Shows
STEM Educator Pod#33 Top 8 Underrated Tools For The Primary STEM ClassroomSometimes the simplest tools and equipment can make the biggest difference in our classrooms. Check out today's episode to hear about some of my favourites!
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Magnetic Clips
Tape Measures
Roll of Kraft Paper
Power Cutter
Zip Lock Bags
Plastic Cutlery & Crockery
A3 Document Wallets
A3 Document Trays
Electrical Power Boards
Velcro Stickers & Tape
2024-11-2819 minSTEM Educator Pod#32 Adding Authenticity To Primary STEM UnitsStruggling to improve STEM units without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode, I share my go-to strategy: choosing one small focus to tackle at a time. This week, we're looking at authenticity—how small tweaks can make a big difference. Tune in for practical tips!
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
#6 Minecraft Education: A Beginner's Guide!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can follow the podcast, join the Facebook Group sign up to the Email List or explore more free resources on the STEM Educator Hub web
2024-11-2114 minSTEM Educator Pod#31 The Power of Student Reflection: 5 Strategies To Improve STEM DesignsA crucial part of the STEM design process is providing students with opportunities to test and improve their designs. However, to make this phase effective we need to equip students with the skills to do so.
In this episode, we explore five strategies we can explicitly teach to our students to help them effectively reflect on and make improvements to their STEM designs.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Primary Years Design Thinking Process
#11 Brick By Brick...
2024-11-1418 minSTEM Educator Pod#30 5 Ways To Use Padlet In A Primary STEM ClassroomLooking for seamless ways to integrate digital technology into your teaching and learning? Padlet is such a simple, but versatile tool!
Today's episode explains five ways Padlet can be used...and that's just the tip of the iceberg!
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
https://padlet.com/
If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can follow the podcast, join the Facebook Group sign up to the Email List or explore more free resources on the STEM Educator Hub websi
2024-11-0715 minSTEM Educator Pod#29 Unpacking the P-6 Design & Technologies CurriculumDesign & Technologies is an important component of STEM Education, however the curriculum outcomes can sometimes sound more complicated than they are!
Today's episode unpacks the Design & Technologies curriculum and you'll be surprised at how simple it is to integrate into your STEM program.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
The STEM Pillars
Primary Years Design Process
If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can follow the podcast, join the Facebook Group sign up to the Ema...
2024-10-3111 minSTEM Educator Pod#28 How To Implement A Primary STEM 'Toolbox'STEM can be broken down into three key pillars - Knowledge, Tools & Skills. Today's episode outlines a simple way to ensure there is explicit instruction of a variety of tools in our program. Cue The 'Toolbox' !
Listen in for step by step instructions on how to get this initiative started in your classroom!
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Ep #3 Navigating Design Thinking In Primary Education
FREE Minecraft Education Scope & Sequence
FREE Diagram Skills Progression
2024-10-3016 minSTEM Educator Pod#27 Top 5 Student Friendly Animal Research ToolsSTEM units about animals are some of my favourites! But what should be a quick research session for our students, often turns into login issues and endless scrolling.
In today’s episode, I’ll share six digital tools that make research easy and provide high-quality information for both you and your students.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Vic Field Guide App
iNaturalist
Seek
Atlas of Living Australia
SWIFFT
Zoo...
2024-10-1714 minSTEM Educator Pod#26 Choosing The Right Primary STEM FrameworkIt's important to have a consistent approach to how STEM is taught in each school! In this episode we discuss four key STEM frameworks, their pros and cons and how to select which one best suits your classroom and students.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
#3 Navigating Design Thinking In Primary Education
Primary Years Design Thinking Process
Blog Post: A Guide to Choosing the Right STEM Framework for Your Classroom
If you enjoyed today’s ep...
2024-10-1030 minSTEM Educator Pod#25 STEM Provocations: 5 Ways To Spark Curiosity & EngagementThe first lessons of a new unit of work can sometimes be the most important! It is our opportunity as teachers to capture students' attention and get them excited about the learning ahead.
