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why STEM is important for students

Why STEM is Important for Students with Tiffani Teachey [ep.148]

Why STEM is Important for Students with Tiffani Teachey [ep.148]

why STEM is important for students

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Episode Summary

We always hear how STEM is important and the importance of STEM in schools. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, you know STEM is important for kids. The real question is, why is STEM important for students? What impact does STEM have on children’s education? That’s what we’re talking about today. In today’s episode, I chat with Tiffani Teachey, who wears many hats, including Sr. Mechanical Engineer, STEM advocate, and TEDx international speaker, to name a few. Tiffani shares so many great insights into why STEM is important for kids and how you can encourage student engagement in STEM.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why STEM is important for students
  • Tiffani’s STEM education journey
  • How Tiffani inspires kids to pursue a career in STEM
  • How to encourage student engagement in STEM

Resources Mentioned:

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Meet Tiffani Teachey:

Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children's book What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z, the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three transformative books on women's empowerment and entrepreneurship. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia and also host of the Engineering Management Institute (EMI) Women in Engineering Podcast. She is the founder of STEM Crew Magazine. Tiffani is the owner of Thrive Edge Publishing and the owner and publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She helps underrepresented industry and business leaders publish children's books about their field to inspire children to choose the same path.

Tiffani holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is very interested in getting young people interested in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor.

Connect with Tiffani:

Episode Transcript: 

Naomi Meredith [00:00:00]:

We always hear about why STEM is important. Whether you are a teacher, an educator, or a parent, you are here listening to this podcast because you keep hearing about why STEM is important and why we need to teach it. But, really, why? Why is it important? Today, I am speaking with a guest who actually works in the STEM field as a senior mechanical engineer. Our guest also educates children about the possibilities in STEM, and she sees it currently in her real job and when she is doing her various projects and outreach as to why STEM is important. It is our future that is where we are going, and she sees it each and every day. Today, I am speaking with Tiffani Teachey, who wears many different hats in the various projects and outreach that she does in the STEM education field. Outside of her role as a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, which influences all the many amazing things that she does, Tiffani does so many things to help us in the STEM education space. She is a STEM advocate, a TEDx speaker, a radio show host, an international children's book author, the STEM Crew Magazine founder, and a publishing company founder.


Naomi Meredith [00:01:31]:

Make sure you check out the show notes for this episode and read her full bio to see all of the amazing things that she is doing. I appreciate her work ethic and all the possibilities and ways that she is positively influencing STEM education. So definitely go see what she is working on because it's absolutely amazing and also helpful to give you the resources that you need to be successful in this elementary STEM space. Also, you're gonna be hearing more from Tiffani over on my kid podcast in a little bit, the STEM Career Quest podcast, where she is going to be talking to kids more about her role as a Sr. Mechanical Engineer. So I can't wait for you to hear the teacher and educator's side of her experiences and why STEM education is important. And then, in a few weeks, go and check out the STEM Career Quest podcast when she's on there. You can go check it out now. Totally fine.


Naomi Meredith [00:02:30]:

But, go check out her episode when that comes out because what she has to say is really powerful and influential for our kids. I really enjoyed my conversation with Tiffani, and I know you are too. So, let's jump into this episode. Well, thank you, Tiffani, so much for being here today.


Naomi Meredith [00:03:22]:

We connected over on Instagram, and I think you had a giveaway going on. And someone told me about you. And then you and I started chatting, and I was on your radio show. And I'm like, you need to be on my podcast. So we've connected past in a lot of ways, and then I'm sure many more, but thank you so much for being here.


Tiffani Teachey [00:03:39]:

Thank you so much for having me. Yes. I'm so glad we've connected.


Naomi Meredith [00:03:42]:

Yeah. Me too. And if you guys watch the video version, she has the cutest background, with books behind her. Are those your books or a combination of others?


Tiffani Teachey [00:03:51]:

These are my books. These are mine. But I do I do have my clients’ books, but these are mine up here.


Naomi Meredith [00:03:56]:

I love that. You're gonna have to tell us about your books because I love a good STEM book, and they're for kids. Yes. So we'll chat more about it, but it's such a perfect background. We might as well show off your work.


Tiffani Teachey [00:04:08]:

Yeah. There you go.


Naomi Meredith [00:04:10]:

So with your background as an engineer, you also do so much when it comes to helping kids in STEM. So how did you get into this space of combining your engineering background and inspiring kids? How did that all happen?


Tiffani Teachey [00:04:28]:

Right. Okay. So getting into the engineering background, initially, I wanted to be a lawyer, and so I thought I could debate and do all that. But my parents, my mom was an educator, and my dad was an entrepreneur. They had my brother and me, he's also an engineer. He's a civil engineer. I'm a mechanical engineer. But, he had us go into STEM.


Tiffani Teachey [00:04:44]:

They had us go into a math and science Saturday academy. So every Saturday, we go sit there. So from there, I learned about how engineering was about problem-solving, and critical thinking. And then also in those math classes, I was asking questions and everything too. And so and then my dad had a client who was a civil engineer. He said you might need to get your kids into engineering. So that's called social capital. And then from being a part of the programs of the Saturday programs, that was what got us into, wanting to do engineering.


Tiffani Teachey [00:05:13]:

So fast forward to knowing that it's a male-dominated field, knowing that, you know, representation matters in this field, I would go and talk to the kids and, you know, they always want us engineers to become teachers love when we come in come in and talk


Naomi Meredith [00:05:26]:

to the kids.


Tiffani Teachey [00:05:26]:

And so when we come and talk to them, I would go and say, how many men are engineering? Not many hands go up. And so after doing hands on activities, after, you know, doing the talk about how engineering is fun, I would say how many men in engineering. So all hands should go up. And it was that moment, that pivotal moment, where I said, okay, I need to put this in writing. These kids need to learn about STEM careers. And so, hence, why I was able to say, let's connect through writing a book and getting these kids exposed to STEM.


Naomi Meredith [00:05:53]:

I love that so much. And you are absolutely right because I have seen the same exact thing, and that's why we're collaborating because, like, I say the same thing. And when I was a teacher, I hosted a STEM career day, because kids need to see themselves in STEM jobs. You've read the studies, I'm sure. And you being in the field, you see, like, the actual facts, which is really sad how, just that underrepresentation. So we need to expose kids when they're young. Yeah. We can't wait until middle school and high school, and you've seen it firsthand.


Naomi Meredith [00:06:28]:

And now you're creating resources for the kids.


Tiffani Teachey [00:06:30]:

Yeah.


Naomi Meredith [00:06:31]:

What are some of the books that you've created? Because we have a bunch, but what are some of the ones that you've done?


Tiffani Teachey [00:06:38]:

Well, that first one was an alphabet book. So I kept it simple, you know, trying to be all creative. I said no, and I'm not even gonna try to rhyme and do all that. I stayed in my lane. I learned to stay in the lane. And so the first book was, what can I be STEM careers who make disease? That rhymes, but that was about it. And so like it has different careers in STEM, starting with an astronaut. And I didn't just do engineering.


Tiffani Teachey [00:06:57]:

I said I wanted all different careers. So, that was my first book back in 2019. And so I've been rolling since with the color and activity book to Spanish, French, Swahili, and Italian translations for the book. And so then I said, okay, I need to start. And then, I have a journal and a teacher's guide. I have a teacher's guide with it, too. But then I said, okay. I need to start writing the storyline.


Tiffani Teachey [00:07:17]:

So, I have the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series. And so they're building up a little powered car. And so also next month after this is coming up is the building of a magical spaceship. And so now the STEM crew kids that's in the, you know, initial book are now doing different activities. And so they get to learn about teamwork and working together. And so those are many of the different, yeah, types of books I've been able to spin off with and be able to get out there for resources.


