAZING workbook that will help you set up HOOK and HYPE ideas to go in the file for your classroom! Plus... I can't wait to see you there!!!

Yep... It's time to get back to the basics! 2020 has kind of been distracting... wouldn't you say???To get everyone back on track with STEM/STEAM, today's episode is all about building solid foundations with STEM/STEAM so that students are MORE successful making connections in ALL subjects!Before you tried using STEM/STEAM, did you really build solid foundations for your students to stand on? I didn't. No siree! I did not! However... through discussions and student questioning... even the best students helped me to discover that they need a place to latch meaning on to before they could get that deeper level of understanding!! Listen in and take notes!Need a place to start with STEM/STEAM? Grab my 9 tips for the ULTIMATE STEM/STEAM classroom guide absolutely FREE!!

Meet Holly from Flying Colors Science!! She may have just persuaded me to learn to love teaching middle school, too! As you may know, my focus is K-5, but we teachers always have our FAV ages!So... Holly gives us a great perspective on science and STEM/STEAM! If you visit her Teachers Pay Teachers Store: Flying Colors Science, you will notice that all of her wonderful NGSS focused middle school curriculum has that STEM/STEAM flair! Listen in to hear our discussion on the power of a label! STEM/STEAM is certainly a label and identifier for teaching methodologies and curriculum, but you can find aspects in so much that is available for teachers to use. Where the distinction comes into play as to what is STEM/STEAM and what is not is simple, good instructional practices used by the teacher! Everything can be multidisciplinary when teaching! You just have to bring the awareness when you deliver!Holly brings it in these curated NGSS science lessons for middle school: Potential and Kinetic Energy Toy Project,  Growth Mindset Activity for Science, and Scientific Innovations by Indigenous Peoples. I am going to be grabbing these and working them into my K-5 lessons! Which by the way..... Teachers, you can adapt lessons! I can't tell you how many Teachers Pay Teachers lessons I have adapted to fit my students abilities. Lessons don't have to be perfect for you.. that's impossible. Even when lessons are grade level appropriate, your students are unique, and only you know what they need! Good instruction includes knowing how to meet your students with whatever you are using! Holly girl.... this conversation meant so much to me!!! I so wish you were my teacher next door! If you ever want a change of scenery, there are K-5 schools that need you! Holly gives us the best advice for K-5 teachers..... AND I PREACH it, too! Let them be ok with FAILURE! Teachers... learn to be ok with failure, too! Don't not take the road before you because you don't know the way!!! Learn as you go! It's the most valuable lesson to commit yourself to! Grab some goodness to support you on new journeys in my FREE STEM/STEAM guide that EVERY teacher can use... and yes... you can do this virtually!Find out more about Holly on website and Teachers Pay Teachers Store. You can also find her hanging out on Instagram @flying_colors_science ! We found each other right there!!

Alright, I must admit when it comes to the STEM/STEAM journal, I didn't have it right from the start! After realizing how much student ownership is needed for STEM or STEAM to be a success, I revamped mine and helped other teachers, as well.So check out these 5 Do's and Don'ts to compare how you use them... or better yet... GET STARTED using them!This is an essential and needed part of the STEM/STEAM classroom! More student pride and ownership happen right here than ANYWHERE! Read the latest blog post about it here. Print it out and live by it!If you haven't downloaded my complete  free STEM/STEAM guide, go ahead and treat yo'self! It is packed with goodness.Stay tuned... exciting news is coming!! I will be hosting a Roadmap to STEM/STEAM Masterclass completely free in January! Sign-ups will be available soon! To stay up to date, subscribe to the email list. Please kindly subscribe to the podcast if you haven't yet and leave us a review! How are we doing? What do you want to hear! Tell me!

