The STEM Space

Vivify STEM

Two engineers turned educators discuss resources, tips, and current events within the scope of STEM education.

  1. How to Structure a STEM Program ft. Sharon Boese

    06/12/2025

    How to Structure a STEM Program ft. Sharon Boese

    Show Summary: Claire sits down with Sharon Boese, a dynamic STEM educator from McKinney Christian Academy in Texas, to explore what hands-on, inquiry-based science education looks like in action. Sharon shares what a typical day in her classroom entails - from guiding 8th graders through Earth and Space Science to inspiring younger students in the school’s K–5 STEM enrichment program. We talk about how to balance multiple class preps and design unique experiences to prevent repetition across grade levels, and integrate creativity and rigor through project-based learning. Sharon also gives us a peek inside her students’ engineering notebooks and explains how documentation supports problem-solving and reflection. Whether you’re a fellow teacher looking for classroom inspiration or simply curious about how STEM education comes alive, this conversation offers practical insights and plenty of passion for learning. About Sharon Boese: Sharon Boese is currently an eighth grade science/STEM teacher and an Elementary School STEM Coordinator at McKinney Christian Academy in McKinney, Texas. She has a great passion for all things space and constantly encourages her students to reach for the stars. Sharon is happily married to Michael, an environmental engineer. They have three sons who all have no choice but to love the nighttime sky. All are Eagle Scouts who earned the Astronomy and Space Exploration merit badges! Sharon hopes that one day one of her sons will become an Astronaut! Credit: NASA Directory | Solar System Ambassadors - NASA Solar System Exploration Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 128. Preparing for the New Science Standards in Texas 131. How to Scaffold Engineering Design in K-12 105. Explaining the 3 Stages of STEM Vivify STEM Blog Posts How to Start an After School STEM Club Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education 10 Tips for Managing a STEM Classroom Vivify STEM Lessons Intro to Coding: STEM Distance Learning Activity Building Bricks STEM Challenge Mats - GROWING BUNDLE! STEM by Grade Level Bridge Engineering STEM Challenge FREE! - Engineering Design Teacher Slides (editable) FREE! - Editable Budget Sheet for Engineering Design Challenges Tower STEM Challenges Design a Car Engineering Design Challenge | 1st Grade STEM Discoveries Sailboat STEM Challenge - K-5 or 6-8 Simple Machines Toy Factory STEM Challenge Other STEM Resources NASA Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC) Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) | Texas Education Agency Vivify STEM Space Library - free (Explorer Library) and paid (STEM Space All-Access: ALL Vivify lessons, PD, videos, and MORE) options Vivify Scope and Sequence Sphero Bolt+ | Sphero Education Tinkercad THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    33 min
  2. SUPER SPACE BUGS!

    21/11/2025

    SUPER SPACE BUGS!

    Show Summary: In this episode, Claire shares her recent discovery of a backyard superfood – the Black Soldier Fly! She and Natasha discuss how this creature plays a key role in ecosystems involving efficient decomposition, nutritional livestock feed, and even in future space habitats. Learn why you may want to get involved, too! Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 197. You Should Build a Rocket… Seriously (Part 1) 199. Chickens and Rockets (Part 2) Vivify STEM Blog Posts Design A School Garden STEM Project Go on a Mission to Mars! Vivify STEM Lessons Design a School Garden: STEM Project Guide Build a Colony on the Moon or Mars Other STEM Resources All About Black Soldier Flies | Grubbly Farms The Urban Farm Podcast Dr. Jeff Tomberlin | Texas A&M Transforming Waste into Wealth: Black Soldier Fly Frass Explained | Flybox Quick Tips THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE VIVIFY BLUESKY

    21 min
  3. Chickens and Rockets (Part 2)

    14/11/2025

    Chickens and Rockets (Part 2)

    Show Summary: In this episode, Claire shares how she tells her story to inspire students and realistically see themselves achieving their dreams. Hear about her recent outreach day teaching about rockets using a home-built 8 foot tall model and of course an update on her chickens. Also get a taste of how STEM teachers can address the social emotional learning of their students. Natasha and Claire may not agree on the method of doing so. Tune in to hear more! Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 197. You Should Build a Rocket… Seriously (Part 1) 198. An Engineer's Guide to Thoughts and Emotions (ft. Alison West and Audrey Gilfillan) 153. Don't Tell Your Kid to be an Engineer Vivify STEM Blog Posts How to Launch Rockets I Didn’t Always Want to be an Engineer - Claire 12 Ways to Boost Social-Emotional Learning with STEM How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward Vivify STEM Lessons Straw Rocket STEM Challenge Upstairs Downstairs Brain Paper Circuit SEL STEM Activity Astronaut Training: 4 Cs of STEM FREE! - Engineering Framework Habits of Mind Posters Astro-Rover Space Science & Engineering Design Unit Other STEM Resources Chickens and Cold Weather: How Cold Can Chickens Tolerate? Mars Pathfinder Sojourner Rover - Jet Propulsion Laboratory Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer’s Guide to Thoughts and Emotions(book) Email us your questions! THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE VIVIFY BLUESKY