Naomi Meredith [00:07:44]:

I love that. I'm gonna have to read the alphabet one to get ideas for my STEM Career Quest podcast because there are a lot of STEM jobs I haven't heard of. And I was a STEM teacher, so it was different where I don't have a STEM background in a STEM field. I have a master's in STEM. Completely different. So I'm gonna have to read your book


Tiffani Teachey [00:08:03]:

to get some ideas


Naomi Meredith [00:08:05]:

for some jobs. But I know teachers are going to love that because STEM teachers and classroom teachers are always looking for those connections in different ways to incorporate literacy into their STEM blocks. So we'll link all of your books in the show notes for sure because we're always looking for those resources. So, with you being in STEM, you know it's important, but, like, we should talk about it a little, but why do you think kids need to know about this? So we know the jobs are important, but why else do they need to learn about STEM?


Tiffani Teachey [00:08:40]:

I mean, STEM is everywhere. And when I talk to the kids, I'm like, you know that when you wake up in the morning, some type of STEM career has played a role with this. And because there are so many jobs, there are so many unfulfilled jobs in STEM, you've gotta start early, and these kids gotta get exposed early. So it's just letting them know by hands-on activities, going to do different, you know, visits, going to do a job shadow. I tell the parents a lot of times, take a kid if they wanna be a veterinarian, maybe go have them. If they have a pet, go for days, job shadow them for a day so they can see and learn about those careers and they can start early with that. And so it's just letting the kids know you are making a difference. Why I got into it? Because I knew I'd be challenged.


Tiffani Teachey [00:09:22]:

So kids know that they can make a difference with the work that they're doing with STEM. And that's why I try to share the importance of it because everything we do somewhere, somebody has tapped into it that's in a STEM career. And because the jobs are out there, why not take advantage of being a part of it? And so that's why I say kids should be a part of STEM because it's you're making a difference, and I think that's ultimately it.


Naomi Meredith [00:09:44]:

Absolutely. And do you see that in your job? Like, with you being an engineer during the day, do you see that there are a lot of unfulfilled roles? Is that something they talk about or the trend? Yes.


Tiffani Teachey [00:09:57]:

I mean, the numbers are out there. I've seen where it's 35,000,000 jobs that are out there, unfulfilled jobs for STEM. The statistics are out there. It's just getting in those positions, going, you know, going to school, doing the internships, that really helps with your resume. I tell you that I pushed that a lot, too. I had 3 or 4 different types of internships, but it let me know career wise. So even starting before you go into the job, get those internships, and it lets you know what you wanna do and what you do not wanna do. And so I pushed that a lot with trying to decide if there are STEM jobs out there.


Tiffani Teachey [00:10:28]:

Yes. They're out there but go ahead, getting your go and starting early, getting exposure that helps build your resume to get into those positions as well.


Naomi Meredith [00:10:38]:

It's so true. You do have to experience it. We have a school near me, and it's not a trade school, but it's like an option with, like, electives in high school where the kids can actually try out different, they call them pathways. Mhmm. So some of them are a trade where they do actually, do some mechanical engineering on air local airplanes.


Tiffani Teachey [00:11:00]:

Mhmm.


Naomi Meredith [00:11:01]:

Some do some nursing type of things. Some are, like, doing cybersecurity.


Tiffani Teachey [00:11:04]:

Yeah.


Naomi Meredith [00:11:05]:

But they always talk about, like, because they are partnering with local businesses, a lot of them can get jobs right out of high school if it's that type of job. But, also, like you were saying, maybe you don't really like blood. Let's say you're doing the nursing pathway.


Tiffani Teachey [00:11:21]:

That was not my field. I said I knew it was not going into health care. I said I'm, you know, that I said I'm not trying to see all that. So I knew, yeah, that wasn't it for me.


Naomi Meredith [00:11:29]:

Yeah. Right? And so you're, like, not spending all this money. Like, oh, I'm not this isn't for me. I wasted 3 years of college, and I can't do this anymore, which is fine, but we like, that exposure the younger they argue. Little kids are always thinking about what they wanna be when they grow. We ask them all the time. That's a kindergarten question when they graduate. What do you wanna be when you grow up?


Tiffani Teachey [00:11:51]:

And they're like, woah. I wanna be this, so I wanna be that. Just like I thought I'd be a lawyer. Thought I could debate Yeah. Do all that. But, no, that wasn't my calling for that. So okay.


Naomi Meredith [00:12:00]:

Yeah. I mean, I do I wanna be a teacher, but also, who would have thought in kindergarten I was gonna be a podcaster? Like, did I say that? No.


Tiffani Teachey [00:12:10]:

No. Not at all. Either.


Naomi Meredith [00:12:12]:

Yeah. Right? So, like, there's even, like, you know, there are jobs out there that are going to be in the future that doesn't exist, but all of the skills that they are doing now, like, the problem-solving you talked about, the collaborating, That is so important because whatever job you choose, you need to be a good employee.


Tiffani Teachey [00:12:31]:

Right. And that's where soft skills play a role with it. I see a lot of presentation skills. I mean, those are key things. I tell the kids when I'm talking to them, I'm like, okay, what classes are needed? Math and science, but do not forget English and writing. You cannot forget these things because you gotta have these skills. You do the research, but how will you relate that research that you did? You gotta be able to present it. You gotta be able to write it.


Tiffani Teachey [00:12:54]:

So, I also incorporate that when I talk to the kids. So, not just math and science, but English is just as important as well. So


Naomi Meredith [00:13:01]:

Yeah. It is. It's all connected. Even when I talk to teachers that, like, planning STEM lessons, I just talked to a teacher, and they're all, oh, well, STEM isn't reading and writing. Right? And I said no.


Tiffani Teachey [00:13:13]:

It is.


Naomi Meredith [00:13:13]:

Like, your face. If you guys see Tiffani's face, your eyes got really big when I said that.


Tiffani Teachey [00:13:19]:

Because I'm like, I mean, I have to do it for work. Every day, we've gotta relate a message. We have to be able to present. You've gotta be able to say what is going on. So, reading and writing are definitely important.


Naomi Meredith [00:13:30]:

I know. Oh, oh, no. No. No. Like, it is all of that. Like, I know it's not in the name, but it's what you need to do I'm all the kids research. They're researching for the project. They have to write how they're gonna plan, what went well, what didn't, and collect data.


Naomi Meredith [00:13:46]:

Gotcha.


Tiffani Teachey [00:13:46]:

Gotcha. And so Yeah.


Naomi Meredith [00:13:49]:

Like, no. No. It's everything. So, even if you're not a STEM teacher, you don't have to be. And that's actually really common. I teach some STEM field trips. Actually, why we rescheduled because of that STEM field trip. But I teach them, STEM field trips, in my community, and it's so interesting, Tiffani, that most schools do not have STEM, and they don't know what it is.


Naomi Meredith [00:14:11]:

And I yeah. They don't even know what it is because I'm, like, hey. What's STEM? And I can tell like, that's my first question. And when we do these hands-on projects, it is so clear. Even if they didn't tell me they didn't have STEM, I know that they don't have STEM because the way kids are talking to each other, the ones who do not have it give up a lot faster


Tiffani Teachey [00:14:31]:

Yes.


Naomi Meredith [00:14:31]:

They fight more. They don't collaborate well. They draw, like, if we're doing, like, a planning for a project, they'll draw one way and just sit there. They won't think of anything else.


Tiffani Teachey [00:14:42]:

Know the options. Yeah.


Naomi Meredith [00:14:43]:

Mhmm. And that's the same yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Go ahead.


