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
80 "Still In The Middle, But Moving Closer": An Interview With Middle School Teacher Mercedes G.
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
The 2020-2021 academic year hasn’t been easy, but for some teachers, it hasn’t been without success either. Meet Mercedes.
“I think I’m still in the middle, but I’m moving closer… it is that spectrum.” [2:50]
Mercedes began exploring how to use three-dimensional teaching in her middle school science classroom just a few years ago, and in this podcast episode, she shares both her successes and where she’s still learning and growing. This candid conversation is both a celebration of what is possible and a reflection on where there’s still space to improve (because we ALL have space to improve). Mercedes’ natural inclination toward engagement, discussion, and empowering student ownership has given her a jumpstart in implementing three-dimensional, student-owned science, but her reflective nature is truly what is making her the amazing teacher she is — it’s allowed her to identify her “next steps” to take her teaching - and her students’ learning - even further.
This episode is sure to spark that reflection in your own teaching - your planning, in how you craft your activities and respond to student questions, and even in more subtle areas like assumptions about student abilities and performance. You’ll also walk away with a few phenomena ideas for science topics like weather and climate, some strategies for encouraging student reflection about participation and talk, and a simple introduction to “flipping” your science lessons for greater exploration.
Click here for the full episode recap.
Additional Resources
- Connect With Mercedes G. >> Instagram
- Using Student Questions to Build Storylines - Podcast Episode 17
- 67 [TT] Who Is Doing The Talking?
- 59 Creating A Culture Of Engagement And Connection: Interview With Middle School Teacher Debbie J.
- iExploreScience Be Curious Cohorts Wait List
Let's Connect
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
📬 Stay Connected
- 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
- 🛍️ TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience
- 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
- 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
- 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/