ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

About ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged: A science podcast for cool teachers

Publisher

PocketLab

Category

education · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Aug 2022

Latest episode

27 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

111 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Aug 2026

   Teach Where You Are: Building Curiosity Through Place-Based Learning

   Hawai'i is a living laboratory, but most students never get close to it. Joanna Philippoff explains how place-based marine science can pull kids, teachers, and communities into the ocean through simple, hands-on experiences that make science feel real. From rocky intertidal tide pools to wave tanks, this conversation makes a strong case for teaching science through the environment right outside your door. Dave and Joanna unpack why Hawai'i is uniquely positioned for this kind of learning, how Hawaiian language and culture deepen the work, and why getting students to touch, measure, and observe living systems changes what they believe science can be. You'll discover: Why the rocky intertidal is such a powerful classroom for marine biology How a tub of water can become a deep lesson in waves, erosion, and standing waves Why marine science is still underrepresented in K-12, even in an island state How teacher support systems like Lauren Kaupp STEM lending library make hands-on learning possible What it means to build curriculum that starts in Hawaiian, not as a translation but as a foundation Why invasive species in the ocean can quietly reshape reefs, habitat, and food chains Joanna also shares how partnerships with teachers and community organizations can turn science into something students do, not just memorize. Along the way, the conversation widens into a bigger challenge: how to fix a system that often makes science harder than it needs to be for teachers and kids alike. If you care about science education, marine ecology, or creating classrooms that build curiosity and agency, this one is essential listening. It's practical, hopeful, and full of ideas you can actually use. Watch Joanna's session from Science is Cool 16 (PD certificate included) Access free Hawai'i lesson resources Hawai'i Blue School School Hui USA Blue Schools (https://www.marine-ed.org/usablueschools) The Blue School Global Network Example Hawai'i curriculum linked to Ocean Literacy: Exploring Our Fluid Earth and Sea Earth Atmosphere National Marine Educators Conference 2027 (https://www.marine-ed.org/conference/2027) OPIHI - Our Project in Hawaiʻiʻs Intertidal (https://coe.hawaii.edu/opihi/) Selected OPIHI activities on sampling Reach out to Dr. Philippoff philippo@hawaii.edu (https://mailto:philippo@hawaii.edu) ABOUT JOANNA Dr. Joanna Philippoff is an Associate Specialist in the School of Life Sciences in the College of Natural Science at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) and the Director of the Marine Option Program for the University of Hawai'i System. She earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Master of Science in Zoology from UHM, and a B.A. in Biology from the University of Delaware. She designs, implements, evaluates, and does research on and about science education—mainly in marine science undergraduate and teacher professional learning, participatory science, and curricula projects. Joanna developed a passion for science as a child growing up on the East Coast, and while working on her Master's Degree, she realized that she loved teaching others about ocean science. She continues to serve as a science consultant and publish in scientific journals, while being a champion of Marine Science education. Her roles have included leadership positions in the national and local chapter of the National Marine Educators Association, co-authorship of the Exploring Our Fluid Earth curriculum, and head of the long-running Our Project In Hawai'i's Intertidal (OPIHI) project. Deeply rooted in her community, Joanna has lived and worked in Hawai'i for over 20 years as a student, researcher, educator, and faculty member. Her family lives in Ko'olaupoko and she can often be found conducting limu and other intertidal surveys with teachers and community members or at home baking with her daughter.

2. 