This episode is jam packed with so much STEM understanding! Exactly what is STEM? How can we be sure as educators that we are getting ALL the best impressions with students when we use STEM?Chris Woods joins me today to explain quite a lot of this uncharted territory. Yes, uncharted. We know what STEM stands for. Many of us have tried a STEM activity or challenge, but how do we really make an impact with it? How can we begin to enjoy using it with our students?This answer is.... STEM or STEAM is a culture not an activity. It encompasses many different teaching approaches and methodologies. I want to say that I have a #1 tip... I actually have a a few good ones.*Start anyway you can.*Use it in any subject.*Be prepared to let an activity change when students begin to have ideas.*Don't let it intimidate you because you feel like you aren't an expert. I promise YOU have a lot to bring to the table.*Celebrate FAILURES!!! That is when true understanding and learning, as well as, stamina through difficulties begin to evolve.*Introduce each area of STEM or STEAM, and how we can't have one without the other!*Find other educators to collaborate with. Start with Chris Woods! Even me!Chris Woods recently released his new book Daily STEM: How to Create a STEM Culture in Your Classrooms and Communities! Find it on the Amazon link here.Join Chris's email list from dailystem.com and begin getting his Daily STEM News, a free educator resource.He can be found on Twitter and Instagram: @dailystemAs always.... subscribe and kindly leave a review! What do you need help with? What are interested in? Tell me! Keep on iHeartSTEAMing!!

Create the culture! No matter what grade level you teach.... Creating a STEM or STEAM culture first ensures success in a STEM or STEAM classroom. Really.... in any kind of classroom!Join me today and find out exactly how I start with kindergarteners each year to create a STEAM culture. This system will work for any grade level by simply adjusting the content slightly! This process has worked without failure for the last 5 years! Each year, it just gets better! What is the secret to my success? Tiny Minds STEAM! This is complete STEAM introduction curriculum is everything you will need to start the culture for STEM or STEAM with first grade or kindergarten students! Read more about Tiny Minds right here on the blog!!Get your hands on it right here! Tiny Minds STEAM! The perfect tag along to create the STEM or STEAM culture is 9 Tips for the Ultimate STEM/STEAM Classroom which is totally FREE to you! Don't forget to checkout Chris Woods new book Daily STEM: How to create a STEM culture in Your Classrooms and Communities!Make sure to leave your thoughts with us today! Subscribe and leave a review! Our STEAMed up hearts appreciate it so much!

Meet Sarah Lalonde! Sarah is one the most diverse teachers I have ever met! Let me tell you... when it comes to knowing what teachers need to support their students... just ask the teacher who has worked in multiple grade levels, elementary, middle school, special education, and finally STEM!!! You guys know I love talking with guests, and I will always cherish this interview!Not only is Sarah an established teacher author, she is a children's author that fills the need for science content literature when there isn't any! I have truly enjoyed reading Sarah's books: Pepito's Whiskers, Plant Adaptations, and Animal Adaptations! Oh, Pepito... this cat who really walked the Earth, learned how to overcome blindness and use senses that many of us take for granted. Students will connect with this story and grow curious in ways you can't imagine! Check it out and Sarah's other collection of science literature available on Amazon!!Pepito's WhiskersPlant AdaptationsAnimal AdaptationsFind some of the BEST STEAM and science resources for your classroom in Sarah's Teachers Pay Teachers Store: Science and STEAM TeamYou can also find Sarah on Instagram: @scienceandsteamteamCheck out her AMAZING Blog with tons of information for your classroom: scienceandsteamteam.comSTEAM teachers are some of the most giving teachers I know! Let I Heart STEAM share a little with YOU!Grab a FREE Guide for Using STEM/STEAM in your classroom in person or virtually this year!Are you ready for more iHeartSTEAM? Do you need more virtual STEM/STEAM resources and delivery tips? Do you need more support for STEM/STEAM in general? THIS IS YOUR MONTH!!! Find us on Instagram @iheartsteam! During the month of September, use code: SEPTFREE to join the STEAMed up Teachers Club! Just put the code in at checkout!!Subscribe and leave a review to help keep all the STEAM sharing coming!!

