Puentes & Possibilities

Episode 8 Part 2: Connecting Student Learning to Real World Problem Solving

Podcast Host: Coral Zayas- Author of Teaching K-5 Science Website [www.coralzayas.com]: Instagram [www.instagram.com/thrive_with_coral]: LinkedIn [www.linkedin.com/in/coralzayas]: Guest Name Brianna Amingwa- Founder of Deeply Rooted Outdoor Education (MD) Stay Connected and Free Resources: DROE Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/deeplyrootedoutdoored/]: Website - www.droe.org [http://www.droe.org] Email - education@droe.org [education@droe.org] Link to download some of the resources shared: Free Outdoor Investigation Toolkit! [https://learn.droe.org/inquiry-through-birds-page] Content Type Interview Primary Goal Educational Summary In this episode, Coral Zayas interviews environmental educator Bri Amingwa to explore outdoor learning, its benefits, and practical strategies for educators to incorporate nature into science education. Discover how outdoor activities boost student engagement, behavior, and problem-solving skills, especially in urban settings. keywords outdoor education, science teaching, environmental education, place-based learning, student engagement, outdoor activities, teacher resources, inquiry-based learning, nature in the classroom, STEM education key topics Outdoor education benefits for students Strategies for teachers to implement outdoor learning Impact of nature on student behavior and engagement Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Puentes and Possibilities 01:11 Exploring Chapter Eight: Real World Problem Solving 01:56 Meet Ranger Brie: A Journey into Outdoor Education 03:10 The Importance of Environmental Education 07:09 Supporting Educators in Outdoor Learning 10:27 Behavioral Benefits of Outdoor Learning 10:56 Problem Solving in Outdoor Settings 13:28 Building Comfort and Confidence Outdoors 16:22 Advice for Incorporating Outdoor Learning resources iNaturalist App - https://inaturalist.org/ [https://inaturalist.org/] Seek by iNaturalist - https://inaturalist.org/seek [https://inaturalist.org/seek]

Episode 8: Connecting Student Learning to Real World Problem Solving

Podcast Speakers Host- Coral Zayas Author of Teaching K-5 Science [www.coralzayas.com/teachingk5science] Connect with Coral on LinkedIn [www.linkedin.com/in/coralzayas] and Instagram [www.instagram.com/thrive_with_coral] Guest Name Yaritza Villalba * Website: McKenzie's Adventures | Discover. Innovate. Empower. Join Us! [https://www.mckenziesadventures.com/] * LinkedIn: Yaritza Villalba | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaritza-villalba/] * STEM for Change Instagram: STEM FOR CHANGE (@stem_for_change) [https://www.instagram.com/stem_for_change/] content type Interview primary goal Educational summary In this episode, Coral Zayas interviews Yaritza Villalba about her journey into global education, the integration of project-based learning with real-world issues, and how educators can connect local and global experiences to enhance student engagement. They explore strategies for culturally responsive teaching, leveraging technology, and fostering international collaborations to prepare students for a sustainable future. keywords Global Education, Project-Based Learning, UN Sustainable Development Goals, EdTech, Culturally Responsive Teaching, STEM, International Collaboration, Student Engagement, Sustainable Development, Education Innovation key topics Yaritza Villalba's personal journey and global education advocacy Using UN Sustainable Development Goals to frame student projects Strategies for culturally responsive and inclusive teaching Leveraging EdTech like Flipgrid to connect classrooms worldwide Practical tips for integrating global issues into local curricula sound bites "Education was my key to success." "Know your students' interests and experiences." "Move from standardized to exploratory grading." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Book 01:08 Connecting Learning to Real-World Problem Solving 02:02 Guest Introduction: Yaritza Villalba 02:45 Yaritza's Journey into Global Education 06:31 Balancing Roles in Education 10:36 Global Education and Local Connections 16:52 Misconceptions in Project-Based Learning resources McKenzie's Adventures Website - https://www.mckenziesadventures.com/ [https://www.mckenziesadventures.com/] UN Sustainable Development Goals - globalgoals.org [http://globalgoals.org]

