Science Modeling Talks

Mark Royce
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Education
  • Updated Bimonthly

Science Modeling Talks is a podcast series that introduces you to top science Modeling teachers and thought leaders in a relaxed and conversational interview format. In our episodes, you'll hear stories and ideas that help the science education community learn and grow as effective classroom teachers. Visit our website for show note, links and more info about our guests: sciencemodelingtalks.com

  1. Jun 1

    Episode 81 - ReCast - Phil Root - "Modeling at the College Level and Advanced Workshops"

    This week, Mark talks with Phil Root about the differences he sees between teaching using modeling methodology at the high school level and the college level. They talk about Phil's experience helping to adapt modeling materials for physical science to the Next Generation Science Standards, and how much he enjoyed building a storyline for those units. They talk about the advanced modeling workshops, including the new materials Phil helped to develop for them, and the various topics covered. They finish with Phil's advice for folks just starting out on a modeling instruction journey. Guests Phil Root Phil Root taught high school chemistry and physics at Chandler High School from 2004-2013, and has been teaching chemistry at Scottsdale Community College since 2013. Phil teaches using modeling methods at the college level, and also leads modeling workshops. He helped to develop the physical science curriculum for Next Generation Science Standards and worked with Levi Torrison to develop a thermodynamics modeling workshop and extend the Chem 2 workshop to a full three week course. Website   Highlights [11:05] Phil Root: "AMTA was actively engaging students before it was cool." [17:08] Phil Root, on advanced modeling workshops: "you will have activities, labs, facilitation experience that you can take with you directly back to your classroom the next year and put it to place right away to build your storyline in your classroom and make it stronger." [19:13] Phil Root: "My goal now isn't to get my students to solve a problem a certain way or to get an answer. It's to probe their thinking about the relationships that they're using or how are they making sense of the mathematical relationships they're using or the conceptual frameworks that they're building." Resources Download Transcript Ep 81 Transcript

    33 min

  2. May 1

    Episode 80 - Rama Janamanchi - "Modeling From An Administrators Perspective"

    Mark and Rama talk about Lawrence School, where Rama is the academic dean for grades 7 through 12. The school serves students with language-based learning differences and attention-deficit issues. They've been implementing modeling instruction in their science courses with success. As a result, they are hosting two modeling workshops on their campus this summer. Guest Rama Janamanchi   Rama Janamanchi is the Upper School Academic Dean at Lawrence School, Sagamore Hills, OH. She has been in the role for the past 3 years, working with a phenomenal leadership team to create learning spaces for teachers and students. She has also been an English, journalism, and mythology teacher. She continually seeks professional growth, participating in an NEH Seminar at the Folger Shakespeare Library and the New York Times Teaching Project. She is also a teacher-consultant with NWP. She has presented at the IDA (International Dyslexia Association) and NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) conferences on creating equitable spaces for all students to succeed. LinkedIn Highlights [4:30] Rama Janamanchi "we are also aware that technology provides us equity" [18:00] Rama Janamanchi "I love that. I love this idea. Permission to fail. It will get better. You just have to persevere." [24:24] Rama Janamanchi "And there's nothing that beats the jaded months of February, January in the cold of Ohio, then watching a little bit of curiosity and discovery in your classroom." Resources Download Transcript Ep 80 Transcript Links https://www.lawrenceschool.org/

    35 min

  3. Apr 1

    Episode 79 - Janelle Hollingshead - Proportional Reasoning, Modeling Tips and the AMTA "Coffee Hour"

    Mark talks with Janelle Hollingshead about her introduction to modeling instruction, including learning about "for every" statements, which help students to understand the concepts they discuss, as opposed to just getting the correct answer to a question. They talk about using proportional reasoning with students rather than giving them steps to solve problems as a means of developing their thinking. They talk about how teachers might incorporate modeling methods into their classes even when they do not have control over their curriculum. Janelle talks about how she listens to the words students use to describe phenomena to really get an idea of what they're thinking. Guest Janelle Hollingshead Janelle Hollingshead majored in chemistry and music, and lives in Wisconsin, where she teaches chemistry and physics. She leads a monthly coffee talk with AMTA for teachers to talk about modeling in their classrooms and schools. She is working with Larry Dukerich and Brenda Royce to update chemistry teacher materials with solutions using proportional reasoning, along with traditional solutions.   Highlights [21:59] Janelle Hollingshead "I think it's important to be a part of a community where you can bounce things off." [24:46] Janelle Hollingshead "talk to the kids about the fact that your job as a science teacher is not just to impart information, but it's also to create scientists." Resources Download Transcript Ep 79 Transcript