Need tips for hosting a STEM/STEAM day in this new school year? How will your school delivery format affect this day? Are you completely remote? Hybrid? Face-to-face for instruction? No matter what format your school is in, you will need to adjust plans for STEM/STEAM day.Our students need us to continue planning school-wide events! Days like STEM/STEAM Day are so much more than an expo of topics.... they provide social-emotional health to our students. It makes them part of a larger group. It helps them have stronger ties to the school. It gives them something to share!Listen in for tips on how to make this happen in all formats! Read a past blog post about how the day normally goes: Host a STEM Day at school.Are you ready for more iHeartSTEAM? Do you need more virtual STEM/STEAM resources and delivery tips? Do you need more support for STEM/STEAM in general?  Grab the Ultimate STEM/STEAM Guide totally FREE to you!Subscribe and leave a review to help keep all the STEAM sharing coming!!

This is episode is TRUE CONFESSION of a teacher who knew NOTHING about 3D printing, got excited about it by chance, and completely MANIFESTED it to happen with ZERO funding!!! What originally caught my eye was the MySTEMKits Company. Why? Well.. because the print designs are already made for you to use in every subject with lesson plans. That was the first time I thought... yeah I could do that! Find out more about them here: MySTEMKits LearningI literally had no knowledge of 3D printing.... I didn't even have any idea what kind of file a 3D print was considered as... there are quite a few. Now... what to use, how to do it, and how does it work in the classroom besides being hellacool?Actually, it is the most underused tech for everyday teachers, but it can seriously enhance Project-Based Learning like NOTHING else!!This is my story! 3 years later I am a Maker's Empire Ambassador.... they actually trust me to share at conferences and teach others! WHAT!! Yes... I am there. Was that my plan? NO! Not at all! Maker's Empire is literally my 3D printing LIFESAVER!!!! Check out their latest blog post all about how I used 3D printing during COVID remotely, and am ready to use it again if needed! Literally Maker's Empire is the BEST, most engaging, and student friendly interface for teaching students. They have the best learning management system, and easiest training for teachers and students! Don't believe me? Just visit their website: https://www.makersempire.com/You will LOVE every minute of it! And your students..... they won't be able to get enough! Can I just say this.... my best 3D print students are..... 1st Graders!!!I simply love sharing my STEAM experiences and hope that I can share to convert more teachers everyday! Check out my The iHeartSTEAM blog and get to know me! Follow me on Instagram at iHeartSTEAM !Join the STEAM University Facebook Group for lots of ideas for your classroom and live training!I have a great starter kit for you right here!! Download my FREE Ultimate STEM/STEAM Project-Based Learning Guide today!Thanks for listening! Hit that subscribe button and leave a review!

In today's episode... which I have anxiously waited weeks to record... Patty Tobin joins me! Patty's pen name is Addie Abacus. She has an amazing children's STEAM series that starts with the first in the series Morgan and the Forty Thieves followed by Morgan and the Monster of the Deep.In this delightful series for young readers, students encounter "magic math" investigations that the main character, Morgan, stumbles upon throughout her adventures. This is the perfect way to create purposeful context for math skills and student investigations that involve the natural world! Listen to the episode to find out how Morgan uses the size of a baby whale to help her out in one of the stories. Teachers, these books are a must have and a perfectly produced interwoven creation of the STEAM subjects. MATH IS TRULY ALL AROUND US!!!You can find the series on Amazon and at you local bookstore! To enhance your experience... a teacher's guide and student guide are found on the Addie Abacus website!https://www.addieabacus.com/Follow Patty on Instagram!! Check out her amazing nature photo feed!!! @addieabacusDon't forget to grab my STEM/STEAM guide to help you in the classroom today!! As always.... I Heart STEAM!!!!

