Description

Start your 2025 with an inspiring deep dive into the world of play-based STEM education with Brittney Tarr, a trailblazing STEM specialist at the Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School. As a dedicated educator, doctoral student, and advocate for creative and inclusive STEM learning, Brittney shares her journey from teaching English in South Korea to pioneering innovative STEM practices in early education.

In this episode, Brittney unpacks:

• How play-based learning transforms the way young learners develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• The concept of STEM identity and why fostering belonging and capability is essential for every student.
• Her eye-opening research on early childhood STEM education and the incredible projects her students create, like turning robotics into art and storytelling.
• The power of curiosity, failure, and iteration to spark creativity and innovation in classrooms and beyond.

Discover how Brittney’s groundbreaking work at her lab school bridges cutting-edge research with hands-on teaching strategies that inspire students—and educators alike. Whether you're an educator, parent, or just passionate about the future of learning, this episode will leave you motivated to embrace the transformative power of play in education.

Resources

• Thomas Metcalf School: Learn more about our lab school
• Brittney’s Instagram: @adventures_with_mstarr
• Brittney’s BlueSky: @adventuresmstarr.bsky.social
• Taylor Swift Robotics Project: Watch the creative magic here
• Mariana Bers - Early Childhood + Computer Science Researcher:
  • Beyond Coding
  • Coding as Playground
• Lifelong Kindergarten from the MIT Media Lab:
  • Explore the research lab
  • Lifelong Kindergarten book

Kick off the New Year by tuning into this empowering episode, and let’s make 2025 the year of curiosity, creativity, and play! 🎉