Tiffani Teachey [00:14:47]:

No. That's it. I mean, the thing is failure, I mean, the whole fixing it, testing it out, you know, going through that that's the whole design process we talk about with, definitely with the engineering design process of knowing you create it, you brainstorm, you go through the whole process, but how do you fix it and how does it make it work? A lot of times, it doesn't work the first time. So those are things, you know, that play a role in it. So when you said that, I had to at least emphasize that piece.


Naomi Meredith [00:15:11]:

It's so true. And you see it in your job, and you teach the kids, like, you know. And I see it, too. And I saw it when I first started when I was in my STEM space, I saw the same thing. And so, like, reiterating those skills, it takes practice. It's not gonna be an overnight thing. It took 5 years for my students to get to where they were in the beginning and at the end, and it needs to keep going. And so even if you don't have a STEM teacher or if you're not a STEM teacher, you still need to do these types of things Mhmm.


Naomi Meredith [00:15:39]:

Because you're actually doing it this service for your students. Like, you don't have to have a background in it. We have both of us together. Tiffani and I Tiffani and I have everything for you to get sort started.


Tiffani Teachey [00:15:50]:

Yes. We sure do.


Naomi Meredith [00:15:53]:

So, speaking of that, you talked about your bugs. Do you have any fun projects going on or what are outside of your or it could be your regular job too, but what are some things you have going on in the STEM world?


Tiffani Teachey [00:16:04]:

Well, I do I mean, as far as different, I'm I make sure that there's opportunities. So I've done STEM Magazine. So, oh, STEM Crew Magazine. That's one thing as far as not just the books, but now I've got STEM Trailblazers. So now I've reached out to other STEM Trailblazers and have them in there. And then I have like 5 activities in each of the magazines where they can do different hands-on activities in it. And then of course contributing articles. So yeah, the STEM Crew Magazine, is another one of my parts of the journey of getting the message out there.


Tiffani Teachey [00:16:33]:

And yeah, the sky's the limit. I'm always going on different platforms and talk, talking on different platforms, to make sure to message out there. Like I was able to do TEDx, in South Africa, University of South Africa. So, just getting the message out there, those are some of my projects, and I'm always making sure that the message is out there about the importance of STEM, especially with our kids.


Naomi Meredith [00:16:52]:

How do you get connected with schools? How do you go to schools, or do you do them virtually? How do you do all that?


Tiffani Teachey [00:16:59]:

Combination. I they said I get asked all the time. So often, their support with the books is like, okay, we want to get these books into the schools. And so, of course, you get the bulk sales with the schools. We're getting asked to, been able to go and talk to the kids. And so I'm able to do reading, book reading, so virtually or either, you know, in person type of activities that's been involved with us. So, yeah, it's a combination. So, Yeah, definitely.


Tiffani Teachey [00:17:22]:

I've always done where I've done talks to the parents. I've done those types of talks, not just to the kids, but to the parents of the kids. I've had those types of sessions where we talk and try to get them engaged with it as well. As far as activities, as far as not just for the kids, I also have a playbook that's coming out, a STEM playbook. The STEM playbook is gonna be where not just, you know, for the schools, but parents and families can now have different activities that they can look at for the kids as well. So, yeah, they're getting into the schools. I'm constantly getting into the schools to get the message out there for the kids as well.


Naomi Meredith [00:17:55]:

Absolutely. We need a lot of people in the line because there are so many kids out there. We need a lot of us help influencing. And if you guys wanna hear Tiffani talk to kids. Actually you're gonna hear this episode before the other one, but Tiffani's gonna be a guest on the STEM Career Quest podcast, so you will get to hear her style chatting with the kids. So Yeah. You'll we were gonna record that after this episode.


Tiffani Teachey [00:18:23]:

Love it.


Naomi Meredith [00:18:23]:

Love it. And so you've talked about it, like, getting the parents in excited, but is there, like, if someone doesn't know or get started or if there's, like, a big takeaway, what advice do you have for teachers and parents who might be hesitant, trying anything in STEM? It might sound overwhelming.


Tiffani Teachey [00:18:43]:

Mhmm.


Naomi Meredith [00:18:43]:

What advice do you have for them?


Tiffani Teachey [00:18:46]:

Well, my advice is don't get discouraged, even if you don't know. You can do a lot of stuff even at home. There are things at home, and it's just getting your kids to start being that inquisitive, asking questions, getting them, I say just that that's the start. Do some hands-on activities and find some materials. Now, let's build something and work together. I think that's key, and just getting the questions start stimulating their minds. I think that's a great start. And then, like I said, the different field trips, the different going to a museum, going to different, you know, natures out here.


Tiffani Teachey [00:19:19]:

There are so many opportunities, not just inside, but you can also outside. So I would say just get started and if you don't know, there are a lot of resources online. And by the way, I can't give a free resource, 10 STEM Scholarships to Organizations. I've looked up and researched, www.stem is the way dot com. And so there are so many resources, and that's a good start. If you can get some organizations where there's definitely a Society of Women in Engineers, there's the National Society of Engineers. There are so many professional organizations that if you look them up online, look up different engineering or STEM organizations. They probably have some volunteer opportunities or mentoring opportunities that you can also get started.


Naomi Meredith [00:19:58]:

That's really good advice. I haven't heard about some of those resources, so we'll link all of that because that's why we're so lucky with the Internet. Like, there's no excuse not to get started. Yes. So with that, where you have a lot of different places, but where can teachers find and connect with you and, learn all the things they're doing in STEM?


Tiffani Teachey [00:20:21]:

I'm pointing them to 1, just like I just mentioned. And then from that point, we'll be able to allow them to connect because then it'll show the books and all that. So www.stemistheway.com. Go there, and then get to get you where you can get free gift of 10 STEM scholarships to organizations, and then it'll connect you to where you can also get the books and everything. And you'll learn more about me and everything I'm doing.


Naomi Meredith [00:20:45]:

And you guys, she has a full-time job. She's doing all of this. So you're a busy lady, Tiffani. I get it. I get get it.


Tiffani Teachey [00:20:53]:

And I'm also getting my PhD. I'm also getting my PhD as well. Yeah. That's another I get it. Yeah. Yeah. I'm almost finished, but yes, I'm getting my Ph.D., in the leadership studies program for applying A and T. My undergrad is in mechanical engineering and engineering management from Winston-Charlotte.


Tiffani Teachey [00:21:08]:

But I also am getting his PhD as well, full-time job as well as the business itself. Yeah.


Naomi Meredith [00:21:12]:

You go, girl. I'm I'm rooting for you. That is awesome. I appreciate that so much. Like, from one hard worker to another, I get you. I totally understand. That's great. Well, you guys heard it here first.


Naomi Meredith [00:21:28]:

There's no excuse. You guys got this. We're here for you, and we appreciate all of your insight, Tiffani, and all the amazing things that you're doing to impact STEM Education.


Tiffani Teachey [00:21:39]:

Thank you. Thank you so much for having me.


Naomi Meredith [00:21:41]:

Thanks.

why STEM is important for students

 

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More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is an online K-5 STEM Coach in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there. 

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!

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Fingerprints and Fibers: Behind the Scenes with Forensic Scientist Kelly Knight [ep.3]

Fingerprints and Fibers: Behind the Scenes with Forensic Scientist Kelly Knight [ep.3]

forensic scientist

Check out the full episode on Fingerprints and Fibers: Behind the Scenes with Forensic Scientist Kelly Knight  

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Episode Summary

All right, my Questies, we’re back for another STEM Quest! Now, I have a question for you. Have you ever eaten a yummy chocolate chip cookie and got melted chocolate all over your fingers? What happens when you touch something with your chocolate covered fingers? Your fingerprints get all over whatever you touch! Our fingerprints are so special because no one else in the world has them. 

