Merge EDU

Kickoff to 2026

In this kickoff episode of STREAMline LIVE for 2026, host Shawn “SciShawn” Petty sits down with STEMfinity’s Key Account Managers from across the country to start the year with perspective, momentum, and optimism.   Representing the West, Northeast, Midwest, Central, and Southeast regions, each team member shares what they’re seeing on the ground in their communities—what’s changing, what’s gaining traction, and what they’re most excited about as STEM education continues to evolve.   The conversation focuses on real-world insight rather than predictions. You’ll hear about regional differences, shared challenges, and simple, practical advice educators and program leaders can carry into 2026 as they plan programs, explore new tools, and think strategically about impact.   This episode is about people and partnership. It’s a reminder that while STEM learning looks different across the country, the work is connected—and progress happens when relationships, curiosity, and purpose align.   STREAMline LIVE is STEMfinity’s hub for bold ideas, real conversations, and practical tools shaping the future of STEM education. Episode 7 marks the start of a new year and a renewed commitment to supporting educators wherever they serve.

Best of the 2025 Season

In this special recap episode of STREAMline LIVE, host Shawn “SciShawn” Petty steps back to reflect on the first season of the show—highlighting the ideas, conversations, and through-lines that emerged across the journey.   Rather than replaying clips, this episode connects the dots between key moments from the pilot episode, insights from GameClass, conversations from ClubCast, immersive learning with Merge EDU, and practical funding strategy from STEMfinity’s Bids & Grants team.   Shawn reflects on what these conversations reveal about modern STEM education—how engagement, technology, storytelling, and funding must work together to create sustainable impact. The episode also looks ahead, setting the stage for what’s next for STREAMline LIVE and the broader STREAMline Education ecosystem.   Whether you’re just discovering the show or have followed along from the beginning, this episode offers a clear snapshot of where the season took us—and why it matters.   STREAMline LIVE is STEMfinity’s hub for bold ideas, real conversations, and practical tools shaping the future of STEM education.

Grant Writing

In this episode of STREAMline LIVE, host Shawn “SciShawn” Petty sits down with STEMfinity’s Bids & Grants Team—Jeni Kay, Erin Fry, and Angie Pellot—to demystify the world of education grant writing and funding strategy . This fast-paced, practical conversation pulls back the curtain on how to find the right grants, what reviewers are really looking for, and how to prepare your program before you ever start writing. The team shares real-world insights on crafting stronger narratives, aligning budgets, avoiding common pitfalls, and positioning your organization for long-term funding success. Shawn and the team also tackle a question many districts and organizations face: how to get STEMfinity on an approved vendor list—and why vendor readiness matters when grants are on the line. The episode features a “What’s Hot & What’s Not?” lightning round on current STEM funding trends, followed by a focused “STEM in 60” segment that breaks down one essential grant skill educators can use immediately. Whether you’re an afterschool leader, district administrator, librarian, or nonprofit program director, you’ll walk away with actionable next steps, clearer confidence around grants, and a better understanding of how STEMfinity supports programs from discovery to submission. STREAMline LIVE is STEMfinity’s hub for bold ideas, real conversations, and practical tools shaping the future of STEM education. Join us as we spotlight the strategies, teams, and innovations helping communities turn vision into funded impact.

Merge EDU

In this episode of STREAMline LIVE, host Shawn “SciShawn” Petty sits down with Isabella Gipson, VP of Customer Experience at Merge EDU, to explore how augmented reality is reshaping hands-on learning in today’s classrooms. Merge EDU is known for its groundbreaking Merge Cube and its library of interactive AR simulations that help students investigate science concepts in deep, meaningful ways. Shawn and Isabella dive into how AR elevates curiosity, improves retention, and empowers students to learn through interactive 3D experiences. They unpack how teachers can easily integrate Merge EDU into their classroom routines, what makes AR such a powerful tool for STEM learning, and why spatial computing is becoming essential for the next generation of innovators. From digital dissections to virtual field investigations, this conversation highlights how Merge EDU bridges the gap between hands-on and digital learning—creating memorable, high-impact STEM experiences for learners of all ages. Whether you’re a teacher, afterschool leader, librarian, or district administrator, you’ll walk away with practical insights on technology adoption, real-world examples from classrooms, and inspiration for bringing immersive learning to your community. STREAMline LIVE is STEMfinity’s hub for bold ideas, innovative tools, and real conversations about the future of STEM education. Join us as we spotlight the creators, educators, and visionaries shaping tomorrow’s learning landscape.

ClubCast

In this episode, host Shawn “SciShawn” Petty sits down with Adam Webber, creator of ClubCast, to explore how podcasting is transforming learning for today’s students. Adam shares his journey into education-focused podcasting and how ClubCast gives young people a powerful platform to build confidence, practice communication skills, and explore their interests in a meaningful, authentic way. The conversation dives into the heart of what makes student podcasting so impactful: * Student voice and identity — how storytelling helps young people discover who they are * Confidence through creation — why giving students a mic changes everything * Teacher-friendly workflows — breaking down how ClubCast makes podcast creation easy and accessible * Career exploration — connecting podcasting to media, journalism, leadership, and real-world pathways * Authenticity over perfection — why modern podcasting is shifting toward honest, raw, human-centered content Adam also walks through the onboarding process, classroom routines, and the simple steps teachers can take to help students produce thoughtful podcast episodes. With a background in radio and years of experience helping creators, Adam brings a unique perspective on where podcasting has been — and where it’s going. Whether you’re a teacher exploring new ways to empower your students, an EdTech leader curious about emerging media platforms, or simply someone who believes in the power of storytelling, this conversation offers valuable insight into the future of student-driven media. STREAMline LIVE is part of STEMfinity’s mission to highlight innovative tools, creators, and ideas that are shaping the future of STEM and STEAM learning. Episodes feature voices from across the education and technology landscape who are passionate about giving students opportunities to create, explore, and lead. ✨ Learn more about STEMfinity: https://www.stemfinity.com 🎙️ Explore ClubCast: https://www.clubcast.com (update if needed) If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, share, and keep the conversation going. Your support helps us spotlight creators who are making a difference for students everywhere.