Send us a text What do you think of when we say story? Is it a favorite movie or book, a story passed down by a grandparent? As adults, we use stories in every aspect of our lives, from the social media we consume to the way we interact with our colleagues, clients, friends, and family members. Dive into the captivating world of storytelling with Shenandoah University's First Year Seminar (FYS) students as they unravel its power to connect cultures, generations, and professions. Discover how sto...
Dec 10, 2024•22 min•Ep. 112
Send us a text Episode Summary What happens when you blend storytelling with STEAM education? You transform learning and encourage playful discovery. In this week's episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Kristen Rodriguez, a visionary youth services librarian from NSU Florida's Alvin Sherman Library , shares how her innovative library programs inspire creativity and curiosity in young minds. Kristen shows us strategies for seamlessly integrating literature with science through playful an...
Dec 04, 2024•23 min•Ep. 111
Send us a text It's a book birthday! Join us in celebrating Jen Swanson's latest book: Up Periscope! How Engineer Raye Montague Revolutionized Shipbuilding (and check out the contest below to enter to win an autographed copy). Get ready to blast off into a world where science meets storytelling with our special guest Jen Swanson , the NASA STEMfluencer who is making waves with more than 40 nonfiction books for kids (and their curious adults), as well as her inspiring podcast Solve It for Kids . ...
Nov 27, 2024•35 min•Ep. 110
Send us a text Unlock the transformative power of multilingual education and STEM integration as we explore how language can revolutionize learning and create more inclusive and equitable educational experiences for all students. This week's guest is global consultant and author Beth Skelton . Brought together by Steve Spangler and Science in the Rockies , we quickly discovered so many ways that our work in language, literacy, and STEM overlaps. Join us as we delve into innovative approaches to ...
Nov 20, 2024•30 min•Ep. 109
Send us a text Ever wondered how a whimsical cartoonist could inspire the future of STEM education? Dive into the fascinating world of Rube Goldberg with Jennifer George, where creativity meets innovation and imagination knows no bounds. Jennifer George, Chief Creative Officer of the Rube Goldberg Institute and granddaughter of the legendary cartoonist, takes us on her journey to preserve and promote Rube Goldberg's legacy. Discover how the institute is revolutionizing STEM and STEAM education, ...
Nov 13, 2024•41 min•Ep. 108
Send us a text Dive into the captivating world of natural history and innovation with Jason Feller , the visionary young leader behind Thunder Bay's Boreal Museum . Discover how his passion for botany and creative community engagement transformed a dream into a dynamic space of curiosity and learning. Join Dr. Diane on a journey to Thunder Bay, Ontario, as we explore the remarkable story of Jason Feller and the creation of the Boreal Museum. From his roots in botany at Lakehead University to his...
Nov 06, 2024•33 min•Ep. 107
Send us a text Exploring the Transformative Power of Nature Play with Jordan "Jo" Joly Ever wondered how nature can transform your life? Join us as we explore the magical intersection of play and the natural world with Jo Joly, the dynamic program manager at Families in Nature . Discover how rediscovering joy in the wilderness can lead to personal growth and a deeper connection to our environment. Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of nature play with Jo Jol...
Oct 30, 2024•30 min•Ep. 106
Send us a text Imagine waking up to find your beloved library gone, washed away by the relentless floodwaters of Hurricane Helene. That's the reality for many schools in Western North Carolina, and it's what drives our conversation with the compassionate author Carolyn Fraiser. Her heartfelt initiative to restock these lost books for K-12 classrooms unveils the power of community action and the dire need for children's literature in times of crisis. Carolyn shares her personal connection to the ...
Oct 23, 2024•24 min•Ep. 105
Send us a text Unlocking Creativity: Jonathan Payne's Innovative Approach to STEAM Education Show Notes: Join Dr. Diane as we unlock the secrets of using hands-on STEAM to transform education in an energizing conversation with Jonathan Payne, Lackland ISD STEAM specialist and founder of The Innovative Mind Lab. How did an insurance salesman find his true calling as a passionate STEAM educator? What are some of his unique strategies for connecting with students and nurturing their individual inte...
Oct 16, 2024•35 min•Ep. 104
Send us a text Episode Summary: Ever dream of running away to sea to become a scientist? This week on the Adventures in Learning podcast, we chat with Dr. Kimberly Galvez, chief scientist aboard the Viking Octantis, about the groundbreaking work her team is doing. Discover how advanced technologies like multi-beam sonar systems, drones, and remotely operated vehicles are expanding our understanding of the ocean's depths. Dr. Kim delves into groundbreaking research on microplastics and plankton D...