On today’s STEM quest, we will be taken into the world of fingerprints, hair samples, and DNA and how they are used to help solve crimes with forensic scientist Kelly Knight. We will get to learn all about the cool things Kelly gets to do as a forensic DNA scientist and why she decided she wanted to study fingerprints and DNA for a living. This episode is full of fun facts that I know Questies like you will love! Don't forget to join our STEM Career Quest Club so you can learn even more about the world of forensic science.

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Click HERE to join our STEM Career Quest Club!

Inside you get access to

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  • teaching slides for each episode where it is broken up into chunks so you can listen in smaller segments
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  • one monthly virtual STEM field trip

And more!

Get the listening comprehension guides and teaching slides for this episode as a set HERE or get them inside of the STEM Career Quest club HERE

 

Meet Kelly Knight:

Kelly Knight is an associate professor with the George Mason University Forensic Science Program and a STEM Accelerator. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in forensic DNA and forensic chemistry and is also the principal investigator of the forensic DNA laboratory. As a STEM Accelerator, she guides and mentors undergraduate students in the Forensic Science Program and coordinates K-12 STEM outreach including the Females of Color and those Underrepresented in STEM summer programs for middle and high school girls.

Prof. Knight obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in chemistry from The George Washington University in 2006 and her Masters of Forensic Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2008. She is currently completing her doctoral degree in Science Education Research program.

Her career in forensics began in 2005 as a DNA technician for the Bode Technology DNA laboratory. She then worked in the Dawson Cruz forensic biology laboratory as a research associate and laboratory manager while completing her studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. After graduating from VCU, Professor Knight worked for years as a forensic DNA analyst with the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division in the forensic biology technical unit. As a part of the technical unit, she processed casework, performed research and validation, trained other forensic biologists, and was involved in quality assurance and quality control.

Having qualified as an expert in both forensic serology and forensic DNA analysis, Prof. Knight has testified in several court trials involving crimes such as homicides and sexual assaults. At some point between testifying in court and leading tours as the laboratory tour coordinator, Prof. Knight discovered her love for teaching. She realized how passionate she was about sharing the science she loved with others. This passion inspired her to begin her career as an adjunct professor while still working for the Maryland State Police.

Prof. Knight enjoys staying involved in the forensic science community and has remained active in professional organizations since beginning her education in forensic science. She has served as the biology section chair for the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists twice and was promoted to the rank of Fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in 2020.

Connect with Kelly Knight: 

 

See a Forensic Scientist in Action:

forensic scientist
Forensic Scientist, Kelly Knight, conducting tests in the lab.

 

forensic scientist
Kelly drilling a bone in the lab.

forensic scientist

forensic scientist

forensic scientist

More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is an online K-5 STEM Coach in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

Connect with the Host, Naomi Meredith:

More About The STEM Career Quest Podcast

Have you ever found yourself asking this question… “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Maybe you already have an answer to that, maybe you don’t.

Both are ok!

Welcome to the “STEM Career Quest” podcast! A show made for kids like you to help you build your dreams, or even find new ones, in science, technology, engineering and math. Each week, hear captivating stories and interviews to explore the exciting world of STEM. Oh! And grown-ups and teachers, you can listen too!

We’ll talk to experts in STEM who are passionate about what they do in the real-world and how they make a positive impact in their careers. Created and hosted by K-5 STEM Coach, Naomi Meredith, this show will spark your imagination and passions.

Join us each week on our quest to explore the possibilities of careers in STEM, one episode at a time.

entomologists

It’s a Bug Life: Behind the Scenes with Entomologists Kristie Reddick & Jessica Honaker [ep.2]

It's a Bug Life: Behind the Scenes with Entomologists Kristie Reddick & Jessica Honaker [ep.2]

entomologists

Check out the full episode on It's a Bug Life: Behind the Scenes with Entomologists Kristie Reddick & Jessica Honaker  

Subscribe to the podcast HERE on your favorite podcasting platform.

Episode Summary

Hey, Questies! We are embarking on our very first STEM Career Quest. We are diving into the tiny yet magnificent world of insects with The Bug Chicks, Kristie Reddick and Jessica Honnaker. Kristie and Jessica are entomologists, which means they study bugs.

On today's quest, we are taken behind the scenes of what entomologists actually do. We also get to hear about some of the fun adventures Kristie and Jessica have had with their bug friends and about some of the cool bugs they get to work with as entomologists. This episode is full of interesting and fun facts – a perfect quest for questies like you to learn all about a bug's life. Don't forget to join our STEM Career Quest Club so you can learn even more about the world of insects!

 

Want more ways to enhance your podcast listening experience? 

Click HERE to join our STEM Career Quest Club!

Inside you get access to 

  • a private community of other STEM Career Quest listeners
  • comprehension guides for each episode
  • teaching slides for each episode where it is broken up into chunks so you can listen in smaller segments
  • related STEM activities you can complete with simple materials
  • one monthly virtual STEM field trip

And more!

entomologists

Get this set of comprehension guides for FREE here

 

Meet Kristie Reddick & Jessica Honaker, The Bug Chicks:

Kristie Reddick and Jessica Honaker are The Bug Chicks – entomologists, educators and scicomm professionals who work at the intersection of STEM and social-emotional learning. They teach about the incredible world of arthropods and specialize in using these incredible animals as a vehicle to help people foster empathy for themselves, others and the natural world. They are the creators and developers of the DIFFERENT: STEM + SEL curriculum, an award-winning, evidence-based program aimed at creating a positive mindset shift in students. They received their Master’s degrees from Texas A&M University. Kristie’s research focused on the biodiversity and biology of solifuge arachnids and Jessica’s work focused on the effects of blackmargined aphids in agroecosystems.

 

Connect with The Bug Chicks: 

See an Entomologist in Action:

entomologists

 

 

 

 

More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is an online K-5 STEM Coach in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there. 

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

Connect with the Host, Naomi Meredith:

More About The STEM Career Quest Podcast

Have you ever found yourself asking this question… “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Maybe you already have an answer to that, maybe you don’t.

Both are ok!

Welcome to the “STEM Career Quest” podcast! A show made for kids like you to help you build your dreams, or even find new ones, in science, technology, engineering and math. Each week, hear captivating stories and interviews to explore the exciting world of STEM. Oh! And grown-ups and teachers, you can listen too!

We’ll talk to experts in STEM who are passionate about what they do in the real-world and how they make a positive impact in their careers. Created and hosted by K-5 STEM Coach, Naomi Meredith, this show will spark your imagination and passions.

Join us each week on our quest to explore the possibilities of careers in STEM, one episode at a time.

STEM Career Quest

3…2…1…Quest Off! [ep.1]

3…2…1…Quest Off! [ep.1]

STEM Career Quest

Check out the full episode on 3…2…1…Quest Off!:  

Subscribe to the podcast HERE on your favorite podcasting platform.

Episode Summary

Welcome to the “STEM Career Quest” podcast! A show made for kids like you to help you build your dreams, or even find new ones, in science, technology, engineering and math. Each week, hear captivating stories and interviews to explore the exciting world of STEM. Oh! And grown-ups and teachers, you can listen too!

In this episode, the host, Naomi Meredith, will be taking you behind the scenes to explain who this show is for, why it got started, and why you are going to love listening each and every week.

 

Want more ways to enhance your podcast listening experience? 

Click HERE to join our STEM Career Quest Club!

Inside you get access to 

  • a private community of other STEM Career Quest listeners
  • comprehension guides for each episode
  • teaching slides for each episode where it is broken up into chunks so you can listen in smaller segments
  • related STEM activities you can complete with with simple materials
  • one monthly virtual STEM field trip

And more!

