Ep 27: Making Content Relevant

Ep 27: Making Content Relevant

In this episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. Justin Randolph, Assistant Professor of History at Texas A&M, and Adam Cook, Laboratory Manager and Senior Forensic Engineer, regarding the implementation of strategies to make content relevant in the secondary classroom. Justin and Adam share their unique perspectives on connecting academic disciplines to the real world, ranging from the interpretive work of public history to the essential role of materials science in everyday infrastructure. The episode serves as a practical guide for educators, exploring how to move beyond rote memorization by using primary sources and industrial applications to engage students and help them understand the broader impact of their learning. Mentioned Resources * ASM Materials Education Foundation [https://www.asmfoundation.org/] * Journal of Texas History [https://www.jtxh.org/] * Journal of Southern History [https://www.thesha.org/jsh] Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725855 Song: New Kids (Instrumental) Artist: More Like Georgia License #: 9511520888

Ep 26: Gamification in Education

In this episode, we talk with a guest from the TAMU LIVE lab about Game Based Learning and using Gamification in the classroom. We also include a conversation about how Virtual Reality (VR) may be helpful for student learning and engagement in your classroom. Mentioned Resources * TAMU LIVE Lab Website [https://pvfa.tamu.edu/institutes/live-lab/ ] * TAMU LIVE Lab Socials [tx.ag/TAMULIVELabSocials] Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725855 Song: New Kids (Instrumental) Artist: More Like Georgia License #: 9511520888

Ep 25.5: Inquiry Series Reflection

To round out the series on inquiry in the classroom, host Kenric Davies reflects on the universal themes found across the science, social studies, mathematics, and English episodes. In this bonus episode, Kenric shares his own experiences as a former physics and astronomy teacher to highlight how inquiry-based learning (IBL) transcends specific content areas and focuses on the fundamental process of learning. He discusses the critical role of asking powerful "how" and "why" questions to spark student curiosity and the importance of teachers stepping back to allow for student discovery. Kenric describes IBL as a vital tool for building student identity and agency, transforming the classroom into a space where students learn to analyze information and navigate the world with a critical, scientific mindset. Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725855 Song: New Kids (Instrumental) Artist: More Like Georgia License #: 9511520888

Ep 25: Inquiry in English

In the final part of our series on inquiry in the classroom, guest Dr. Sarah DiCaglio, Assistant Professor and Writing Program Administrator at Texas A&M University, describes her experiences implementing inquiry-based learning in the English classroom. Dr. DiCaglio shares practical insights into the process of writing as a form of thinking, emphasizing the importance of student discovery over finished products. She describes inquiry as a vital tool for helping students find their voice through language and navigating the challenges of the AI era by focusing on the transformative power of the writing process. Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725855 Song: New Kids (Instrumental) Artist: More Like Georgia License #: 9511520888

Ep 24: Inquiry in Math

In part 3 of our 4 part series on inquiry in the classroom, guest Dr. Jennifer Austin, Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas at Austin, describes her experiences implementing Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) in the mathematics classroom. Dr. Austin shares practical insights for applying inquiry in both small and large class settings while describing IBL as a powerful tool to engage students and help them find their academic voice, transforming the classroom from passive lecturing into a space for active, student-led discovery. Mentioned Resources - Mathematics Association of America (MAA) [https://maa.org/] - MAA Inquiry Based Learning Special Interest Group [http://sigmaa.maa.org/ibl/] - Math Circles in Texas [https://mathcircles.org/map/?_search_location=TX+-+Texas] Music Included: Song: Jam Time (Instrumental) Artist: NAM License #: 4601725855 Song: New Kids (Instrumental) Artist: More Like Georgia License #: 9511520888