The STEM Teacher Podcast

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Welcome to The S.T.E.M. Teacher Podcast! I live, teach, and coach in Kingsford which is located in Michigan's BEAUTIFUL upper peninsula. Follow me!! Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen (None of the cover art is mine. No copyright infringement intende

John VanDusen


    • May 8, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 12m AVG DURATION
    • 80 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The STEM Teacher Podcast

    E82: Robots!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 32:45


    I was able to sit down with Kingsford Middle School Robotics Team member, Emma! She has been working on the KMS Robotics team for years. Other announcements: Follow me on Twitter: @mr_jvd Read my Blog: http://mrvandusen.blogspot.com/ ALSO: Be sure to follow the New Teacher Podcast: http://www.newteacher.org/ Also the Route 66 Podcast: http://www.route66podcast.com/ TRUST ME! You will be glad you did!

    E81: Carpentry

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 11:01


    This episode talks about building a stool...but also how to engage kids with carpentry skills and tools. - Measuring Tape - Protractor - Square - Hammer and Nails - Screwdriver and screws - Sandpaper - Stain and Paint Twitter @mr_JVD Insta @mr_jvdusen

    E80- What do I do now that I'm stuck at home?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2020 15:16


    With the COVID19 pandemic, we are all looking for things to do with our kids at home. The STEM Teacher Podcast was MADE FOR THIS! E80 covers other episodes that will help you out, as well as gives some other ideas. Twitter @mr_JVD Instagram @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    ***BONUS***Kyle Anderson**BOOK RELEASE!! #ToTheEdgeEDU

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2020 2:02


    One of my very best friends, Kyle Anderson, has published a book that is available today! https://www.totheedgeedu.com/ Follow Kyle here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndersonEdTech He is the co-host of two podcasts, find them here: The Beer EDU Podcast: The podcast for educators that love to learn and share ideas with fellow educators over beers! Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! #BeerEDUpod https://twitter.com/BeerEDUPod Sons of Technology Podcast: Risk Taking Ideas to promote collaboration and change in classroom pedagogy and student innovation. #EdTechARMY #DitchThatFEAR #TamashaEDU #EDUsofInnovation https://twitter.com/SonsofTechEDU Love you big guy! Could not be more proud!

    E79 Let's do some Whittling!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2020 20:27


    My son recently joined the Cub Scouts and one of the first things we did was earn his Whittling Chip and complete the "Bear Claws" adventure. Whittling can be a lot of fun as long as you do it safely! Bear Claws Adventure: https://boyscouttrail.com/cub-scouts/bear-claws-adventure.php Whittling Chip: http://www.boyscouttrail.com/content/award/whittling_chip-434.asp Twitter: @mr_jvd Insta: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 78: Be a Detective!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 10:44


    In this episode, we talk about how to do some detective work! We talk about fingerprints, blood spatter, discovering different substances, and identifying bootprints! Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 77: Kids Football

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2019 15:49


    It has been a LONG time since we pushed out an episode here on, "The STEM Teacher Podcast!" This one isn't completly STEM related, but it's helping us get back in the grove. In this episode we talk with my son, James VanDusen, about him playing football with his friends and also helping out on the Kingsford Flivver Sidlines for JV and Varsity football games. Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 76: Lateral Thinking Puzzles

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2019 12:35


    I have had a binder with me over the past 12 years of teaching that I just keep adding to. It is full of brain busting puzzles. I go over a few in this episode. See if you can figure them out! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 75: FAIL!!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2019 13:40


    This episode turned into a bit of a rant. I read an old blog post of mine from 2017 about failure, we talk about how failure might be a good thing, and I finish with some quotes on failure. Buckle your seat belt...this one is a bumpy ride. Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 74: Let it Roll!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2019 10:44


    We talk about a 3 week project we do in my room with all kinds of different spheres and how you can have fun at home by letting them ROLL! Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 73: Support Your Local Library!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2019 14:15


    In this episode we highlight all the AMAZING things your local library (probably) offers! Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 72: Wild About Turkeys!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2019 15:00


    My students learn about the habitat and sounds associated with the Wild Turkey! National Wild Turkey Federation http://www.nwtf.org/ Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com The Kingsford Flivver Flash https://anchor.fm/flivver-football Kingsford Flivver Football Follow us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flivverfootball/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flivverfootball/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlivverF football@kingsford.org

