177. The Power of Makerspaces ft. Dr. Leah Hanes of Two Bit Circus
4/4/2025
Natasha chats with Dr. Leah Hanes, CEO of the Two Bit Circus Foundation, a nonprofit transforming STEAM education through hands-on, student-driven learning. Dr. Hanes highlights the power of makerspaces and how her organization upcycles industrial materials into creative classroom tools. She also advocates for embracing AI in education. While some fear student use of AI, she encourages AI as a tool to level the playing field, providing personalized support for students and helping teachers enhance learning for all.
About Dr. Leah Hanes, CEO of Two Bit Circus Foundation: Dr. Leah Hanes blends creativity, leadership, and a passion for education in her work at Two Bit Circus Foundation. From award-winning TV production in Toronto to talent representation in Hollywood, she has built a career driven by storytelling and innovation.
Her early life on a Canadian farm shaped her commitment to sustainability, while her studies in Early Childhood Education fueled her dedication to hands-on learning. With a Master’s in Organizational Management and a PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University, she continues to champion student-driven, experiential education that prepares learners for the future.
About Two Bit Circus Foundation: Two Bit Circus Foundation is a Los Angeles based 501(c)3 nonprofit that creates STEAM learning experiences for kids that inspire innovation and entrepreneurship by building games, telling stories with technology, and challenging kids to make what they imagine using sustainable materials and STEAM.
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Check out our full unedited video interview with Dr. Leah Hanes above or the edited audio podcast episode for the highlights of our conversation below!
Links from the Show:
Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes
Vivify STEM Blog Posts
Qweebi: Transforming STEM Education with a Virtual Makerspace
10 Easy STEM Career Classroom Activities (Find Your Student Sparks)
Vivify STEM Lessons
Other STEM Resources
Students participate in a STEM Seminar sponsored by Building STEPS in Baltimore, Maryland.
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