Y'all... I keep getting asked this! How can we deliver STEM instruction remotely?YES!! It can be done! I know it can! I'm not saying we won't have hurdles... bless the Kindergarten teacher that starts the year off remotely. I can't even!!! Let's face it, Kinders need their teachers with them.. all students do!!!We can't change what we face. We can only change how we approach it and deal with it! Let me share these 9 tips with you today that will help you with any instructional format that is going to be remote!!! I am excited. Honestly, I wish my system was starting remotely so that I could do more to test things out! I want to be with students for sure, but I do want to keep helping others remotely, too! WE GOT THIS!!!! Here are the 9 tips:1. Start with an at home survey to find out what's available at home.2. Incorporate a written STEM/STEAM journal!3. Use projects that require trash!4. Be the hands of a project when you have access to equipment that they don't. Let them tell you what steps to take!5. Get creative with project topics! What's a good project for the home environment? Think about the projects you have sent home before that required them to do something at home.6. Take time to create a 2-4 week calendar of project steps to come. Post it to students.7. Invite SUPER guests to your meeting times!! CREATE HYPE WITH STUDENTS!! Plan ahead with your calendar!8. Collect around the house data!!9. Remember the 4 C's for 21st Century Learning - Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication. These are the basis of STEM/STEAM instruction. We can all still do these. Let this be your opportunity to get CREATIVE!!If you need more support, download my FREE STEM/STEAM Guide.Would you like to be in the best STEM Teacher Club Membership out there??? Find out more about the STEAMed Up Teacher Club here! Use code CLUBNOW for 10% off membership rate!!!!Leave a review and let me know how I am doing!!! #iheartsteam

Hey Listeners! I seriously had the best time with Ms. Maegan Donell, STEM Lab Instructor from McLendon Elementary in Decatur, GA! This episode will not only keep you entertained and laughing, but we throw down some seriously good strategies, schedules for STEM/STEAM, resources, ideas, and much more! She and I literally talked for thirty minutes before the episode, and then... there is the episode. I think we just wanted to make plans and meet up right after! I love this lady! Her passion is what drew me to her. We connected on Twitter about two years ago and then on Instagram. I knew just from her Twitter posts that she has a heart of gold and a fire for STEM!!!! I mention in the episode that Twitter is the best Professional Learning Network that you can tailor for yourself. Our connection is living proof of that! Ms. Donnell, I can't wait to turn up the night with you! You can connect with her on Twitter @teachmd17  and on Instagram @k5.lab.girl !Want more really great STEM/STEAM ideas? Check out my The iHeartSTEAM blog and get to know me! Follow me on Instagram at iHeartSTEAM or Twitter !Join the STEAM University Facebook Group for lots of ideas for your classroom and live training!Download my FREE Ultimate STEM/STEAM Project-Based Learning Guide today!Thanks for listening! Hit that subscribe button and leave a review!

Hey Listeners! This episode could possibly inspire you to change your school forever! Find out about our 7 year long projects at RB Wright Elementary! Today my friend, Jessica Webb, joins us to discuss these projects! Jessica is our Instructional Technology Specialist and runs our Tech Lab at RBW. She is a tech powerhouse! Come on into the episode and meet her.If you have questions for Jessica you can reach her on Twitter @jhwebb21or email her at: jessica.webb@colquitt.k12.ga.usCheck out my The iHeartSTEAM blog and get to know me! You can find out more about these 7 projects in this blog post: 7 Project Based Learning Ideas that will Rock Your School Year.Follow me on Instagram at iHeartSTEAM !Join the STEAM University Facebook Group for lots of ideas for your classroom and live training!Download my FREE Ultimate STEM/STEAM Project-Based Learning Guide today!Thanks for listening! Hit that subscribe button and leave a review!

In this episode, I discuss simple ways to start outdoor classrooms today! EASY and SIMPLE. These spaces just need to be started.... they will grow! Outdoor classrooms are one the best ways to incorporate project-based learning with students. Creativity and curiosity blossom beyond the 4 walls of the classroom.Do you need to know how to fund them? Do you think this isn't your area of expertise? Do you think you don't have enough space? Listen in to find out how answers to all of these questions.If you need activities... check out my Outdoor Classroom STEM/STEAM for K-1 and Outdoor Classroom STEM/STEAM for 3-5. One of the best resources that I use often is Outdoor Classroom Day! Listen to the episode to find out what I use for outdoor activities for the whole year! Are you ready to completely overhaul your classroom into a STEM/STEAM Project-Based Learning classroom? Download my FREE guide now!Subscribe and let me know how I can help you in a review!!

