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Science Modeling Talks

Science Modeling Talks

Written by: Mark Royce
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 Science Modeling Talks is a podcast series that introduces you to top science Modeling teachers and thought leaders in a relaxed and conversational interview format. In our episodes, you'll hear stories and ideas that help the science education community learn and grow as effective classroom teachers. Visit our website for show note, links and more info about our guests: sciencemodelingtalks.comCopyright 2026 Mark Royce Art Science
Episodes
  • Episode 76 – Caroline Savio-Ramos “AMTA’s New XO”

    Episode 76 – Caroline Savio-Ramos “AMTA’s New XO”
    Jan 1 2026
    In this episode, Mark talks with Caroline Savio-Ramos, the new executive officer of the AMTA. They discuss her professional journey and introduction to modeling instruction. They talk about current projects she has been working on in her first month as executive officer and about direction for AMTA. Guest Caroline Savio-Ramos She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Arizona State University, where she conducted research on technology-enhanced physics learning, published peer-reviewed work, and taught courses in Human–Computer Interaction and Educational Technology. She also earned an M.S. in Educational Technology from Ramapo College, an M.A. in Education (Teaching Physics) from New York University, a B.S. in Computer Science from Western Governors, and a B.A. in Physics and Spanish from Rutgers University. In addition to her academic background, she brings industry experience from Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Intel, where she led UX research and designed digital learning solutions. A fluent speaker of Spanish and Portuguese, she is committed to fostering curiosity, problem solving, and lifelong engagement with STEM. BluSky Profile Highlights [23:28] Caroline Savio-Ramos "I encourage people to come to the town halls, come to webinars because the way I wanted to approach this is have an open conversation with folks. Like, what do you want to see? What can we do for you? What are some things that you would like AMTA to offer that we possibly don't?" Resources Download Transcript Ep 76 Transcript
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    32 mins
  • Episode 75 – Recast – Cynthia Passmore – “Models Are the Functional Unit of Scientific Thought”

    Episode 75 – Recast – Cynthia Passmore – “Models Are the Functional Unit of Scientific Thought”
    Dec 1 2025
    In this episode, Mark talks with Cynthia Passmore, who is a professor of science education at the University of California, Davis. They talk about the differences between the approach to modeling developed at ASU and UC Davis, which seem to be more and more similar as time goes by. They talk about how all of our understanding in scientific study is based on models, even if we do not specifically hold those up as "models" per se. We use mental models to explain the world around us and to better understand how and why certain interactions happen the way they do. They talk about modeling instruction and the Next Generation Science Standards and how modeling really gets students to do the thinking as scientists and make the connections between what we see and the explanations for what we see. They talk about Cynthia's new book, even get to talk about some of Cynthia's recent research on effective teaching using modeling methods in the high school biology classroom. Guest Cynthia Passmore Cynthia Passmore is currently a Professor specializing in science education in the University of California, Davis School of Education. She did her doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and prior to that she was a high school science teacher. Her research focuses on the role of models and modeling in student learning, curriculum design and teacher professional development. She investigates model-based reasoning in a range of contexts and is particularly interested in understanding how the design of learning environments interacts with students’ reasoning practices. She has been the principal investigator of several large grants and is the lead on a collaborative curriculum design project that has created a full-year high school biology course. A key practitioner publication is the edited volume: Helping Students Make Sense of the World Using Next Generation Science and Engineering Practices from NSTA Press. Highlights [2:44] Cynthia "I think the inclusion of modeling as a practice in the next generation Science standards has also brought a lot more people to the work of modeling than used to be the case." [3:25] Cynthia "Models are the functional unit of scientific thought." [7:51] Cynthia "The depiction is important. I'm not trying to say it's not, but if all we're doing is asking kids to reproduce representations and depictions of things, then we're losing the modeling practice, in my view." Resources Download Transcript Ep 75 Transcript Links Modeling Based Biology - Living Earth
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    32 mins
  • Episode 74 - Tom Pfeiffer - 40 years veteran teacher and Modeling Workshop Leader

    Episode 74 - Tom Pfeiffer - 40 years veteran teacher and Modeling Workshop Leader
    Nov 1 2025
    This episode starts out with Tom's advice to teachers who are just getting started with modeling instruction. He and Mark discuss the differences in teaching physics and chemistry using modeling methods. They also discuss the changes Tom noticed when switching from traditional to modeling methods, as well as key takeaways from modeling workshops. Guest

    Tom Pfeiffer

    Tom Pfeiffer studied biology and chemistry in college. In graduate school, he chose to switch directions and become a teacher. In his teaching career, Tom taught Physics, Chemistry, 10th-grade Biology, Advanced Biology and Physical Science. When he began to learn about modeling methods, he says it greatly improved student engagement in learning. He is now retired after teaching for 40 years. Facebook | Instagram Highlights [17:40] Tom Pfeiffer "when I think of my students when I was modeling, they were much more engaged and seemed to enjoy the class more." [19:55] Mark Royce "When they walk away from my class, regardless of the content they carry with them, they are learning how to learn, and that will always go with them in their life ahead." Resources Download Transcript Ep 74 Transcript
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    36 mins
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