Learning Unboxed

301. Build Student Voice Through Creativity with Betsy Potash

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:30:03 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Betsy Potash, former English teacher, curriculum creator, and host of the Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. We explore how teachers can move away from teacher-centered instruction and create classrooms where students have more voice, choice, and ownership over their learning.

Betsy shares practical strategies that help make that shift feel possible, including project-based learning, podcasting, silent discussion, and hexagonal thinking. We also talk about why creative structures matter, how they build confidence and engagement, and what it looks like to design learning that feels relevant beyond school. Join us to explore fresh ways to spark agency, discussion, and deeper thinking in the classroom.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How teachers can step out of the spotlight and create more student-centered learning
Why agency, real-world context, and authentic audience increase engagement
How hexagonal thinking helps students make connections across texts, ideas, and lived experience
Why silent discussion creates space for every learner to participate and build confidence
How contemporary, multimodal approaches can make ELA more relevant and creative

Resources:

The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast
Toolkit for getting started with hexagonal thinking
The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast Instagram

Produced by NOVA

300. Design Learning That Sparks Confidence with Ashley Price

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:30:59 +0000

In this milestone 300th episode of Learning Unboxed, we celebrate with Ashley Price, Director of Student Experiences and All Things Summer and Out-of-School Programming at the PAST Foundation. Together, we explore how immersive, student-centered learning helps young people build confidence, discover new interests, and connect classroom skills to real-world challenges in meaningful ways.

We also dig into what makes these experiences work: student voice and choice, transdisciplinary design, authentic audiences, and the freedom to fail forward. Ashley shares how small shifts in practice can help educators create learning spaces that feel more engaging, relevant, and joyful for students. Join us to explore how we can make school feel a little more like summer camp and a lot more like real learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How student voice and choice shape deeper engagement and confidence
Why real-world, transdisciplinary challenges make learning more meaningful
How authentic audiences help students grow as communicators and creators
Why failure, revision, and redesign are essential parts of learning
What educators can do to bring informal learning practices into formal classrooms

Resources:

Student Experiences at PAST Foundation

Produced by NOVA

299. Reimagining Reading Through Visual Design with Hillary Summerbell

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:30:27 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Hillary Summerbell, founder and CEO of Summerbell, a literacy technology company transforming how visual dyslexic learners experience reading. Drawing from her own struggles, Hillary shares how rethinking text layout through her positional reading arc can reduce overwhelm, improve comprehension, and build confidence.

We explore how a simple shift in formatting can unlock access for millions of learners and why dyslexia is often misunderstood as a comprehension issue rather than a visual one. Hillary also walks us through the development of her technology and its potential as both a classroom tool and diagnostic support.

Join us as we rethink what reading can look like and how design can make learning more equitable for all.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How visual dyslexia impacts reading and learning
The science and design behind positional reading arcs
Using technology to reduce visual clutter and increase comprehension
The importance of equitable literacy tools in classrooms
Reimagining education through creativity and learner-centered design

Resources:

Summerbell Literacy Tools: (Explore the reading and writing tools designed for visual dyslexic learners)
Summerbell Chrome Extension
Summerbell Research Page
Johns Hopkins School of Education

Produced by NOVA

298. Reimagining Public Education Through Microschools with ECPPS Microschool

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:30:27 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Keith Parker, Colina Bartlett, Tiffany Dudley, and Kelly Cowell from the ECPPS Microschool in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Together, they share the story behind launching an innovative public microschool designed to reimagine what learning can look like for today’s students. With small cohorts, flexible learning environments, and a strong emphasis on relationships and real-world experiences, the team is building a student-centered model rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and community.

We explore how the district moved from listening to community needs to rapidly designing and launching a new learning environment in less than a year. The conversation highlights the role of educators as guides, the power of project-based learning, and the importance of removing bureaucratic barriers to innovation. At its heart, this microschool is about creating meaningful choices for families and ensuring public education continues to evolve for the future. Join us to explore what’s possible when a community decides to do school differently.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why districts are turning to microschools to reimagine public education and create new options for families
How student-centered learning, project-based experiences, and the “guide” model shift the role of teachers and empower learners
What it takes for a school district to remove bureaucratic barriers and experiment with new models that better prepare students for a changing world

Resources:

ECPPS Microschool – Learn more about the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools microschool initiative
Ascent Microschool – The innovative school model in Austin, Texas that inspired the ECPPS team’s design work
North Carolina School Boards Association – Learn more about the organization that hosts the annual conference where ECPPS students presented their work
Rock by Rock – Explore the project-based science learning program used by the microschool

Produced by NOVA

297. Build Grit Through Youth Entrepreneurship with Krystal Popov

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:30:58 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Krystal Popov, founder of Futurepreneur, a program designed to help kids ages 6–16 turn creativity and tech skills into real-world ventures. Drawing on her own journey as a serial entrepreneur and parent, Krystal shares why entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting businesses, but about building problem-solvers who can thrive in a rapidly changing world.

