In a world where technology is evolving every week, we know that STEM education is more important than ever, and we’re here to help educators make an even bigger impact.
Wired for STEM is for every educator looking to increase their impact w/ students. It’s for experienced as well as new STEM teachers with no relevant STEM background. Every episode will provide actionable insights, resources, and inspiration.
I’ll be sitting down with passionate teachers, inspiring leaders, and STEAM specialists to talk current topics, share real-world tips, and deliver inspiration.
Teaching STEM: Curiosity, Chaos, and Breakthroughs
The episode features a conversation with Tim Selgrat, a veteran STEAM educator, discussing his approach to teaching and the impact of STEAM programs on student learning. The discussion covers topics such as student-driven learning, hands-on progressive education, and the importance of student voice and choice in the classroom.
Takeaways
Student-driven learning
Hands-on progressive education
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tim Selgrat
00:55 Tim's Approach to STEAM Education
04:37 Facilitating Student-Driven Learning
08:09 Lesson Planning and Curriculum Approach
17:29 Balancing Structure and Freedom
25:06 Advice for New STEM Teachers
30:45 Unique Teaching Environment
5 Jun 2026
Making STEM Work for the Real World
The conversation delves into the world of STEM education, exploring Jeff Remington's amazing personal journey of leadership, the impact of STEM outreach, convergence in education, and the evolution of standards in Pennsylvania. In our conversation we also emphasizes the importance of preparing students for the real world and the broader impact of research in STEM education.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jeff's Inspiring Career
13:03 STEM Outreach and Impact
19:09 Convergence in Education
25:18 Evolution of Standards in Pennsylvania
12 May 2026
Discover STEM Read Alouds!
Carly and Adam discuss the value of literacy in STEM instruction, emphasizing the role of stories in engaging students and connecting them to real-world problems. They share insights on using read-aloud books for STEM, transitioning to hands-on activities, and the future of STEM and literacy. Their passion for empowering teachers and students through creativity and problem-solving shines through in their engaging conversation.
Takeaways
Literacy and stories play a crucial role in STEM instruction
Combining stories with STEM activities engages students on a deeper level
STEM Books By Month:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Read-Aloud-STEM-Activity-Catalog-6392364 (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Read-Aloud-STEM-Activity-Catalog-6392364)
STEM Books By Grade:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/NGSS-STEM-Curriculum-Guide-9427866 (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/NGSS-STEM-Curriculum-Guide-9427866)
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16 Mar 2026
STEAM on a SHOESTRING
Join us for a conversation with Amber MacDonald where she discusses role in engineering education, the transition to teaching engineering, and how she creatively delivers problem-based learning. In this episode, Amber shares how she started her schools' engineering program, how she utilizes local resources, and how she forms and activates community partnerships. Listen and discover the effort and creativity Amber brings to her classroom. You can find more from Amber on her Instragram channel @msambermacdonald
Takeaways
How to develop STEAM activities on a shoestring
Problem-based learning advice
Leveraging the community
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Amber and Her Role in Engineering Education
08:31 Utilizing Local Resources and Sustainable Engineering Education
16:23 Partnerships and Collaborations for Enrichment Programs
21:28 Evolution of the Program and Future Directions
10 Feb 2026
Setting the Stage to Engage!
Wendie Turner, a media technology specialist, shares her journey of bringing hands-on learning and creativity to the classroom. From STEM bins to maker spaces, she emphasizes the importance of community support and resource management. Wendie's approach to balancing creativity with standards, creating an engaging learning environment, promoting inclusivity and collaboration, and envisioning the future of learning labs and maker spaces provides valuable insights for educators. Key success factors include organization, trying new things, and having fun with the students.
Chapters
00:00 Setting the Stage to Engage with Wendie Turner
07:13 A Week in the Life of a Media Technology Specialist
16:19 Creating an Engaging Learning Environment
22:03 The Future of Learning Labs and Maker Spaces
6 Jan 2026
Teaching AI: Resources, Tools, and Perspectives
Today's conversation delves into the topic of teaching artificial intelligence (AI) to kids, covering foundational concepts, tools, and applications. It explores the importance of understanding AI technology, ethical considerations, and the future of AI in education. The guest, Jessie Jiang, provides valuable insights and resources for educators and parents interested in AI education for kids.
