iExploreScience: STEM in Elem
iExploreScience: STEM in Elem is for upper elementary teachers — especially grades 3–5 —who want to make elementary science and math more engaging, without adding more prep or overwhelm to their day. If you’re looking for practical ways to bring STEM and hands-on learning into your classroom while still meeting standards like NGSS, this podcast is for you.
Each week, you’ll get (ideally) short, (always!) actionable episodes (about 15–30 minutes) filled with classroom-tested ideas you can actually use. From simple STEM challenges and low-prep science activities to math routines, lab management, and neurodivergent-friendly strategies, everything is designed to help you keep students thinking, moving, and engaged—especially during the most challenging times of the year.
You’ll also hear honest reflections from real classroom experiences, with a focus on what works (and what doesn’t) in my 5th grade science and math classroom — no perfection required.
I’m Nicole, and I share practical, hands-on science and math ideas designed specifically for upper elementary teachers who want engaging, rigorous lessons without the overwhelm.
iExploreScience: STEM in Elem
68 Using Demos Effectively for NGSS Teaching
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In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) and Erin Sadler (Sadler Science) discuss using demonstrations in your NGSS classroom. Too often, demos can translate to "teaching as telling" -- or a "sage on the stage" style of teaching. But it does NOT have to be this way. Tune in to discover how you can use demos effectively while carrying out three-dimensional instruction and actively engaging your students in science learning.
For a full episode recap, click here.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
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- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
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