We explore the core skills at the heart of her work: seeing problems as opportunities, developing grit, and learning to communicate with confidence. Krystall walks us through how her “business-in-a-box” kits guide kids through branding, budgeting, marketing, and sales while engaging families and communities along the way.

From lemonade stands to neighborhood helper services, these experiences help young people set goals, stick with challenges, and discover where they shine. Join us to explore how entrepreneurship can reshape learning for the next generation.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why entrepreneurship builds problem-solving, resilience, and leadership skills
Engaging families and communities in authentic learning experiences
Barriers to entrepreneurship in traditional school settings and how to navigate them

Resources:

Follow Krystal Popov on Facebook and Instagram
Futurepreneur – Explore youth entrepreneurship kits and programs
Free Futurepreneur™ Starter Kit: Teach Your Kid to Dream
Free Kid Biz (Lemonade Stand Freebie) – Download a starter business plan
Lehman Academy of Excellence – Learn more about the charter model mentioned

Produced by NOVA

296. Building Citywide Learning Ecosystems with Belén Quellet

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:30:49 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Belén Quellet, Executive Director of The Learning Quest, to explore what it really looks like to turn an entire city into a learning environment. Belén shares how Falls Church, Virginia is becoming an open-walled learning ecosystem where curiosity, repair, and real-world problem solving guide learning far beyond the classroom.

Together, we dig into learner voice, community partnerships, and why experiences like repair clinics, education passports, and local internships matter just as much as traditional academic pathways. Belén also reflects on shifting definitions of success, the future of work, and the importance of helping parents reimagine what learning can look like for their children.

This conversation is a thoughtful look at how communities can stitch together existing resources to support agency, exploration, and lifelong learning. Join us to explore what’s possible when learning truly belongs to everyone.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What a citywide learning ecosystem looks like in practice
How repair and sustainability spark curiosity and problem solving
Elevating learner voice through real community roles
Rethinking credit, credentials, and success beyond classrooms
Building trust with parents around nontraditional learning paths

Resources:

The Learning Quest
Education Reimagined: Learn more about learner-centered education and ecosystem labs nationwide
Repair Café: Discover how community repair events support sustainability and hands-on learning
Acton Academy: Learn more about learner-driven education models influencing Learning Quest’s work

Produced by NOVA

295. Building Resilient Minds in Education with Ishan Shivanand

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:30:52 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Ishan Shivanand, founder of Yoga of Immortals and author of the international bestseller The Practice of Immortality. Together, we explore why resilience training and inner work are becoming essential supports for students and educators navigating rising levels of stress, burnout, and disconnection. Ishan shares how his research-backed, non-pharmaceutical approach blends breathwork, meditation, and cognitive awareness to improve mental health and overall well-being.

Our conversation digs into what resilience training actually looks like in practice and why even small, consistent moments of awareness can make a measurable difference in learning environments. We also discuss how schools can integrate these tools in culturally respectful, non-theological ways that support both students and teachers. Join us to explore how building resilient minds can reshape the future of learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The growing mental health challenges facing students and educators
Research-backed resilience training and its impact on learning
Burnout, anxiety, and sleep issues in high-performing students
Practical ways to integrate mindfulness into classrooms
Why inner work is a lifelong skill, not an add-on

Resources:

The Practice of Immortality by Ishan Shivanand
Yoga of Immortals – Learn more about the research-backed mental health program and its applications in education
Peer-reviewed research in Frontiers in Psychiatry

Produced by NOVA

294. Building an Industry-Driven Tech High School with Nathan Gorsch

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:30:26 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re reconnecting with returning guest and “serial school starter” Nathan Gorsch, executive director and principal of the Colorado Springs School of Technology. Nathan shares how his experience launching Village High School shaped the vision for this new, industry-driven high school designed around immersive, future-focused learning. We explore how a powerful coalition of district leaders, higher education, and local industry came together to create a tech-focused ecosystem serving both students and the regional workforce.

