ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

Fulbright teacher and National Geographic educator, Lisa Werner shares her transformative experiences as a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms Fellow in Senegal, highlighting the stark differences and surprising similarities in educational practices. She discusses the importance of community, connection, and the role of technology in education, while also exploring the intersection of music and science. Lisa reflects on her adventures as a NOAA Teacher at Sea, emphasizing the responsibility educators have to inspire their students through authentic experiences and curiosity-driven learning. NOAA Teacher at Sea program: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/teacher-at-sea-program [https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/teacher-at-sea-program]  Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms: https://www.fulbrightteacherexchanges.org/programs/tgc [https://www.fulbrightteacherexchanges.org/programs/tgc]  Space for Teachers: https://spaceforteachers.org/ [https://spaceforteachers.org/]  Video from Zero G Flight: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ztw8oaMxDC68s8a872LJpTP2hgeh-t2x/view [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ztw8oaMxDC68s8a872LJpTP2hgeh-t2x/view]    ABOUT LISA Lisa Werner is the PreK-8th grade Band, Choir, and Music teacher at St. Bruno Parish School in Dousman, WI. Her commitment goes beyond the conventional, constantly seeking inventive ways to intertwine music with diverse subjects, such as orchestrating students' experiments on sound and music during a Space for Teachers zero gravity flight while playing her trombone, making connections between music, bathymetry, and autonomous underwater vehicles on a NOAA Teacher at Sea mission to the Pacific Ocean, exploring multicultural education on a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms adventure in Senegal, or traveling on a National Geographic/Lindblad Expedition Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship to study music's existence in Antarctica. Lisa's passion lies in showcasing music as a tool for fostering empathy, managing emotions, and establishing connections across all cultures and eras. Her goal is to kindle aspirations in students, encouraging them to dream big and leverage the skills acquired in music class to achieve their ambitions.

MIT Professor Alan Lightman discusses his PBS documentary series 'Searching Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science,' which explores the intersection of science, philosophy, and spirituality. He emphasizes the importance of integrating humanities into science education to foster critical thinking and reflection among students. Lightman shares insights on the challenges of engaging modern students, the concept of spiritual materialism, and the emotional power of music and art. He also highlights the restorative effects of nature on the human spirit and the need for a deeper connection with the cosmos. In this conversation, Alan Lightman and Dave discuss the intricate relationship between nature, science, and technology, particularly focusing on the ethical implications of AI development. They explore the kinship between humans and nature, the exponential growth of technology, and the philosophical dilemmas surrounding knowledge and mystery in science. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to technological advancement, considering both its potential benefits and risks.     Links: Documentary series site: https://searchingformeaning.org/ [https://searchingformeaning.org/]    Lesson material: LINK TO BE ADDED AS SOON AS THEY ARE READY!   PBS Series: https://www.pbs.org/show/searching-our-quest-meaning-age-science/ [https://www.pbs.org/show/searching-our-quest-meaning-age-science/]    Alan's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APY6Q4 [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APY6Q4?ccs_id=0ef1b384-42b1-4f3a-8725-1224de48a917]     Documentary series trailer:         ABOUT ALAN Alan Lightman is an American physicist and writer. PhD in physics, Caltech. He has served on the faculties of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and was the first person at MIT to receive dual faculty appointments in science and in the humanities. He is currently professor of the practice of the humanities at MIT. Lightman is the recipient of six honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of numerous books, both nonfiction and fiction, including Einstein’s Dreams, an international bestseller, and The Diagnosis, a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction. His essays concern the intersection of science, culture, philosophy, and theology. His most recent nonfiction books are Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine, The Transcendental Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science, and The Miraculous from the Material. Lightman is the host of the public television series “SEARCHING: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science,” based on his books. In 2005, Lightman founded Harpswell, a nonprofit organization devoted to empowering young women leaders in Southeast Asia. In August 2023, Lightman was appointed a member of the United Nation’s Scientific Advisory Board, reporting directly to the Secretary General.

Dr. Scott Miller from Charity Water joins us and discusses the organization's mission to provide clean and safe drinking water to everyone globally. He highlights the staggering statistics of the water crisis, the technological and financial challenges involved, and the innovative solutions being implemented. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of education and community engagement in addressing these issues, as well as the operational scale of Charity Water's efforts. In this conversation, Scott Miller and Dave discuss the challenges and innovative solutions in water management, emphasizing the importance of technology, community involvement, and education in addressing the global water crisis. They explore how creative approaches can leverage existing resources and engage youth in understanding and solving water-related issues. Charity Water: https://www.charitywater.org/ [https://www.charitywater.org/]  Experience Lab near Nashville: https://www.charitywater.org/experience [https://www.charitywater.org/experience]  Donate to Charity Water: https://www.charitywater.org/donate [https://www.charitywater.org/donate]        ABOUT SCOTT Dr. Scott Miller is the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning at charity: water. As an economist, Dr. Miller aims to equip nonprofit organizations with the tools needed to measure and maximize their impact, with a particular focus on addressing food and water insecurity around the world. He has worked with more than 70 nonprofit organizations across 26 countries over the last decade, spanning the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Asia. Scott attended the University of Florida for both his Bachelor's degree and Ph.D. and currently lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife.

