The STEM Space

Vivify STEM
  • 4.8 (23)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. 1d ago

    Parents as Partners in STEM

    Show Summary: When we think about parent volunteers, we often picture parents helping with classroom parties, fundraisers, field trips, or other special events. But what if we invited parents to be involved in the academic work happening at school, too? In this episode, Natasha and Claire brainstorm ways schools and teachers could rethink parent involvement, especially in STEM and science classrooms. Could parent volunteers help make hands-on science labs more manageable? Could PTOs create academic volunteer roles? Could parents share their careers and expertise, help gather materials, support STEM projects, or simply provide another set of hands during activities that are difficult for one teacher to manage alone? This episode isn't a list of things every school should be doing. It's a conversation about what's possible and an invitation to think beyond the usual ways we ask families to help. If you've ever wished you had an extra set of hands during a science lab, this episode might have you looking at your parent community in a whole new way. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 209. 5 Mistakes Almost Every New STEM Teacher Makes (And What to Do Instead) 127. Why You Should Teach About STEM Careers 134. Are You Gifted? Vivify STEM Blog Posts STEM Family Night Planning Guide 10 Amazing STEM Family Night Activities How to Integrate STEM into Your Gifted & Talented Program A Teacher’s Guide to Science Fairs Vivify STEM Lessons Botany STEM Challenge Space Club Mission to Moon or Mission to Mars - FREE! Other STEM Resources Facebook: The Drip Trip About Texas’s Bluebonnet Learning FREE Space Curriculum by Cosmic Leap Foundation Get in on This Conversation and Email Us! THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    Parents as Partners in STEM

  2. Sep 25

    5 Mistakes Almost Every New STEM Teacher Makes (And What to Do Instead)

    Show Summary: Are you making one of these common STEM teaching mistakes? Don't worry! Most of us have! In this episode, Natasha and Claire break down five mistakes that are especially common when teachers are new to STEM education. They'll talk about why focusing too much on the finished product can actually get in the way of the engineering design process, how real-world connections can transform a simple building challenge, why students sometimes need us to stop giving them the answers, and why great STEM teachers don't try to do everything alone. They also explore the importance of reflection and iteration—and the story of James Dyson's 5,127 prototypes reminds us that a design that doesn't work isn't necessarily a failed learning experience. Whether you're brand-new to STEM or you've been teaching it for years, this episode is an invitation to look at your STEM lessons through a different lens: less emphasis on making something that works the first time, and more emphasis on creating students who know what to do when it doesn't. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 8. STEM vs STEAM+ 205. Can You See Stuff In Your Head? 120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM Vivify STEM Blog Posts ​Why Early STEM Matters: Data-Driven Strategies What to Teach in STEM: A K-8 Engineering Education Framework How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward STEM Teacher & Classroom Essentials Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education Vivify STEM Lessons Intro to STEM: Think Like a Scientist & Engineer! Simple Machines | Inclined Planes: Operation Swift Escape (Part of our NEW 5th Grade STEM Innovators Series!) Biomimicry 5E Science Unit + STEM Design Lab (Nature-Inspired Design!) Stem Explorers: Antarctica Shelter STEM Challenge Space Capsule Heat Shield 5E Engineering Challenge Other STEM Resources Vivify STEM Facebook Reels: Let the Neighborhood Science Club Commence! How to Teach STEM “Enjoy your failure and learn from it. You never learn from success.” About Sir James Dyson Cosmic Leap Foundation: Space Colony Competition Boeing Community Engagement Access FREE STEM Lessons! Become a Member of The STEM Space by Vivify STEM THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    5 Mistakes Almost Every New STEM Teacher Makes (And What to Do Instead)

  3. Sep 11

    How Do You Know What You Know?

    Show Summary: How do we know what we know—and how do we decide whom to trust? In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire and Natasha explore the challenge of teaching students to navigate a world filled with misinformation, misleading statistics, and confidently stated “facts.” From questioning commonly held beliefs to evaluating scientific claims, they discuss how educators can move beyond simply teaching students what is true and instead equip them with the critical-thinking skills to evaluate sources, examine evidence, and decide what deserves their belief. FREE STUDENT WORKSHEET IN THE SHOWNOTES! Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 207. Project Hail Mary 142. An AI Lesson Gone Awry 148. AI Tips for Teachers ft. Lauren Kelly 16. Everything You Know About Learning Styles Is Wrong 103. Teaching Light & Breaking Misconceptions Vivify STEM Blog Posts Best Free AI Tools for Educators Top 3 AI Tools for Educators Vivify STEM Lessons FREE!- What Deserves Your Belief? Critical Thinking Activity Other STEM Resources Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC) Space for Teachers - Project Hail Mary Challenge Fact vs Myth ”You swallow 8 spiders a year while sleeping.” “The Great Wall of China is the only human-made object visible from space.” “We only use 10% of our brains.” “Goldfish have a three-second memory.” “Lightning never strikes the same place twice.” “Sugar makes children hyperactive.” THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    How Do You Know What You Know?

