Home Podcasts ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged
ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

PocketLab 109 Episodes Aug 19, 2026

ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged is a science podcast aimed at educators and teachers. It covers engaging science topics and aims to make science fun and accessible for students. The show provides ideas, resources, and inspiration for bringing science to life in the classroom. Each episode likely features conversations with scientists and educators, offering practical tips and cool science stories.

Episodes

Engagement Over Perfection: Rethinking How We Teach Science
Engagement Over Perfection: Rethinking How We Teach Science Aug 19, 2026 01:19:29 In this conversation, Dave and Ellen Peterson explore what it really takes to engage K–12 science students through hands-on, authentic learning. Ellen shares how mentorship from Steve Spangler helped shape her teaching style, why classroom engagement matters more than perfect content delivery, and how memorable demos can turn even reluctant learners into curious participants. The discussion also d
Teaching AI Like Reading, How Longview ISD is Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity
Teaching AI Like Reading, How Longview ISD is Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity Jul 2, 2026 01:05:18 Most educators and leaders feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI—yet some districts are boldly pioneering its integration into learning. What if you could turn that uncertainty into a powerful opportunity? In this episode, Carl Mohn, Director of AI and Applied Learning at Longview ISD, shares how his district is navigating the ever-changing AI landscape with a proactive, growth-oriented mindset
Bring Hawaii's Reefs Into Your Classroom: The Science of Resilience
Bring Hawaii's Reefs Into Your Classroom: The Science of Resilience Jun 24, 2026 01:16:36 Hawaii is a scientific goldmine—home to some of the world's most cutting-edge reef research, volcano monitoring, and climate science. Marine biologist John Burns pulls back the curtain on the islands' natural laboratories, from new reefs born in the wake of lava flows to remote ocean sensors tracking climate change in real time. Discover how 3D coral mapping and autonomous underwater drones are re
What Mystery Science Got Right That Most Classrooms Still Get Wrong
What Mystery Science Got Right That Most Classrooms Still Get Wrong Jun 10, 2026 57:19 Keith Schacht, co-creator of Mystery Science, shares his journey building impactful edtech tools including what failure taught him along the way. The conversation covers how timing and execution drive market breakthroughs, why honesty and humility matter in startup culture, and how student curiosity became the foundation for designing compelling science lessons for elementary learners. The episode
Sky, Sea, and Curriculum: How Hawaii's Indigenous Science Inspires Young Learners
Sky, Sea, and Curriculum: How Hawaii's Indigenous Science Inspires Young Learners Jun 4, 2026 01:10:47 Unlock the secrets of Hawaii's indigenous science and discover how ancient navigators mastered the stars to voyage across vast oceans without GPS. In this episode, Dr. Leilani Nerveza-Clark shares how native Hawaiian navigators relied on star compasses, environmental cues, and deep observational skills, and how these age-old techniques remain powerfully relevant today as lessons in mindfulness, ec
Your Backyard Is a Lab: Hawaii's Lesson for Every Science Teacher with Lauren Kaupp
Your Backyard Is a Lab: Hawaii's Lesson for Every Science Teacher with Lauren Kaupp May 20, 2026 01:17:13 Most people overlook Hawaii's cutting-edge science — but not our guest, Lauren Kaupp. She reveals how the islands are a global scientific powerhouse, with research from volcanoes to coral reefs that will blow your mind. Whether you're a teacher, student, or science enthusiast, this episode uncovers the extraordinary science happening right in Hawaii's backyard and why it should inspire your next a
The K-5 Science Gap Nobody's Talking About
The K-5 Science Gap Nobody's Talking About May 13, 2026 57:43 Coral Zayas, a K-5 science and inquiry-based learning expert, reveals how building strong foundational skills in elementary school can prevent the cascading gaps that hold students back in later grades. She shares her framework for teaching physical, life, and earth science in ways that spark curiosity and foster real-world problem solving—including three types of project-based learning and how to
What Micro Schools Can Teach Us All About Personalized Learning
What Micro Schools Can Teach Us All About Personalized Learning May 6, 2026 01:10:11 Great teachers know that every student learns differently—and many are already finding creative ways to personalize learning within their classrooms. So what happens when you shrink the class size way down and rethink the structure from the ground up? In this episode, Kaity Broadbent, co-founder of Prenda, takes us inside the world of micro schooling—small, community-based learning environments ga
From Chalkboards to Chatbots: Evaluating Student Thinking and the Hidden Power of Question-Asking
From Chalkboards to Chatbots: Evaluating Student Thinking and the Hidden Power of Question-Asking Apr 22, 2026 01:09:03 Unlock the secrets to navigating AI in education and beyond—this episode reveals how mastering clear communication, purposeful questioning, and strategic tech use can transform learning and teaching. If you're a teacher, school leader, parent, or curious learner feeling overwhelmed by AI's rapid rise, this episode is your essential guide to turning challenges into opportunities. Kip Glazer, a visi
Every Student Is a Maker: Bryan Silver on Building a STEM Program That Lasts
Every Student Is a Maker: Bryan Silver on Building a STEM Program That Lasts Apr 1, 2026 01:02:41 What if your classroom could be a launchpad for the next generation of engineers, inventors, and community problem-solvers? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Bryan Silver, the 2025 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year and an engineering and robotics teacher at Kalani High School in Honolulu. Over more than 17 years in the classroom, Bryan has transformed how students experience science — thr
Balancing Chaos and Structure in Teaching
Balancing Chaos and Structure in Teaching Mar 11, 2026 01:05:47 Dr. Bryan Frenette, a high school science teacher and former researcher, shares his journey and insights into creating engaging and inclusive science classrooms. He discusses the transition from research to teaching, emphasizing the challenges and strategies involved in managing classroom chaos and fostering an effective learning environment. Bryan highlights the importance of hands-on learning wi
Empowering Educators to Transform STEM Learning
Empowering Educators to Transform STEM Learning Jan 28, 2026 01:09:59 Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of Smartlab, and Dave from The PocketLab delve into the transformative power of STEM education in K-12 settings. They discuss the importance of fostering a STEM identity among students, emphasizing that it's not just about mastering technology but about cultivating a sense of belonging and confidence in tackling rigorous challenges. Dr. Berry shares insights from her experi

Recommended