Today's episode explores five simple strategies for planning successful lessons during the provocation phase of STEM units.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Navigating Design Thinking In Primary Education
Blog Post: Stop Motion Fun In the Primary STEM Classroom
Interacty
2024-06-2718 minSTEM Educator Pod#24 Your End Of Term STEM Classroom ChecklistEnd of term can be be a busy time, but today's episode explore some simple things you can do to make your life a whole lot easier! I promise your future self will thank you!
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
End of Term Checklist
The Transformative Power of 'Working Walls' In A STEM Classroom
Primary Years Design Thinking Framework
If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can follow the podcast, join the Facebook Group or...
2024-06-2012 minSTEM Educator Pod#23 Google Labs: A Primary STEM ExplorationThere are just so many resources out there for STEM and so little time to explore them! I've spent some time checking out Google Labs and Experiments with Google, and they have so much to offer.
Today's episodes shares what Google Labs is all about and some of it's specific tools that can be implemented in the classroom.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Google Labs
Experiments with Google
Pollinator Pathmaker
8000ers Mountain...
2024-06-1414 minSTEM Educator Pod#22 STEM Expos: A How To Guide STEM Expos are a great way to engage the community and showcase what your school's STEM program is all about!
Today's episode gives you five key tips to hosting a successful expo at your school.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode today are below:
Blog Post: Your Guide To Hosting A Primary STEM Expo
Be sure to click follow on the podcast to ensure you don’t miss any of the weekly episodes! More strategies and re...
2024-06-0718 minSTEM Educator Pod#21 Robotics In The Early Years: Part 2Looking to invest in some robots, but not sure where to start? With so many options out there it's important to choose devices that are going to suit your student's needs.
Today's episode explores four of the best suited robots for our youngest learners: Kubo, Ozobot, Sphero Indi and M Tiny. A condensed pros and cons list can also be found here.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can follow the podcast, join the Facebook Group or explore more free resources on the STEM Educator Hub website.
2024-05-3028 minSTEM Educator Pod#20 Robotics in the Early Years: Part 1Robotics can be a really valuable addition to primary STEM programs, however we need to be clear on its purpose.
Today's episode explores the role of robotics in primary STEM and some specific strategies to introduce it to our youngest learners!
Check out the CPA model discussed in the episode HERE.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, you can follow the podcast, join the Facebook Group or explore more free resources on the STEM Educator Hub website.
2024-05-2322 minSTEM Educator Pod#19 FREE Digital Resources for STEM ClassroomsThere are some pretty incredible digital tools out there that can be used to amplify your STEM program. However, sometimes it’s challenging to find the time to investigate them!
Today’s episode shares five digital resources that are FREE and can be seamlessly implemented in your STEM programs straight away.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Google Lens
Gardening Australia Junior
Field Guide App
Chwazi Finger Chooser
Google Labs
STE...
2024-05-1513 minSTEM Educator Pod#18 Constructing Rubrics: A Step-by-Step Guide for Primary STEMRubrics are such an amazing tool in a STEM classroom. They are well suited to the project style of learning and provide clear outcomes for students!
This episode explores why rubrics are such a valuable addition to any STEM program, as well as clear steps to creating your own rubric.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
FREE Downloadable Rubric Framework
Solo Taxonomy Article
#9 Effective Assessment Methods in Primary STEM Education
...
2024-05-0926 minSTEM Educator Pod#17 Space & Resource Management in a Primary STEM ClassroomThe STEM classroom environment plays a crucial role in student learning, however setting up the space so it works for you and your students' needs can be challenging!
Whether you're working with limited space or have the opportunity to invest in new equipment, today's episode is all about practical tips that will help you make the most of your primary STEM classroom.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Blog Post: Space & Resource Management in Primary STEM Classroom
Gratne...
2024-05-0220 minSTEM Educator Pod#16 Nurturing Diagram Skills in P-6 STEMDiagrams are such a versatile tool in the STEM classroom and it's our job as STEM teachers to build student's capacity to create them to a high quality level!
This episode unpacks specific skills for explicit instruction at each year level so that diagrams can become a useful tool for your STEM classroom.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
From Scribbles to Precision: Nurturing Diagram Skills in STEM Blog Post
FREE Downloadable Diagram P-6 Progression & I Can...
2024-04-2626 minSTEM Educator Pod#15 Essential Strategies For Successful Grant ApplicationsFinding the funding for your STEM program can often be a big challenge! Whilst applying for grants can be tedious process, they can be extremely useful in enhancing student learning opportunities.