Being a school leader requires one to wear many hats... discipline, school climate and culture, testing scores, community involvement, making hard decisions for others, following protocol. What drives a school leader to take on extra requirement like STEM/STEAM and project-based learning? Why should the leader add to an already busy schedule?Listeners today, meet Mrs. Summer Hall, R.B. Wright Elementary's school principal. She will share her why for asking her faculty to push for STEAM instruction in the classroom. There have been difficulties, joys, and HUGE wins. Find out more in the episode. If you would like to contact Summer her email is provided below:summer.hall@colquitt.k12.ga.usCheck out my The iHeartSTEAM blog and get to know me!Follow me on Instagram at iHeartSTEAM !Join the STEAM University Facebook Group for lots of ideas for your classroom and live training!Download my Ultimate STEM/STEAM Project-Based Learning Guide today!Thanks for listening! Hit that subscribe button and leave a review!

Meet Molly Bestge! Molly is the CEO of Cultivate 21 which is a company that focuses on bringing PD to schools working with Project-Based Learning, STEM, or STEAM. Molly has worked with the team at R.B. Wright Elementary where I work and has brought us amazing PD for our PBL. Today she will share her company with you and a her thoughts on Design Thinking! This is a good one!You can reach Molly on Facebook @cultivate21.Instagram and Twitter are both @cultivate21edu.Check out her blog Cultivate 21.Give her a direct email: molly@cultivate21.comMentioned today David Kelley's TedTalk.Creative Confidence by David and Tom KelleyCheck out my The iHeartSTEAM blog and get to know me!Follow me on Instagram at iHeartSTEAM !Join the STEAM University Facebook Group for lots of ideas for your classroom and live training!Download my Ultimate STEM/STEAM Project-Based Learning Guide today!Thanks for listening! Hit that subscribe button and leave a review!

In this episode, I will share how the STEM/STEAM journey started at the school where I teach in Moultrie, GA... R.B. Wright Elementary. It all started when we began participating in Georgia STEM Day about 7-8 years ago! This is such a fun day. We have really worked hard on perfecting the organization and layout of this day. I have helpful tips for you, so that you too can host a STEM/STEAM Day at your school. We have had some crazy adventures, especially with purchasing supplies! Sit back relax and enjoy the show!Have you hosted a STEM/STEAM Day before? Let me know in the review! Tell me about your adventures, too!Check out my The iHeartSTEAM blog and get to know me!Follow me on Instagram at iHeartSTEAM !Join the STEAM University Facebook Group for lots of ideas for your classroom and live training!Download my Ultimate STEM/STEAM Project-Based Learning Guide today!Thanks for listening! Hit that subscribe button and leave a review!

In this episode... the first ever iHeartSTEAM Podcast Episode.... I share how I got started in STEAM and Project-Based Learning. For the past 12 years, I have been making mistakes and learning from my mistakes. Currently, I have worked with team of educators for the past 3 years creating the ULTIMATE STEAM certified school. We aren't there quite yet, but soooo close!Let me share with you what we have done to perfect STEAM and Project-Based Learning. We have had the most fun and seen students get on "fire" for school. They can't wait to come each day and find out what we are doing next! Join me today and let me introduce myself. I will share the #1 problem educators face in STEAM and Project-Based Learning education. I struggle with it. Nothing is ever perfect in education. I am here for you. Where are you on your STEAM journey? Have you started? Do you want to start? Are you seasoned at it? Can you relate?Join me in the first episode of many to come!Check out my The iHeartSTEAM blog and get to know me!Follow me on Instagram at iHeartSTEAM !Join the STEAM University Facebook Group for lots of ideas for your classroom and live training!Download my Ultimate STEM/STEAM Project-Based Learning Guide today!Thanks for listening! Hit that subscribe button and leave a review!