Episodes

  • (STEM)2 S6E5 - Multicultural STEAM & the Language of Artemis

    (STEM)2 S6E5 - Multicultural STEAM & the Language of Artemis
    Nov 8 2024
    Series 6 Episode 5: (STEAM)2 - Multicultural STEAM and the Language of NASA's Artemis: This is a special series focused on my work at the national NSTA conference in New Orleans. In the 5th episode we explore mathematics and multicultural inclusion. More specifically we explore the language of NASA’s Artemis program as it relates to multicultural inclusion in STEAM. Like its predecessor Apollo, the reich and complex language associated with Artemis provides a educational matrix for language development and understanding the diversity of cultures and people engaged in in lunar exploration as illuminated in some of the participating nations involved in the design of Artemis vehicles and technologies. Educational resources in this episode include vocabulary lesson plans for students and the diverse biographies of Artemis 2 astronauts flying to the moon in 2025. (S6E5)


    Educational Links: Artemis in the United States, Artemis in Canada, Artemis in Mexico & Artemis in Japan​Educational Link: NASA Website: Meet Our Artemis Crew
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    12 mins
  • (STEM)2 S6E4 - The Art of Moonbases & Egg-o-nauts!

    (STEM)2 S6E4 - The Art of Moonbases & Egg-o-nauts!
    Nov 6 2024
    Series 6 Episode 4: (STEAM)2, The Art of Moonbases and Egg-o-nauts!: In the 4th episode we explore STEAM, Art and Aesthetic Design. In addition to talking about the private and public sectors design and work together in building the complex Artemis rockets, rovers, robots, and habitats together, we explore the creative elements connected to the arts and aesthetic design as it relates to transforming creative curiosity and problem solving into testable concepts in STEAM. More specifically, this episode explores the importance of including and infusing art into Artemis lessons as a way to help students imagine themselves as future participants in lunar or other space exploration. In the news we look at public and private partnerships work together within the Artemis program as it relates to rocket, landing and lunar habitat systems. Educators interested in integrating the arts and aesthetic design as it relates to designing lunar habitats as an educational diorama. (S6E4)

    Educational Link: European Space Agency Art for Artemis
    Educational Link: National Space Centre Make Your Own Moonbase Video
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    9 mins
  • (STEM)2 S6E3 Robots on the Moon and in Your Schools

    (STEM)2 S6E3 Robots on the Moon and in Your Schools
    Oct 31 2024
    Series 6 Episode 3: (STEAM)2 - Robots on the Moon and in Your Schools: In the 3rd episode we explore STEAM and exceptional learning. In addition to exploring robotics we explore the importance of inclusive and exceptionally based STEAM lessons and activities based on a learning model developed in a report called spiceE. We also discussed multi-sensory and team projects that are asset-based that can be connected to NASA’s Artemis program as well. In the news we look at NASA’s Astrobee and LASSIE robotics programs for Artemis 2 and introducing a VEX 123 lunar robotics challenge at the NSTA Conference in New Orleans. Educators interested in special education STEAM programs can access the spicE report as well which provides a very hands-on, tactile and inclusive model of STEAM education for primary and secondary students from a European perspective. (S6E3)

    Educational Link: SpiceE STEAM Academy Report from Europe
    Educational Link: Impact Teachers Strategies for Exceptional STEAM
    Educational Link: NASA Robotic Astrobee & NPR article on NASA Robotic LASSIE Rover
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    12 mins
  • (STEM)2 S6E2: (STEAM)2 - NASA Artemis Rockets & Stories

    (STEM)2 S6E2: (STEAM)2 - NASA Artemis Rockets & Stories
    Oct 29 2024
    Series 6 Episode 2: (STEAM)2 - NASA Artemis Lunar Robotics Challenge: In the second episode, we explore STEAM and transformative learning. Like its predecessor program Apollo, there is a tremendous amount of innovation in technology evident in NASA’s Artemis program including the infusion of robotics, AI and 3D printing discussed in this episode. Artemis educators are also using media and technologies in novel ways to help students see the connection between these emerging technologies and society. In the news we look at NASA’s main rocket called the Space Launch System and comparing it to the SpaceX system that will be used in Artemis 3. The NASA SLS booklet for elementary students and a paper model students can build is discussed as well. (S6E2)
    • Educational Link: NASA's Artemis Space Launch System
    • Educational Link: AXM Paper Space Models - SLS
    • Educational Link: SpaceX Starship System
    • Educational Link: NASA SLS Illustrated Book for Children
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    12 mins
  • (STEM)2 S6E1 (STEAM)2 - NASA and New Orleans NSTA Conference