  4. Apr 24

    Project Hail Mary

    Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire shares a special behind‑the‑scenes look at a project she’s been leading with her after‑school STEM club, inspired by Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary and the recent film adaptation. You’ll hear directly from her students as they talk through their designs, discoveries, and big STEM takeaways. A quick heads‑up: this episode includes a few Project Hail Mary spoilers, and the audio was recorded in the classroom rather than Claire’s usual setup, but the students’ excitement and creativity make it well worth the listen! Claire couldn’t be more proud of what they accomplished. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 120. Prioritizing Prototypes & Assessing STEM 113. From Miniatures to Mariners: The Power of Prototyping Vivify STEM Blog Posts Thrilling STEM Activities for Kids: Roller Coaster Challenge How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward Vivify STEM Lessons Roller Coaster Engineering Design Challenge - K-5 or 5-8 FREE After School Space Club Curriculum: Mission to Moon or Mission to Mars Build a Moon or Mars Colony Other STEM Resources The Project Hail Mary Challenge Book: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir IFLScience | Future Astronauts On The Moon And Mars Face Major Challenge As Healthy Muscle Gravity Threshold Revealed YouTube | NASA Science - The Vomit Comet: The Parabolic Flight Experience THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    Project Hail Mary

  5. Mar 27

    How to Turn Off Your Selective Attention

    Show Summary: What if turning off your selective attention could actually make you more creative? In this episode of The STEM Space, we explore how the brain filters information—and why loosening that filter might be the secret to innovation. You’ll also meet Ellen Swallow Richards, the chemist, environmental scientist, and sanitary engineer who transformed public health by revealing the hidden dangers in everyday water. Plus, we highlight several accidental scientific discoveries that changed the world in unexpected ways. Don’t forget to grab the free lesson that goes along with this week’s STEMist spotlight, and stick around for the latest STEM news from around the world! STEMist SPOTLIGHT: Ellen Swallow Richards (1842-1911) was an American chemist and a pioneer in environmental science and public health. Ellen became the first woman admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she studied chemistry and later worked as a researcher. Richards is best known for her work testing water quality and identifying pollution in drinking water, helping to establish modern sanitation and environmental safety standards. She also founded the field of home economics, applying science to everyday life, including nutrition and hygiene. Her work improved public health and changed how communities think about clean water and healthy living. As always, we have a free student activity that goes with our featured STEMist that you can find in our STEM Explorer Library using the image to the left or the link below (listed in under Vivify STEM Lessons). Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 48. What Is In Our Air? 205. Can You See Stuff in Your Head? 36. Are You A Visualizer? Vivify STEM Blog Posts Top 10 Ways to Encourage Girls in STEM A Neuroscientist’s Top 5 STEM Activities for Kids and Families! How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing Forward Vivify STEM Lessons FREE! - Featured STEMist Lesson: Ellen Swallow Richards FREE! - What is in the Air? - A Middle School Environmental Science Unit STEM Creativity Tools: 5 Activities to Boost Brainstorming Power Mars Soil Testing STEM Mission (pH, Acids, Bases) Women in STEM BINGO Game Women in STEM History Engineering Challenges Bundle Who is an Engineer or Scientist? STEM Career Game & Activity Other STEM Resources Publications by Ellen Swallow Richards YouTube: Selective Attention Test from Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris That Fatigue You Feel Might Just Boost Your Creativity | Psychology Today In STEM News Why Mosquitoes Always Find You -Scientists from Georgia Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology discovered that mosquitoes don’t follow each other—instead, they independently respond to the same cues, especially carbon dioxide from breath and dark visual targets like clothing. Using 3D tracking and millions of data points, researchers found that the combination of CO₂ and dark colors is what most strongly attracts mosquitoes, helping explain their behavior and offering new ideas for more effective mosquito control. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020247.htm How Beavers Are Fighting Climate Change - Scientists found that beavers can transform rivers into powerful carbon-storing systems by building dams that create wetlands and trap carbon-rich materials. Over time, these beaver-shaped environments can store significantly more carbon than normal streams—making them a surprising and natural ally in reducing climate change. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020245.htm Keep Your Eyes Open - A study from Shanghai Jiao Tong University found that closing your eyes in noisy environments can actually make it harder to hear faint sounds. Researchers discovered that visual input, especially images or videos related to the sound, helps the brain focus, while closing the eyes causes over-filtering that can block out important sounds. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260320073819.htm THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    How to Turn Off Your Selective Attention

  6. Mar 20

    Can You See Stuff In Your Head?

