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ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

Written by: PocketLab
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ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged: A science podcast for cool teachers2022 Science
Episodes
  • The Curiosity Playbook: Inspiring Students Through Hands-On Discovery
    Jan 8 2026

    The Hip Hop MD, Maynard Okereke, and Dave delve into the world of STEM education and its impact on young minds. With a focus on fostering curiosity and creativity, they discuss innovative ways to inspire students through hands-on experiments and real-world problem-solving. Maynard shares insights from his experiences at STEM festivals and competitions, highlighting the incredible potential of students when they are encouraged to explore and innovate.

    The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities within the education system, emphasizing the importance of integrating arts into STEM to create a holistic learning environment. Maynard and Dave explore how educators can bridge the gap between science and creativity, making learning both fun and impactful. This episode is a must-listen for teachers looking to ignite a passion for science in their classrooms and empower the next generation of innovators.

    Find Maynard's new book https://www.hiphopscienceshow.com/book

    You can hire Maynard for your own school or event! Connect with him and learn more at https://www.hiphopscienceshow.com/

    ABOUT MAYNARD

    Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D., graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is an award-winning Science Communicator, having received both the Asteroid Award for "Best Streaming Content" and the People of Change Award for his community outreach efforts. His passion for science and entertainment, along with his curiosity for new innovation has taken him through an incredible life journey.

    Noticing a lack of minority involvement in the S.T.E.M. fields, he created Hip Hop Science with the goal of encouraging minorities and youth to pursue more advanced career paths. His background in engineering, acting, music, business, and credible work in STEM make him uniquely qualified to engage on a wide variety of topics from an entertaining perspective. This is highly reflected in his speaking engagements and daily social media posts which provide both humorous and informative SciComm content.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Demystifying AI: Practical Classroom Ideas from Code.org
    Dec 17 2025

    Join Code.org and us on an exciting journey into the world of AI and computer science education with Anchal Sayal! In this episode, we explore how Code.org is revolutionizing the way students from kindergarten to 12th grade engage with technology. Discover how AI is not just a tool but a catalyst for creativity and critical thinking in the classroom. Anchal shares her insights on the importance of teaching students to navigate the digital landscape with curiosity and confidence, ensuring they are prepared for the future.

    Dive into the conversation as we discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into the curriculum. From understanding the societal impacts of AI to fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories for educators. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or new to the field, you'll find valuable takeaways to enhance your teaching practice and empower your students to become the next generation of tech-savvy thinkers!

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anchal-sayal/

    AI Literacy Framework: https://ailiteracyframework.org/

    Anchal's Personal website: anchalsayal.com

    ABOUT ANCHAL

    Anchal Sayal works in content design at Code.org, where she leads various design initiatives to make complex AI literacy concepts more accessible to educational stakeholders, including the publication design of the AI Literacy Framework and the production of teacher-facing resources to help them understand what and how to teach with and about AI. Anchal holds a master's degree in Learning, Design, and Technology from Stanford University and began her career in education as an elementary math and literacy teacher through Teach For India.

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Science Showmanship: Turning Lessons into Adventures with Steve Spangler
    Dec 3 2025

    Join Steve Spangler and Dave from The PocketLab as they delve into the art of making science accessible and exciting for K-12 students. Steve shares his journey from being inspired by his high school chemistry teacher to becoming a renowned science communicator. He emphasizes the importance of presentation in teaching, drawing parallels between magic and science to captivate students' curiosity. Through anecdotes and insights, Steve and Dave explore how simple demonstrations can transform a classroom into a hub of wonder and learning.

    The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of education, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in engaging today's students. Steve's passion for teaching and his innovative approach to science education shine through as he discusses the power of storytelling and hands-on experiences in fostering a love for science.

    Get Steve's new book: https://stevespangler.com/engagement-effect-book/

    Get in touch with Steve: https://stevespangler.com/

    ABOUT STEVE

    He's a bestselling author, STEM educator, and business leader branded by TIME Magazine as one of their "most influential people of the year" because of his passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

    With more than 2,100 television appearances and multiple Emmy awards to his credit, Steve Spangler understands the power of using television to make learning science fun.

    Steve's catalog of videos featured on social media has more than 1.5 billion views, and parents and educators widely use his books and online experiments to increase student engagement and inspire young scientists to learn more about STEM-based careers.

    Nationally known as a teacher's teacher, Steve travels extensively, working with educators at all levels in ways to make learning more connected and engaging in the 21st-century classroom. Steve's in-person and virtual professional development workshops focus on inquiry-based learning that highlights best practices for classroom teachers with research-guided strategies for purpose-driven engagement.

    But Steve Spangler feels most at home when he's on stage sharing insights and creating those amazing experiences audiences remember for a lifetime. Steve brings over 30 years of experience (6,500+ presentations) to the platform every time he speaks.

    In July 2010, members of the National Speakers Association inducted Steve into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame. He is among an elite group of only 242 professional speakers in the world to receive this honor.

    In 2022, Spangler joined the faculty at High Point University (High Point, North Carolina) as the STEM Educator in Residence. Steve works with students and faculty to create transformational experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

    For the past two years, Steve Spangler has been honored to be included in the Global Gurus Top 30 in Education. This achievement recognizes Steve's passion for finding the most creative ways to inspire students and educators worldwide.

    Whether you're looking for an amazing keynote speaker to kick-off your event, teacher training and professional development opportunities to help you become a more effective STEM educator, or personalized consulting and coaching, Steve Spangler can help you create your own transformational experiences in business and education.

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    1 hr and 36 mins
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