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Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how to make math education better? To make sure there's enough practice and practicality in math lessons? By as early as first and second grade, nearly half of students report feeling ‘moderately nervous’ or more when doing math, and by grades 7–10, surveys find that 82% of U.S. students describe themselves as fearful of math. During play, the brain’s prefrontal cortex — the center for reasoning and problem-solving — lights up more than during direct instruction. Play literally strengthens the pathways for persistence and flexible thinking. At MIND Education, they see math as more than a subject. It is a way of thinking, and every student is capable of developing deep mathematical understanding. Brandon Smith is the President and Lead Mathematician/Product Director at MIND Education, and works to help educators better meet the needs of all their students. He has a bachelor's degree in math and two master's degrees in pure and applied mathematics, and enjoys piloting planes in his spare time. Thanks for listening, and be sure to connect with Brandon in the links below: Connect with Brandon & MIND Education: Website: mindeducation.orgBrandon's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandon-smith-994a38ba/ Brandon's Blog Posts: https://2024.mindresearch.org/speakers/brandon-smithChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast...Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Do you need some good ideas for building wonder? Do you want your students to be more creative? Do you just need some new ideas for your classroom? Stephanie Higgs, best known as @littlemissgifted on Instagram, is an award-winning, Nashville-living gifted educator and differentiation coach in elementary. Stephanie is a quick thinking, fast talking, and passionate international professional development presenter who infuses a little sparkle and shine into educating all learners. Her ideas in this episode will help you be more prepared to get your students ready to learn & go above and "beyonder" Thanks for listening, and be sure to check out Stephanie on the links below: Connect with Stephanie: Website: stephaniehiggs.netFacebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091830352111Instagram: @littlemissgiftedYouTube: @littlemissgiftedteacherChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast...Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Do you know who is the father of the nuclear navy and civilian nuclear power? And did you know he had an unrelenting pursuit of perfection? Our world is in need of people who spark a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) — exactly what Admiral H. G. Rickover devoted his life to. Best known as the “Father of the Nuclear Navy,” he believed America’s strength depended on cultivating young scientific minds. Joann DiGennaro co‑founded the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) with Rickover in 1983. CEE’s alumni attend top universities and have become trailblazers in programming, engineering, data science, and medical research. You can find them working at places like Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Open AI, and SpaceX, among other top companies. Three former Presidents, Nixon, Ford, and Carter, served as Honorary Trustees of CEE's Board of Trustees, the only Board on which the three served together. Joann has written a new biography, Rickover: Underway, My Way, which reveals how Admiral Rickover's leadership principles and educational vision still shape STEM talent today. Thanks for listening, and be sure to get Joann's book and learn more about the opportunities for teachers and students through the CEE by clicking the links below:  Connect with Joann & CEE: Website: cee.orgGet a copy of Joann's book: https://amzn.to/42yzVhrChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast...Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Do you know how to explain to kids what kinds of STEM careers are out there? Mike McCarthy is passionate about showing young people a type of STEM career that they likely haven’t yet been exposed to. As Vice President at Design Communications Ltd (DCL), an internationally recognized custom manufacturer of architectural specialty products, Mike has been involved in large scale new construction and renovations of sports stadiums, theme parks, shopping malls, movie theaters, hospitals, universities and a variety of other projects. Some of those places include Walt Disney World, SoFi Stadium, TD Garden, Madison Square Garden, Gillette Stadium, Netflix, Linked In, Amazon, Facebook, Coca-Cola, Hasbro, Logan Airport and many others. They engineer, fabricate and install artistic specialty elements and experiential tech (sculptures, signage, and LEDs/Projection mapping, etc). As part of the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council, Mike also enjoys showing kids that there are fun careers in STEM that aren’t connected to life sciences or coding. He double majored in Art and Mechanical Engineering, and will explain how you can help kids interested in the intersection between art and engineering. Thanks for listening, and be sure to check out Mike & DCL's work by clicking the links below:  Connect with Mike: DCL Website: designcommunicationsltd.comSee some of the DCL projects: designcommunicationsltd.com/workLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikemccarthy76/Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast...Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Keven Rinaman is the Director of Innovation and Educational Technology at Calvert Catholic Schools and an Adjunct Professor at Tiffin University in Ohio. He is also the author of 3DU: A Guide to 3D Printing in Every Classroom (and talked about 3d printing on Ep 218) He recently wrote the book Tinker Kid & the Case of the Wobbly Desks with his 10 year old son Cooper.  "When the students at St. Michael Elementary start complaining about wobbly desks, Tim Kooper knows it’s time for action. As his superhero alter ego, Tinker Kid, Tim teams up with his friends Sara and John to investigate the problem. Using creativity, problem-solving, and a little 3D printing magic, the trio designs clever solutions that not only fix the desks but also bring the class closer together. Packed with humor, teamwork, and hands-on STEM adventures, this story shows how curiosity and ingenuity can turn even small challenges into big victories." As a Director of Technology, Keven enjoys facilitating Professional Development for his staff and at conferences. His extensive background in both education and technology has given him an understanding on how to meaningfully integrate technology, while knowing how to present to a group of learners. Connect with Keven: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/keven-rinaman-ed-s-7a714666/Keven's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keven.rinaman3DU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582255271581Tinker Kid & the Case of the Wobbly Desks: amazon.com/Tinker-Kid-Case-Wobbly-Desks/dp/B0GDKWT4CQ3DU Book: amazon.com/3DU-Printing-Classroom-Affordable-Content/dp/B09HPS7Y23Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What if a robot for kids was more than just a robot out of a box? mAIk Robotics uses AI together with a camera to be a platform for kids to design their own recycled robot. Using mAIk, you can write code to create machine learning models for image recognition and robot control, but you can also do all of this using natural-language prompts, with no prior background or complex technical skills. This makes advanced robotics projects accessible to the general public. Anyone can create a living, interactive world from recycled materials. Tamir Nave, an Electrical Engineer from Israel, created mAIk so that kids can be creative while learning AI and robotics. Their low-cost, DIY robots are simple to start, and they provide numerous tutorials and help for any level of educator or parent who knows that those skills are important for kids to learn. Connect with Tamir & mAIk Education: Website: maik-education.comYouTube: @mAIk-educationInstagram: @maik_educationFacebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585412997247Tamir's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tamirnaveChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail It’s no secret that students’ interest in STEM keeps growing. With an overwhelming number of different fields to pursue and growing opportunities for high schoolers, where do they start? Summer Science Program International (SSPI) helps students develop a deeper love for STEM and research through SSPI’s immersive, rigorous, and collaborative summer program. SSP is a highly competitive (10,000 applicants for about 700 spots this year) 60-year old STEM program (Summer Science Program) that empowers students to follow their passions and more importantly gives them the opportunity to participate in rote experiments and gain hands-on experience, vs. being taught about STEM.  Key program study topics include astrophysics, bacterial genomics, biochemistry and cell biology. These flagship summer programs are a rigorous five-week residential summer research experience designed for highly motivated high school juniors. Participants engage in advanced research in astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics, and synthetic chemistry while living on a college campus. Summer Science Program has offered participants “the educational experience of a lifetime” for over 66 years, and program alumni have gone on to leading positions in industry, business, innovation, and more. Amy Hee Kim joined SSP International in 2025 as the Chief Program Officer, bringing 15 years in STEM fields as well as her background as a physical chemist (PhD from University of Chicago). Before joining SSPI, Amy served as the Executive Director of EnCorps helping STEM professionals become teachers in under-resourced community schools. Connect with Amy & SSP International: Website: ssp.orgYouTube: @sspinternational Instagram: @summerscienceFacebook: @SummerScienceProgramAmy's email: [email protected] Amy's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amy-hee-kim-b6507b7/Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Katie Minihan, Chief Impact Officer of Project Lead The Way (PLTW), shares why engagement might be the missing metric in education and how students who solve real-world problems through hands-on, collaborative learning see stronger attendance, achievement, and long-term outcomes. School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness for kids from elementary to high school. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, they've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, and best-in-class teacher training.  