Puentes & Possibilities

Coral Zayas

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EDUCATION

Join a community exploring the evolving landscape of STEM education through diverse global perspectives with an emphasis on real-world learning opportunities. Learn from educators, innovators and changemakers across industries, as we discover practical tools and actionable ways to drive meaningful change in education together.

4D AGO

Episode 4: Bettles, Butterflies and Bears, oh my! Making Life Science Come Alive

Podcast Participants: Host: Coral Zayas www.coralzayas.com www.linkedin.com/in/coralzayas www.instagram.com/thrive_with_coral www.youtube.com/@coralzayas Podcast Guest: Rodney Crouse https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-crouse-70394324/ Resources Teaching K-5 Science by Coral Zayas: www.coralzayas.com/teachingk5science John Muir Laws Nature Journaling Resources - https://johnmuirlaws.com/nature-journaling/ Sustainable Human YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/SustainableHuman Content Type Interview Primary goal Educational Summary This episode explores life science in elementary education, featuring expert insights on engaging students with real-world phenomena, misconceptions, and outdoor learning strategies. Discover practical tips to foster curiosity and deepen understanding in young learners. Keywords life science, elementary education, STEM, STEAM, science activities, student misconceptions, outdoor learning, student curiosity, teaching strategies Key topics Life science standards in K-5 Engaging students with real-world phenomena Addressing misconceptions in science Outdoor and nature-based learning strategies Key frameworks NGSS standards for life science See, Think, Wonder thinking routine Action items Incorporate outdoor nature journaling into lessons Use free or recycled materials for science investigations Create small ecosystems in the classroom for observation Titles Unlocking Life Science: 5 Strategies to Spark Curiosity in Elementary Students From Strawberries to Ecosystems: Engaging Life Science Lessons for Kids Sound Bites "Everything is connected in our world" "We are all connected, regardless of wings or legs" "Nature journaling is where you need to start" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:53 Overview of Episode and Chapter Focus 01:45 Deep Dive into Life Science Standards 03:10 Guest Introduction: Rodney's Background 03:36 Personal Journey and Passion for Relationships in Teaching 06:59 A Favorite Life Science Investigation: DNA from Strawberries 09:24 Addressing Misconceptions in Life Science 15:47 Bringing Authentic Phenomena into the Classroom 19:23 Outdoor Learning and Nature Journaling 21:00 Closing Remarks and Bonus Content

21 min
MAR 6

Episode 3 Part 2: All Means All - Strategies to Engage Students in Science

Connect With Our Two Speakers: Coral Zayas: Puentes & Possibilities Podcast Host and Author of Teaching K-5 Science: Encouraging Exploration, Inquiry and Problem Solving www.coralzayas.com/teachingk5science Podcast Guest: Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC Podcast Host- The Neurodiversity Podcast Author of 4 Book Including: Teaching Twice Exceptional Learners in Today's Classrooms and Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted & Supported Find Her Resources at Neurodiversity University https://neurodiversity.university and Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools https://neurodiversityaffirmingschools.com keywords STEM education, neurodiversity, inclusive teaching, multilingual learners, twice exceptional, Universal Design for Learning, professional development, education podcast, teaching strategies, student support summary In this episode of Puentes and Possibilities, Coral Zayas discusses the importance of inclusive education with Emily Kircher-Morris, focusing on strategies to support neurodivergent and multilingual learners. They explore the concept of 'twice exceptional' students and the need for neurodiverse affirming spaces in schools. Emily shares her journey in education and counseling, emphasizing the significance of community support and collaboration between educators and families to create effective learning environments for all students. takeaways The podcast aims to close the STEM workforce gap. Chapter three focuses on strategies for all learners. 15% of students qualify for special education services. Emily's background includes personal experiences with ADHD. Neurodivergent learners often go unrecognized in schools. Small changes in teaching can benefit all students. Collaboration between families and schools is essential. Twice exceptional students require unique support. Community resources are vital for educators and families. Titles Empowering All Learners in STEM Education Navigating Neurodiversity in the Classroom sound bites "All means all in education." "Small changes can make a big difference." "We need to advocate for all students." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Book 01:30 Supporting All Learners in Science 03:44 Emily's Background and Journey 08:40 Creating Neurodiverse Affirming Spaces 11:55 School-Family Partnerships 16:01 Identifying Twice Exceptional Students 21:30 Community Support and Resources

21 min
MAR 2

Episode 3 Part 1:All Means All- Strategies to Support Multilingual Learners Students in Science

