ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

What Mystery Science Got Right That Most Classrooms Still Get Wrong

Keith Schacht, co-creator of Mystery Science, shares his journey building impactful edtech tools including what failure taught him along the way. The conversation covers how timing and execution drive market breakthroughs, why honesty and humility matter in startup culture, and how student curiosity became the foundation for designing compelling science lessons for elementary learners. The episode also digs into the responsible integration of AI and personalized learning in classrooms, and why elementary education needs a rethink centered on individual student interests. Keith argues that understanding why something works, not just that it works, is what enables students to thrive in this world. A worthwhile listen for educators, entrepreneurs, and parents interested in where education is headed. Connect with Keith on his website KeithSchacht.com [https://keithschacht.com/] Visit his YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Keith-Schacht], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/keith__schacht/] + TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@keith_schacht] ABOUT KEITH I'm one part inventor, one part explainer, and one part entrepreneur. I run a channel on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok under my name "Keith Schacht." These days, I primarily explain new technologies and what they make possible. I also spent about a decade of my career making videos that explain science to children through my company Mystery Science. I built a team of explainers that made videos for our website and for our YouTube channel MysterySci, which has more than a million subscribers. I sold Mystery Science to Discovery Education back in 2021. Prior to this I worked at Facebook for a short time where I ran News Feed and started and sold multiple technology companies.

Sky, Sea, and Curriculum: How Hawaii's Indigenous Science Inspires Young Learners

Unlock the secrets of Hawaii's indigenous science and discover how ancient navigators mastered the stars to voyage across vast oceans without GPS. In this episode, Dr. Leilani Nerveza-Clark shares how native Hawaiian navigators relied on star compasses, environmental cues, and deep observational skills, and how these age-old techniques remain powerfully relevant today as lessons in mindfulness, ecological stewardship, and social-emotional learning. Leilani is an experienced Kumu Kaiapuni ʻEpekema (Hawaiian Immersion Science Teacher) and Alakaʻi Haku Kurikulama Kaiapuni (Kaiapuni Curriculum Specialist). From studying native snails at the Bishop Museum to curating culturally rich STEM curricula for the Hawai'i Department of Education, the conversation explores how integrating native science and language can inspire the next generation of scientists and stewards of Earth. Hawaii's untouched environment is a living laboratory, brimming with undiscovered phenomena waiting to ignite young minds, and the state's unique cultural and ecological landscape offers a compelling blueprint for science education. Leilani highlights innovative projects in native species conservation, virtual field trips, and early childhood outdoor learning emphasizing how immersive nature connection is more vital than ever in a hyper-digital age. Whether you're an educator, parent, or policymaker, this episode delivers a clear call to action: leverage indigenous knowledge and inquiry-based learning to turn Hawai'i into a global STEM powerhouse. ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi & Culture-Based Education Resources * Wehewehe Hawaiian Dictionaries: https://wehe.hilo.hawaii.edu/ [https://wehe.hilo.hawaii.edu/] * The essential online dictionary clearinghouse used for developing modern science curriculum in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. * Ulukau: The Hawaiian Electronic Library: https://ulukau.org/ [https://ulukau.org/] * A digital repository of Hawaiian language books and educational resources supporting indigenous literacy and research. * Hoʻolaupaʻi (Hawaiian Nupepa Collection): https://www.nupepa.org/ [https://www.nupepa.org/] * An archive of historical Hawaiian-language newspapers preserving ancestral knowledge on weather, environment, and history. Cultural & Scientific Context * Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS): https://www.hokulea.com/ [https://www.hokulea.com/] * Learn more about traditional wayfinding, the star compass, and the legacy of voyaging. * Maunakea Observatories: https://maunakeaobservatories.org/ [https://maunakeaobservatories.org/] * Discover the world-class astronomical research happening at the summit of Maunakea. ABOUT LEILANI Dr. Leilani Nerveza-Clark is an innovative Alakaʻi Haku Kurikulama (Curriculum Development Leader) and the Poʻo (Administrator) of the State Kaiapuni Distance Learning Program dedicated to shaping the future of science education in Hawaiʻi. A bridge-builder between worlds, she specializes in weaving cutting-edge modern STEM tools with the profound ancestral wisdom and environmental knowledge unique to our islands. By designing place-based, hands-on learning experiences, Leilani empowers educators to inspire all students to see themselves as the next generation of kiaʻi (guardians) of Hawaiʻi and our earth. When Leilani isnʻt busy transforming educational frameworks, you can find her digging through historical archives or exploring the natural wonders of our pae ʻāina.