    Episode 71: Weekend Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2019 15:25


    In this episode, long time STEM Teacher Podcast member, James, comes on to tell us some of his favorite games and activities to play both inside and outside. Spoiler alert.....none of them are screen games! Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 70: Wayne State University C2 Pipeline with Mikayla and Maria

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2019 17:08


    I talk with Maria and Mikayla from Wayne State University in Detroit. Maria is the Student Engagement Coordinator and Mikayla is a C2 Pipeline Student Assistant. We talk about the C2 pipeline and the student outreach to local high schools and the cool activities available in their STEM lab Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WSUC2Pipeline/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wsuc2pipeline https://c2pipeline.wayne.edu/ipe https://c2pipeline.wayne.edu/day-camps https://c2pipeline.wayne.edu/stem-lab Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 68: Connect 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2019 9:33


    It's a short but CrAzY week before we kick off spring break! We talk about a fast and fun game we can play with a pair of die! Keep Calm your Internet is on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYys_Jg9xz4 Heading into spring break, here are some other episodes to keep you and your kiddos busy! Episode 3: Spring Break STEM https://anchor.fm/john-vandusen/episodes/Episode-3-Spring-Break-S-T-E-M-e174d0 Episode 10: Rainy Day STEM https://anchor.fm/john-vandusen/episodes/Episode-10-Rainy-Day-S-T-E-M-e18g01 Episode 12: Anatomy of a Car Ride: STEM edition https://anchor.fm/john-vandusen/episodes/Episode-12-Anatomy-of-a-Car-Ride-S-T-E-M--edition-e198sr Episode 33: Screen Time STEM https://anchor.fm/john-vandusen/episodes/Episode-33-Screen-Time-STEM-e24efp Episode 35: DIY Birdfeeder https://anchor.fm/john-vandusen/episodes/Episode-35-DIY-Birdfeeder-e25nrp Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 67: MACUL 2019 RE-CAP

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2019 24:35


    The Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) held it's 2019 conference in Detroit, MI. I was lucky enough to attend for the 3rd year in a row. This was my first year presenting! My presentation was on podcasting, and it's available here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Iya6f8claI49hX7PYPdHgTe8Ot4Fh6alm1Aru7Ebg7I/edit?usp=sharing Stephen Ritz- Founder of the Green Bronx Machine; author: “Power of the Plant.” Twitter: @StephenRitz Community Podcasting @rmbyrne FreeTech4Teachers.com PracticalEdTech.com Games! @Daniel_Spitzley “Gizmos” @lesliefisher https://lesliefisher.com/ Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 66: Measuring

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2019 17:54


    Measuring can be fun! In this episode we talk about how Pre-K through 4th graders are measuring to the nearest inch. You can do it with any age! We also preview the Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) 2019 conference in Detroit. Keynote speakers: Stephen Ritz- Founder of the Green Bronx Machine; author: “Power of the Plant.” Twitter: @StephenRitz Gerry Brooks- Elementary school principal and YouTube sensation Twitter: @gerrybrookssprin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-6WUaQSC_AfKZrinPuhVFw Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 65: Perimeter

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2019 14:40


    Working with perimeter can be fun, even if you don't know how to measure things! We go over the definition of perimeter as well as things you see every day to get our minds wrapped around what perimeter is. We also talk about how to find things with perimeter and how to measure them EVEN IF you can't use a ruler! There are few bonus perimeters at the end, you'll have to listen to find out what they are! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 64: March is Reading Month!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2019 13:18


    March is reading month...but why? Learn what we are doing in Kingsford for MiRM as well as things that might be happening at your local library. I go over some STEM books that your younger elementary children might find interesting as well as some books for those tweens/teens in your life. Last but not least, you will find out WHY March is Reading Month! Why, oh why, oh how could it be? It it because I read in a tree? ***That's your hint ;) The books I review can be found here: https://theworks.org/stem-books-for-your-summer-reading-list/ Twitter: @mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 63: Sledding STEM

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2019 12:06


    Do you have snow? Do you want to go sledding?! Learn some cool ways to incorporate STEM into your fun day of sledding! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 62: Microscope