Connect With Your Podcast Host: Coral Zayas: www.coralzayas.com Get To Know Her New Book: Teaching K-5 Science- Encouraging Exploration, Inquiry and Problem Solving Connect With Our Guest: Leslie Correa keywords STEM education, multilingual learners, neurodiversity, Universal Design for Learning, early childhood education, literacy in science, teaching strategies, classroom management, teacher advice, science education summary In this episode of Puentes and Possibilities, host Coral Zayas discusses strategies for supporting multilingual and neurodiverse learners in science education with guest Leslie Correa, a veteran bilingual educator. They explore the importance of viewing language as an asset, fostering curiosity in young learners, integrating literacy with science, and providing practical advice for teachers feeling overwhelmed by diverse classroom needs. The conversation emphasizes the significance of emotional control, creative teaching methods, and the value of building relationships with students to enhance their learning experience. takeaways The podcast focuses on closing the STEM workforce gap. Chapter three discusses strategies for supporting multilingual and neurodiverse learners. Over 5 million students in the U.S. are multilingual learners. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supports inclusive teaching practices. Teachers should view language as an asset, not a barrier. Multimodal instruction helps make content accessible for all learners. Curiosity and hands-on experiences are vital in early science education. Oral language development is crucial in early childhood literacy. Teachers should invest time in understanding their students' needs. Emotional control is essential for effective classroom management. Titles Empowering Multilingual Learners in Science Fostering Curiosity in Young Scientists sound bites "All means all in education." "Language is an asset, not a barrier." "Use what you have in the classroom." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Book 01:52 Supporting All Learners in Science 04:13 Guest Introduction: Leslie's Expertise 05:00 Strategies for Multilingual Learners 09:12 Fostering a Love for Science in Young Learners 12:04 Integrating Literacy and Science 14:40 Advice for Overwhelmed Teachers

18 min
FEB 23

Episode 2: From Novice to Confident: Setting Up Your Science Classroom for Success

Connect With Puentes & Possibilities Podcast Host Coral Zayas: www.coralzayas.com | www.linktr.ee/coralzayas Pre-Order Coral's Book: Teaching K-5 Science: Encouraging Exploration, Inquiry and Problem Solving: https://www.coralzayas.com/teachingk5science Podcast Guest: Connect With Nuri Jeter: IG: www.instragram.com/nuri_jeter keywords STEM education, science classroom, teacher wellbeing, classroom management, education strategies, teacher burnout, instructional practices, science teaching, student engagement, professional development summary In this episode of Puentes and Possibilities, host Coral Zayas discusses the importance of setting up science classrooms for success with guest Nuri Jeter. They explore effective classroom management strategies, the significance of routines, and the balance between structure and flexibility in teaching. takeaways The power of community and professional learning networks is essential for educators. Setting up support systems is crucial for student success in science classrooms. Incorporating hands-on learning experiences enhances student engagement. Establishing group roles in labs fosters accountability among students. Effective material management requires thorough preparation and organization. A strong structure in the classroom allows for necessary flexibility during lessons. Entry procedures are vital for maintaining classroom control and focus. Educators must prioritize their own wellbeing to effectively support students. It's important to give oneself grace during challenging times in education. Finding what works for individual educators is key to sustainability in teaching. Titles Building Successful Science Classrooms Transforming Education Through Community sound bites "It's okay to put yourself first sometimes." "Give yourself grace during tough times." "It's not a one size fits all approach." Chapters 00:00 Episode 2 Intro 03:23 Episode 2: Q & A with Nuri Jeter

14 min
FEB 15

Welcome to The Wonder Filed World of Teaching Elementary Science

Keywords STEM education, K-5 science, teaching strategies, educational equity, multilingual learners, neurodiversity, professional development, inquiry-based learning, professional learning communities, Coral Zayas Summary In this episode of Puentes and Possibilities, Coral Zayas introduces her new book, Teaching K-5 Science, and shares her educational journey. She emphasizes the importance of STEM education and the need for equitable teaching practices to support diverse learners. The episode also provides a sneak peek into the book's introduction and Chapter 1, highlighting the interactive features designed to engage educators. Takeaways Coral Zayas is the author of Teaching K-5 Science. The podcast aims to close the STEM workforce gap. STEM careers are the fastest growing and highest paying. Only 31% of eighth graders meet proficiency in science. The book aims to support teachers in changing statistics. Focus on multilingual and neurodivergent students is essential. Interactive features in the book enhance learning. The book follows a choose your own adventure format. Coral's journey includes diverse teaching experiences. Community and professional learning networks are vital for growth. Titles Bridging the STEM Gap in Education Coral Zayas: A Journey Through Education sound bites "Join me for sneak peeks into each chapter." "The goal of this book is to help teachers." "A choose your own adventure approach." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Puentes and Possibilities 01:18 Coral's Educational Journey 03:51 Overview of Teaching K-5 Science 06:06 Chapter 1 Insights and Teaching Strategies Pre-Order Teaching K-5 Science: https://www.coralzayas.com/teachingk5science

7 min

5 Episodes

Join a community exploring the evolving landscape of STEM education through diverse global perspectives with an emphasis on real-world learning opportunities. Learn from educators, innovators and changemakers across industries, as we discover practical tools and actionable ways to drive meaningful change in education together.

Creator

Coral Zayas
Years Active

2K
Episodes

5
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Coral Zayas