153. Don't Tell Your Kid to be an Engineer

Show Summary:In this episode of The STEM Space, Claire navigates the whirlwind of back-to-school season, sharing favorite moments from her K-8 STEM classroom, including a fun bar graph icebreaker that got her students engaged. Natasha reflects on her daughter's transition to 1st grade and how she loves to find math in everyday life. Together, they discuss how STEM classrooms can bring subjects like math and science to life, inspiring a love for learning. Many define STEM as preparing students for in-demand jobs, but we value the importance of nurturing students’ passions, using real-world connections in the STEM classroom to help them better understand the world around them, rather than focusing solely on job skills.Links from the Show:Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes127. Why You Should Teach About STEM Careers144. Another Year of Smashing STEM122. How to Motivate StudentsVivify STEM Blog Posts10 Easy STEM Career Classroom Activities (includes Sparks!)How to Teach STEM Through A StoryVivify STEM LessonsSTEM Careers BINGO Game for K-5 or 6-8Technology Choice Board BundleAstronaut Training: 4 Cs of STEM (Back to School STEM Activities)Alphabet STEM - Introduce PreK-1 to STEM!Other STEM ResourcesVivify TikTok: Claire’s STEM Classroom Tour (ft. the Nature Wall)Quick TipsTHE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTESTHE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUPVIVIFY INSTAGRAMVIVIFY FACEBOOKVIVIFY XVIVIFY TIKTOK