Your Backyard Is a Lab: Hawaii's Lesson for Every Science Teacher with Lauren Kaupp

Most people overlook Hawaii's cutting-edge science — but not our guest, Lauren Kaupp. She reveals how the islands are a global scientific powerhouse, with research from volcanoes to coral reefs that will blow your mind. Whether you're a teacher, student, or science enthusiast, this episode uncovers the extraordinary science happening right in Hawaii's backyard and why it should inspire your next adventure or lesson plan. Lauren shares her journey from DOE specialist to passionate connector of Hawaii's scientific community, revealing the hidden gems that make Hawaii a world-class lab for space, oceanography, and earth sciences. You'll discover the unique biomes that exist nowhere else, deep-sea ecology workshops that wow teachers, and how Hawaii's research facilities are shaping the future of STEM education. We break down the challenges of curriculum relevance, assessment myths, and the power of curiosity-driven learning—arming you with practical ideas to ignite that same passion in young learners. In this episode, you'll learn how phenomena like tidal waves, volcano eruptions, and optical illusions aren't just awe-inspiring—they're powerful teaching tools that foster wonder, creativity, and critical thinking. Lauren discusses how connecting science to local place and culture can transform classrooms into vibrant hubs of exploration. Plus, gain insight into how real-world research, like studying bagworms or navigating the tricky world of assessments, can inspire lifelong curiosity and problem-solving skills. Why does this matter? Because the next generation of scientists, engineers, and thinkers starts with inspired teachers and engaging lessons rooted in their environment. Hawaii's science resources—completely accessible and staggering in scope—are a goldmine waiting to be tapped. Ignoring this opportunity risks missing out on cultivating the problem-solvers of tomorrow.Perfect for educators, parents, or anyone fascinated by how the natural world shapes our thinking and future. Whether you're tuning in from Hawaii or anywhere else, this episode will open your eyes to the incredible science nestled in your local landscape—and how you can use it to spark curiosity in every age. Dive in and discover why Hawaii truly punches above its weight as a scientific giant. ABOUT LAUREN Lauren Kaupp, MS, EdD is the director of the University of Hawai'i STEM Pre-Academy, which fosters student interest, engagement, and learning in STEM by connecting University of Hawai'i STEM research and innovation with K–12 classrooms. In her second semester of college, Lauren started working at the Chemistry Tutorial Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and has been involved in STEM education ever since. Her interest in science education deepened while in graduate school at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM), through volunteering at outreach events and at the Waikīkī Aquarium. Lauren then taught high school chemistry and physics at the University Laboratory School, as well as science enrichment courses for elementary and middle school students. In addition to classroom teaching and informal education, Lauren was involved in collaborative curriculum development in Marine Science and Physics in the College of Education at UHM. Over the course of her career, she has also provided hundreds of presentations and professional development sessions for teachers, administrators, and other educators, on topics including scientific inquiry, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), curriculum, assessment, and Federal regulatory requirements and compliance. Lauren has an interest in educational leadership, policy, and planning. At the State of Hawai'i Department of Education, Lauren provided strategic leadership in NGSS adoption and implementation, helped to develop a state-level Curriculum Management System and Instructional Materials Approval Process, and created the framework for a newly adopted Federal program. Lauren earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from UMBC, a Master of Science in Oceanography from UHM, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California.

