Do you find yourself wanting to implement all of the cool STEM lessons you see on social media or hear about on this podcast? Do you feel the pressure to try to implement lots of new STEM lessons in the hopes you will keep your kids engaged in STEM? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down things you may be doing that are complicating your STEM lesson planning and sharing what to do instead. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimere...
May 22, 2023•24 min
There are quick and easy ways to get started in STEM, and definitely things that teachers should try to get their feet wet. But when it comes to those quick and easy things, are they always best for the long term? How does it affect students? Are they ready for more? In this episode, I’ll be sharing 3 quick fixes that aren't sustainable in the STEM classroom, and things that you can start integrating instead to grow your STEM teaching practice. Claim your spot in the STEM into Summer Group Coach...
May 18, 2023•20 min
I share a lot about the highs and some of the lows of being an elementary STEM teacher on my Instagram and here on the podcast. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the three things I struggled with the most as a new STEM teacher. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode87 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments! TpT Shop: Naomi M...
May 15, 2023•22 min
Today’s episode is the final episode in the K-5 STEM series. In this episode, I give an overview of my 5th grade STEM curriculum. I share an overview of the 5th grade STEM curriculum, a breakdown of a week of 5th grade STEM curriculum, and the top three skills I believe every 5th grader should leave the STEM classroom with. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode86 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long...
May 11, 2023•23 min
In today’s episode, I’m continuing the six-part K-5 STEM series. In this episode, I provide an overview of my 4th grade STEM curriculum, a breakdown of a week of 4th grade STEM curriculum, and the top three skills every fourth grader should leave the STEM classroom with. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode85 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice message HERE for the podcast with ...
May 08, 2023•21 min
In today’s episode, I’m continuing the six-part K-5 STEM series. In this episode, I provide an overview of my 3rd grade STEM curriculum, a breakdown of a week of 3rd grade STEM curriculum, and the top three skills every third grader should leave the STEM classroom with. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode84 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice message HERE for the podcast with y...
May 04, 2023•28 min
Today’s episode is part 3 of the K-5 STEM series. In this episode, I’m breaking down my year-long 2nd grade STEM curriculum, highlighting some of the lessons I teach in a week and the top three skills 2nd graders should leave the STEM classroom with. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode83 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and co...
May 01, 2023•20 min
Have you wondered what a 1st grade STEM curriculum should look like? In today’s episode, I’m sharing an overview of my 1st grade STEM year-long plan. This is part two of a six part series in which I’m breaking down grade levels K-5 and showing what it looks like in the STEM classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode82 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice message HERE for the...
Apr 27, 2023•24 min
Have you been wondering what a Kindergarten STEM curriculum should actually look like? In today’s episode, I share what you should consider when planning your Kindergarten STEM curriculum, including an overview of what your Kindergarten STEM curriculum can look like for the year and on a weekly basis. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode81/ Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice me...
Apr 24, 2023•23 min
Have you wondered how do podcasts help students learn? Podcasts are an engaging way to learn new content quickly. There are many amazing podcasts for your students. One of those is the Who Smarted Podcast. In today’s episode, I sit down to chat with Jerry Kolber, who works on the team for the Who Smarted Podcast. Jerry and I discuss how podcasts help students learn, the benefits of incorporating podcasts into your STEM classroom, and much more. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of thi...
Apr 20, 2023•26 min
Are you hoping to land a STEM position at your school? Maybe you’re wondering what are some important things that you need to consider when interviewing for a STEM position. In today's episode, I share three STEM teacher interview tips to keep in mind when you are preparing for a STEM teacher interview. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode79/ Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice ...
Apr 17, 2023•14 min
Struggling to gather STEM supplies for our classroom seems to be a common theme for STEM teachers. However, there are many ways to gather materials creatively and for free. In today’s episode, I share three ways to get free materials for STEM projects. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode78/ Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and...
Apr 13, 2023•16 min
In today's episode, I sit down to chat with Brittany Walker, who is the Senior Engagement Community Associate at DonorsChoose, to discuss what DonorsChoose is and how it works. Brittany provides grant writing tips for teachers and highlights some of the successful STEM projects that have been funded through DonorsChoose. If you are a teacher who has been wondering what the process is for writing a grant and how to gather STEM supplies for your classroom, this episode is for you. Head to the show...
Apr 10, 2023•25 min
For many of us, when we first enter the elementary STEM space, we are tasked with doing innovative activities with our students, but we are given zero curriculum or zero budget to do so. In today’s episode, I interview Jennifer Mahin, who has received over $32,000 in grants to buy supplies for her STEM space. Jennifer started out like all of us, with zero curriculum and no budget. In this episode, she shares STEM grant ideas that she has implemented to receive funding. She provides great tips fo...
Apr 06, 2023•33 min
In today's episode, I am re-releasing episode 3. In this episode, I break down what you actually need for a STEM classroom, including what you should keep in your STEM classroom, what to get rid of, and what materials to buy. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode3 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments! TpT Shop: Naomi Me...
