February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and there is a growing interconnection of robotics in CTE curriculums (and vice versa) happening in education.

With a teaching background and a journey spanning two decades, Jason McKenna is the Vice President of Global Educational Strategy for VEX Robotics, a published author, and an experienced educator. His book, "What STEM Can Do for Your Classroom," has become an important resource for educators navigating the world of STEM.

In his role at VEX Robotics, Jason oversees curriculum development and classroom integration for a wide range of platforms

Jason's current role keeps him in constant dialogue with global stakeholders in education – from parents to educators, and policymakers. This enables him to understand and address the challenges of preparing students for a knowledge-based 21st-century economy.

Learn more from Jason on Ep 241

Connect with Jason:

• Vex website: vexrobotics.com
• Jason's website: jmckenna.org
• Twitter/X: @Mckenna72
• Book: What STEM Can Do

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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Matt (AKA Mister Marx) is the creator of the Mister Marx Math Adventures series on YouTube and the founder of dodat.ai, a social media platform aimed at fostering community among educators, parents, and learners of all ages.

As an educator, Mister Marx enjoys the challenge that comes with breaking down complex topics for learners. His videos on YouTube, using eGlass technology, make learning accessible and understandable for anyone looking to understand math from a real person.

And recently, Mister Marx was selected as a contestant in Daymond John of Shark Tank's 'Entrepreneur of Impact' competition. Learn more about it at entrepreneurofimpact.org/2025/matthew-marx

Connect with Mister Marx:

• Website: mistermarx.com
• YouTube: youtube.com/@mistermarx
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mister-marx

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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Jason Erdreich is an educational leader, patented inventor, author, and all around tinkerer and maker of things. With professional teaching experience in K-12, University, and adult learning environments, Mr.E has guided thousands of students of all ages in learning how to solve problems while using technology as a tool to facilitate creation, innovation, and success. Jason's courses have ranged from technical drawing, product design, CAD, biotechnology, manufacturing, materials processing, electronics, robotics, computer science, multimedia, video production, graphic design, and more.

Jason works with schools, universities, companies, and individuals to develop exciting learning environments that are engaging and accessible for students everywhere. As an educational consultant, Jason specializes in training teachers on crucial topics like design thinking, problem-based learning, and empathy in education, in addition to specialized training on machinery or with various software solutions.
And be sure to check out Jason's EXTENSIVE list of resources for educators and makers alike: mrerdreich.com/resources

In 2024, Jason released the book Taking Tinkercad to the Next Level. This comprehensive guide explores Tinkercad’s 3D design features to equip anyone with the skills to harness its full potential. This comprehensive guide explores Tinkercad’s 3D design features, and offers an accessible, yet thorough approach to mastering Tinkercad for users of all levels.

Connect with Jason:

• Website: mrerdreich.com
• Twitter/X: @mrerdreich
• Instagram: @mrerdreich
• YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCHz6blM_qvLucfypLeHMDqg
• Get a copy of Jason's book Taking Tinkercad to the Next Level

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Eric Robinson is a physics teacher at Herbert Hoover High School in Glendale, CA. His dive into Modeling Instruction explains concisely how instruction (especially science) can be improved. From modelinginstruction.org, "Modeling Instruction is a guided-inquiry approach to teaching science that organizes instruction around the handful of conceptual models that form the content core of the scientific disciplines. This method provides a framework for science instruction that approximates how scientists 'do science.'"

Eric is also a member of the 1st class of Vernier Trendsetters Community. The group offers educators a forum to enhance their teaching skills, specifically through the use of Vernier data-collection technology, and to engage in meaningful collaboration with like-minded leading STEM educators. These Vernier Trendsetter Community members have the opportunity to provide and participate in professional development, collaborate on content with Vernier, provide feedback on programming and upcoming products, and more.
For more than 40 years, Vernier Science Education has been committed to using experience, knowledge, and passion to create some of the best and most reliable solutions for STEM education. Their solutions include hardware, software, content, assessment, professional development, and technical support.
Learn more about Vernier on Ep 243 with Colleen McDaniel

Connect with Eric & Vernier Trendsetters:

• Website: vernier.com/trendsetters/
• Website: modelinginstruction.org
• Eric's webinar with the American Modeling Teachers Association: vimeo.com/1033699648/8ff1175a27?share=copy
• Eric's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eric-robinson-477379130/

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Registration Deadline: EXTENDED to Feb 14, 2025
Alex Grab is the Director of Offsite Programming at the Space Foundation, and shares about the Space Sustainability Competition for 7th-8th grade students based in the United States.