Today's episode explores 8 strategies for grant writing and how you can use them to improve your chances of funding success!
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Join the STEM Educator Hub Facebook Group
Access STEM Professional Development Workshops here
6 Essential Tips For Grant Application...
2024-04-1820 minSTEM Educator Pod#14 Five Tips for Building Community Partnerships in Your STEM ProgramCommunity partners are a great way to build authenticity in your STEM units, however sometimes they idea of getting some external involved is a little daunting!
Today’s episode explore what community partnerships are, why they’re important and five key tips for getting them involved in your school.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Ep #13 Optimising Your Primary STEM Professional Development
Padlet (great way to collect student questions for partners)
Show your support by foll...
2024-04-1218 minSTEM Educator Pod#13 Optimising Your Primary STEM Professional DevelopmentWanting to improve your STEM program, but not sure where to start? Use this STEM Program Rubric!
Today's episode explains key components of what makes an effective STEM program, how to use celebrate what you've achieved so far and how to use this rubric to set goals for you as a teacher.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
STEM Program Rubric
Ep #9 Effective Assessment Methods in Primary STEM Education
FREE Downloadable Assessment Tracker
Ep #4 How To...
2024-04-0419 minSTEM Educator Pod#12 Using Multiple Exposures to Reduce Your STEM Planning WorkloadTeachers are prone to overcomplicating! We are often trying to teach new and exciting things every lesson, however research suggests that students actually need repetition.
Today’s episode is all about multiple exposures and how you can structure STEM units to not only provide students with better quality learning opportunities…but reduce your planning as a teacher as well!
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Ep #3 Navigating Design Thinking in Primary Education
HIITS Document - Multiple Exposures (pg 20)
Structuring Cycles in STEM Units Diagram
...
2024-03-3015 minSTEM Educator Pod#11 Brick By Brick: Exploring Lego in Primary STEM EducationLego has become such an important tool in my STEM classroom and is used with students all the way from Prep to Year 6! Today's episode covers strategies for selecting lego equipment, explicit instruction of lego techniques and ideas for lego units of work.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Lego Skill Progression
Lego Terminology Downloadable Poster
STEM Educator Hub Facebook Group
Zoos Victoria STEM Projects
Be sure to click follow on the podcast to ensure you don’t miss any of the we...
2024-03-2420 minSTEM Educator Pod#10 Top Tips for Stop Motion in the Primary STEM ClassroomStop Motion has become a favourite in my STEM classroom! And it ticks all the boxes for me as a teacher...simple, versatile, low cost and super engaging!
Today's episode explores how to get started with Stop Motion and some key tips on how to make it a fun and successful experience.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
Stikbot App
Lights, Camera, STEM: Stop Motion Fun in the Primary Classroom (Blog Post)
Be sure to click follow on the podcast to ensure you don’t...
2024-03-0716 minSTEM Educator Pod#9 Effective Assessment Methods in Primary STEM EducationData, data, data! When I first started as a STEM Specialist teacher this was something that was missing in my program. I was very reliant on ‘gut feel’ in my assessments of student understanding and was unsure of how to implement a consistent assessment approach. A few years down the track and I’ve now got some tried and tested assessment methods to share with you all!
This episode explores some how to implement STEM assessment strategies that are not only purposeful for students, but also manageable for you as the teacher in a STEM classroom.
All...
2024-02-2928 minSTEM Educator Pod#8 A Collaborative Approach to Primary Classroom Digital TechnologiesIn primary education there is a crucial partnership between classroom teachers and digital technology specialists. This episode explores the vast opportunities that arise when these two roles collaborate, paving the way for amazing learning experiences enriched by the effective use of digital tools.
Building Digi Tech Partnerships Blog Post
Be sure to click follow on the podcast to ensure you don’t miss any of the weekly episodes! More strategies and resources available at STEM Educator Hub website or you can email me directly at kate@stemeducatorhub.com.
2024-02-2311 minSTEM Educator Pod#7 How To Generate Ideas for Primary STEM UnitsStuck staring at a blank planner and no ideas are coming to mind? I’ve been there and it’s frustrating! We want to create amazing STEM units for our students, but sometimes thinking of an idea that is not only engaging, but covers curriculum links is challenging.
