101. STEM Made Simple: Creative, Hands-On Learning with Expert Dena Scoullos

STEM doesn’t have to be one more thing on your overflowing to-do list, it can actually make learning more fun, engaging, and hands-on (three things we are all about here at Rainbow Sky Creations). In this energising episode, Ash chats with educator and STEM advocate Dena Scoullos about how classroom teachers can easily integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) into everyday learning.Dena shares how she fell in love with STEM and discovered how it sparks creativity, problem solving, and collaboration in her students. Whether you're brand new to the concept or already dabbling in maker spaces and coding apps, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered to explore the creative side of STEM, without needing to be a tech expert.What We Discuss:Why STEM is fun, future-focused and more accessible than you thinkHow to integrate STEM into your existing units (without extra work!)Must-have materials for a simple classroom STEM or maker spaceStorybook-inspired STEM challenges your students will loveQuick STEM ideas for early finishersHow to build creativity and resilience through problem solvingTech tools even non-techy teachers can use with confidenceEncouragement for teachers who feel unsure about teaching STEMBy the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, book-inspired challenges, early-finisher ideas, and tech tools that are fun, low-prep, and classroom-tested. There’s a whole world of learning possibilities, let’s explore them together!Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Find Dena’s book “Let’s Explore STEM” here (also available on Amazon)Connect with Dena on Instagram @misstechqueen or visit her website for more STEM ideas www.misstechqueen.com Building task cardsSteam art sheets (for fast finishers)https://misstechqueen.com/freestemchallenge/ Coding links: https://code.org/en-US and https://www.kodable.com/ Miss Tech Queen TPT store - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/miss-tech-queen-stem APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONAbout Today’s Guest:Dena Scoullos is a technology & enrichment teacher in Hazlet, New Jersey, teaching grades 1-4. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes technology, STEM, project-based learning, and hands-on activities. Outside the classroom, she runs an online store, Miss Tech Queen, on TPT, providing lesson plans, worksheets, and other resources to educators worldwide. Dena is also a published author and wrote a book titled, “Let’s Explore STEM.” Dena has shared her passion for using technology in the classroom by presenting professional development workshops in her district, ISTE, Teach with Tech, and Launch Into Tech Online Conferences.Let's hear from you! Text us!