    Show Summary: In this episode of The STEM Space, we explore the fascinating world of the mind’s eye. Some people can picture vivid images in their minds, while others see nothing at all—so where do you fall on the imagination spectrum? We’ll dive into the science of visual perception while learning about modern neuroscientist Margaret Livingstone and her work uncovering how the brain processes visual information. Plus, grab your free classroom lesson inspired by this research and stay tuned for the latest top feats of STEM in the news. STEMist SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Margaret Livingstone has spent her career uncovering how the brain turns light into meaning, showing that what feels effortless - recognizing color, motion, faces, and form - is actually the work of specialized pathways working together behind the scenes. Drawn to both science and art from a young age, she earned her Ph.D. in neurobiology at Harvard and went on to map how different parts of the visual system process information. Her research revealed why certain artworks seem to glow or move and how artists have long tapped into the brain’s visual circuitry, insights she later shared in Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing. Her work has shaped fields from neuroscience and psychology to art, display technology, and virtual reality, reminding us that while our eyes capture the world, it’s the brain that creates what we see. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 16. Everything You Know About Learning Styles Is Wrong Vivify STEM Blog Posts How to Integrate STEM into Your Gifted & Talented Program Vivify STEM Lessons FREE! - Featured STEMist Lesson: Dr. Margaret Livingstone STEM Creativity Tools: 5 Activities to Boost Brainstorming Power Astronaut Training: 4C's of STEM Middle School Unit | Engineering Our Cosmos Other STEM Resources Vision and Art by Margaret S. Livingstone The Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire at Aphantasia Network In STEM News What Do Mummies Smell Like? The Answer Is Revealing Ancient Secrets - Scientists at the University of Bristol discovered that the distinctive scent of Egyptian mummies comes from chemicals left behind by embalming ingredients such as oils, beeswax, plant resins, and bitumen. By analyzing tiny samples of air around mummy fragments, researchers identified dozens of chemical compounds that reveal how mummification techniques evolved and became more sophisticated over more than 2,000 years. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315225153.htm New “Jerk” Signal Could Warn of Volcano Eruptions Hours in Advance - Scientists from the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris and the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences developed a method called the “Jerk” detector that identifies tiny ground movements caused by magma rising underground. Tested for ten years at the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, the system successfully predicted **92% of eruptions—sometimes up to eight hours in advance—**offering a promising new tool for early volcanic warning systems. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315004411.htm Smart Underwear Reveals the Truth About Farts - Scientists at the University of Maryland created “Smart Underwear,” a wearable sensor that measures hydrogen in intestinal gas to track how often people pass gas. Early results show people may fart about **32 times per day on average—more than twice previous estimates—**while the technology could help researchers better understand gut microbes and digestive health. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260314030516.htm THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    Can You See Stuff In Your Head?

  7. Mar 6

    What Makes a Great Inventor?

    Show Summary: In this episode, Claire introduces us to the fascinating inventor and engineer, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, who is best known for creating the super soaker water gun. However, that is the least of his accomplishments. Claire and Natasha follow with a discussion on what makes a great engineer and the difference between engineers and inventors… if there is a difference! STEMist storytime, a debate on important engineering skills, and more feats of STEM in the news are in store for you, dear listeners. Tune in to hear what it is all about and don’t forget to grab the free lesson to go with the STEMist Highlight in our STEM Explorer library. ENGINEER SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Lonnie Johnson (b. 1949) is an American inventor and engineer whose curiosity started early. Growing up in Alabama, he loved taking things apart and even built a working robot in high school, winning a statewide science fair as the only Black student competing. Johnson went on to earn engineering degrees and worked for the U.S. Air Force and NASA, contributing to major missions like Galileo’s exploration of Jupiter. While experimenting at home in the 1980s, he accidentally created a powerful water stream that sparked an idea. After refining the design, he invented the Super Soaker, one of the best‑selling toys of all time. Dr. Johnson used its success to fund research in advanced batteries and clean energy through his own company. With more than 100 patents, he continues to innovate and inspire young engineers today. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 178. Getting Kids to Think 71. How to Create a Relevant STEM Challenge 193. Are You Manufacturing Engineers? 150. Screw the Standards! Or Should We? ft. Dr. Pedersen Vivify STEM Blog Posts Go On a Mission to Mars! 7 Activities Featuring Women in STEM History What to Teach in STEM: A K-8 Engineering Education Framework Vivify STEM Lessons FREE! - Featured Engineer Lesson: Dr. Lonnie Johnson Design a Lunar or Mars Colony Orbital Mission STEM Innovators lessons Who is an Engineer or Scientist? STEM Career Game & Activity STEM Innovators BINGO Game: 24 Game-Changing Thinkers in STEM! Astro-Rover Space Science & Engineering Design Unit Other STEM Resources Dr. Lonnie Johnson Official Website NASA Galileo Mission Book: Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton NASA Artemis Article: The 5 Traits of a Great Engineer In STEM News Boiling Space Oceans: A study in Nature Astronomy suggests that some icy moons, including Enceladus, may have underground oceans that can begin to boil as their ice shells thin. Light Control: Scientists at NYU have developed a new way to control how crystals form by using light as a “remote control.” Thing IRL: Researchers led by roboticist Aude Billard at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology have developed a highly flexible robotic hand that can grasp multiple objects at once — and even detach to crawl around independently. Lunar Construction: Astroport Space Technologies and Venturi Astrolab have successfully tested a robotic lunar excavator designed to help build future infrastructure on the Moon. Retinal Implant: A miniature wireless retinal implant is offering renewed hope to individuals who have lost their sight due to advanced age-related macular degeneration. THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    What Makes a Great Inventor?