    33 min

  4. Mar 1

    Episode 78 - Ine Williams - "Meet the New AMTA Associate Executive Officer"

    Mark talks with Ine Williams, Associate Executive Officer for AMTA. They talk about her background, global travel, and the various corporate and nonprofit roles she has had. They talk about Ine's new role as Associate Executive Director of AMTA, and her collaboration with Caroline Savio-Ramos, AMTA's new Executive Officer. They talk about some of the changes coming to AMTA and their efforts to make it easier to connect with other educators. They talk about equity in education, highlighting diverse voices. They discuss Ine's intentions for the first few months in her role, as well as longer-term plans. Guest Ine Williams Inemesit “Ine” Williams serves as the Associate Executive Officer for the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA), where she oversees Membership & Engagement efforts, coordinates programs and events, and partners with the Executive Officer to drive strategic growth and foster community for STEM educators. Her career is defined by a unique intersection of science, international education, and climate justice. Beginning in biotechnology at Chiron Corporation, Ine transitioned into a 20-year career in higher education, managing global mobility programs and diversifying STEM initiatives. A dedicated advocate for systemic change, she is a Climate Reality Leader, Certified Carbon Literacy Facilitator, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the RISE Travel Institute. Whether managing global programs & teams, or scaling nonprofit operations, Ine is committed to translating complex global challenges into inclusive, sustainable strategies. Instagram  |  LinkedIn Highlights [21:02] Ine Williams "I think those are really good words to use: develop, and improve, because I see that there's a lot of change coming about right now in AMTA, some of it that people have seen already, some of it that we have not even shared yet. ... all about trying to make this organization be a really good space for ...educators...also for community, for resources, ...And to make that experience more seamless and just something that people really enjoy." [27:24] Ine Williams "Caroline and I are considering, take a step back, learn the process, and then be strategic about how we move forward and what we prioritize. And part of that strategy is going to be really listening to the folks who are the body of AMTA, the members, ...And figuring out what their needs are." [28:41] Ine Williams "this idea of modeling instruction, this pedagogy, is really set up to give every student a voice. Right in the classroom." Resources Download Transcript Ep 78 Transcript

    44 min

  5. Feb 1

    Episode 77 - Lee Trampleasure "30 Years Teaching High School Science"

    In this episode, Mark talks with Lee Trampleasure, starting with how he found modeling instruction 20 years ago. They talk about the various courses he teaches and how we may sometimes need a reminder that just as we feel like brand new teachers again when we first start modeling, our students aren't used to developing the science themselves and sometimes it takes a whole semester before things "click." Lee shares some ideas for how to adjust our modeling workshops for our post-COVID, Zoom world. They also talk about ways for modelers to connect in community, even if they are the only modeler in their school. Guest Lee Trampleasure Lee has spent 30+ years teaching science, mostly physics, from physics first (9th grade) to AP physics C: Mechanics. He has also taught chemistry and yearbook. He took a break from teaching about ten years in, to work with the SEPUP curriculum group. Lee also leads geology-focused hikes in the San Francisco area. Website | Facebook | Bluesky | X | Meetup     Highlights [14:14] Lee Trampleasure "I love teaching physics first because kids are building their math skills at the same time that they're building their physics skills. And I think we help the math classes with physics first." Resources Download Transcript Ep 77 Transcript

    35 min

  6. Jan 1

    Episode 76 – Caroline Savio-Ramos “AMTA’s New XO”

