Stem Everyday

How fitting that the 314th episode of STEM Everyday would be about Math and in March (if you know, you know π).For more than 18 years, World Maths Day in March has brought together millions of students in an epic celebration of learning. From record-breaking speeds in the Live Mathletics platform, to incredible displays of problem-solving skills, it’s a day where numbers truly unite kids.Created by 3P Learning, kids age 5 to 18 compete in 20 60-second contests to earn points by solving math questions. As an individual or as a school, kids can sign up for free and compete to earn a spot on the World Maths Day Hall of Fame! Learn more and sign up, or make plans to join next year!Sheila Robitaille is an innovative educational leader who is passionate about quality instructional practice, and believes that educational opportunities must inspire engaged and active learners.  Sheila is a veteran teacher and educational leader with 27 years of experience as a classroom teacher, program director, professional develop

YouthRoots has a mission to bridge the gap between generations, fostering connections that open up a world of opportunities in STEM fields for young minds.They provide students with a glimpse into the STEM fields they can pursue through interviews of STEM professionals. Using a holistic approach to STEM education, YouthRoots creates and leads students in hands on activities and engaging lessons, and after dozens of domestic outreaches, they are now expanding globally to ensure every student, no matter their location, has access to STEM education. High school students Riddhi (co-founder), Sharaya (director of outreach), and Sahana (education specialist) talk about the work YouthRoots is doing, and their goal of creating chapters around the world.Connect with YouthRoots:Website: youthrootsnow.comInstagram: @youthrootsnowEmail: youthroots.now@gmail.com Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Ch

The Clueless is a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team made up of 13 members from 8 middle/high schools across San Diego, California. Through FTC, they are determined to grow as a team, have fun, and leave a lasting impact on their community.In their 9 years of competing, they have set the world record twice ('22 & '24) and qualified to the World Championship 6 times, where they've won the divisional Inspire Award three times and won the robot game once. One of their outreach goals is to make STEM and robotics more accessible to local and global communities, through projects like their First Lego League (FLL) summer camp, EV3 redistribution program, and Global Mentorship Program for FTC teams.FIRST is a global non-profit that has engaged over 800,000 high school students in building and competing with robots. "At the core, we love FIRST Tech Challenge. Our passion drives our success!"Connect with The Clueless team:Website: thecluelessftc.orgInstagram: @clueless11212_ftcYouTube: @theclu

STEM education requires a solid foundation of skills. Without basic math and reading proficiency, children are not prepared for the opportunities awaiting them in a world of changing careers.Chris Papst is the lead investigative reporter for Project Baltimore, Fox45 News’ ongoing investigation into Maryland’s public education system. As a national award-winning reporter, his work has led to the passing of state laws, criminal convictions, and court rulings that have set legal precedent throughout Maryland.Chris’s work has received recognition from institutions such as the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Office of the Comptroller, and the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education. He has received the NAACP’s Vanguard Award and an Emmy Award for investigative reporting.His new book Failure Factory: How Baltimore City Schools Deprive Taxpayers and Students of a Future, shines a critical light on America’s public education system by exposing what’s really happening inside classrooms and behin

Doug Scott has taught 9th-12th grade engineering, robotics, and technology since 2003. His current role at Hopkinton High School includes being the district leader for Business, Tech & Engineering in grades 6–12.Doug has led numerous robotics and competitive technology teams to state and regional championships, as well as national and international competitions, growing the robotics program from six students to 160. In 2014, Doug was fortunate to accompany students from his Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam to the Office of Science and Technology Policy White House Science Fair. The team’s invention was eventually awarded a U.S. patent. He is also the 2014 Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year Award, was awarded The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science (PAEMST) in 2019, and was a MA Teacher of the Year Semifinalist in 2022.His students have consistently participated in the US National Invention Convention, a K-12 invention education program that teaches students problem-identification, problem-solving, entr

