Curiosity Creates STEM Connections -- Adventures in Learning with Brad Herring

How can we harness curiosity to engage learners in STEM and in the world around them? Swift Creek Media CEO Brad Herring shares thoughts on storytelling, building STEM connections, and approaching the world from a new perspective. Plus, learn about the NISENetwork and its many STEM resources.While Brad’s career began by serving overseas in Panama with the United States Peace Corps, his passion for filmmaking began with the birth of his daughter. What started as a hobby, quickly grew into his job and eventually led him to start his own production company, Swift Creek Media. He has over 17 years of experience in project management, creating and producing over 150 videos for one of the largest science museum networks in the United States. Brad previously worked at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC and led NISE Network online workshops while serving as NISENet's Earth & Space project-based professional learning community leader and as the Southeast regional hub leader. I first met Brad when we were both deeply ensconced in the museum world. Through our collaboration together, I learned how to tap into STEM resources and community professionals to enhance the wow factor of the STEAM Night programs I developed for the children's museum where I was working at the time. I also gained access to the creative collaborative energy of a nationwide network of informal educators seeking to get the public excited about science and hands-on learning. [00:40] Wonder, curiosity, connection  -- building engaging STEM/STEAM programs[5:13] The challenges of grabbing and keeping attention when building engaging programs.[10:06] What is NISE Network (National Informal STEM Education Network) and how can it help build engaged learning? [14:17] Taking Curiosity On The Road: Brad shares details about his recent summer trip of a lifetime and the perspective it gave him.[21:25] How do we tell the stories? Filmmaking as storytelling through  Swift Creek Media[27:25] Strategies for connecting storytelling and engaged STEM/STEAM learning? Horton Senses Something Small,   Breakfast Moon, Moonbear’s Shadow, Hide and Seek Moon,  Frankenstein[33:17] What Brings You Hope? It (camping) really gave me hope that there are good people out there and we just need to get outside of our own walls and travel more and experience more and live more and experience new cultures, new foods, try new things, be curious about our world, and just restore that sense of wonder that we were all born with.Support the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.