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

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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

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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: January 31, 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

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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
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

“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

Support the show