STEM Career Quest

STEM Career Quest
The host, Naomi Meredith, and her little dog, Frederick, on Halloween. She is an astronaut, and he is a little rocket.
STEM Career Quest
The co-host of the show, Frederick the dog. He gets jealous when Naomi is talking to guests and will often bark or throw toys at her.

 

More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is an online K-5 STEM Coach in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there. 

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

Connect with the Host, Naomi Meredith:

More About The STEM Career Quest Podcast

Have you ever found yourself asking this question… “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Maybe you already have an answer to that, maybe you don’t.

Both are ok!

Welcome to the “STEM Career Quest” podcast! A show made for kids like you to help you build your dreams, or even find new ones, in science, technology, engineering and math. Each week, hear captivating stories and interviews to explore the exciting world of STEM. Oh! And grown-ups and teachers, you can listen too!

We’ll talk to experts in STEM who are passionate about what they do in the real-world and how they make a positive impact in their careers. Created and hosted by K-5 STEM Coach, Naomi Meredith, this show will spark your imagination and passions.

Join us each week on our quest to explore the possibilities of careers in STEM, one episode at a time.

What You’re Missing By Not Hosting a STEM Career Day Event [ep.144]

What You're Missing By Not Hosting a STEM Career Day Event [ep.144]

STEM career day event

Check out the full episode on What You're Missing By Not Hosting a STEM Career Day Event:  

 

Subscribe to the podcast HERE on your favorite podcasting platform.

Have a STEM question? Leave a voice message for the podcast!

Episode Summary

Last week, I shared how to host your own STEM Career Day Event at your school. Now, you may be wondering about the benefits of hosting a STEM Career Day Event, which is what I'm talking about today. I'll be diving into how a STEM Career Day Event can greatly benefit the students at your school, the significant impact these types of events can have on students, and more.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why students benefit from attending a STEM Career Day Event
  • Behind the scenes of the responses from both the students and guest speakers when I hosted a STEM Career Day Event
  • Why we should encourage students to start thinking about their future careers early

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Transcript: 

Naomi Meredith [00:00:00]:

You want to host a STEM career day event for your students, but it just sounds like a lot of work. What are your students even missing out on anyway by not having a STEM career day? I hosted a STEM career day in my 5th year of teaching STEM, and this was the first time I had ever done this event for my students. And I was so bummed that I hadn't put on this event before. Well, what did my students even miss out on? Why was I so sad about it? Let me explain inside this episode. 


Naomi Meredith [00:01:13]:

In the last episode, episode 143, I talked about all the things that you need to do to set up your STEM career day for success. If you haven't taken a listen to that episode, make sure to go back and listen to it after you listen to this one. It's okay if you listen to them out of order. Now, an event like this, when it's something for your entire school, could be a lot of prep work when it comes to all of the little details, the scheduling, making sure everybody knows about it, communicating with your guest speakers, and getting the guest speakers. How do you organize it all on top of all of the lesson planning that you are already doing for your school and even all of those after-school clubs and everything in between? I totally understand and was 100% in your position, but also knew that this was extremely important for my students to experience in elementary. So, while I was planning my STEM career day event, I saved every single thing for you. Yep.


Naomi Meredith [00:02:22]:

I saved every template, system, routine, and even examples of what went on that day so you wouldn't have to go digging and figure it out on your own. You can just plug and play, adapt what you need, and have a successful event in no time. I am spilling all the secrets and letting you steal all my ideas for your own event, and you can find this in my audio workshop at naomimeredith.com/stemcareerdayworkshop. You don't need to join me live. It is audio only, so I will talk you through it in short segments. With all of those templates and all of that planning, you have me in your back pocket, and you will be on your way with this awesome day for your students. This is linked in the show notes for you so you don't miss out on this awesome resource. So, what are you missing out on anyway by not having a STEM Career Day? You don't have to put it on.


Naomi Meredith [00:03:23]:

It's probably not required of you. Why does it even matter? Why should you even do something extra? Who cares? Here's what your students are missing out on. The first thing that they are missing out on by not having a STEM career day is learning how to dream big. Okay. So maybe your kids are dreaming big already about the cool projects that you're doing, but dreaming big in a different way. I had a parent presenter at my STEM career day that I hosted for my students and she's actually a guest on my upcoming kid podcast that will be coming out sooner than later. But she was saying even in that episode that the first Experience that she had at a career day wasn't until early college, and she already had an idea of what she might have wanted to be when she grew up, but she had this experience, this career day experience, and it actually changed the trajectory of the career that she went into her pathway, and because of that career day, this is the job that she is actually doing today and is super passionate about it. Now, thankfully, that experience happened for her.


Naomi Meredith [00:04:37]:

Everything happens for a reason. But what if she had known? You never know. But what if she had known about this career and learned about it at a career day in elementary school? Our kids are already thinking about what they wanna be when they grow up. They're not waiting until college to think about what they wanna be when they grow up. This can definitely change. Absolutely. Jobs are going to change. But even as a little kid, they're not too young to think about the possibilities and the passions and the interests and the things that they might wanna do when they get older.


Naomi Meredith [00:05:20]:

And how cool is that where you're bringing in these different experiences and jobs that they might not have ever heard of and even jobs you might not have even heard of as an adult to help them dream big in these different ways. We're always hearing as teachers, and you are probably told this as a kid, that as teachers, we are preparing our students for jobs that don't even exist yet. And some of those jobs and those careers that are being presented on this day might not exist when your kids get to be older, but it doesn't mean you need not to have them come in. These jobs now that are currently happening are evolving, and they are changing and they are sparking new jobs that your students might be in whether they're ones that are being created or maybe they're they are a job that those students actually create. You never know what it's going to be like. My teachers never told me, hey, maybe one day you could be a podcaster. No. They never said that.


Naomi Meredith [00:06:27]:

I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, but also I never knew as a kid there were all these other pathways and things that would end up putting me in this position of teaching in a different way with the involvement with technology and all of that. However, I did have experiences that led me to where I am today, so you never know what types of experiences are gonna Spark that passion and that interest for your students, and a STEM career day is a great way to do this. One of the parent presenters Even emailed me after the event, after we sent home all of the thank you notes. And one of the parent presenters sent me this really kind email, and they said, Thank you so much for putting all that work into STEM career day. My son and their cousins are all still talking about it. They were kids at the school. And that was also very sweet of the kids to write thank you notes for you to send them home with my son. They were fun to read.


Naomi Meredith [00:07:26]:

1 kid said, I would consider this a career option as I age. Hope you're enjoying your last couple weeks at the end of the school year. So it's pretty cool to hear that from one of the parent presenters that kids were thinking about what they were saying and presenting to them. The second thing that your students are missing out on by not having a STEM career day is having a different way to connect STEM to the real world. This can often be tricky in the elementary STEM space, thinking about, okay, we're doing these really cool hands-on projects, But how is this connecting to a bigger picture? Because our little kids their worlds are small to them. So, how can we make those STEM projects come to life in a way that actually makes sense? A STEM career day is a really great way to do this. You might even get that question all the time, why are we learning this? What does this have to do with anything? Why is this even important? A ton of my parent presenters, because I had the chance to go around and watch them, so many of them said how they use math and why math is important in their jobs. And so it was really cool to hear parents and their parents, But hearing them say, here's how I use this skill in my job.