Oct 09, 2024•31 min•Ep. 103
Send us a text Show Notes: How does the power of play shape the minds of our youngest learners? How can we use STEAM as an effective tool to ignite learning? Join me as we chat with Liz Rosu-Rosenberg , an inspiring artist and educator, who is also the Art Programs Manager at the Chicago Children's Museum. In this episode, Liz shares her remarkable adventures in learning from museum volunteer in Houston to her current role at CCM (with plenty of interesting side trips along the way). And don't m...
Oct 02, 2024•40 min•Ep. 102
Send us a text Episode Summary: What does it mean to have freedom to read? Join us this week as best-selling author Beth Ferry celebrates the power of libraries and the freedom to read through her brand new picture book, Roar for Reading . We dive into banned books week as we explore the role of libraries (and those wonderful librarian lions) as guardians for the freedom to read. We also journey into the whimsical realm of another of Beth's recent picture books -- Prunella -- which celebrates th...
Sep 23, 2024•27 min•Ep. 101
Send us a text Show Notes for Episode 100: Unlocking Joy: The Healing Power of Laughter with Dr. Erica Buchholz Episode Summary: In this special 100th episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, we delve into the incredible benefits of laughter with Dr. Erica Buchholz of becomingplayful.com . Discover how laughter can reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve overall well-being. Dr. Erica shares her journey from burnout to using her understanding of applied developmental psychology for fin...
Sep 18, 2024•27 min•Ep. 100
Send us a text Join us for an engaging exploration of the Long Island Children's Museum (LICM) as we sit down with its president, Erika Floreska . Erika shares the museum's commitment to creating a hands-on, interactive learning environment that emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement. Discover how LICM celebrates cultural diversity through vibrant festivals like Lunar New Year, Caribbean and South American Carnival, and Holi, bringing together families from different backgrounds to lear...
Sep 11, 2024•31 min•Ep. 99
Send us a text Episode Summary: The game is afoot! Join us on a thrilling adventure with bestselling author James Ponti as we delves into his latest middle-grade series, The Sherlock Society . I personally loved this Miami-based mystery. It has so much humor. The writing and characters are cinematic in scope. There's a little environmental thrillerism and it's got the best grandpa I think has ever been written in children's literature. Inspired by a contemplative walk around a lake in Orlando, J...
Sep 04, 2024•23 min•Ep. 98
Send us a text It's Not Nothing to have written a book that grabs you on the very first page and makes you not want to put it down. It's Not Nothing to have written a book where you've got this gorgeous intergenerational relationship that makes you laugh and makes you cry. It's Not Nothing to have written a book that is unafraid to tackle some of the most critical issues of today. It's Not Nothing to have written that book for middle graders. And it's Not Nothing to have the most inspiring and t...
Aug 28, 2024•24 min•Ep. 97
Send us a text A play-based diet? Yes, please! Join us as we explore the transformative power of play with Dr. Amanda Gummer, the UK's leading expert in the field. Dr. Amanda shares her journey from a playful upbringing to becoming an advocate for children's development through such innovative concepts as the Good Play Guide and the Balanced Play Diet . Learn about the balanced play pyramid and how different forms of play—from active, imaginative activities to screen-based play—contribute unique...
Aug 21, 2024•24 min•Ep. 96
Send us a text Join us on this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast as we welcome Tiffany Ortiz, the Director of Early Childhood at Carnegie Hall, to discuss the Lullaby Project. This innovative program pairs families and caregivers with musicians to create personalized lullabies for their children, fostering deep bonds and easing parental stress. Tiffany shares the origins of the project, which began in a New York City hospital over 12 years ago, and its remarkable growth to over 60 co...
Aug 14, 2024•20 min•Ep. 95
Send us a text Step into a world where grocery stores, doctor’s offices, and agricultural exhibits open the door to playful learning for young minds. Discover the thought process behind these interactive spaces at the Lewisburg Children's Museum , and explore the exciting collaborations with local universities and organizations like the NISE Network that make them possible. Join us as we chat with Mary Beth Harris, the Executive Director of the Lewisburg Children's Museum, and Michelle Heinzelma...
Aug 07, 2024•27 min•Ep. 94
Send us a text Baa-hoy, Matey! What if sheep could be pirates? Join us on a woolly adventure as we chat with the talented Ashley Belote about her baalarious new picture book, Sheepwrecked . Ashley takes us through her creative journey, sharing stories from her upbringing on a sheep farm in West Virginia that inspired the tale of pirate sheep. Listen to an excerpt and get an insider's look at how she masterfully intertwines narrative and illustration to bring her characters to life. But that's no...
