Science Connections

Latest Episodes:

S3-04: Using AI and ChatGPT in K–12 classrooms Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Science Connections podcast, we explore using AI in the classroom and its impact on our students. Listen as I sit down with teachers Donnie Piercey and Jennifer Roberts to discuss ChatGPT and how we can use it to build science and literacy skills in K–12 classrooms while preparing students for the real world.

And don’t forget to grab your Science Connections study guide to track your learning and find additional resources!

S3-03: Teacher tips for uniting science and literacy May 11, 2023

Show notes

We’re continuing our investigations around science and literacy, with Doug Fisher, Ph.D., professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University. We talk about the importance of integrating science and literacy, as well as practical guidance for teachers who want to unite the two disciplines in their own classrooms.

Listen as we discuss how science and literacy can be powerful allies and talk about specific strategy areas to focus on when integrating the two disciplines. And don’t forget to grab your Science Connections study guide to track your learning and find additional resources!

S3 - 02. How science strengthens literacy and language development Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

In our second episode of the season, we continue finding ways in which science is overlooked and how it can be better utilized in schools—and as an ally to other subjects!

We sat down with Susan Gomez Zwiep, former middle school science teacher and senior science educator and staff advocate at BSCS Science Learning. She shared past experiences and research that shows the benefits of integrating science and literacy, as well as strategies for applying these ideas in the classroom.

Listen now and then explore more from the Science Connections podcast!

S3 - 01. Science as the underdog, and the research behind it Mar 30, 2023

Show notes

Get ready for season 3 of Science Connections: The Podcast!

In our first episode, we unpack the research around our season theme of science as the underdog with Horizon Research, Inc. Vice President Eric R. Banilower and Senior Researcher Courtney Plumley. Eric and Courtney dive into the research they’ve found and their experiences as former educators to show how science is often overlooked in K–12 classrooms. We discuss how the science classroom compares to other subjects in terms of time and resources, how schools are a reflection of society, and what’s needed to change science and its impact on a larger scale.

Winter Wrap-Up 03: Supporting students with a creative twist, feat. Shad Lacefield Mar 14, 2023

Show notes

Listen to the last episode in our Winter Wrap-Up!
In this conversation from season 1, Eric sits down with Shad Lacefield, 2021 Kentucky Science Teacher of the Year. Shad shares his experience teaching during the first year of the pandemic, which included dressing up in over 100 costumes to create unique and engaging online learning experiences for his students. Shad also explains ways he connects with his students to celebrate student success, as well as large-scale efforts he leads within his school to cultivate the love of learning science content.

Winter Wrap-Up 02: Overcoming adversity in the classroom Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

While we’re hard at work producing the exciting third season of Science Connections: The Podcast, we’re continuing to share some of our favorite conversations from our first two seasons. This time we’re revisiting a popular episode from season 1: Overcoming adversity in the classroom featuring Joe McCormick, director of engineering at Splitspot.

Hear Joe’s story about losing his vision at a young age, gaining new support and community, and paying thanks to the educators whose flexibility helped him along his journey to becoming a software engineer.

Winter Wrap-Up 01: Community and joy within K-8 science instruction Jan 26, 2023

Show notes

While we gear up for the next season of Science Connections: The Podcast, we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from past seasons!
In this episode, we join Eric Cross as he sits down with physicist and science education specialist, Desiré Whitmore. Listen in as Desiré explains her work at the Exploratorium, a public learning laboratory. Eric and Desiré discuss finding passion in science, the importance of meeting students we’re they’re at, and K–8 science instruction with real-life connections. Desiré chats with Eric about her work on supporting the science of teaching science content at the Exploratorium museum.

Explore more from Science Connections by visiting our main page.

S2-06: Making time for science in K–5 classrooms: Lauran Woolley Jan 05, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Eric Cross sits down with TikTok star and podcast host Lauran Woolley about her experience teaching science content within her K–5 classroom. Lauran shares how she’s learned how to make time for science, and what most K–5 teachers experience when creating their own science curriculum. Lauran also talks about her rise in popularity on TikTok, her podcast, Teachers Off Duty, and establishing strong relationships with her 5th-grade students.
Follow Lauran on Tiktok!
You can listen and watch the Teachers Off Duty podcast here!

S2-05: Moving students forward with project-based learning: Janis Lodge Dec 05, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Eric Cross sits with K–5 educator, Janis Lodge to chat about building on her own science curriculum to create meaningful project-based learning experiences. Janis shares her work teaching Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), and how to use those practices to help accelerate the learning of all students. Eric and Janis also talk about making time for science within K–5 classrooms.
Check out the project Janis created for her class here!
Follow Janis in her classroom on Instagram: @JanisLearningLodge

S2-04: Gamification in the K–8 classroom: Fabian Hofmann Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Eric Cross sits down with his colleague and friend Fabian Hofmann to talk through gamification in the K–8 classroom. They discuss Fabian's experience teaching outside of the United States, and the differences in classrooms outside of the country. Fabian explains how to integrate game mechanisms in the classroom, standard-based grading, and shifting student thinking about learning by forming strong relationships. Fabian also shares how he created a new STEM course at his school revolving around his own passion for Star Wars.

Check out the Rebel Teacher Alliance Podcast, hosted by Fabian!
Find Fabian on Twitter!

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