ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

Science Showmanship: Turning Lessons into Adventures with Steve Spangler

Join Steve Spangler and Dave from The PocketLab as they delve into the art of making science accessible and exciting for K-12 students. Steve shares his journey from being inspired by his high school chemistry teacher to becoming a renowned science communicator. He emphasizes the importance of presentation in teaching, drawing parallels between magic and science to captivate students' curiosity. Through anecdotes and insights, Steve and Dave explore how simple demonstrations can transform a classroom into a hub of wonder and learning. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of education, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in engaging today's students. Steve's passion for teaching and his innovative approach to science education shine through as he discusses the power of storytelling and hands-on experiences in fostering a love for science. Get Steve's new book: https://stevespangler.com/engagement-effect-book/ [https://stevespangler.com/engagement-effect-book/] https://stevespangler.com/engagement-effect-book/ Get in touch with Steve: https://stevespangler.com/ [https://stevespangler.com/] ABOUT STEVE He's a bestselling author, STEM educator, and business leader branded by TIME Magazine as one of their "most influential people of the year" because of his passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. With more than 2,100 television appearances and multiple Emmy awards to his credit, Steve Spangler understands the power of using television to make learning science fun. Steve's catalog of videos featured on social media has more than 1.5 billion views, and parents and educators widely use his books and online experiments to increase student engagement and inspire young scientists to learn more about STEM-based careers. Nationally known as a teacher's teacher, Steve travels extensively, working with educators at all levels in ways to make learning more connected and engaging in the 21st-century classroom. Steve's in-person and virtual professional development workshops focus on inquiry-based learning that highlights best practices for classroom teachers with research-guided strategies for purpose-driven engagement. But Steve Spangler feels most at home when he's on stage sharing insights and creating those amazing experiences audiences remember for a lifetime. Steve brings over 30 years of experience (6,500+ presentations) to the platform every time he speaks. In July 2010, members of the National Speakers Association inducted Steve into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame. He is among an elite group of only 242 professional speakers in the world to receive this honor. In 2022, Spangler joined the faculty at High Point University (High Point, North Carolina) as the STEM Educator in Residence [https://www.highpoint.edu/accesstoinnovators/]. Steve works with students and faculty to create transformational experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. For the past two years, Steve Spangler has been honored to be included in the Global Gurus Top 30 in Education [https://globalgurus.org/education-gurus-top-30/]. This achievement recognizes Steve's passion for finding the most creative ways to inspire students and educators worldwide. Whether you're looking for an amazing keynote speaker [https://stevespangler.com/keynote-speaker/education/] to kick-off your event, teacher training and professional development [https://stevespangler.com/onsite-training/] opportunities to help you become a more effective STEM educator, or personalized consulting and coaching [https://stevespangler.com/consulting/], Steve Spangler can help you create your own transformational experiences in business and education.

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.