Naomi Meredith [00:08:49]:

This is why it's important. Here's how I have to work together with others. Here's how I need to know how to present because I present projects all the time in front of a team and have to share my ideas in a way that makes sense to others. So those tidbits that all of the presenters were sharing were so important. Students had the opportunity to ask them questions about their jobs and the things that they do, and the things that are exciting for them. It wasn't just a set and get kind of day. Kids were able to interact with the presenters in all of these special ways. In one of the presentations, one of the parents is in finance, and she was talking about her job, but then she did an interactive activity where the students had a budget, and then they had to actually figure out where all of the different funds would go And thinking about rent and taxes and all of those things, they did a budgeting game and to see how much money was left over at the end.


Naomi Meredith [00:09:57]:

An absolute real life challenge. She paired it down definitely based on what she does for her job. But this was really cool, too, because in my STEM classroom, We also used a budget when it comes to purchasing Makerspace supplies and where the funds are allocated, how much money have left, how to make returns and get money back and change. So it was really awesome to hear her give this presentation and make it interactive because it definitely reiterated what I was doing in the STEM space, but, also, I know for a fact a lot of those math problems that classroom teachers were doing as well. So this was a really cool way to just really touch upon those real world examples. It's also cool in this STEM career day experience. It's twofold in a way when you're talking about how it all connects to the real world. First, students learn about projects that happen in the real world.


Naomi Meredith [00:10:56]:

So many of the parents shared, hey. This is what I work on in my career. And then they're also learning how the career is supporting the project, so they're hearing about the projects and how the career is supporting the projects. There was 1 session where there was a parent whose company is a STEM company, and her job isn't necessarily a STEM job, but it's supporting the STEM company. So her skills are really valuable in this company where she does marketing for this business and also works on creating content and podcasts and all of those types of things to help support what that company is doing in a STEM space. So that was really cool to hear that type of perspective where Not everything is a STEM job, but there are ways that those kinds of things can collide together based on the passions and the skills that you have. The third thing that your students are missing out on by not having a STEM career day is having a unique opportunity to learn from multiple perspectives. I hate to break it to you, but as a teacher and as a STEM teacher, you don't know everything.


Naomi Meredith [00:12:16]:

And guess what? Neither do I. I definitely don't. I do a lot of research on things, but I don't know everything either. And I can't share everybody's perspective of what they are experiencing in the STEM space. I can't. And oftentimes, there are a lot of people in STEM that we're constantly sharing about, but we're not broadening that perspective from students to learn from. And some of us might not even be sharing about other STEM careers and jobs at all. So this is really helping break out of, okay, I am the teacher in the classroom, I teach STEM, but I'm not the only person who knows about all these things.


Naomi Meredith [00:12:59]:

There are a lot more people out there who are way smarter than me and who can explain these topics and bring them to light in a way I could never dream possible. This type of event is so cool because it really is brought to life. It's in person. Students are learning from industry experts who are doing this in their day to day jobs. These people are doing this all the time, and so they get a break out of here's what I do all day, and you can learn more about it. That is pretty darn cool. Bringing this into your school building really provides that access for students where they were already there at school. It was during the school day.


Naomi Meredith [00:13:42]:

It wasn't an after-school opportunity. If you are in school that day and making good choices, you have to come to STEM career day. It was brought to them. We didn't have to go on a field trip. We didn't have to think about the funding. I planned everything out for them. They literally just had to show up with their classroom teacher. And so when you're thinking about all of those details, that's all inside the workshop for you.


Naomi Meredith [00:14:05]:

So it's all laid out. Not too bad. There is careful planning, but such a cool way for them to learn from people who are doing amazing things every single day. These people that you are bringing in are doing cool things, and they are immersed in this STEM space And they're using those up to date things where I probably don't know about all of them. For example, there was a parent who did a lot of coding in their job. And they were showing the kids how they use Computer coding, so that was actually pretty cool too to see some of the lines of code that he writes, so saying that advanced level of coding. But he was actually showing them how he uses the AI tool, chat g p t, to actually check his code, Make sure there are no bugs in it, and then it will actually give him suggestions on how to make the code better. This is also when chat g p t was, like, a really big buzzword.


Naomi Meredith [00:15:08]:

It Still is, but people are getting more accustomed to it and its capabilities. So not only did kids get to see real life code for a project, and the dad explained what it was and what it's used for and, like, kinda what he does in his job, but then also talked about A real life AI tool and show them how he uses it to check the code. I could not have done that. I never would have thought of doing that. I wouldn't have known how to talk about it. Now I can share about it because I watched it at STEM career day. But even something like That is something I could not give the kids as a teacher. And so it was just so cool where there were moments like this constantly throughout the day where something you never know is gonna stick with a kid, and they might want to explore that more.


Naomi Meredith [00:15:58]:

So It's just so cool that they can actually learn from these people and hear their passion in what they do And it really rubs off of them and helps those kids say, I never knew that was possible. Kids definitely need to see people like them doing amazing things. If we want our kids to get involved in STEM, we need to be providing diverse opportunities for diverse people so they can dream big. We can't wait until middle school or high school to provide opportunities like this. It could be too late. We never know. Better late than never, But why not start it in elementary? If you're thinking, we've never done an event like this, my school hadn't either, But I made it possible where, oh, this is something that we can do in the elementary space. I'm not gonna wait for somebody else to host it for us.


Naomi Meredith [00:16:59]:

I'm not gonna wait for my principal to give me the idea. You need to get it started. Be bold, Get an event like this up and running on the ground, and you'll be so thankful that you did and wish you did it before like I did because I wish that I had done this every single year because it was such a powerful, powerful day. As a recap, here are those Three major things that your students are missing out on by not hosting a STEM career day event. 1st is the opportunity to learn to dream big. Next is connecting the real world to STEM. And finally, students are missing out on that opportunity to learn from multiple perspectives. If you are nervous about all of those details skills, where do you even get started, and how do you fit this all in? I save you so much time inside of my STEM career day workshop, where you get all the planning templates, all of the emails that I wrote, all of the posters, and all the video examples where you don't have to think about this from scratch, you can edit and make this work from your school so that You will have a successful day for your students and an event that they will always remember.


Naomi Meredith [00:18:19]:

You can grab that link in the show notes or jump on in at naomimeredith.com/STEMcareerdayworkshop.

 

STEM career day event

 

Related Episodes/Blog Posts:

 

Connect with Naomi Meredith:

 

More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is an online K-5 STEM Coach in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!

3 Must-Haves When Hosting a STEM Career Day in Elementary Schools [ep. 143]

3 Must-Haves When Hosting a STEM Career Day in Elementary Schools [ep.143]

career day in elementary schools

Check out the full episode on 3 Must-Haves When Hosting a STEM Career Day in Elementary Schools:  

 

Subscribe to the podcast HERE on your favorite podcasting platform.

Have a STEM question? Leave a voice message for the podcast!

Episode Summary

Have you been thinking about a STEM career day for your students? Although It's a fun and exciting event, it can be a lot of work. In today's episode, I'm sharing the top 3 things every STEM teacher should know when hosting a STEM career day in elementary schools.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • 3 things to be considered when hosting a STEM career day in elementary schools
  • My experience with hosting a STEM career day with 500 K-5 students and 15 guest speakers
  • The importance of having guest speakers for a STEM career day in elementary schools

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Transcript: 

Naomi Meredith [00:00:00]:

Ready to set up a STEM career day for your elementary students? Setting up an event like this is so exciting, but it can be quite a bit of work to make sure that the day goes along smoothly. But I will be sharing with you 3 main things that you should consider when hosting a STEM career day that is super successful at your school. Take it from me, when I was a K-5 STEM teacher, I hosted a successful STEM career day for my K-5 elementary students for over 500 students in 15 presenters, and it went along beautifully. How did the STEM career day do so well? Let's jump into the episode. 


