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
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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
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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
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Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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“The state of the industrial workforce is in crisis, and employers are desperate to find qualified workers with the technical skills needed to grow their operations,” said Jerry Wooden, CEO of eDynamic Learning, the parent company of Learning Blade. “By introducing students to in-demand STEM careers, state leaders and district administrators are helping to introduce young talent to critical industries and are paving the way for the workforce of tomorrow.”

The U.S. manufacturing sector faces a massive skills shortage. Over the next decade, 4 million manufacturing jobs will likely need to be filled. America’s submarine industry alone will need to hire over 100,000 skilled employees over the next 10 years to meet the Navy’s growing demand for new submarines.

Learning Blade, powered by eDynamic Learning, is a digital platform that inspires students to explore and consider career pathways in STEM, Computer Science, and CTE. The platform offers over 400 lessons aligned with state standards, helping educators integrate hands-on, project-based learning into their curriculum. With a focus on grades 5–9, Learning Blade fosters a passion for future careers in critical industries.

Learning Blade’s "Beneath the Waves: Building Submarines" mission is available through a collaboration of the Submarine Industrial Base and BlueForge Alliance (www.buildsubmarines.com). This special project is available in 13 states at no cost to educators. This curriculum promotes STEM career awareness, demonstrates academic relevance, and fosters interest in submarine manufacturing, an industry that is vital to the nation's security.

To sign your school up for Learning Blade, visit the state sign up page: learningblade.com/states

Connect with Jerry & Learning Blade:

• Website: learningblade.com
• Twitter/X: @eDynamicLearn
• Facebook: @edynamiclearning
• YouTube: youtube.com/@edynamiclearning8768

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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Kath Geramita is currently the co-Founder and COO of CreositySpace. She has also been an engineer, chemist, and entrepreneur with a passion for making science and technology useful and accessible to everyone. Kath got her start in a number of technology start-ups developing products ranging from electronic ink and cement made from CO2, to materials improving the storage capacity of batteries and fuel cells. Throughout it, she was always searching for ways to engage young children and their parents in the excitement of science, in hopes of developing more scientifically-engaged citizens. In 2015, Kath joined forces with Peg Zokowski and started CreositySpace with the vision to change the way kids think about science and technology.

CreositySpace is a unique inquiry-based, learner-directed science curriculum that connects ALL K-5 students to science and capitalizes on their creativity and curiosity at a time when they ask, “What do I want to do when I grow up?" Their curriculum introduces students to the stories and innovations of STEM entrepreneurs from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. These stories help students connect what they are learning to their lived experiences and expand their perception of potential career opportunities.

If you decide to get the Book of Ideas Class Pack for your classroom, email Kath@CreositySpace.com and let her know you're a STEM Everyday listener to get 10% off the printed version.

Connect with Kath & CreositySpace:

• Website: CreositySpace.com
• Access the digital Book of Ideas: app.creosityspace.com
• Twitter/X: @CreositySpace
• Facebook: @CreositySpace
• Instagram: @CreositySpace

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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Cameron Ross is a Digital Learning Coach and teacher in Melbourne, Australia. His role includes helping teachers build ICT (Information, Communication, Technology) skills and make sure that they're not just using "tech for tech's sake." His classroom duties allow him to model lifelong learning for students while teaching them important computing skills.

Connect with Cameron:

• Twitter/X @cameronross3

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

2024 begins the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, which empowers public school students in grades 6–12 to leverage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to develop innovative solutions that address pressing local issues in their communities. Each year, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow awards more than $2 million in Samsung technology and classroom supplies to participating schools throughout the U.S.

The competition format incorporates video-based storytelling, building support for a concept, and live pitch presentations emulating the real-life environment STEM students face in higher education and the STEM workspace.

The Application Process

U.S. public middle and high school educators are encouraged to submit applications now through Thursday, October 24, 2024. The entry application asks teachers to answer just three questions, sharing an initial idea outlining how students would use STEM to address a critical need in their local community. And educators don’t have to be a STEM teacher to apply—History, Arts, Physical Education teachers, coaches, and administrators from public schools are all welcome!

To learn more about the annual contest, and for official contest rules, please visit samsung.com/solvefortomorrow.

(Listen to Ep 253, Ep 232, & Ep 217 for more ideas & info from Ann and contest winning teachers and Ep 246 for a conversation with Ann about the future of STEM education)

Connect with Solve for Tomorrow :

• Website samsung.com/solvefortomorrow
• Email solvefortomorrow@sea.samsung.com
• Twitter/X @SamsungNewsUS
• Instagram @solvefortomorrow
• Facebook facebook.com/SamsungSolveForTomorrow

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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Kari Byron & Jenny Buccos are here to share all about the 2nd Annual National STEM Festival. EXPLR’s National STEM Festival inspires kids nationwide to engage with STEM, a mission more crucial than ever as we advance towards a technology-driven future and workforce.

Submissions for the 2025 National STEM Festival are open to young innovators across all 50 states and all U.S. territories until October 20, 2024. Top-scoring students, along with a caregiver, will receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, DC for the National STEM Festival, where they will share their project, network with top business and government leaders, and learn skills that will equip them for meaningful careers in the future.
Also, check out the Live & On-Demand conversations with people in super STEM careers on the National STEM Challenge website

EXPLR’s commitment to education includes work on a bill to establish National STEM Week, which will enhance STEM pathways for students across the country. The National STEM Week bill was introduced to Congress by U.S. Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH).

Kari Byron (former member of Mythbusters) and Jenny Buccos are the Co-Directors of the National STEM Challenge and Co-Founders of EXPLR.
(Learn more about the origin of the National STEM Challenge from Kari on Ep 255)

Connect with The National STEM Challenge:

• Website nationalstemchallenge.com
• Twitter/X: @national_stem
• Instagram: @nationalstemfestival
• EXPLR Website explr.com

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