This episode is all about how to use the 4C’s strategy for generating exciting ideas for primary STEM units. Whilst I use life cycles as an example in this episode, this process can be replicated for any topic. So let’s get planning!
All links to the reso...
2024-02-1628 minSTEM Educator Pod#6 Minecraft Education: A Beginner's Guide!I was very hesitant about using Minecraft Education as it is one of those digital tools that can easily dip into 'gaming' territory, however it has been one of the most purposeful, authentic tools used for prototyping in my STEM classroom.
Today's episode includes six tips for leveraging Minecraft Education in the primary STEM classroom. Psssst...one of them is a complete F-6 scope and sequence!!
All links to the resources discussed in the episode today are below:
Classroom Mode Download
FREE Downloadable Minecraft Education F-6 Scope and Sequence
...
2024-02-0921 minSTEM Educator Pod#5 Curriculum Overload! Simplify Your STEM Planning With This StrategySometimes the curriculum can seem like an endless blackhole of content! Ensuring we ‘get through it all’ sometimes results in a lack of depth to student learning and a large workload for us teachers.
That’s why I created the Integrated Pillars Approach. A 15 minute planning process that helps to simplify the STEM curriculum and strike a balance between breadth and depth of content. Today’s episode explore what this approach is and how it can be used both in the classroom and STEM specialist setting.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are belo...
2024-02-0417 minSTEM Educator Pod#4 How To Set Up A No-Prep 'Working Wall' In Your STEM ClassroomAnyone else hate spending hours printing, cutting and laminating displays only for them to sit on the wall collecting dust for the year? Enter...the Working Wall!
Today’s episode explores an interactive classroom display perfect for showcasing student's STEM learning journey. And great news...it requires no preparation!
You can also access the STEM Educator Hub blog post that explores the transformative power of 'Working Walls' in a STEM Classroom here.
Be sure to use this link to subscribe to the STEM Educator Hub newsletter and follow the podcast to ensure you don’...
2024-01-2815 minSTEM Educator Pod#3 Navigating Design Thinking In Primary EducationIt feels like I have tested every planning framework under the sun, but none of them seemed to facilitate the STEM program I wanted to create...so I designed my own!
Today's episode explores the Primary Years Design Thinking Planner (PYDT), a unit planning framework based on the traditional design thinking process, but with a few adaptations to make it suitable for our primary learners.
All links to the resources discussed in the episode are below:
PYDT Planner Diagram
FREE Downloadable PYDT Unit Planner Template
PYDT Coaching Sessions
2024-01-2324 minSTEM Educator Pod#2 Simple & Effective Digital Tools for STEM TeachersI have three words to describe my approach to using digital tools in the STEM classroom…simple, effective and versatile!
In this week's episode, I'm excited to unveil eight simple digital tools that have become staples in my routine for planning, fostering student collaboration, and so much more! Tune in to discover how these tools can elevate your teaching experience and empower your students in new and innovative ways.
All links to the tools discussed in the episode are below:
Padlet
Screen Record
GoMicro
Headphone Splitters
I...
2024-01-2020 minSTEM Educator Pod#1 3 Things I Wish I’d Known When Starting A Primary STEM ProgramWelcome to the very first episode of the STEM Educator Pod!
I am very familiar with the feeling of overwhelm that comes with starting a new Primary STEM Program so in today’s episode I discuss three key steps to simplify the process! We explore program parameters, the STEM pillars and how to select a curriculum focus.
You can access The STEM Pillars resource discussed in the episode here.
More strategies and resources available at The STEM Educator Hub website and @stemeducator_hub account on Instagram.
Be sure to follow the pod...
2024-01-1714 min
STEM Educator PodTrailer: Welcome to the STEM Educator Pod!Welcome to the STEM Educator Pod, your go-to hub for an engaging journey through primary STEM education! Whether you are pioneering a new whole school STEM program or implementing STEM as a primary classroom teacher, the podcast has plenty of innovative approaches, strategies, and hands-on experiences to explore. Take a sneak peak at what awaits!
Head to the STEM Educator Hub website to find out more: www.stemeducatorhub.com
2024-01-0800 min