  8. Feb 27

    What Your Students Should Know About Robots

    Show Summary: In this episode, Natasha and Claire explore the fascinating world of robots and robotics—from the driver’s seat of their Tesla cars to the competition floor of First In Texas robotics. Natasha shares firsthand insights from her work in competitive robotics, while both hosts reflect on how robotics is already shaping our everyday lives. You’ll also hear the inspiring story of George Devol, the inventor who helped launch the modern robotics industry, and why his legacy still matters today. The conversation dives into how and when students should be introduced to robotics, practical ways to spark curiosity, and why robotics education is more important than ever in preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving world. Plus, the episode wraps with exciting recent feats in STEM that highlight just how fast innovation is moving. Whether you're an educator, parent, tech enthusiast, or just robot-curious, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a glimpse into the future. ENGINEER SPOTLIGHT: George Devol (1912-2011) was an American inventor who helped start the modern robotics industry. George, fascinated by circuits and mechanics, loved experimenting with electronics and machines. In 1954, he patented the first programmable robotic arm, a machine that could move objects automatically by following coded instructions. Working with engineer Joseph Engelberger, he built Unimate, the world’s first industrial robot. In 1961, it was put to work in a car factory, handling hot metal parts and doing dangerous jobs that once put people at risk. Devol’s invention changed manufacturing forever and helped pave the way for the robots we use today. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 105. Explaining the 3 Stages of STEM 132. The Focus of an Engineering Design Competition Vivify STEM Blog Posts Not all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM Education How to Teach STEM Through A Story 5 Tips for Teaching STEM With Robots Hour of Code Resources + Unplugged Coding Activity Vivify STEM Lessons FREE! - Featured Engineer Lesson: George Devol Robot Hand Design Challenge Simple Machines STEM: Levers - Operation: Secret Lever Design a Pneumatic Device Middle School STEM Unit | Engineering Our Cosmos Intro to Coding: Unplugged STEM Activity Astro-Rover Space Science & Engineering Design Unit Other STEM Resources FIRST® LEGO® League FIRST® Tech Challenge FIRST® Robotics Competition NASA Robotics Alliance Project NASA Space Vehicle Mockup Facility (Building 9) Bee-Bot Ozobot Evo Entry Kit How to Teach STEM In STEM News Perseverance and AI!NASA’s Perseverance rover has achieved a major milestone on Mars by navigating with routes planned by artificial intelligence rather than human drivers. Using a vision-based AI system, the rover analyzed terrain images, spotted hazards like rocks and sand ripples, and mapped out its own safe path. Do cows have the smarts to use tools? Read more about this fascinating study and use this free accompanying lesson plan from the New York Times! New Dinosaur Species found!Scientists have discovered a new species of massive predatory dinosaur in Niger’s Sahara Desert: Spinosaurus mirabilis. It is only the second known Spinosaurus species and features a striking 20-inch, sword-shaped head crest likely used for display. Eat pecans! A new review published in Nutrients finds strong evidence that pecans support heart health, particularly by improving cholesterol and other blood lipid markers. THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE

    What Your Students Should Know About Robots
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4.8
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Vivify STEM
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    210
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All content is copyright by Vivify, LLC
  • Show Website
    The STEM Space

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