EP#21 - CURLY HAIR AND CURIOUS MINDS: EXPLORING STEM CONCEPTS THROUGH CHILDREN'S BOOKS with Neil Thompson

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Neil Thompson, the Author and Founder of Teach the Geek, about Curly Hair and Curious Minds: Exploring STEM Concepts Through Children's Books. We delved into how children's books can be an engaging tool to introduce complex STEM concepts to young minds, particularly through relatable themes and storytelling.Here are some Key Questions I Asked Neil Include:How did your journey lead you to create Teach the Geek and write children's books?What inspired you to write your book, Ask Uncle Neil, Why is My Hair Curly?How did your own experiences as a STEM professional influence the way you approach public speaking training for other technical professionals?What challenges have you observed in STEM professionals when it comes to public speaking?How do you help technical professionals become more effective in presenting their ideas to non-technical audiences?What are some unique aspects of public speaking for STEM professionals compared to other fields?Here are some Key Takeaways from Our Discussion on "Curly Hair and Curious Minds: Exploring STEM Concepts Through Children's Books":Inspiration from Personal Experience: Neil’s book, Ask Uncle Neil, Why is My Hair Curly, was inspired by his nephew's curiosity. It highlights how everyday questions can be a gateway to exploring STEM concepts in a way that's accessible and engaging for children.Importance of Representation: The book aims to show Black children that no career is off-limits, particularly in the STEM fields. It’s essential for children to see themselves represented in various professions, including STEM.Challenges in Public Speaking for STEM Professionals: One of the key challenges Neil identified is the use of technical jargon. STEM professionals often struggle to communicate complex ideas to non-technical audiences effectively. Neil’s work with Teach the Geek helps professionals bridge this gap.Tailored Public Speaking Training: Neil focuses on providing public speaking training specifically for STEM professionals, addressing the unique challenges they face in presenting their technical expertise to broader audiences.The Role of Practice: Neil emphasized the importance of practicing public speaking, not just in theoretical settings but by actively engaging in real presentations to build confidence and skill.Expanding the Message: Neil plans to expand his children’s book into a series, where his nephew’s curiosity about various scientific questions will be explored, making STEM concepts even more accessible to young readers.About the Host: Tiffani TeacheyTiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.