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2019 11:58


    The microscope has been around since the 1500's! Learn how it was invented, the three types, and all the fun you can have looking at household items under your very own microscope! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 61: Tongue Twisters

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2019 10:34


    Lean the science behind tongue twisters and how they slow down your brain! There are 3 types of tongue twisters as well as a type for ASL! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 60: I'm Stuck Inside Because It's Super Cold STEM Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2019 13:13


    With 3 "COLD DAYS" out of the last four school days, here are 4 more ideas for things your children can do. Part I had a lot of "loud" ideas, these are "quiet." Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 59: I'm Stuck Inside Because It's Super Cold STEM

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2019 14:39


    With the temps dropping below zero, here are 5 ideas of things to do when it's SO cold you can't go outside! Twitter: @mr_jvd Insta: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 58: SPACE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2019 16:19


    CAUTION: MIND BLOWING INFORMATION!!!! Learn about the sun, the planets, moons, and why Pluto is no longer a planet! I would say this podcast is "EARTH SHATTERING"....but it's bigger than that! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 57: Restaurant STEM

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2019 8:10


    Learn 6 different STEM activities you can do (besides Screens...check out Episode 33 for that!) to keep busy at a restaurant while waiting for your food! Twitter: @mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 56: Open Ended Questions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2019 17:03


    Communication is paramount when it comes to teaching, parenting, coaching, etc. Listen up on how to engage kids with open ended questions! Also learn how I'm engaging my STEM class using open ended problems! Episode Links How to draw toast: https://www.drawtoast.com/ How to be a great 5th grader: https://youtu.be/Fcjz73v5JUQ Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 55: Back to the Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2019 26:31


    HAPPY NEW YEAR! Taking a tip from Marty McFly, I go into the past and predict the future of this podcast. Give it a listen, you will be happy you did! Twitter: @mr_jvd Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 54: Bad Teacher Jokes

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2018 8:12


    With break coming up in a day or two, maybe you need a few zingers to lay on your kids while they are home. You WILL NOT be disappointed! #TeacherJokes Twitter: @mr_jvd Insta: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 53: Lego Robotics

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2018 18:31


    We talk with Amanda Gibbons about Lego Robotics. Amanda is the Region 1 (Upper Peninsula) director for Michigan. https://www.facebook.com/firstinmichigan/

    Episode 52: How to be a Secret Agent

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2018 14:26


    You can be a SECRET AGENT by making secret messages! Pair this podcast with the SECRET AGENT youtube video: https://youtu.be/mo8WRRb09LI This worksheet can be printed and used to make your own secret messages: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CoLObxJgh5bAuON035ifjk8RaK6B5P0cIfqy1CZrq8U/edit?usp=sharing Twitter: @Mr_JVD Instagram: @mr_jvdusen stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 51: Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2018 12:47


    The Kingsford Band is AMAZING! Learn about the band as well as the benefits of playing a musical instrument and simply listening to music! Twitter: @mr_jvd stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 50: Snow Day STEM

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2018 13:59


    Episode 50 isn't just for when your stuck at home on a "snow day!" Snowmen...Ice Lanterns...Cookies!! Listen to learn about 7 great activities you can do when it's snowy outside! Twitter: @Mr_JVD stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 49: Architect

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2018 12:51


    So you want to be an Architect!! What does that even mean? You will learn what are architect is, what they do, how much money they make, and how you become an architect. Watch this music video from YKK Architectural Products! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E6HHPJiVmY Here is a worksheet you can use with your kids: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13k29nr6fxWX0evW5syrv8WCAAbe9pPtck_6XHr0NXC0/edit?usp=sharing Twitter: @Mr_JVD stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 48: STEM in Special Education

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2018 25:19


    Our guest Kyle Anderson discusses his experiences in technology and education. We also discuss how STEM is used in Special Education and where STEM is headed in the future. Follow Kyle on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndersonEdTech Listen to Kyle on the Beer EDU podcast: https://twitter.com/BeerEDUPod

    Episode 47: Noise!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2018 11:47


    We talk about what a decibel is, how loud things are, and the QUIETEST ROOM IN THE WORLD!! My teacher ears think that sounds glorious! Quit Room: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/earths-quietest-place-will-drive-you-crazy-in-45-minutes-180948160/ Twitter: @Mr_JVD stemteacherpodcast@gmail.com

    Episode 46: Daylight Savings Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2018 12:56


    Do you like DST? What do you REALLY know about it? Learn more! If you want to read more about it, here is a great website: http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/index.html

    Episode 45: Fire!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2018 8:04


    Fire can be VERY complex! We talk about the basics of the fire triangle: Heat, Fuel, Oxygen. Check it out! Twitter: @Mr_JVD

    Episode 44: Shapes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2018 12:21


    Simple shapes can be a lot of fun! Learn about triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, and octagons! Spur conversations while in the garage or while on the road! SHAPES ARE EVERYWHERE!!