    (STEM)2 S6E1 (STEAM)2 - NASA and New Orleans NSTA Conference
    Oct 29 2024
    Series 6 Episode 1: (STEAM)2, NASA and New Orleans NSTA Conference : In the first episode of (STEAM)2 we layout the purpose of this series which is to explore NASA’s Artemis 2 Program within the context of the (STEAM)2 learning model for K-8 educators. Then focus on STEAM and Society as it relates to lessons about Artemis 2. For teachers we explore the Artemis Accords which are an international science and research agreement related to lunar exploration that illuminates how this program may connect with students all around the world. We also discuss place-based learning connected astronaut training in Iceland imagining how humans might live and explore the moon and other off planet environments. Learning resources include links to NSTA, information on the NASA Accords, and an article about NASA astronauts training in Iceland. (S6E1)
    • Educational Link: National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) - New Orleans
    • Educational Link: NASA Artemis Accords of Nations
    • Educational Link: NASA Astronaut Training in Iceland
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    12 mins
  • (STEM)2 S5E6 Bonus Episode on Cicadas in North America

    (STEM)2 S5E6 Bonus Episode on Cicadas in North America
    Apr 28 2024

    In this bonus episode, we look at the rare emergence of two broods of cicadas in North America and how this rare double emergence of Broods 13 and 17 has not been seen in over two centuries. As trillions of noisy cicadas complete their life cycle, we discuss the benefits to ecosystems and share articles on how people celebrate cicadas around the world. In the news we share articles on Broods 13 and 17 (click here) and National Geographic resources four kids and schools (click here and click here). (Podcast 5E6).
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    7 mins
  • (STEM)2 S5E5 Earth Day Episode - How Can AI Protect Wildlife and Teach Families About Nature?

    (STEM)2 S5E5 Earth Day Episode - How Can AI Protect Wildlife and Teach Families About Nature?
    Apr 21 2024
    Series 5 Episode 5: Earth Day Episode - How Can AI Protect Wildlife and Teach Families About Nature?


    Earth Day special education we look at ways AI is being utilized by scientists and wildlife experts to protect rare and endangered species around the world (click here). We also examine how NASA is utilizing AI to better predict extreme weather in order to help local communities (click here). The main part of our show explores a theoretical model of dynamic interpretive software that helps children in the primary grades learn about nature and environmental topics in local and regional contexts. Should AI be utilized in outdoor science and environmental education programs? Let us know by contacting us at stemsquarred@gmail.com. (Podcast S5E5)
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    15 mins
  • (STEM)2 S5E4 Series 5 Episode 4: Thematic Experimentation and Prototyping with 6-8 Grade Students - Using AI for Thematic Problem Solving an

    (STEM)2 S5E4 Series 5 Episode 4: Thematic Experimentation and Prototyping with 6-8 Grade Students - Using AI for Thematic Problem Solving an
    Apr 19 2024
    Series 5 Episode 4: Thematic Experimentation and Prototyping with 6-8 Grade Students - Using AI for Thematic Problem Solving and Experimentation in STEM:

    What role does AI play in early secondary education? In Episode 4, we begin exploring AISE at the secondary levels in Grades 7-9 by introducing a forth class and educational model of science education that includes AI modelling and early prototyping of STEM tech that includes early AI coding and other elements. Secondary AISE also explores how lessons, topics and ideas beyond the local and regional cosmos that is more evident in elementary AISE. Working individually and in teams, students utilize AI in thematic lessons and/or problem-based learning that includes prototyping physical technology and robotics for community sharing at events such as an AI-linked robotics and other technical leagues and challenges (similar to Lego Robotics). In the news, we look at some of the early research into AI (click here), a new AI ethics curriculum for middle schoolers from MIT (click here) and share a website that utilizes Lego Robotics and AI (click here).
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    15 mins