Apr 03, 2023•15 min
Being a STEM teacher can sometimes feel lonely if you’re the only one in your building implementing and teaching STEM. It’s a lot of fun thinking of and implementing new STEM ideas in the classroom, but it would be nice to have a community of like-minded teachers to share these ideas with and who get what you experience as a STEM teacher. If you’re feeling alone as a STEM teacher, a STEM online community is what you need. In today’s episode, I share three ways to build your STEM online community...
Mar 30, 2023•13 min
Have you wondered what STEM professional development books you should read as a teacher? For this episode, I've curated a list of nine STEM professional development books for 2023 that you should have on your STEM teacher bookshelf. The books I share in this episode will support your growth in STEM as an elementary teacher and provide you with a lot of value and inspiration. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episo...
Mar 27, 2023•23 min
I have received many DMs and emails about the challenges of teaching younger children STEM. You asked, and I’m delivering. In today’s episode, I interview Marcia Nicole, who is a highly experienced early childhood educator. Marcia shares many fun and easy to implement hands-on strategies for early childhood education. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode72 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan ...
Mar 23, 2023•28 min
In today’s episode, I chat with STEM children’s book author Dr. Rajani LaRocca. Dr. Rajani practices medicine and writes award-winning children’s books that cover a span of topics, many of which include STEM-related topics. During this interview, you’ll hear about her passion for the STEM world, how she incorporates STEM into her children’s books, and so much more. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode71 Downl...
Mar 20, 2023•27 min
What are some 3D printer recommendations for elementary classrooms? There are a lot of brands out there, which can quickly make it overwhelming to decide. So, I asked YOU what your recommendations are and compiled them altogether in this episode. Current STEM teachers share their 3D printer recommendations and what works in their elementary classrooms. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/stemspotlight3 Download my F...
Mar 20, 2023•12 min
How can you implement 3D printing in classroom settings in meaningful ways? In today's episode, I chat with Bruce Wyman, who is an experienced STEM professional, the owner of 3D Protect Me, and an environmental advocate with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Bruce shares how to add 3D printing into your instruction and gives insight into some differences between elementary and middle school 3D printing creations. Head to the show notes for a full transcript ...
Mar 16, 2023•31 min
Do you do 3D printing in your classroom or hoping to get started? 3D printing isn’t as complicated as you might think with young students. In fact, I do 3D printing lessons will all of my students K-5! In today’s episode, I'll be sharing with you my top tips for 3D Printing in the elementary classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode69 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice me...
Mar 13, 2023•21 min
There has been so much talk about Chat GPT, but what in the world is it? How can we use it as STEM teachers? Is Chat GPT for STEM teachers? In this episode, I will be explaining what in the world chat GPT is and three practical ways you can use it in your classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode68 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your ...
Mar 09, 2023•13 min
Do you need ideas for March STEM activities? In this episode, I share three lesson ideas that you can do in your STEM classroom that have a variety of themes and topics that go along with March and springtime. I have organized these lessons and done all of the research for you, so you have the materials you need to implement these lessons in your classroom successfully. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode67 ...
Mar 06, 2023•13 min
How can you make your STEM lessons rigorous and also make those cross-curricular connections? This structure has changed the way I plan for my upper elementary students throughout the school year. While it does take more work up front, students have PLENTY to work on throughout the week and see the world in new ways. How can 2-hours of your time impact the way you plan STEM for 3-5 for the rest of the school year? Join me live, Saturday, March 4, 9:00-am-11:00am MST for this 3-5 STEM Planning Vi...
Mar 03, 2023•10 min
So you've planned this STEM lesson. You've gathered the supplies, and you've made sure that the lesson is exciting. But your fifth graders just aren't having it. In fact, they don't even seem interested in the STEM project that you planned. In those moments, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. In today's episode, I’m sharing why your fifth graders aren't motivated in STEM and how to fix it. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://...
Mar 02, 2023•19 min
In today’s episode, I share how I plan a student podcasting lesson about light pollution and how we figure that out through the Engineering Design Process. In this lesson, students explore what light pollution is, the effects of light pollution, and possible solutions. They then share all of this information through a mini-podcast. With their podcast, they take on the role of a citizen scientist. This lesson is a cool way for students to share their learning and learn a medium they might not hav...
Feb 27, 2023•22 min
Today's episode is a re-release of one of the most popular episodes on the podcast! In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes look into how to write your STEM lesson plan from start to finish and help you improve the experiences in your classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode26 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and co...
Feb 23, 2023•22 min
How can you have students plan and build a community based on Earth's features in an area? In today's episode, I share an in-depth overview of the build a city STEM project. In this lesson, I tie in the concept of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. It also incorporates the Engineering Design Process. This is a fun Makerspace lesson that my students loved, and I know yours will too. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimer...
Feb 20, 2023•22 min
Are you looking for an innovative teacher conference to attend this summer? Well, I have the perfect one in mind that you don't want to miss out on. This conference is perfect for all k-12 educators looking for fresh ideas, building their community, and exploring new innovative resources. In today's episode, I'm talking about the InnEdCO conference and why you should attend this summer. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredi...
Feb 16, 2023•16 min
