🎥 Just shared on YouTube 👉 What happens when teachers stop starting with answers and start with questions instead? In this first episode of our two-part STEAM Super Series, twelve educators share how shifting to an inquiry-driven, curiosity-first approach transforms science, math, art, and every subject in between. From inquiry-based science and math as play to creativity as our greatest advantage in the age of AI, these conversations reveal the STEAM education mindset that sparks wonder in every classroom.
Sponsored by the Van Andel Institute for Education and their new Educator Studio.
In this episode, you'll learn how to:
• Use inquiry-based learning to flip the traditional lesson structure and let students explore before they explain — with practical examples from Terra Tarango at the Van Andel Institute for Education
• Transform math class by starting with play and questions instead of procedures, helping students discover concepts like the Pythagorean theorem through curiosity — with Dan Finkel of Math for Love
• Leverage creativity and the arts as a brain-based bridge to deeper learning across all subjects, using thinking routines to get students into a state of flow — with Susan Riley, founder of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM
• Build creativity as a skill through journaling, creative constraints, and community-connected projects that become student legacies — with artist and NASA Solar System Ambassador Tim Needles
• Understand what's happening in students' brains before they're ready to learn and use the transformational power of the word "yet" to build a growth mindset — with Dr. Lidia Gonzalez
• Shape school culture through leadership language that focuses on possibility and problem-solving rather than complaints — with Dr. Sam Nix
Show notes and resources:
coolcatteacher.com/steammind…
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:16 Terra Tarango: Inquiry-Based Science
00:12:02 Dan Finkel: Math as Play
00:17:13 Mrs. Sharon Howard: High Standards in Kindergarten
00:20:20 Susan Riley: Creativity as Our Greatest Advantage
00:25:58 Tim Needles: Building Creativity as a Skill
00:30:54 Dr. Lidia Gonzalez: Getting the Brain Ready to Learn
00:34:28 Teachers Who Changed History
00:41:02 Dr. Sam Nix: School Culture and Leadership Language
00:46:26 Dr. Lidia Gonzalez: The Power of Yet
00:48:48 Justin Reich: Small Experiments for Big Change
00:50:53 Patti Duncan and Stephanie Zeiger: STEAM in Practice
00:52:52 Takeaways and Closing
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