Dr Jennifer Berry is the CEO of SmartLab (an education pioneer in STEM, transforming traditional learning environments into project-based learning experiences since 1987). She has previously held leadership roles at other education organizations, each time bringing her expertise and experience as a parent and veteran of stage performance to build better learning opportunities for every kid every day.SmartLab's mission is to ensure that today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders, prepared and ready to solve the complex challenges of our ever-changing world. Students build STEM identity, confidence, and purpose as they solve meaningful problems and connect classroom learning to the careers of tomorrow. A focus on generating "aha!" moments, steadily converting raw curiosity into resilient, purposeful problem solving. Innovative school leaders nationwide have empowered learners with SmartLab’s state-of-the-art STEM-focused solutions that include ADA-compliant learning environments, problem-solving

Chuck Ridgeway is the Automation Technology Manager & Senior Customer Advocate at Horner Automation in Indianapolis, Indiana. As an engineer in the automation and robotics industry for over 30 years, Chuck has seen both the changes and valuable uses of automation and robotics in our world, and is an important voice for educators to hear about the value of STEM learning for future careers.Horner Automation has been part of some truly unique projects in their many years in the industry, creating hardware and software that helps make businesses to homes to schools run smoothly. Their sensors, controllers, and automation have been involved with everything from major sports stadiums, Las Vegas resort attractions, cruise ships, and snowmaking at ski resorts, to the US postal service, agricultural facilities, various food & beverage producers, water/wastewater facilities, power management and fuel storage. Horner is currently offering, free for qualifying educational institutions, one of their powerful Horne

Chad Miller teaches Technology, Enginering, & Design as well as Computer Science in North Carolina. But he wasn't always a teacher. His experiences as a computer aided draftsman helped him learn the business of architectural lighting, and in the process problem solving, iteration, and more skills that kids in CTE courses need. As an educator, he has always been passionate about STEM and providing real world examples in his classroom. He also enjoys helping with clubs and mentoring groups, even partnering with NC State for many years to bring their students to mentor his students.He also has his students competing in the Technology Student Association (TSA), and has even had students win top awards for their STEM & design skills. Connect with Chad:Instagram: @techtomentorLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chad-miller-917791214/TSA website: tsaweb.orgCode.org AI teaching course: code.org/en-US/artificial-intelligenceChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.

For over 15 years, Simply Technologies has been sneaking digital manufacturing into classrooms—one buzzing spindle and slightly terrified teacher at a time. So far, they’ve helped over 3,500 North American schools bring STEM to life in very real, very loud, very safe, and very hands-on ways.Their father-son company, Simply Technologies, has (unofficially but confidently) placed more CNC machines in schools than anyone else on the continent. They like to say they created CNC for teachers who didn’t sign up for CNC—and it turns out, that’s a lot of them.In September 2025 they launched Empower[ed] Academy—what they believe is the first-ever CAD/CAM/CNC Teacher Training & Certification program in North America. The goal is to help teachers confidently turn their students’ “Imagination to Reality”—without having to Google “what’s a post-processor” mid-lesson.On this episode, Steve and Jeremy share insights and stories from 15 years of classroom CNC success, and some practical tips and ideas that teachers can u

With a cardboard box and a spark of imagination, in 2008, Makedo was born. More than just tools, Makedo empowers kids to become problem-solvers, innovators, and collaborators.Today, Makedo isn’t just a product line of blue screws & cardboard tools; it’s a vibrant, global community of makers dedicated to building a better future for people and the planet through imaginative, purposeful play, one cardboard creation at a time.(Check out the Makedo website for lessons and resources to use their reusable screws in your classroom and home. And follow their social media to get more great ideas and inspiration to build and create with your kids.)Colleen Graves has been an educator and librarian for over 20 years. In 2018, her passion for blogging about makerspaces and libraries shifted her education career into crafting content strategy for innovative edtech companies like Makey Makey, Chibitronics, and now Makedo. Now as the Education Content Officer, USA & Canada, for Makedo, she takes her Makerspace skills