Takeaways
AI Education for Kids
Teaching AI Concepts
AI Tools for Education
Review of ethical considerations
8 Dec 2025
Creating a STEM Program from Scratch!
In this conversation, Jessica Priem discusses the keys to starting a STEM program from the ground up. She highlights the significance of passion in education, the necessity of clear budget communication, and the importance of allowing for failure when trying innovative approaches. She also emphasizes that success is not solely dependent on budget but on the willingness to experiment and learn from failures.
Key takeaways:
If you're passionate, it doesn't necessarily matter what your budget is.
Communicating budgets and getting alignment is really important to avoid failure.
Allow for failure; it's part of the innovation process. Fail fast to learn quickly and improve.
Creating a culture of experimentation leads to growth.
Teachers should be encouraged to try new things.
Innovation in education requires a supportive environment.
Success is not guaranteed on the first attempt.
Passion drives success more than financial resources.
21 Nov 2025
Mistakes Welcome: Creating a Play-First STEM Culture
In this episode of Wired for STEM, Tim Conlin and Dr. Amy Esbee discuss the transformative power of play and the role of failure in enhancing STEM learning. Dr. Amy shares her journey as an educator and advocate for play-based learning, emphasizing the importance of mistakes in the learning process. They explore how students respond to failure, the significance of scaffolding in education, and the necessity of creating a safe space for exploration. The conversation also touches on the long-term impact of STEM education on fostering creativity and critical thinking in the face of evolving technologies like AI. Dr. Amy offers practical advice for parents and educators on supporting children's learning through play and iteration.
Key takeaways
Play and exploration are essential for critical thinking skills.
Failure is foundational to the learning process.
Students often fear failure due to societal stigma.
Creating a safe space for mistakes encourages learning.
Younger students are often more willing to embrace failure.
STEM education should focus on iterations rather than just correct answers.
Play is a structured way to build important skills.
Resources for STEM learning can be simple and accessible.
Parents should allow children to play independently.
Creativity is crucial in the age of AI.
00:00 Introduction to the Power of Play in STEM
03:13 The Role of Failure in Learning
10:27 Student Responses to Failure
14:30 The Importance of Play in STEM Learning
21:28 Coaching Educators on Play and Learning
26:06 Long-term Impact of STEM Education
30:37 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Teaching
14 Nov 2025
Making great Makerspaces | Practical Advice from an Expert
In this inaugural episode of Wired for STEM, host Tim Conlin talks with makerspace expert Sarah Margalus to explore the concept of makerspaces, their impact on education, and the integration of arts into STEM learning.
They discuss the inclusivity of makerspaces, the importance of community engagement, and practical advice for educators looking to establish these innovative learning environments. The conversation highlights the future of makerspaces, including the role of emerging technologies like AI, and shares inspiring stories of student success and creativity.
Kay takeaways include:
Makerspaces are versatile environments for hands-on learning.
They can be tailored to meet the needs of different communities.
Inclusivity is crucial; all students can benefit from makerspaces.
The integration of arts enhances STEM education (STEAM).
Safety and sustainability are key in designing makerspaces.
Community partnerships can enrich the makerspace experience.
Funding can come from various sources, including grants and local organizations.
Teachers play a vital role in aligning makerspaces with curriculum standards.
Emerging technologies will shape the future of makerspaces.
Struggle in learning can lead to significant breakthroughs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Makerspaces
02:05 Defining Makerspaces and Their Purpose
03:26 Impact on Student Learning and Engagement
05:04 Inclusivity in Makerspaces
07:07 Engaging Young Learners
09:13 Overcoming Challenges in Makerspaces
11:21 Integrating Arts into STEM Education
17:21 Designing Effective Makerspaces
21:16 Aligning Makerspaces with Educational Standards
22:56 Leveraging Community Support
25:14 Funding and Resources for Makerspaces
26:51 The Future of Makerspaces
28:31 Key Takeaways for Starting a Makerspace
31:04 Celebrating Student Success in Makerspaces
14 Nov 2025
Podcast Intro
Wired for STEM is the grassroots podcast that delivers practical information, inspiration, and perspective. Join us and listen in as we discuss meaningful STEAM topics with educators, experts, and other industry leaders. If you are looking to broaden your knowledge, get some inspiration, or just up your STEAM game, welcome!
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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