188. Which Design Process Should You Use in STEM?

Show Summary:Natasha and Claire return to unpack an essential question for STEM educators: Should you be using the Design Process or the Engineering Design Process in your classroom? With a mix of practical advice and personal stories, they explore how each approach supports creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. Whether you're a seasoned STEM teacher or just getting started, you'll hear thoughtful insights on when to emphasize open-ended design thinking versus structured problem-solving. Plus, the hosts dive into the importance of developing key “making” skills—like prototyping, tool use, and collaborative iteration—to empower students as confident creators and problem solvers. Tune in for a conversation that will help you make informed decisions to best support your students' growth as future innovators.Links from the Show:Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 8. STEM vs. STEAM+156. Would an Engineer Solve Your Problem?157. Training Astronauts ft. NASA's Ike TheriotVivify STEM Blog Posts Scientific Method vs. Engineering Design Process: Which is used in STEM Learning?I Didn’t Always Want to be an Engineer | ClaireVivify STEM LessonsEating in Space STEM ChallengeBridge Engineering STEM ChallengeNewspaper STEM ChallengesOther STEM ResourcesFood Truck Championship of TexasThe Facebook post that started this conversation!Space Colony CompetitionSEEC (Space Exploration Educators Conference)NASA | Meet the Teams Leading Moonwalking Test Mission (ft. Ike Theriot)Subscribe to the Vivify Newsletter!THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTESTHE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUPVIVIFY INSTAGRAMVIVIFY FACEBOOKVIVIFY XVIVIFY TIKTOKVIVIFY YOUTUBE