    Episode 43: Interview with a "School Tech Guy"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2018 19:01


    Today we talk with Justin Cowen about 3-D Printing and Coding. Justin is the Technology Integration Specialist for Breitung Township Schools. He is a Code.org AP CSP Facilitator and a UP SMILE (Science and Math Integration with Literacy and Engineering) trained educator. Enjoy! http://www.cowen.rocks/ Twitter: @Cowen_rocks

    Episode 42: Fall STEM Ideas

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2018 11:06


    Seven STEM things that you can do with your kids this fall!

    Episode 41: Fall Colors

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2018 8:52


    Here in the U.P., the trees are almost at PEAK COLOR! We all know that fall trees are beautiful....but why? Listen to find out!

    Episode 40: Dominoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2018 12:22


    Dominoes can be FUN!! ...and you get to learn what a PIP is! Learn 4 games and how to do chain reactions! 1.5 Times Larger: https://youtu.be/5JCm5FY-dEY?list=PLqYKRbfvLDUQ_XjTa1E0nPyoNBZJPXBbS The COG: https://youtu.be/Z57kGB-mI54?list=PLqYKRbfvLDUQ_XjTa1E0nPyoNBZJPXBbS Dude Perfect Ping-Pong Trick Shots 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkW87-Z9FAY&index=40&list=PLqYKRbfvLDUQ_XjTa1E0nPyoNBZJPXBbS

    Episode 39: The Moon!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2018 15:09


    How big is the moon? How much would I weigh on the moon? What is a Waning Gibbous? Listen to find out! https://twitter.com/Mr_JVD

    Episode 38: Inventors

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2018 13:25


    Great inventions like the handheld camera, Velcro, and peanut butter will be discussed! There is also a BONUS section at the end...it has to deal with diapers.... https://twitter.com/Mr_JVD

    Episode 37: Water Lab

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2018 8:01


    Water Lab in STEM class this week! You can do some neat experiments at home with water! Surface tension can be fun! Stack water on top of a coin? SURE! Float a paperclip? YOU BET! Check out some cool pics at https://twitter.com/Mr_JVD

    Episode 36: Simple Machines

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2018 11:53


    Have you ever used a spoon to pry out some ice cream? That's an example of a Class 1 lever! Have you ever turned a doorknob? That's an example of a wheel and axle!! Listen in to learn about the 6 simple machines and where you find them every day! https://twitter.com/Mr_JVD

    Episode 35: DIY Birdfeeder

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2018 6:23


    Quick one today!! My son and I made a bird-feeder this weekend and it's really cool! ...and a little messy!

    Episode 34: Animal Group STEM

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2018 8:39


    Do you know what a group of hippos is called? How about a group of giraffes? Listen in to find out! Also, there is some bonus material at the end where we learn about some baby animal names! My favorite is a puggle. What kind of animal is that?!?! Listen to find out! https://twitter.com/Mr_JVD

    Episode 33: Screen Time STEM

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2018 10:21


    Learn some tricks on how to turn SCREEN time into STEM time! Cool Math Games: https://www.coolmathgames.com/ Engineering Games: https://www.engineering.com/GamesPuzzles/tabid/82/Default.aspx PBS Kids Games: http://pbskids.org/lab/games/ WILD KRATTS: http://pbskids.org/wildkratts/ Fun Science Demos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsbfPM5Wd1REwCIBYJFIyOw DUDE PERFECT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRijo3ddMTht_IHyNSNXpNQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mr_JVD

    Episode 32: Healthy Snack STEM

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2018 11:36


    We will talk about healthy snacks you and your children can make WHILE having cool STEM conversations! Twitter: @Mr_JVD

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