    31 min
  4. An Engineer's Guide to Thoughts and Emotions (ft. Alison West and Audrey Gilfillan)

    07/11/2025

    An Engineer's Guide to Thoughts and Emotions (ft. Alison West and Audrey Gilfillan)

    Show Summary: In this episode, Claire is joined by Audrey Gilfillan and Alison West, licensed professional counselors and embedded therapists in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder. Together, they bring extensive experience in college mental health, academic and career support, and community-based counseling. Audrey and Alison are co-authors of Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer’s Guide to Thoughts and Emotions and co-founders of Applied Wellness Initiatives, where they help educators, managers, and professionals integrate mental health awareness into their work and academic communities. Their shared passion is supporting young adults as they balance personal well-being with academic and professional goals in a fast-changing world. Links from the Show: Resources Mentioned Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer’s Guide to Thoughts and Emotions (book) Scaffolded Mental Health Support Model (article) Applied Health Initiatives Email us your questions! Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 146. Is It Squishy? How to Build Engineering Intuition 153. Don't Tell Your Kid to be an Engineer 59. How to Motivate Students and Regulate Emotions in STEM Vivify STEM Blog Posts I Didn’t Always Want to be an Engineer - Claire 12 Ways to Boost Social-Emotional Learning with STEM How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward How to Integrate STEM into Your Gifted & Talented Program Not All STEM is Equal: The 3 stages of STEM Education Vivify STEM Lessons FREE! - Engineering Framework Habits of Mind Posters Astronaut Training: 4C's of STEM Middle School Unit STEM Creativity Tools: 5 Activities to Boost Brainstorming Power Design a Car Engineering Design Challenge Upstairs Downstairs Brain Paper Circuit SEL STEM Activity THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE VIVIFY BLUESKY

    36 min
  5. You Should Build a Rocket... Seriously

    31/10/2025

    You Should Build a Rocket... Seriously

    Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire dive into Claire’s upcoming outreach presentation on rockets. As Claire builds a large-scale cutaway model to showcase each part of a rocket, they explore the value of hands-on learning, problem-solving activities, and tackling common misconceptions about rockets. Plus, stick around for a fun update on Claire’s chickens! Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 194. Should You Be a STEM Expert? 147. When STEM Heats Up! Summer STEM Failures 82. How to Rock it with Rockets 119. Think Like A Scientist Vivify STEM Blog Posts 5 STEM Activities for Fall & Halloween How to Launch Rockets blog posts Brick by Brick: Intro to Criteria and Constraints Vivify STEM Lessons Intro to STEM: Think Like a Scientist & Engineer! Design a School Garden: STEM Project Guide Straw Rocket STEM Challenge: K-3 or 4-10 Other STEM Resources Walking on eggshells — Assessing anxiety in chickens Pitsco Straw Rocket Launcher Estes Rockets: Alpha III Launch Set Rocket Parts - Glenn Research Center - NASA Meet the Vivify Team Subscribe to the Vivify Newsletter! THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    24 min
  6. You Can Start a Microschool (ft. Changemaker Education's David Richards)

    03/10/2025

    You Can Start a Microschool (ft. Changemaker Education's David Richards)

    Show Summary: In this episode of the STEM Space podcast, Claire chats with the Founder & CEO of Changemaker Education, David Richards. He shares his passion for love-based, personalized education that led to establishing a microschool for his own children. As an alternative to the outdated factory model of education, microschools tailor learning to the children that are being served. Tune in to hear how David turned his passion and problem solving into an organization to help others start their own microschools and learn how you can too! About David Richards, Founder & CEO of Changemaker Education: David K. Richards is the Founder & CEO of Changemaker Education, a national network of affiliate love-based microschools and an incubator for founders who want to usher in a new paradigm for the future of education. He is also the host of the Changemaker ED“U” podcast. Previously, he was Founder & CEO of Growth Public Schools, and a founding teacher and leader with Summit Public Schools where he launched several innovative schools. In addition he serves as a leadership and life coach. David has worked in education reform for over 25 years as a teacher, principal, executive, and board member. He lives in Sacramento, CA with his wife and his two children, and holds a BA from UC Berkeley and an MA from Stanford University. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 59. How to Motivate Students and Regulate Emotions in STEM 193. Are You Manufacturing Engineers? Vivify STEM Blog Posts I Didn’t Always Want to be an Engineer Astronaut Training and the 4 C's of STEM 12 Ways to Boost Social-Emotional Learning with STEM How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward Vivify STEM Lessons Astronaut Training: 4C's of STEM Middle School Unit | Engineering Our Cosmos Paper Football Math Activity: Ratio & Proportions with STEM Careers Heart Rate Ratios & Graphing Activity Wearable Device Sports Engineering Activity (Sports & STEM) Brain Safety STEM Challenge: Design a Football Helmet Other STEM Resources Changemaker Education Vivify STEM’s Story Montessori Method Changemaker ED”U” Podcast THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    24 min
  7. The Impact of Game Development (LIVE Lab ft. Aaron Thibault))