    In this episode, Mark talks with Caroline Savio-Ramos, the new executive officer of the AMTA. They discuss her professional journey and introduction to modeling instruction. They talk about current projects she has been working on in her first month as executive officer and about direction for AMTA. Guest Caroline Savio-Ramos She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Arizona State University, where she conducted research on technology-enhanced physics learning, published peer-reviewed work, and taught courses in Human–Computer Interaction and Educational Technology. She also earned an M.S. in Educational Technology from Ramapo College, an M.A. in Education (Teaching Physics) from New York University, a B.S. in Computer Science from Western Governors, and a B.A. in Physics and Spanish from Rutgers University. In addition to her academic background, she brings industry experience from Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Intel, where she led UX research and designed digital learning solutions. A fluent speaker of Spanish and Portuguese, she is committed to fostering curiosity, problem solving, and lifelong engagement with STEM. BluSky Profile Highlights [23:28] Caroline Savio-Ramos "I encourage people to come to the town halls, come to webinars because the way I wanted to approach this is have an open conversation with folks. Like, what do you want to see? What can we do for you? What are some things that you would like AMTA to offer that we possibly don't?" Resources Download Transcript Ep 76 Transcript

    32 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    Episode 75 – Recast – Cynthia Passmore – “Models Are the Functional Unit of Scientific Thought”

    In this episode, Mark talks with Cynthia Passmore, who is a professor of science education at the University of California, Davis. They talk about the differences between the approach to modeling developed at ASU and UC Davis, which seem to be more and more similar as time goes by. They talk about how all of our understanding in scientific study is based on models, even if we do not specifically hold those up as "models" per se. We use mental models to explain the world around us and to better understand how and why certain interactions happen the way they do. They talk about modeling instruction and the Next Generation Science Standards and how modeling really gets students to do the thinking as scientists and make the connections between what we see and the explanations for what we see. They talk about Cynthia's new book, even get to talk about some of Cynthia's recent research on effective teaching using modeling methods in the high school biology classroom. Guest Cynthia Passmore Cynthia Passmore is currently a Professor specializing in science education in the University of California, Davis School of Education. She did her doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and prior to that she was a high school science teacher. Her research focuses on the role of models and modeling in student learning, curriculum design and teacher professional development. She investigates model-based reasoning in a range of contexts and is particularly interested in understanding how the design of learning environments interacts with students’ reasoning practices. She has been the principal investigator of several large grants and is the lead on a collaborative curriculum design project that has created a full-year high school biology course. A key practitioner publication is the edited volume: Helping Students Make Sense of the World Using Next Generation Science and Engineering Practices from NSTA Press. Highlights [2:44] Cynthia "I think the inclusion of modeling as a practice in the next generation Science standards has also brought a lot more people to the work of modeling than used to be the case." [3:25] Cynthia "Models are the functional unit of scientific thought." [7:51] Cynthia "The depiction is important. I'm not trying to say it's not, but if all we're doing is asking kids to reproduce representations and depictions of things, then we're losing the modeling practice, in my view." Resources Download Transcript Ep 75 Transcript Links Modeling  Based Biology - Living Earth

    32 min

  8. 11/01/2025

    Episode 74 - Tom Pfeiffer - 40 years veteran teacher and Modeling Workshop Leader

    This episode starts out with Tom's advice to teachers who are just getting started with modeling instruction. He and Mark discuss the differences in teaching physics and chemistry using modeling methods. They also discuss the changes Tom noticed when switching from traditional to modeling methods, as well as key takeaways from modeling workshops. Guest Tom Pfeiffer Tom Pfeiffer studied biology and chemistry in college. In graduate school, he chose to switch directions and become a teacher. In his teaching career, Tom taught Physics, Chemistry, 10th-grade Biology, Advanced Biology and Physical Science. When he began to learn about modeling methods, he says it greatly improved student engagement in learning. He is now retired after teaching for 40 years. Facebook | Instagram Highlights [17:40] Tom Pfeiffer "when I think of my students when I was modeling, they were much more engaged and seemed to enjoy the class more." [19:55] Mark Royce "When they walk away from my class, regardless of the content they carry with them, they are learning how to learn, and that will always go with them in their life ahead." Resources Download Transcript Ep 74 Transcript

    36 min
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5
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18 Ratings

About

Science Modeling Talks is a podcast series that introduces you to top science Modeling teachers and thought leaders in a relaxed and conversational interview format. In our episodes, you'll hear stories and ideas that help the science education community learn and grow as effective classroom teachers. Visit our website for show note, links and more info about our guests: sciencemodelingtalks.com

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Royce
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Mark Royce
  • Show Website
    Science Modeling Talks

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