Naomi Meredith [00:01:19]:

I know how important it is to bring guest speakers into your elementary space. Guest speakers are able to provide something that you, as a teacher, can't always give them, and this isn't a bad thing. Saying this is just the reality of it. These guest speakers are able to bring in multiple perspectives for your students, share that industry experience that they have, and even talk about things that they are super passionate about, which in turn might be things that your students are passionate about too or things that they never knew that they would be passionate about and want to learn more. It is so important for kids to see other people like them who are doing amazing and great things for our world, especially in the STEM space. I remember my 1st career day experience that I got to attend as a student. I was in middle school, and we rotated throughout the school to learn from different people and all of their super cool jobs.


Naomi Meredith [00:02:38]:

At this point in middle school, I was in 8th grade, so almost in high school, I already knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I knew I wanted to be a teacher, and truly, I have wanted to be a teacher ever since kindergarten. So the STEM career day was super cool and really awesome to learn about these different jobs, but I already knew what I wanted to be when I grew up anyway, so it didn't change my mind. Now, I might be an anomaly. You probably have students like this already, but having a STEM career day in the elementary space isn't too young. We often hear about these events in middle school, high school, and even college. We can do this in elementary school. A lot of times at those kindergarten graduations, we even ask them, what do you wanna be when you grow up? Well, let's give them different options to think about. There are so many jobs that even I, as an adult, have never heard of, and most likely, your students haven't either, so let's bring them that experience with a STEM career day.


Naomi Meredith [00:03:43]:

Now I know it's a lot of work getting this set up, and we're gonna talk about those top 3 tips. And when I did this for my school. I kept you in mind the entire time. Yes. I kept the event in mind, but I kept you in mind while I was planning this, and I saved every single template and every schedule and every video that I used to prep this day because I knew there were other teachers like you who would wanna do an event like this, but maybe all of that planning and prep work behind the scenes, is actually holding you back. Now think about this, if you're listening to this episode live when it comes out or whenever you're listening to it. Do you think it's actually crazy that if you were given all of the things to help you be successful, the templates, the way to schedule, how to set up your guest speakers? If you had all of that for you now, would it be so crazy to say, oh, I could actually get this set up to have an event in the next month or 2? I don't think that's crazy at all.


Naomi Meredith [00:04:54]:

And if you don't think that's crazy at all, I have it all ready for you in my newest workshop, my STEM career day workshop, where everything is laid out, and I walk you through the whole process from behind the scenes, from start to finish, and after where this event will be a piece of cake and a breeze. To get all of that info, it'll be linked in the show notes, but you can also get started with this workshop if you head on over to naomimeredith.com/stremcareerdayworkshop. It will be this audio workshop format for you where I will walk you through everything you need to know and help you for success. I did a poll over on my Instagram at Naomi Meredith underscore, and 83% of you said that you have never done a STEM career day before. So let's change that perspective. When I ask again in a year, have you ever done a STEM career day? Let's have that percentage, that 83%, be a yes instead of a no, and I am here to help you out along the way. The first thing to do when you are setting up your STEM career day is to think about the guests that you are having and have a variety of guests who are going to speak and formats. This kind of evolved on its own. I had an idea in my head of having different throughout this day, and I did provide different options for the parents while I was emailing and getting interest for this event.


Naomi Meredith [00:06:27]:

I was giving ideas to the parents right off the bat in my emails. You could do something hands-on. It can be a presentation or anything else you can think of because I did want the day to have a lot of different things where students can experience these careers in their own unique way. Instead of just having a parent stand up there, just talking to the kids, hello, here is my job and what I do. These parents brought in the coolest things and the coolest ideas to make this day come to life. I had 15 parent volunteers, and they were so gracious enough to be with us on the higher school day for K-5. They did so many different cool things with our students. And what was really awesome too is a lot of them at their jobs, they said that their bosses didn't either make them take the day as a personal day or some of their companies even have volunteer days and really encourage them to go do events like this.


Naomi Meredith [00:07:36]:

So, if you are scared even to get people to come into your building, these parents were more than willing to come in. And I had others who were interested, and they just had things going on that day. And so if you can get at least 10 parents to come in and do an event like this, you're gonna have a really successful day. Here were some of the types of jobs, some of the 15 that I had Khan speak to our students, and it was super, super cool. We had a systems engineer for Lockheed Martin, and they work on a lot of different things that get sent up into space. We had a clinical pharmacist, we had a husband and wife couple who are founders of an Art Academy, so you could even call this a steam day, and they had a really fun presentation. The kids really liked theirs. There was a hacking engineer, so showing the students how things are packaged before they get shipped and how they are packaged in specific ways to really help save room and cut down on cost.


Naomi Meredith [00:08:43]:

We also had a mechanical project designer. And like I said, these are only a few of the amazing people who came in to speak with our students. Some of you might be wondering how much you paid them. How much did this event cost? This day was absolutely free, 100% free. These parents volunteered their time. It happened during the school day, so I wanted my students to be able to experience all of these careers and not be limited by, oh, my mom and dad won't bring me in. No. Everybody, if you were at school that day and making good choices, you got to come to STEM career day, which was absolutely amazing.


Naomi Meredith [00:09:27]:

I did host in the morning as parents were coming in. We had some leeway leeway time. I did host some coffee and donuts for the parents. My PTO actually did not have fun with that. I personally paid for the coffee and donuts for the parents for their time had that little station available. It was the least that I could do for their time. But otherwise, the event was absolutely free, which is so important and so amazing that all the students got to experience this day. When it came to the actual presentations, there were a variety of things that were presented.


Naomi Meredith [00:10:05]:

Some parents had presentations up on the screen where they had pictures of them working in their jobs, and some had presentations even provided by their companies where, again, they encouraged them to do some community outreach and have those resources already available for them. One of the parents, who is a financial planner, had a whole comic book and video that went along with what they were talking about provided by their company, which was so amazing. There were also some hands-on stations where kids actually got to feel and touch things or look at things up close. 1 parent had actual computers that were taken apart, and students loved seeing the inside of electronics. They absolutely love that. 1 parent had a connection with their old company where they had a real working Enigma machine from World World War 2, which is a cipher that decoded messages from different places and things in World War 2, and the kids actually were allowed to touch it. So that machine was definitely built to last. It was absolutely amazing that they were touching history.


Naomi Meredith [00:11:20]:

There was also a station where a parent at their company had an intern who designed and illustrated a children's book to share more about that career and what they do in that career, and then the parent had the book and read it to the students, which was so cool. So like I said, I gave some options for parents of what they could present, but they really took off with it and had a lot of fun with this. And the kids absolutely loved the variety of different things that they got to experience in each of these stations. The second thing to do when setting up a successful STEM career day is to have a set schedule. Events like this definitely need to have clear cut times and locations of where everything is happening. If you don't plan this beforehand, that can be an absolute disaster. And so I worked with our PE teacher, who had an indoor field day schedule. And if you don't do indoor field day, ours was a backup day where the Colorado weather is very up and down, and we always needed a backup option to do field day inside.


Naomi Meredith [00:12:38]:

She had already created a schedule that worked with the lunch schedules we already had, and so I worked with her when it came to the scheduling piece because it was already done and how students would rotate in the building. So I had that set time schedule of where every class would be at which time and at which station, and then we also had a map of the locations of where they would visit each speaker. The sessions were only 10 minutes long, and it was interesting hearing from the speakers because they were the same people all day. In the morning, they had the older students, 3rd through 5th grade, and in the afternoon, they had kindergarten through 2nd grade. They all said the same thing where they felt like the 10 minutes was too short for the older students and they felt the 10 minutes in the afternoon was too long. And that is the transition time built within that 10 minutes, so I thought that was really interesting. So when you're planning this event, maybe consider that point of it where, if you want to, the students have a smaller amount of time. I kept it the same because the way the rotations worked, the teachers still had their planned time during this event, and the kids actually didn't have specials that day.