The K-5 Science Gap Nobody's Talking About

Coral Zayas, a K-5 science and inquiry-based learning expert, reveals how building strong foundational skills in elementary school can prevent the cascading gaps that hold students back in later grades. She shares her framework for teaching physical, life, and earth science in ways that spark curiosity and foster real-world problem solving—including three types of project-based learning and how to integrate literacy, math, and social studies into science for deeper understanding. From practical strategies for multilingual and neurodiverse learners to leveraging outdoor and community-based learning, Coral shows how modest investments and creative thinking can unlock powerful experiences. She also tackles how schools can simplify assessments, reduce testing overload, and build a culture of curiosity through professional learning networks and intentional curriculum design. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate for equitable hands-on learning, this episode challenges the status quo and delivers actionable insights to revolutionize science teaching from kindergarten through fifth grade. Order Coral's book [https://bookshop.org/p/books/teaching-k-5-science-encouraging-exploration-inquiry-and-problem-solving-coral-zayas/940b7a3d852f6276?ean=9798765963647&next=t&next=t&affiliate=115804] Coral's podcast https://www.youtube.com/@CoralZayas [https://www.youtube.com/@CoralZayas] Coral's LinkedIn https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/coralzayas [https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/coralzayas] And Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/thrive_with_coral [https://www.instagram.com/thrive_with_coral] ABOUT CORAL Coral Zayas, M.S., is the author of Teaching K-5 Science with over 15 years of experience spanning K-12 STEM education, bilingual instruction, higher education, and teacher professional development. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum designer, college lecturer, program manager, and education policy fellow. Coral specializes in designing cross-disciplinary curricula that integrate science, social studies, problem-based learning, and education technology. She centers global education perspectives and research-based strategies to engage diverse learners, particularly multilingual and neurodivergent students across all classroom settings. As a recognized voice in education, Coral has presented at local and national conferences including ISTE, the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT), and the Austin Area Association for Bilingual Education (AAABE). She has contributed to education policy discussions as a fellow and panelist with Teach Plus Texas, Leadership ISD (Texas), and other organizations. Coral believes science classrooms serve as bridges to global problem-solving and remains committed to empowering educators with tools that inspire curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning. She earned her Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University and her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Elon University.

What Micro Schools Can Teach Us All About Personalized Learning

Great teachers know that every student learns differently—and many are already finding creative ways to personalize learning within their classrooms. So what happens when you shrink the class size way down and rethink the structure from the ground up? In this episode, Kaity Broadbent, co-founder of Prenda, takes us inside the world of micro schooling—small, community-based learning environments gaining traction with families post-COVID. You'll hear how Prenda's model is built around ideas many experienced educators already champion: student agency, mastery-based progression, and meeting kids where they are. Kaity shares how guides from diverse backgrounds—including career teachers—create flexible, neighborhood-based spaces where kids build autonomy and critical thinking alongside academics. We also dig into how AI tools are being used thoughtfully in these settings to personalize learning, track progress in real time, and support students with diverse needs like dyslexia or ADHD—practical insights that apply whether you're in a traditional classroom or exploring alternative models. Kaity discusses what's drawing families toward smaller settings, how technology can amplify what good teaching already looks like, and what this shifting landscape means for educators and parents alike. If you're a teacher curious about micro schools, a parent exploring options, or anyone interested in where education is headed, this conversation is worth your time. The ideas here aren't about replacing great teaching—they're about expanding what's possible. Follow Kaity on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kaity_forthekids/ [https://www.instagram.com/kaity_forthekids/] Follow Prenda on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/prendalearn/ [https://www.instagram.com/prendalearn/] https://www.prenda.com/ [https://www.prenda.com/] ABOUT KAITY Kaity Broadbent serves as Head of Learning at Prenda, an organization that is reimagining K–8 education through microschools that prioritize connection, personalization, and student ownership. Prenda has supported more than 1,000 individuals in launching their own microschools, expanding access to small, community-based learning environments across the country. In her role, Kaity leads the development of Prenda's learning model and curriculum, focusing on mastery-based, personalized learning, and neuro-supportive practices that help children thrive.