Why does space junk matter? Space debris includes defunct satellites, rocket parts, and fragments that orbit Earth at high speeds. These objects pose serious risks to active satellites, space missions, and even essential services on Earth like GPS, communications, and weather forecasting. Your students can be part of the solution, helping to protect the future of space exploration and everyday life.
Middle school students in grades 7-8 are encouraged to register. Students will create an Engineering Solution (Design a model using Tinkercad, SketchUp, or other design software to capture or manage space debris), a Business Plan (Develop a marketing strategy to make the solution market-ready), and a Video Pitch (Share your solution in a 3-minute video pitch evaluated by industry experts).

Key Dates:
• Competition Launch: December 1, 2024
• Team Registration Deadline: EXTENDED to Feb 14, 2025
• Submission Deadline: March 21, 2025
• Winners Announced: May 2, 2025 (National Space Day)
You can access the press release detailing the competition here via the Space Workforce for Tomorrow site: swft.space/space-workforce-for-tomorrow-announces-national-space-day-stem-competition-for-middle-school-students/

Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT) is a strategic initiative by Space Foundation and The Aerospace Corporation, supported by over 30 leading space organizations. From the classroom to the boardroom, SWFT aims to eliminate the national STEM talent gap, illuminate career pathways for all, and build a workforce ready to meet the demands of the growing space industry.

Connect with Alex & Space Workforce for Tomorrow:

• Website swft.space
• Website spacefoundation.org
• The National Space Day Space Sustainability Competition swft.space/nsd

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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Kids love learning about space. NASA just launched its fourth Power to Explore Student Challenge, an exciting (and totally free to enter) science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) writing challenge for K-12th grade students in the United States. This interactive challenge invites students to learn about radioisotope power systems, a type of nuclear battery that has, for over 60 years, allowed NASA to explore the harshest, darkest, and dustiest parts of our solar system and enabled spacecraft to study its many moons. Then, armed with new knowledge and inspiration, write a short essay about how they’d use RPS to explore one of our solar system’s hundreds of moons. Submissions, limited to 275 words, are due by January 31, 2025. One grand prize winner from each grade category (K-4, 5-8, 9-12) will receive a trip to NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, to learn about the people and technologies that power NASA missions.
Thank you to Kristin Jansen (Public Affairs Specialist and Stakeholder Engagement Lead for the NASA Radioisotope Power Systems Program) for sharing the information!

(You can also learn more about NASA STEM on Ep 224 and Ep 231)

Resources mentioned during the podcast:

• NASA RPS Website: nasa.gov/rps
• Power to Explore Writing Challenge: nasa.gov/power-to-explore
• RPS Writing Challenge Launch Video: YouTube Link
• NASA EXPRESS Newsletter: nasa.gov/stem/express

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Carlos Romero believes that mentors hold the key for STEM education. His own story involved growing into success based on a foundation of the importance of education by his parents and the legacy of high achievement by his siblings. Carlos was inspired by teachers to take challenging steps that led him to a distinguished career in industry.
Carlos Romero is the Manager of Global Technology at Walgreens Boots Alliance. Carlos serves as a board member of the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI nms.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to equipping underserved schools and communities with vital STEM resources, and as an industry mentor at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.

Carlos knows firsthand the impact that STEM leaders can make on young students as mentors and role models. He sees industry skills like problem solving, project management, and communication as vital skills for educators to be adding to their STEM learning.

Connect with Carlos:

• The National Math & Science Initiative nms.org
• Free STEM Lessons from NMSI
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cromerob/

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Omar Cortez is a Robotics and Technology Teacher for elementary and middle school students in Dallas, TX. Using his expertise in robotics, coding, and drone technology, Omar has been successful in mentoring competitive robotics teams to state and global achievements, while driving engagement through district-wide STEM programs. His passion for inspiring creativity and innovation in students is preparing his students for future academic and career success in STEM fields.

Omar recently released his first book Meshed Gears. Based on the true story of robotics kids in his school, Esteban and the Owlbots go on an inspiring journey of friendship, teamwork, and triumph in the world of robotics. Overcoming challenges, they learn valuable lessons that extend beyond the competition arena. Meshed Gears is a heartwarming tale for young readers celebrating resilience, collaboration, and the joy of learning.

Grab a copy of Omar's book Meshed Gears on Amazon

Connect with Omar:

• Twitter/X: @MrCortezRobotic
• Instagram: @mrcortezrobotics

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show