In this episode, Natasha and Claire explore a variety of icebreakers to help set the tone for the academic year. They share activities that are not just fun but also help in sharpening vital soft skills like communication and teamwork—key elements for the complex design challenges that lie ahead. From hands-on challenges with LEGO® blocks and towers to fun ways to keep attendance while building relationships with your students, they share how these activities lay the groundwork for an engaging and collaborative learning environment. Tune in as we navigate through these exciting strategies to kick-start your STEM classroom experience.

In this episode, Claire and Natasha discuss what things they would include in a devoted STEM classroom or Makerspace. They share some must-have products and design elements as well as some things you could skip. Tune in to hear an answer to one of our most frequently asked questions and take-away some ideas you may use for your STEM room.

In this episode, Claire and Natasha share their extensive knowledge and experience in crafting and marketing educational curricula. They delve into the details of creating compelling and effective learning materials that not only engage students but also meet educators' needs by imparting insights about the business side of education. They discuss strategies for positioning and selling their curricula in the competitive market, shedding light on their big-picture approach, teacher notes, and understanding the needs of their target audience. This episode is a must-listen for educators looking to create and sell their own teaching resources or if you might one day!

In this episode, Claire dives into how she plans to inspire her students to understand complex concepts, such as buoyancy. She explores the transformative process of moving from paper sketches to mini-models, and ultimately to life-sized, functioning products. Claire explains the critical role of prototyping, the eureka moments, the challenges, and the triumph or failure of the end result. Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover how the power of prototyping can create unforgettable educational experiences for your students.

We are back! While Natasha jetted off to France during the break, Claire was shuttling her kids around town, from swim practice to piano camp. Now, somewhat rejuvenated, we're thrilled to be back to talk all things STEM! In this episode, Natasha reflects on her first time teaching undergraduate pre-service students while Claire shares a student question she will never answer. Plus, we tackle the topic of if we have over-engineered the goals of engineering education.