After 10 years as Quizizz, a new way and a new focus has necessitated the change to a new name: Wayground. Kyle Niemis is the Head of Community at Wayground (formerly Quizizz), educator, and co-founder of ClassroomQ. "Wayground provides educators with a supplemental learning platform that brings together instruction, practice, and assessment in an AI-supported hub that helps students hit grade-level standards faster."Used in 90% of US schools & over 150 countries worldwide, educators can dive into a library of resources that are standards-aligned and mapped to curriculum. Import and customize your own trusted materials with dozens of question types and formats to motivate every student, not just the loudest or the fastestWayground allows you to vary the student experience across dozens of formats, modes, and question types and get clear data (for you and for them) that celebrates progress.Set one of more than 25 accommodations for each student once and they're applied automatically moving f

PJ Creek was teaching social studies and science in middle school. He always referenced his periodic table poster on the wall, but didn't have anything similar to help with social studies. His problem lead to creating the Periodic Table of the Presidents, a poster that shows information about the presidents in a periodic table shape and style. That poster lead to more great infographics on topics like the Amendments, National Parks, the Constitution, the Pledge of Allegiance, and more!In this conversation, PJ shares the stories behind the posters, how to use them, and some info on how to incorporate making infographics into classroom learning.Learn how to make an infographic on their YouTube pageConnect with PJ & Periodic Presidents:Website: periodicpresidents.comTwitter/X: @periodicprezInstagram: @periodicprezFacebook: @periodicprezPurchase postersWe the People and the President bookChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemIn

Robotics education is highly incorporated into upper grade levels because of its connection to careers. But elementary robotics is often one-off projects and fun time. The leadership at Woodland Hills School District in Pennsylvania is ensuring that every kid gets to do a lot more with robotics. Tina Dietrich is the STEM Coordinator at Woodland Hills School District, where she leads initiatives to integrate hands-on STEM and robotics programs into the K-12 curriculum. Tina is passionate about fostering student engagement through project-based learning and empowering educators with effective STEM resources.Dr. Eddie Willson serves as Assistant to the Superintendent at Woodland Hills. With a strong background in educational leadership and curriculum development, his role includes overseeing implementation of initiatives that promote student achievement and prepare learners for future STEM careers.Their district has started initiatives such as robotics every day for students in Elementary school, as well as Moth

As education faces new challenges from technology and an ever-changing labor market, the need for public-private partnership in education is as important as ever. Local governments and business organizations everywhere are realizing this need, and building partnerships and advocacy groups to help make these necessary connections.The state of Michigan has long relied on public-private partnerships to prepare students for jobs of the future, and it has adjusted its work to include STEM, STEAM, and workforce development. One such example is its STEAM Ahead program launched in 2021. Spearheaded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), STEAM Ahead creates hands-on career experiences for students interested in STEAM-related positions. More than 150 companies are participating organizations and include companies of all sizes from Magna to Nexteer to Collins Engineers. Since launching in 2021, the program has placed 1,700 interns, and has a focus on key economic drivers for Michigan through the next d

Born a patriot, Dr. Leslie Gruis spent 30 years as a mathematician and intelligence officer at the National Security Agency, where she helped develop technology solutions that balanced national security with civil rights. She later served at U.S. Cyber Command and the National Intelligence Council. Now retired, she writes and speaks on privacy, surveillance, and democracy—making complex topics accessible for everyday Americans. Dr. Gruis is the author of Privacy: Past, Present, and Future, The Privacy Pirates, and a forthcoming third book. She also mentors K–12 STEM students, with a special focus on middle school girls.Dr Gruis on math: "In my experience, students rarely struggle with content alone. What they often lack is confidence and context. Many bright students are afraid to try, afraid to fail, or unsure how what they’re learning fits into the real world. The most impactful thing educators can do is show them that problem-solving isn’t about perfection—it’s about curiosity." Dr Gruis on priva