PLTW’s partnerships with industry leaders, universities, and other nonprofits ensures the curriculum stays at the cutting edge and mirrors modern workforce realities of today, while also building the lifelong skills needed for tomorrow.  Check out the Success Stories of PLTW alumni in their careers pltw.org/experience-pltw/national-awards/awards  Connect with Katie & PLTW: Website: pltw.orgX/Twitter: @PLTWorgYouTube: @TeamPLTWInstagram: @pltworgFacebook: @pltworgKatie's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catherine-minihanChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What happens when storytelling meets science? What happens when learning the periodic table becomes as common as other foundational skills like the alphabet or adding facts? Dr. Colleen Kelley is a retired chemistry professor turned storyteller, creator, and champion of "Molecular Literacy." As the founder of Kids’ Chemical Solutions, she’s on a mission to make chemistry fun, visual, and unforgettable through comic books, graphic novels, and games. Her award-winning work has reached audiences around the world — from the Emmy-winning PBS short “Comic Book Chemistry” to her TEDx talk “Molecular Literacy for Ages 8–108.” Through her M.C. Detective Agency series, Dr. Kelley transforms chemistry into an adventure, where kids solve molecular mysteries, uncover clues in the periodic table, and discover that science is simply the story of everything.  With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Penn State University and a Chateaubriand Fellowship at the Université Pasteur in Strasbourg, France, under Nobel Laureate Jean-Marie Lehn, Dr. Kelley spent over 30 years teaching and researching environmental toxicology, medicinal chemistry, and chemical education. She’s authored four textbooks, 30+ peer-reviewed publications, and presented her work globally — but her greatest joy now comes from helping the next generation see chemistry in living color. Colleen's M.C. Detective Agency is a comic book series that turns complex chemistry concepts into thrilling, kid-friendly mysteries. The series invites readers to join Poppi, Ray, and the mysterious M.C. as they solve cases that only science can crack. Every case blends storytelling and science to build Molecular Literacy — a new way of learning chemistry that helps kids see, feel, and understand the molecular world long before high school chemistry begins. Young detectives learn that atoms, ions, and molecules aren’t just symbols on a page — they’re the building blocks of everything! Connect with Colleen: Website: kidschemicalsolutions.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colleen-kelley-ph-d-049aa91ab/Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail How fitting that the 314th episode of STEM Everyday would be about Math and in March (if you know, you know π). For more than 18 years, World Maths Day in March has brought together millions of students in an epic celebration of learning. From record-breaking speeds in the Live Mathletics platform, to incredible displays of problem-solving skills, it’s a day where numbers truly unite kids. Created by 3P Learning, kids age 5 to 18 compete in 20 60-second contests to earn points by solving math questions. As an individual or as a school, kids can sign up for free and compete to earn a spot on the World Maths Day Hall of Fame! Learn more and sign up, or make plans to join next year! Sheila Robitaille is an innovative educational leader who is passionate about quality instructional practice, and believes that educational opportunities must inspire engaged and active learners.  Sheila is a veteran teacher and educational leader with 27 years of experience as a classroom teacher, program director, professional development specialist and principal. She is currently the Professional Development Manager at 3P Learning, the hosts of World Maths Day. Connect with Sheila & Learn More about World Maths Day: Website: 3plearning.com/world-maths-day Sheila's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sheila-robitaille-8823864b/Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail YouthRoots has a mission to bridge the gap between generations, fostering connections that open up a world of opportunities in STEM fields for young minds. They provide students with a glimpse into the STEM fields they can pursue through interviews of STEM professionals. Using a holistic approach to STEM education, YouthRoots creates and leads students in hands on activities and engaging lessons, and after dozens of domestic outreaches, they are now expanding globally to ensure every student, no matter their location, has access to STEM education.  High school students Riddhi (co-founder), Sharaya (director of outreach), and Sahana (education specialist) talk about the work YouthRoots is doing, and their goal of creating chapters around the world. Connect with YouthRoots: Website: youthrootsnow.comInstagram: @youthrootsnowEmail: [email protected] Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Clueless is a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team made up of 13 members from 8 middle/high schools across San Diego, California. Through FTC, they are determined to grow as a team, have fun, and leave a lasting impact on their community. In their 9 years of competing, they have set the world record twice ('22 & '24) and qualified to the World Championship 6 times, where they've won the divisional Inspire Award three times and won the robot game once.  