Jul 31, 2024•20 min•Ep. 93
Send us a text Episode Summary: Can fostering curiosity really transform how we learn? Join us as we sit down with Chris McEachron, the Manager of Visitor Engagement at the Kentucky Science Center. We delve into the transformative power of playful learning as Chris takes us on his personal journey from outdoor education for adults to fostering creativity and teamwork in children at the Kentucky Science Center. Chris underscores the importance of hiring passionate educators who ignite curiosity i...
Jul 24, 2024•29 min•Ep. 92
Send us a text Ever wondered how children's literature can break barriers and inspire resilience? Join me as we welcome back the extraordinary Vanessa Brantley-Newton to the Adventures in Learning podcast. Vanessa shares the heartfelt inspiration behind her latest picture book, Shake it Off, which draws from a gospel song that taught her the importance of resilience. Vanessa's insights on the lasting impact of words and the healing power of art offer invaluable lessons for anyone facing adversit...
Jul 17, 2024•33 min•Ep. 91
Send us a text Did you know that the Apollo 11 astronauts left a small disc on the moon filled with goodwill messages from around the globe? Imagine attending a symposium and leaving inspired to write a children’s picture book! That’s exactly what happened to Dr. Jill Friestad-Tate, a business professor and nonprofit founder, who turned her fascination with the Apollo moon landing into a captivating picture book for young readers. This episode of Adventures in Learning takes you through her incr...
Jul 10, 2024•32 min•Ep. 90
Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it feels like to witness a natural spectacle that only happens once every 17 years? From midnight adventures in Chicago's Centennial Park to loud walks through Ryerson Forest Preserve, join Lynn and Elena Coles and me as we dig deeper into the heart of the Cicada Convergence. Get to know the Brood XIII magicicadas and join us as we try to find all three species by sight and by call! You may have already been inspired by the cicada convergence this year!...
Jul 05, 2024•35 min•Ep. 89
Send us a text Can play truly transform the way we learn? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Tyana Velasquez-Smith, the visionary CEO of Sensational Inclusions . Dr. Tyana shares her five non-negotiables for education and argues that play is not just a pastime but a human right essential for our emotional and psychological well-being. Learn how Sensational Inclusions is revolutionizing emergent literacy by harnessing students' special interests in sensory-friendly environments. We ...
Jun 26, 2024•43 min•Ep. 88
Send us a text What if thoughtfully transforming museum spaces could ignite a lifelong passion for learning? Join us as Bryan Wunar, President and CEO of Discovery World, shares his unexpected journey from pre-med student to museum powerhouse. Bryan's story is one of serendipity and passion, ignited by a chance opportunity to teach Newton's laws. Drawing on his past roles at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago to the Adler Planetarium, Bryan provides a compelling look at how museums br...
Jun 18, 2024•44 min•Ep. 87
Send us a text Could you imagine finding joy in both graphic design and traditional art? On this episode of Adventures in Learning, we chat with the multi-talented Janae Matthews . From her earliest memories of coloring and drawing to choosing graphic design as her college major, Janae shares the unique blend of artistry and communication that fuels her creative passions. We uncover the pivotal role of typography in graphic design, and how Janae harnessed the power of self-teaching to master ill...
Jun 10, 2024•20 min•Ep. 86
Send us a text Math+Literacy = A Winning STEAM Combo Discover how to blend math and literacy into the joy of everyday play and learning. Dr. Kateri Thunder shares her incredible strategies for sparking children's innate mathematical curiosity through storytelling, play, and intentional language. From the pages of The Very Hungry Caterpillar to the adventures of Jabari Jumps, learn how you can turn any story time into an opportunity for young minds to explore mathematical concepts in a fun and en...
May 30, 2024•41 min•Ep. 85
Send us a text Welcome to another episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast! I fell in love with Megan Benedict's work at a conference this spring, when she captivated an audience of teachers armed with only a typewriter and her imagination. I was excited to discover that she also writes nonfiction picture books, effectively blending poetry and science in a way that is entertaining and illuminating. I am so excited to share this conversation about poetry, nonfiction, and science with you! Ep...
May 16, 2024•29 min•Ep. 84
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how a tale of gorillas can touch upon the deepest themes of our human experience? Newbery Award-winning author Katherine Applegate joins us to unwrap the layers of The One and Only Family , her latest book that sees the beloved Ivan navigating the unpredictable waters of fatherhood. As Ivan's story unfolds with the birth of twins, we delve into the heart of freedom, the wild, and the impact of climate change, all while savoring the humor of gorilla toddlers ...
May 08, 2024•32 min•Ep. 83