Elliot Lichtman started teaching online classes in computer science when he was a freshman in high school. Small classes quickly grew into a series of larger and longer offerings, and from those, his book The Computer Always Wins was born.  Elliot is currently a sophomore at Yale University.In The Computer Always Wins, Elliot Lichtman teaches some of computer science’s most powerful concepts in a refreshingly accessible way: exploring them through word games, board games, and strategy games everyone already knows.  This book will provide not only a deeper understanding of foundational programming techniques but also a new appreciation for the amazing feats that can be accomplished using simple, readable code.Connect with Elliot:Website: thecomputeralwayswins.comInstagram: @thecomputeralwayswinsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elliot-lichtman-728004279/Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris&a

What can a couple of high school students do to encourage STEM interest and skills?For Edison Law and Revaant Srivastav, that meant starting the California STEM Academy, an online option to provide tutoring help in subjects such as Math, Science, Coding, and PSAT prep. They also help students with passion projects, as well as providing summer "boot camps" to build up specific STEM skills. And what started as just two students has grown to almost 20 students helping others to experience the joy and success in STEM that they have achieved.California STEM Academy is officially registered as a nonprofit organization under IRC section 501(c)(3) that is 100% student-run. They are passionate about helping all students learn more about STEM and discover the resources they need to be successful. As they grow, they hope to continue emphasizing the importance of STEM for every student!Edison and Revaant will be seniors in 2025-2026 at Monte Vista High School in California. They are both extensively involved in

Should we teach our kids "21st century skills" or should we rethink what that means and start teaching "workplace durable skills"?Dan Thomas just retired from a 30+ year career as an educator in New York. He's been a STEM and PBL consultant, and a LEGO education, Makey Makey, and Code.org trainer.As a teacher, he's sought to revolutionize education through play and technology, believing that learning should be an adventure (with an occasional Dad joke thrown in too).He recently published his first book, Sir Prise and the Bridge of Ingenuity on XFactor Publishing (find a copy here: amazon.com/dp/B0F625DXYR)Dan is also the host of The Tech Ed Clubhouse podcast, where he has great conversations about education with a wide variety of guests.Connect with Dan:Website: coachthomastech.comTwitter/X: @coachthomastechLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/coachthomastechInstagram: @coachthomastechBook on Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B0F625DXYRListen & subscribe to the-tech-ed-clubhouse podcastChris Woods

At what age should we begin focusing on STEM learning? According to Jeremy Anderson, the data overwhelmingly shows that students are already forming interest and thoughts on STEM careers when they're in elementary school. That makes it vital to look at how we include STEM career introduction at a younger age. In discussions about STEM, math often takes a backseat as focus shifts to science and technology. However, a strong math foundation is essential for students to succeed in these field, and effective math instruction starts with high-quality professional development for teachers. Jeremy Anderson is the CEO of the National Math + Science Initiative (NMSI), a team of dedicated professionals and teacher coaches who share a common vision: to close opportunity gaps and increase college access for all students through rigorous STEM programs. With over 25 years of experience in K-12 education policy, and plenty of educators in his family, Jeremy sees firsthand the need for improved Math and Science instruct

The education software space is filled with plenty of choices for helping kids design and create. That's especially true in the CAD space, as programs like Tinkercad appeal to younger kids and Fusion/AutoCAD/OnShape & more are great for older students. SelfCAD is a new software choice that combines the best of block/shape design from Tinkercad and the higher level design of traditional CAD software. SelfCAD doesn’t require months of training, nor is it limited to professional engineers and mathematicians. SelfCAD was designed with the goal of simplifying the user interface and the overall 3D design and printing process that is intuitive, easy to use and easy to learn, especially for beginners. SelfCAD believes that 3D CAD software, in addition to being intuitive and easy to use, should still include advanced tools for modeling, sculpting, and preparation for 3D printing, to ensure that the design process is as real-world and authentic as possible and presents no barriers to creativity.SelfCAD is a pr