(STEM)2 S9E2 Island STEAM - How Arctic, Desert and Tropical Islands are Utilizing Science and Technology in Schools and Society

Series 9 Episode 4: Island STEAM - Protecting the Past and Fostering the Future in Art and Culture

Series 9 Episode 4: Island STEAM - Protecting the Past and Fostering the Future in Art and Culture —  In fourth episode we are examining aesthetics and art-based education in island STEAM. More specifically we will be looking at how the worlds thousands of uninhabited and inhabited islands provide a rich natural and cultural mosaic of curiosity and arts-based inspiration connected to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Lessons and activities tied to place-based learning that includes activities, themes, and units connected to the world’s diverse islands enriches learning for all students through the infusion of drawing, journaling, poetry, music and other forms of visual performance. The news in this episode explores how islands around the world are using STEAM to protect and preserve historic and cultural sites from ocean level rise. We also discuss New Zealand’s earth science explorations of how the arts weaves into the sciences and look at the value of nature journaling for students of all ages.

Series 9 Episode 3: Island STEAM - Engineering & 3D Island Building Activities for Students

Series 9 Episode 3: Island STEAM - Engineering and Ecology that Includes 3D Island Building Activities for Students —  In the third episode of our Island STEAM series we explore 3D island modelling and building can enhance students understanding of science and engineers in ways that particularly benefit our visually exceptional learners. Like information presented in previous episodes, the physical construction of islands can be deeply steeped in place-based learning and direct observation of arctic, temperate, tropical, desert and/or volcanic islands as an individual/class based learning activity that can be shared with the rest of your school and families at STEAM nights. In the news we look at the engineering of artificial reef building in Malaysia and geothermal partnerships between Island and Columbia. We have included a link to a middle school island building activity as well for educators wanting to see and example of how 3D island building might be incorporated into the classroom.

(STEM)2 S9E2 Island STEAM - How Arctic, Desert and Tropical Islands are Utilizing Science and Technology in Schools and Society

In the second episode of our Island STEAM series we explore how science and technology are utilized in helping islands adapt to the technological and environmental challenges posed by climate change explored in our first episode. More specifically we look at how Greenland is using long range drones to document receding ice pack and how small Pacific Island nations and the Canary Islands are integrating renewable energy systems to build more resilient energy and water purification systems. Each of these examples illuminates just one of thousands of ways diverse island communities are adapting in the 21st century that can also be utilized in teaching and learning activities. (Coming Soon) News Link: Windracer Drones in Greenland Climate Research [https://www.meteorologicaltechnologyinternational.com/news/climate-measurement/windracers-ultra-drones-to-be-deployed-in-greenland-on-glacier-surveying-mission.html] News Link: Pacific Island Nations Invest in Renewable Energy [https://theconversation.com/how-pacific-nations-plan-to-go-from-spending-up-to-25-of-gdp-on-fossil-fuels-to-running-on-100-renewables-269402] News Link: Using Tidal Energy to Desalinate Water in the Canaries [https://www.offshore-energy.biz/canary-islands-kick-off-wave-powered-desalination-initiative/]

Series 9 Episode 1: Island STEAM - Why Teachers & Students Should Explore Island Life in Schools

Series 9 Episode 1: Island STEAM - Why Teachers & Students Should Explore Island Life in Schools —  In the first episode of our Island STEAM series we explore STEAM education within the context of the world’s diverse islands and communities. There more than 600,000 diverse islands around the world with at least 11,000 of them inhabited by people. More specifically, we explore how large scientific studied phenomenon such as climate change impact Arctic, desert and tropical islands around the Earth. More specifically we look at how teachers can use islands in STEAM as diverse models for scientific research and change as it relates to how diverse communities adapt to significant environmental challenges in the 21st century. In the news we discuss how Pacific Islander secondary students are advocating for increased scientific literacy in schools and communities and the UN’s recent report on how rising sea levels threaten many low lying islands and communities.

(STEM)2 S8E8 Earthday - Integrating Diverse Questioning in STEAM Lessons & Activities

Series 8 Bonus Episode 8: Integrating Multicultural & Environmental Questioning into Earth Day STEAM Lessons/Activities  -  In this bonus episode of the 8th series, we explore the importance of integrating critical questioning strategies into STEAM lessons and activities. More specifically, for Earthday lessons, we look at ways to tie inquiry based learning around the value of community-based and multiculturally inclusive approaches to Earthday lessons for teachers and students. Connecting your lessons to diverse communities, cultures, and ecologies is an increasingly essential skill in todays AI and increasingly robotic world. In the news we look at the environmental impact of AI (click here) [https://www.earthday.org/the-true-price-of-every-chatgpt-prompt/] and seaside robots studying salt water intrusion and climate change (click here [https://insideclimatenews.org/news/27092025/california-san-rafael-startup-sea-level-rise-ai-solution/]) as secondary case studies for school discussions.