One of their outreach goals is to make STEM and robotics more accessible to local and global communities, through projects like their First Lego League (FLL) summer camp, EV3 redistribution program, and Global Mentorship Program for FTC teams. FIRST is a global non-profit that has engaged over 800,000 high school students in building and competing with robots.  "At the core, we love FIRST Tech Challenge. Our passion drives our success!" Connect with The Clueless team: Website: thecluelessftc.orgInstagram: @clueless11212_ftcYouTube: @theclueless11212 Volunteer at a FIRST event to support youth exploring STEM: firstinspires.org/community/volunteers (No experience required!)Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail STEM education requires a solid foundation of skills. Without basic math and reading proficiency, children are not prepared for the opportunities awaiting them in a world of changing careers. Chris Papst is the lead investigative reporter for Project Baltimore, Fox45 News’ ongoing investigation into Maryland’s public education system. As a national award-winning reporter, his work has led to the passing of state laws, criminal convictions, and court rulings that have set legal precedent throughout Maryland. Chris’s work has received recognition from institutions such as the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Office of the Comptroller, and the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education. He has received the NAACP’s Vanguard Award and an Emmy Award for investigative reporting. His new book Failure Factory: How Baltimore City Schools Deprive Taxpayers and Students of a Future, shines a critical light on America’s public education system by exposing what’s really happening inside classrooms and behind administrative doors – such as grade changing, the lower of academic standards and the manipulation of violence data.  Connect with Chris: Twitter/X: @chrispapstFacebook: @chris.papst.7Project Baltimore news: foxbaltimore.com/news/project-baltimoreFind a copy of Failure Factory on Amazon or Barnes & NobleChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Doug Scott has taught 9th-12th grade engineering, robotics, and technology since 2003. His current role at Hopkinton High School includes being the district leader for Business, Tech & Engineering in grades 6–12. Doug has led numerous robotics and competitive technology teams to state and regional championships, as well as national and international competitions, growing the robotics program from six students to 160. In 2014, Doug was fortunate to accompany students from his Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam to the Office of Science and Technology Policy White House Science Fair. The team’s invention was eventually awarded a U.S. patent. He is also the 2014 Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year Award, was awarded The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science (PAEMST) in 2019, and was a MA Teacher of the Year Semifinalist in 2022. His students have consistently participated in the US National Invention Convention, a K-12 invention education program that teaches students problem-identification, problem-solving, entrepreneurship and creativity skills and builds confidence in invention, innovation and entrepreneurship for life. Links mentioned: Massachusetts Invention ConventionEating Better utensil design projectOpening Doors wheelchair accessibility projectStart learning a little about the P-51 Mustang engineering And be sure to listen to Ep 273 with Doug's students sharing about their flashlight invention: #273 Invention & PatentsConnect with Doug: Website: mrscottbot.orgTwitter/X: @mrscottbot Instagram: @mrscottbot Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Dr Jennifer Berry is the CEO of SmartLab (an education pioneer in STEM, transforming traditional learning environments into project-based learning experiences since 1987). She has previously held leadership roles at other education organizations, each time bringing her expertise and experience as a parent and veteran of stage performance to build better learning opportunities for every kid every day. SmartLab's mission is to ensure that today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders, prepared and ready to solve the complex challenges of our ever-changing world. Students build STEM identity, confidence, and purpose as they solve meaningful problems and connect classroom learning to the careers of tomorrow. A focus on generating "aha!" moments, steadily converting raw curiosity into resilient, purposeful problem solving.  Innovative school leaders nationwide have empowered learners with SmartLab’s state-of-the-art STEM-focused solutions that include ADA-compliant learning environments, problem-solving, authentic student-led experiences, standards-aligned supplemental curriculum, and rigorous training and professional development.  The SmartLab learning environment is based on 5 key components:  Career-Connected PBL CurriculumHands-on Tools & EquipmentCustomized STEM Learning EnvironmentsSmartLab Certified FacilitatorOngoing Support & Partnership Connect with Jennifer & SmartLab: Website: smartlablearning.comTwitter/X: @smartlab_tweetsFacebook: @SmartLabLearningInstagram: @smartlablearningYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCiY2g9pX2nxcLiWF8UpBTBwJennifer's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-jennifer-berry-9a05113/Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him: Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon Support the show