National Geographic Explorer Gabby Salazar shares her journey into photography, starting at a young age and evolving with technology. She discusses the impact of digital advancements on wildlife photography, emphasizing the ethical considerations and authenticity in her work. Gabby highlights the importance of field experiences and citizen science in understanding nature, while also sharing her passion for conservation and future expeditions. In this conversation, Gabby Salazar discusses her work in wildlife conservation and education, focusing on the importance of culturally responsive environmental education. She highlights the Florida Panther's conservation efforts and the need to engage students with local wildlife to foster a connection to nature. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in nature engagement and the importance of cultivating wonder in children to inspire future generations in STEM fields.     Links: Educational resources for teachers from "Path of the Panther" documentary: https://pathofthepanther.com/learn [https://pathofthepanther.com/learn]     Get the book! "No Boundaries": https://books.disney.com/book/no-boundaries/ [https://books.disney.com/book/no-boundaries/]   Gabby's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gabbyrsalazar/ [https://www.instagram.com/gabbyrsalazar/].      Documentary movie trailer:       ABOUT GABBY Dr. Gabby Salazar is a conservation photographer and environmental social scientist dedicated to documenting the natural world and inspiring global conservation efforts. Her projects have taken her across the globe—to photograph volcanoes in Guatemala, film lion conservation efforts in Zimbabwe, highlight endangered species recovery in Mauritius, and more.   Gabby holds an MSc in Conservation Science from Imperial College London and a PhD from the University of Florida, where she studied environmental education and environmental marketing. In partnership with Dr. Krithi Karanth and the Centre for Wildlife Studies, Gabby helped start an environmental education program in India that has reached over 50,000 students. She is also the co-author of No Boundaries: 25 Women Explorers and Scientists Share Adventures, Inspiration, and Advice, published by National Geographic Kids, which showcases the stories of trailblazing women in science and exploration.   A National Geographic Explorer, Gabby has been widely recognized for her contributions to photography and conservation. She is a Past President of the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) and an Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers. In 2004, she was named BBC Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and in 2021, she received NANPA’s Emerging Photographer of the Year award.

Tina Hovance, from one of the largest school districts in Texas (Katy ISD), discusses her role as the secondary science coordinator and the implementation of new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). She emphasizes the importance of planning, mentorship, and community support for new teachers, especially in a diverse district with a large emergent bilingual population. The conversation also touches on the potential of AI in education and the need for policies to guide its use. In this conversation, Dave and Tina Hovance discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by technology and AI in education. They explore how schools can adapt to rapid advancements, the importance of fostering curiosity and critical thinking in students, and the need for educators to connect with real scientists to inspire the next generation. Tina shares her journey from a scientist to an educator and emphasizes the importance of preparing students for uncertain futures by focusing on foundational skills in science and critical thinking.     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-hovance/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-hovance/] X: https://x.com/SecScienceKISD [https://x.com/SecScienceKISD]     https://www.sciowa.org/   ABOUT TINA Tina Hovance is a research scientist turned educator who now serves as the Secondary Science Coordinator for Katy Independent School District in Katy, Texas. Over the past 25 years in education—as a teacher, instructional coach, and now district leader—she is driven to transform science classrooms into spaces where curiosity drives learning and every student develops scientific literacy. In her current role, Tina leads the design and implementation of secondary science curriculum, instructional support systems, and professional learning that equips teachers to deliver three-dimensional, phenomenon-driven instruction. She fosters a spirit of collaboration by partnering with teachers to build a culture of engaging science teaching and learning across the district. Tina is passionate about amplifying her impact and influence. She serves on the board of the Texas Science Education Leadership Association, contributing to statewide efforts to elevate science education through advocacy, leadership development, and networking. A frequent professional development presenter at local, state, and national conferences, she speaks on topics ranging from inquiry-based learning to data-literacy and science leadership. She is also a published author in National Science Teaching Association’s NextGen Navigator and Computers in the Schools. Outside of education, Tina recharges through reading, running, and traveling with her family.