Naomi Meredith [00:14:00]:

And the kids and the teachers were like, oh, I'm so sad about it. Why aren't we having specials? I want to experience everything. Well, you don't have to go to your planned time, you get to experience most of the stations, but you actually get more time away from teaching than you do with actual specials anyway. And the same for the kids, you're getting more time doing something fun than you do in special. So it's one day out of the year. I don't think it's a big deal. I was a classroom teacher, but you might have some teachers like that, so just keep that in mind. For the fun stuff, you know, I like to add a little bit of flare.


Naomi Meredith [00:14:44]:

I also made signs with each of the parents' pictures on them and their job descriptions, and those were hanging in the locations where they would be. This was really helpful when students were traveling to the different classrooms and also for the parents to know where other people were and all of that. So that was actually a really nice touch, and the parents could keep their poster as a souvenir if they wanted to. Along with printing all of the schedules and the maps for the teachers, I also made class sets of a thank you card template that I created for them. We had 3rd through 5th grade go in the morning and k through 2 in the afternoon, as I said. So, for half of the day, the other grade levels were not participating in some career days in terms of the stations. This was a great opportunity for them to write a thank you note about their day if they wanted to do this during that time. I also collected all of those thank you notes back, and then me and the substitute I had covering my station for the day.


Naomi Meredith [00:15:53]:

I had a sub cover my stations, so I could be running around and help troubleshoot or anything like that. But we sorted all of the thank you notes based on the presenters if there were specific ones. Then, we just sorted the ones that were more generic out evenly. And so by the end of the week, the parents were given a stack of thank you notes to thank them for their time. I did read every single one, and I actually took pictures of the ones that were really amazing and powerful. They really made me tear up because I knew that this day was going to be really successful and really powerful for the students, but hearing their perspective talk about STEM career day was so powerful to me. Here are a few of the thank you notes that they said, and they were so cute. 1 student said, thank you for helping us learn, and this is to the presenters, not to me.


Naomi Meredith [00:16:53]:

But they said thank you for helping us learn. I can't wait to tell my family all about it. Another student said, thank you for sharing such cool stuff with us. This is one of the most fun events we ever had at school, which I'm all, oh, compared to field day, I'll take that. And then this one was really, really sweet, and they had a picture of a rocket in the bottom. Really, really good handwriting. And they said to one of the parents, thank you so much for taking time off work to come teach us about your job and how it uses STEM. I learned a lot about rockets and all their parts.


Naomi Meredith [00:17:31]:

I really liked how you let us touch some of the parts of the rocket and showed us a timeline video of the rocket being made. Thank you for teaching me and my class here. I think when I'm older, I want to be a systems engineer like you. How amazing is that? And knowing this student, I never actually would have guessed that might be something that they would be really passionate about, so that was really, really cool. The last thing that you definitely wanna do when setting up a successful Strum career day for your school is build hype and promote it. You are setting up an event, and just like any event, you want to build up that hype. I did this for my own wedding. You do this for events. I am that kind of person.


Naomi Meredith [00:18:23]:

If I am passionate about something and there is a project that I'm working on, first of all, I won't start a project unless I am passionate about it. You betcha. I'm gonna build hype about it because I want everybody to have an amazing experience and really be into what we are doing. And you wanna do this for STEM career day. It's not just 1 little email. Hey, guys. We're gonna do STEM career day on April 5th. I hope you have a good time. No. You are building this up.


Naomi Meredith [00:18:54]:

If you're not hyped up about it, nobody else is gonna be hyped up about it. When at first glance, it actually might sound boring. Hey, you're gonna hear parents talk about their jobs. No, you need to make this a whole thing. You wanna build that hype. And I did save everything I did for this, and so inside of that workshop, you get all the templates and all the things to help you hype up your day, so you don't have to think about all the words. I was putting a bug in people's ears, like talking to some of the teachers. What do you think about this idea? They're like, oh my gosh, that's amazing. I'm thinking about doing a STEM career day. What do you think about that? So, putting a bug in the air like months before this was actually gonna happen.


Naomi Meredith [00:19:41]:

Talking to our admin. Hey. I wanna put on this event. I will plan the whole event. It'll be during the day. It'll be educational. It'll be amazing. And just getting those dates confirmed, putting it in parent newsletters and classroom newsletters, and getting interest.


Naomi Meredith [00:20:00]:

Once I had that interest from parents, then I could collect more information. Here's how you can present that day. So, really building that hype. Also, as a teacher, I always talked about this with kids. And once I kinda knew the people who would be presenting and it was connecting what we were learning, I was like, oh my gosh, you guys. We have somebody, somebody's parent, who's actually going to talk about their job that relates to this project that we are doing. Isn't that amazing? And they're like, oh my gosh, that's so good. So you definitely wanna hype this up.


Naomi Meredith [00:20:35]:

Another huge thing, too, when it comes to events and hyping up is I promoted this all the time on our school-wide video news. And if you're interested in how to do this, I have a workshop about this, too, which we will link in the show notes. So, if you wanna know how to do a school-wide news team, I will show you every single thing in there. All the templates are in there as well. As I said, I kept you guys in mind when I set all of these events up. But anyway, I made videos for the news. I would say, hey, guys, here is the session that I am presenting on. I did have a backup session just in case anything were to happen, but I put that on the news.


Naomi Meredith [00:21:15]:

I even had parents who were presenting. They made videos that went on the news, and the kids went insane when they saw their parents on their screen in their classroom talking about their jobs. How cool is that? So, really building up this hype, sending those email reminders, having all the materials prepared for teachers. So it's like you get you don't have to teach for 2 hours this day. A little side note, I actually plan mine. It worked out perfectly. We had our STEM career day on Pi Day, so 3.14, pi, the mathematical pi, you know. We had it on that day.


Naomi Meredith [00:21:53]:

It's also Star Wars Day, so that was pretty cool. And the next day was a teacher workday, and that was just such a lovely treat for the teachers. So, even the timing of STEM career day was hype in itself. So, really building this up to be an amazing event and why this is so important will even help it go a lot quicker because the kids know, oh, Miss Meredith is so excited about this. We should be excited about this too, and we should really behave and do a good job because this is a very special event. So, really build up that hype. It does make a difference. It really, really does.


Naomi Meredith [00:22:33]:

Get pumped, and everyone will get pumped about it and support you on this amazing day. As a recap, here are those 3 main things that you should keep in mind when setting up a successful STEM career day for your elementary students. First, have a variety of guests and formats. 2nd, have a set schedule. And 3rd, don't forget about this part, build hype about your event and promote it. If you are so pumped up, just like I am, to get started and set up a STEM career day in no time at all and not have to think about all the details and how all of this works and how did it all go, how do you collect this information. I have every single template and everything laid out for you where I will walk you through this step by step in this workshop this is an audio workshop, so it is really special and different from other workshops I've done in the past where each little thing will be broken up into a segment that you can listen on the go, where you will have all of those digital templates and all the things need to get set up, but you will hear me and listen to me while you are on the go, and I will talk you through the whole process. You don't need to join me live.


Naomi Meredith [00:23:50]:

I know you are busy, and you all have different schedules of when you would set this up, so I kept this in mind where this is ready to go for you to get into this special day and set it up for your students and feel confident that it is going to work. You can grab all of that information in the show notes or check it out at naomimeredith.com/STEMcareerdayworkshop.

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More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher and coach. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.

With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM certificate, she helps teachers navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!