Beyond STEM: Building Kids Who Believe They Belong | Dr. Jennifer Berry | CEO of SmartLab and STEM Education Leader | Season 13 Episode 26 | #247

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms education and work, what abilities will matter most for the next generation? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, to explore how schools can prepare students for a future where knowledge is instantly accessible but curiosity, resilience, creativity, and human judgment become increasingly valuable. Rather than viewing STEM as simply science and technology, Jennifer argues that it is fundamentally about developing a mindset in which students believe they belong, can overcome difficult challenges, and know that their ideas matter.Our conversation explores the philosophy behind project-based learning, the importance of productive struggle, and why education should prioritize exploration over memorization. We discuss how AI should support rather than replace thinking, why failure is essential for developing the brain, and how hands-on learning helps students build confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking. Jennifer also explains SmartLab's vision for creating "STEM identity" through meaningful experiences rather than isolated classroom lessons.We also examine some of the biggest structural challenges facing education today, including standardized testing, grading systems, siloed subjects, and the difficulty of implementing meaningful change within large school systems. Throughout the conversation, Jennifer makes the case that education should ultimately help young people become thoughtful, compassionate, and adaptable human beings who are prepared not only for careers, but for life itself. Chapters (1:02:22 Episode)00:00 – Introduction02:18 – AI, Education, and the Purpose of Learning05:28 – Why Students Should Think Before Using AI08:18 – Productive Struggle and How the Brain Learns13:47 – What Is a STEM Identity?20:05 – Why Hands-On Learning Matters24:20 – Play, Curiosity, and Critical Thinking26:18 – Can Project-Based Learning Scale?30:02 – Why Schools Separate Knowledge into Subjects31:05 – Do Grades Actually Measure Learning?36:05 – SmartLab's Vision for Educational Change41:35 – Integrating Project-Based Learning into Schools47:48 – Why Educational Change Is So Difficult52:12 – Curiosity, Success, and the Purpose of Education54:00 – Empathy, Perspective, and Raising Better Humans58:05 – Finding Hope in Education01:00:12 – Coaching, Leadership, and Lifelong Learning01:01:15 – Final Reflections and ClosingOther Topics & Resources MentionedSmartLab and the concept of STEM IdentityProject-Based Learning (PBL)International Baccalaureate (IB) educationArtificial Intelligence tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini)Google Classroom