ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

Small Phenomena, Big Impact: Using AI to Inspire Discovery

Director of Education, Jason Singh and our host, Dave, discuss the integration of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of simple phenomena in teaching, the potential of AI tools for educators, and the challenges of maintaining academic integrity and privacy. They explore effective prompting techniques for AI, the rapid evolution of AI tools, and the manageable learning curve for educators. The discussion highlights the need for teachers to stay updated with AI advancements and critically evaluate AI-generated content, ultimately encouraging educators to embrace AI as a valuable resource in the classroom. Order Jason's book [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F93MJY8Q] Jason's Linkedin Page [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-a-singh/] ABOUT JASON Jason Singh is an educational leader, author, and consultant based in Toronto. He has over a decade of experience in teaching, student support, and building equitable learning environments. A lifelong learner, Jason's curiosity and commitment to growth led him to write Unlocking AI's Potential for Educators: A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementation in the Classroom (2025), designed to help teachers new to AI explore its practical uses. He is the Director of Education at a career college and serves as Chair of the York University Faculty of Education Alumni Network, where he leads initiatives such as mentorship, events, and an upcoming educational podcast.

The Art of Learning: Guy Kawasaki on AI and Education's Next Wave

Guy Kawasaki sits down with Dave to discuss the intersection of technology, education, and personal growth. Guy shares his unique perspective on how his upbringing in Hawaii, with its rich cultural tapestry and values of Aloha and Ohana, has influenced his approach to life and business. The discussion delves into the critical role of education in shaping future innovators, the challenges faced by educators in promoting STEM, and the potential of AI as a transformative tool in the classroom. Guy and Dave explore the importance of fostering a love for learning, the need for educational reform, and the power of technology to bridge gaps in knowledge and opportunity. This episode is a must-listen for educators, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of learning. ABOUT GUY Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva, host of the Remarkable People podcast, author of Wiser Guy, Think Remarkable, and sixteen other books, and adjunct professor of UC Santa Cruz. He was the chief evangelist of Apple, trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation, and brand ambassador of Mercedes-Benz. Kawasaki has a BA from Stanford University, an MBA from UCLA, and an honorary doctorate from Babson College.

From the ER to EdTech: Problem-Solving Mindsets for STEM

STEM City host and emergency room doctor, Dr. Owais Durrani and Dave from The PocketLab embark on a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic world of STEM education and its intersection with technology. The conversation kicks off with Owais sharing his unique journey from the medical field to becoming a media personality, driven by a passion to make STEM subjects more accessible and engaging for young minds. Dave, drawing from his rich experience in Silicon Valley, discusses the democratization of technology and how it has lowered barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to innovate and create with fewer resources than ever before. The duo delves into the transformative impact of AI across various sectors, particularly in education and healthcare. They discuss how AI tools are not only reshaping traditional roles but also creating new opportunities for those willing to adapt and learn. Owais emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and creativity in STEM, advocating for an educational approach that goes beyond rote memorization to foster genuine understanding and problem-solving skills. Listeners are treated to insights on the evolving landscape of STEM careers, with discussions on how traditional education systems can better prepare students for a future where AI and machine learning play pivotal roles. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by recent graduates in a rapidly changing job market and the importance of lifelong learning to stay relevant. Throughout the episode, Owais and Dave share inspiring stories and examples of innovative projects that are making a difference, from high-altitude weather balloon experiments to the integration of AI in everyday learning. They highlight the role of organizations like Black Girls Code in bridging gaps and providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech. Dr. Durrani's STEM Show: STEM City [https://www.click2houston.com/topic/Stem_City/] Follow Dr. Durrani on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/acedurrani/] ABOUT OWAIS Dr. Owais Durrani is a board-certified emergency medicine physician based in Houston, Texas. He earned his medical degree from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. In the emergency department, he cares for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments and remains deeply committed to improving access, trust, and equity in healthcare. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Durrani has a background in health policy. He previously served in roles with the federal government and national medical organizations, where he contributed to workforce development and public health initiatives. His work has focused on addressing systemic gaps in care and advancing policies that improve health outcomes, especially in underserved communities. Dr. Durrani is also active in public communication and health journalism. He frequently appears on national news outlets to explain medical topics and offer insights on current health issues. He uses media to connect with the public on everything from AI in medicine to mental health and vaccine literacy. Passionate about education and outreach, Dr. Durrani is the host of STEM City, a television show that encourages young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. The show, which airs on local broadcast channels, features hands-on STEM activities and interviews with leaders across various industries.