Episode 7: From Science to STEAM and Beyond

FROM SCIENCE TO STEAM AND BEYOND Explore how educators can shift from siloed subjects to an interdisciplinary approach, infusing STEM, STEAM, and AI responsibly. Featuring Dr. Fonz, a leader in educational technology and AI ethics, this episode offers strategies for meaningful tech integration, fostering collaboration, and preparing students for a connected future. Podcast Speakers: Coral Zayas: Host and Author of Teaching K-5 Science [www.coralzayas.com/teachingk5science] Connect with Coral: * LinkedIn [www.linkedin.com/in/coralzayas] * Website [www.coralzayas.com] * Instagram [www.instagram.com/thrive_with_coral] Dr. Alfonso Mendoza: Founder and Host of My EdTech Podcast Connect With Dr. Mendoza: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfonsomendoza] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/DrFonz] * All Social Media: @myedtechlife  * Website [www.myedtech.life] Key Topics: * Evolution of STEM and STEAM definitions and their teaching implications. * Technology as a co-creator in classrooms. * Practical STEM integration for science teachers. * Natural cross-disciplinary connections. * Teachers as interdisciplinary learning engineers. * Ethical, privacy, and safety considerations in AI and edtech. * Tools like Kami for inclusive, personalized learning. * Developing AI and digital literacy. TIMESTAMPS: * 00:00 - Introduction: Importance of interdisciplinary teaching * 00:56 - STEM, STEAM, STREAM definitions * 01:54 - Shifting teacher mindsets * 03:08 - Guest: Dr. Fonz's expertise in EdTech and AI ethics * 06:20 - Dr. Fonz’s journey in education * 08:21 - Incorporating technology in elementary science * 10:18 - Technology enhancing soft skills * 12:42 - Real-world connections with digital tools * 16:48 - Strategies for natural cross-disciplinary learning * 19:54 - Connecting learning across subjects * 23:30 - Teachers fostering a collaborative mindset * 25:25 - Safety and ethics in AI education * 26:25 - Developing responsible AI policies * 29:20 - AI’s impact on student data and privacy * 34:32 - AI literacy and data privacy * 37:37 - Ongoing training and community engagement * 40:45 - Kami supporting diverse learners * 47:12 - Importance of linguistic and cultural support * 49:36 - Educators transforming STEM and edtech integration ADDITIONAL NOTES: TRUE STEM AND AI INTEGRATION REQUIRES A MINDSET SHIFT, CAREFUL PLANNING, AND ETHICAL REFLECTION. DESIGN INTERCONNECTED LEARNING EXPERIENCES, BUILD TEACHER CAPACITY, AND PRIORITIZE STUDENT SAFETY AND AGENCY.

Episode 6: Shifting Lands to Starry Skies: Earth and Space Science

This episode highlights that effective science teaching goes beyond textbooks—it's about community engagement, resourcefulness, and inspiring students to see themselves as future scientists and global changemakers. Connect with Podcast Host- Coral Zayas: * Website [www.coralzayas.com] * LinkedIn [www.linkedin.com/coralzayas] * Instagram [www.instagram.com/thrive_with_coral] Connect with Guest Speaker- Taniece Thompson-Smith: * LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/taniece-thompson-smith] * Linktree [https://linktr.ee/taniecetsmith] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/taniecetsmith/] * Her Blog: Teaching Ever After [https://teachingeverafter.com/] Resources & Links: * Teaching K-5 Science by Coral Zayas [www.coralzayas.com/teachingk5science] * Skype a Scientist [https://skypeascientist.com/] Main insights: * Taniece's journey from a student inspired by her aunt to a nationally recognized educator * The power of hands-on experiments, like glacier modeling with ice and sand, to teach complex landform concepts * Using multimedia, videos, and real-world samples (fossil fuels, sedimentary rocks) to connect science to everyday life * The importance of integrating community partnerships, such as local geologists and meteorologists, to enhance student understanding * Strategies to make abstract concepts like weather and climate tangible through media and expert involvement * The role of reflection, collaborative learning, and fostering citizen science literacy within elementary science classrooms * Overcoming challenges in teaching science with transparency, community collaboration, and resourcefulness * Encouraging student belief in their potential through exposure to diverse careers, including military and space sectors

Episode 5: From the Kitchen to the Amusement Park- Investigating Physical Science

Get To Know The Podcast Speakers: Coral Zayas is the Author of Teaching K-5 Science - Encouraging Exploration, Inquiry and Problem Solving and host of the Puentes & Possibilities podcast. She has spent almost 20 years in education, from K-12, higher education, and in the education nonprofit and policy space. You can find out more about Coral and her new book at her website: www.coralzayas.com/teachingk5science [http://www.coralzayas.com/teachingk5science] Special Guest: Lori Cavallo- Lori has spent over two decades evolving alongside her students in New Jersey. Over the years, she found my rhythm across the elementary grades particularly 3-5th grade. She has an undergraduate degree in Recreation Administration and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. Today, she channels her experience into her role as a teacher fellow at The College of New Jersey in a program dedicated to Sustainable Innovative STEM. This position allows her to merge my years of practical classroom knowledge with forward-thinking strategies for the future of environmental topics in science. Podcast Preview The podcast episode features an introduction to the podcast, a sneak peek into chapter five of Coral's new book Teaching K-5 Science - Encouraging Exploration, Inquiry and Problem Solving and an interview with special guest Lori Cavallo, an educator in New Jersey. The conversation covers topics such as teaching physical science to young learners, making science tangible for elementary students, successful lessons in physical science, creating safe opportunities for experimentation, and addressing physical science misconceptions. The episode emphasizes the importance of community among educators and the value of hands-on learning for students. Takeaways * Connecting with community to extend both teacher and student learning out of the classroom * Hands-on learning in physical science Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast * 05:37 Making Science Tangible for Elementary Students * 12:06 Addressing Physical Science Misconceptions