   19 Aug 2026

   Engagement Over Perfection: Rethinking How We Teach Science

   In this conversation, Dave and Ellen Peterson explore what it really takes to engage K–12 science students through hands-on, authentic learning. Ellen shares how mentorship from Steve Spangler helped shape her teaching style, why classroom engagement matters more than perfect content delivery, and how memorable demos can turn even reluctant learners into curious participants. The discussion also dives into project-based learning, the power of collecting real data, and how tools like sensors can make science more relevant, local, and exciting for students. From Iceland fieldwork to classroom demos, makerspaces, and middle school lab groups, this episode is a practical and inspiring look at creating science experiences students will actually remember. Area 59 website: www.area-59.com Area 59 Facebook: www.facebook.com/wyomakers Every Day STEM Facebook: This is a private group. To join you have to answer questions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/everydaystem Gillette College: www.gillettecollege.org Email: stemtsar@gmail.com ABOUT ELLEN Ellen Peterson is the Director of Area 59, the makerspace at Gillette College in Gillette, Wyoming. She develops hands-on STEM, maker, and career-connected learning experiences for students, educators, families, veterans, and community members. Her work focuses on making emerging technology approachable and meaningful through robotics, sensors, digital fabrication, coding, engineering, and real-world problem solving. Ellen regularly partners with schools and community organizations to design programs that build curiosity, confidence, and practical skills. She is especially interested in helping learners move beyond simply using technology to collecting evidence, asking better questions, and understanding the world through authentic data. Through Area 59, she creates opportunities for learners of all ages to experiment, build, investigate, and discover what they are capable of doing. Organization Area 59 at Gillette College Programs and projects Area 59 makerspace programming Homeschool STEM and robotics courses PocketLab-supported science investigations Career and technical education outreach Teacher professional development Community maker programs for youth and adults

3. 

   2 Jul 2026

   Teaching AI Like Reading, How Longview ISD is Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity

   Most educators and leaders feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI—yet some districts are boldly pioneering its integration into learning. What if you could turn that uncertainty into a powerful opportunity? In this episode, Carl Mohn, Director of AI and Applied Learning at Longview ISD, shares how his district is navigating the ever-changing AI landscape with a proactive, growth-oriented mindset. You'll discover how schools can develop flexible policies through guidelines rather than rigid rules, empowering students and teachers to harness AI responsibly while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and inquiry. Carl breaks down the core concepts of AI literacy—why understanding the science behind large language models is akin to learning to read, and why language skills matter more than ever—along with practical strategies for introducing AI in classrooms, from nuanced "stoplight" frameworks to personalized question design. You'll also explore the ethical use of AI, how to combat biases and disparities in multilingual contexts, and why cultivating curiosity and resilience around failure is essential for future-ready learners. This episode offers critical insights on shaping adaptable policies, designing authentic assessments, and guiding students to interact thoughtfully with AI—skills that defy the uncertainty of tomorrow. See how embracing AI as a tool for growth, rather than a threat, can unlock new levels of engagement, confidence, and innovation in education. Perfect for educators, administrators, and anyone curious about the future of learning, this is essential listening if you want to stay ahead of the curve. The future is uncertain, but your approach doesn't have to be—hit play and explore the possibilities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-mohn/ https://www.facebook.com/carl.mohn https://www.facebook.com/LongviewISD/ https://www.instagram.com/longviewisd/ https://x.com/longviewisd https://www.linkedin.com/company/longview-independent-school-district https://www.youtube.com/c/LongviewISDLOBOS ABOUT CARL Carl Mohn serves as the Director of AI Strategy and Applied Learning at Longview ISD in Longview, Texas, where he leads the development and implementation of artificial intelligence initiatives that support innovative, learner-centered instruction across the district. His work is closely connected to the district's Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) initiatives, helping expand personalized learning opportunities through emerging technologies, instructional innovation, and applied learning design. With a Master of Education in Digital Learning and Leading, Carl is experienced in AI integration, blended learning, project-based learning, and the strategic use of instructional technology to support educator effectiveness and student success. Carl develops practical systems, resources, and professional learning experiences that help educators integrate AI in meaningful, responsible, and sustainable ways. He believes meaningful innovation begins by equipping teachers with practical tools, clear support, and the confidence to adapt in an evolving educational landscape. His guiding philosophy is simple: change the world one teacher at a time.

Who has been a guest on ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Lisa Werner
• Alan Lightman
• Dr Scott Miller
• Gabby Salazar

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

76

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

81

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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