Bridging Classroom to Career: Insights from IIHS & Pittsburgh Public Schools

With our special guests (Becky Mueller) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (think car crash tests) and Science Coordinator (Lisa Milan) for Pittsburgh Public Schools, we delve into the transformative impact of integrating real-world experiences into classroom curriculum. Discover how educators are bridging the gap between theory and practice, bringing lessons to life with hands-on learning and real-world applications. By connecting classroom learning with the world outside, teachers are preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow. We also explore how these innovative strategies are forging vital career connections for students. Offering a glimpse into potential career paths, educators are equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in their future careers. Join us for inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical tips from educators who are redefining education and empowering students to navigate their future with confidence. Crash Science in the Classroom Lesson Materials [events/train-the-trainer-attendee-details-june-2025] ABOUT BECKY Senior Research Engineer, IIHS Ms. Mueller develops new crash tests for IIHS vehicle ratings that reflect unaddressed real-world scenarios in which injuries occur. Her work led to an updated side test and the first passenger-side frontal test in the Institute's suite of evaluations. Ms. Mueller has also researched injuries of vulnerable road users, advanced crash test dummies and new injury metrics. Prior to joining IIHS in 2010, Ms. Mueller worked on research projects for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at the Transportation Research Center in Ohio. During her graduate studies, she worked at General Motors on frontal crash and pedestrian performance of future vehicles. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin and a master's degree from Purdue University. ABOUT LISA K-12 Science Coordinator, Pittsburgh Public Schools Lisa Milan is a veteran science educator with over 32 years of experience teaching physics and physical science. She currently serves as the K–12 Science Curriculum Coordinator for Pittsburgh Public Schools, where she supports teachers with the district's efforts to implement phenomena-driven, multidimensional teaching and learning aligned with the Pennsylvania STEELS standards. Lisa is passionate about supporting teachers through meaningful professional learning and collaborative curriculum development that brings science to life in the classroom.

Fail Forward: Creating Safe-to-Fail Science Classrooms with Sciesmic

Former award winning teacher and expert curriculum writer, Matthew Schmidt and Dave from The PocketLab explore the dynamic intersection of education and technology. They kick off with a light-hearted discussion on how virtual meetings have redefined our sense of connection, especially in a post-pandemic world. The conversation then shifts to the challenges and opportunities in modern education, highlighting the importance of filling gaps in traditional curriculums with innovative resources. Matthew shares his journey from a non-traditional teaching background to creating impactful educational content that resonates with diverse student populations. The duo delves into the role of AI in education, discussing its potential to enhance learning experiences while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human interaction and project-based learning. They also touch on the resurgence of hands-on activities and the importance of fostering a classroom culture where students feel safe to experiment and fail. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the future of education, the significance of personalized learning, and the exciting developments at The PocketLab, including their partnerships and upcoming projects. Tune in to discover how technology and creativity are shaping the classrooms of tomorrow. Check out Sciesmic grades 6-8 curriculum content [../sciesmic] https://www.thepocketlab.com/sciesmic ABOUT MATT Matthew Schmidt is a former award-winning high school science teacher. His experience in the classroom started in a "science class" that had no lab benches, no lab equipment, and students who had been without a teacher for months. Through a "trial by fire" approach, he quickly learned how few resources there were to support a diverse student population and witnessed students slipping through the cracks as a result. Desperate for more high-quality resources and ways to reach his students, he knew there had to be a better way. So, he began to develop his own resources. These were each designed with several factors in mind: 1. Students needed to be at the center of the learning. Gone were the days of lecture-only classes! 2. Materials and phenomena needed to be relevant to student lives. No more dated examples. 3. Every resource needed to address different styles of learning and levels of students. No two classrooms are the same and every student brings with them different experiences. Using these resources, he quickly started to see success and even developed a complete biology, chemistry, and physics curriculum for his district. Fueled by this success and fellow teachers asking for his resources, he created Sciesmic. Today, these resources are being used in thousands of classrooms across the country and helping students spark a love for science again. In his free time, he enjoys thrifting, collecting Pokémon cards, and spending time with his wonderful wife, Rachael, and his two daughters, Emily and Charlotte.