    26/09/2025

    The Impact of Game Development (LIVE Lab ft. Aaron Thibault))

    Show Summary: You are in for a treat! Do you have someone in your life that is interested in video games or game development? Claire talks with Aaron Thibault, the director of The LIVE Lab which is a research lab at Texas A&M University in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts where students learn to create interactive learning experiences while getting real industry experience. Hear his story along with the impact that game-based learning can have on learning as well as some ways you as a teacher can bring LIVE Lab projects to your classroom. About Aaron Thibault, LIVE Lab Director: Aaron Thibault is a game developer, educator and researcher who focuses on the innovation of game-based technologies that support learning and deep representations of people, environments and complex interactive scenarios. He was a key leader for the mega-franchise “Borderlands,” developed retention techniques and story pipelines for the first massive multiplayer game “Ultima Online,” and created the Digital Warrior game-based learning platform for the US Army as part of a joint TAMU-UT Austin “UXXI” digital transformation initiative. He organized and advised foundational research at his Digital Media CoLab including rtNEAT, a breakthrough real-time evolutionary neural network technique invented by Ken Stanley and an example of a core research invention that can only occur with support of a lab-based game development team. Aaron also helped start and managed the world’s first graduate degree program for games, The Guildhall at SMU, and is an ACM SIGGRAPH Pioneer and former IEEE virtual reality program chair. About Texas A&M’s LIVE Lab: The LIVE Lab is a research lab at Texas A&M University in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts where students learn to create interactive learning experiences while getting real industry experience. With the help of subject matter experts and instructional designers, students collaborate to make high-quality digital learning experiences, touching on every aspect of professional development including design, concept art, 3D modeling, development and management.Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 68. Game Based Learning with André Thomas 110. How to Implement Game-Based Learning ft. André Thomas Vivify STEM Blog Posts Best Free AI Tools for Educators How to Teach STEM Through A Story 10 Must Have STEM Tools Vivify STEM Lessons Intro to Coding STEM Activity Technology Choice Boards FREE! - Using Geometry to Build a Safe Shelter! Other STEM Resources Aaron Thibault | LinkedIn Texas A&M LIVE Lab A&M-developed calculus video game helps students pass, pursue STEM careers Variant: Limits Educational Trailer (YouTube) Variant: Limits (game) Train game Prisms game Study: Learning Exponential Functions With Immersive Virtual Reality: Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial as Part of the Prisms NSF SBIR Phase II Project The Stanley Parable game Cortopia and Beyond Frames Wands Alliances Quick Tips THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    48 min
  8. Should You Be a STEM Expert?

    19/09/2025

    Should You Be a STEM Expert?

    Show Summary: Natasha and Claire outline a new STEM curriculum that will be available for free through Space Club. Claire details her process on creating the science labs and engineering design challenges in the curriculum including representing accurate science content. Unsurprisingly, she learned that turning to the subject matter experts is the best way to ensure quality science and engineering content to ensure the science informs the engineering design. From chicken coop design to exploring ocean worlds, this episode is filled with inspiration and resources for your STEM program! Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 90. We Launched a Weather Balloon 103. Teaching Light & Breaking Misconceptions Vivify STEM Blog Posts How to Teach STEM Through A Story Finding Student Sparks Weather Balloon Launch Teaching Space Inspires Youth Vivify STEM Lessons FREE! - Space Club Mission to Moon or Mission to Mars Engineering Our Cosmos 8th Grade Curriculum Mission to Moon or Mission to Mars Curriculum Other STEM Resources Space Club - completely free! NASA Dragonfly Mission NASA Cassini Mission SwRI Kelly Miller Email us your questions! THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE VIVIFY BLUESKY

    28 min
See All (201)

About

Two engineers turned educators discuss resources, tips, and current events within the scope of STEM education.

Information

  • Creator
    Vivify STEM
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All content is copyright by Vivify, LLC
  • Show Website
    The STEM Space

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