We also dig into what school actually looks and feels like for students: flexible, workplace-inspired spaces, pathway-based coursework in aerospace, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and short, high-impact industry sprints led by professionals. Nathan reflects on why ethical leadership matters just as much as technical skills—especially in fields like AI—and hints at what’s coming next in the broader innovation zone. Join us to explore how schools can truly partner with the community to prepare students for emerging careers.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Launching the Colorado Springs School of Technology as an industry-driven innovation high school
Lessons learned from Village High School and applying them in a new context
Designing flexible, workplace-inspired learning spaces and student-centered pathways
Monday “industry sprints” with professionals in branding, ethics, design thinking, and rocketry
Embedding ethical leadership and social responsibility into high-tech career preparation
Envisioning an innovation zone with future medical, public service, and middle school models

Resources:

Colorado Springs School of Technology – Explore the school’s pathways in aerospace, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and leadership to see how an innovation high school can partner with industry.
Village High School – Look into Nathan’s first school startup to understand the blended, learner-agency model that inspired this next chapter.
Colorado Springs School District 11 – Learn more about the district context and its commitment to a school of innovation and a broader innovation zone.
Challenger Learning Center – Check out their 3D printing, rocketry, and aerospace experiences that support hands-on learning for CSSOT students.
DECA– Discover how student participation in business and marketing competitions builds real-world skills and confidence.
Portfolio School (NYC) – Explore other innovative school models experimenting with short, intensive projects and student-centered design.
Follow Nathan Gorsch on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

293. Rebuilding Teen Motivation and Daily Habits with Sean Geraghty

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:30:53 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Sean Geraghty, founder of Reset Coaching and co-founder of the Center for Teen Flourishing, to explore what today’s teens truly need to thrive. Sean walks us through the research behind how young people spend their time from 3 PM to 3 AM, highlighting the growing displacement of in-person connection, hobbies, work, and other meaningful activities by passive screen use. Together, we dig into why this shift matters and what opportunity costs families often overlook.

We also unpack the misconceptions around motivation and executive function—especially for teens with ADHD or chronic overwhelm—and how small, personalized strategies can lead to big wins. Sean shares practical insights from coaching, research, and behavioral science that help teens re-engage with life in authentic, sustainable ways. Join us to learn more about building healthier habits, supporting agency, and helping young people flourish.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How teens’ after-school hours have shifted from real-life engagement to digital distraction
The opportunity costs of screen time and why time-use matters
What motivation and executive function actually look like for ADHD and overwhelmed teens
Why personalized systems outperform one-size-fits-all strategies

Resources:

I’ll Do It Later: Surviving School and Renewing With Love With Your ADHD Son by Sean Geraghty & Mike Goldstein — A practical guide for parents supporting ADHD learners.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt — Explore the research shaping national conversations around teens, mental health, and technology.
Center for Teen Flourishing — Learn more about ongoing research into teens’ daily habits and wellbeing.
Reset Coaching — Discover executive function strategies and coaching support for teens and young adults.
American Time Use Survey (ATUS) — A national data source on how Americans spend their time, including trends among teens.

Produced by NOVA

292. Advancing Early College IT Pathways Through Microschool Innovation with Lisa Huffman

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:30:39 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Lisa Huffman, Dean of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology. Together, we explore the university’s long-standing Early IT program and the powerful new Microschool partnership designed to bring multiple districts, diverse learners, and shared resources into one collaborative ecosystem. Lisa unpacks why higher education is leaning in so deeply to rethink the K–12 pipeline and how this joint endeavor creates a win-win for students, universities, and future employers alike.

We also discuss how early college credit, real-world problem-based learning, and multi-district collaboration offer students a transformative pathway into high-demand IT careers. Lisa highlights the economic benefits of accelerated degree completion, the value of divergent perspectives, and why microschools may hold the key to scalable, future-ready learning experiences across communities.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why post-secondary institutions are rethinking partnerships with K–12
The design and purpose of the Early IT Microschool model
Multi-district collaboration as an engine for divergent thinking and problem solving
How early college credit accelerates economic mobility for students
What it takes to scale microschool models across different contexts

Resources:

University of Cincinnati Early IT Program

Produced by NOVA

291. Building Learner-Centered Ecosystems Through Community Partnerships with Coi Marie Morefield

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:30:43 +0000

What does it look like to build a truly learner-centered school from the ground up—and do it by activating the full power of the surrounding community?

In this episode, we welcome Coi Marie Morefield, founder of the Lab School of Memphis, a PK–8 learner-centered environment blending Waldorf, Montessori, unschooling, and constructivist approaches. Coi shares how her journey began with her own children and grew into a thriving school grounded in exploration, agency, and real-world learning.

We explore how the Lab School’s ecosystem model emerged out of necessity and evolved into a powerful framework for engaging local partners—from art museums and farms to restaurants, tennis programs, and even the Chamber of Commerce. Coi also reflects on growth, transitions, and what a flexible, a la carte future for high school could look like. This is an inspiring conversation about community-driven learning, bold leadership, and creating spaces where every learner is truly seen.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The origins of the Lab School of Memphis and its learner-centered philosophy
How community partnerships fuel real-world learning experiences
Building an ecosystem that supports both learners and educators
Navigating school growth, transitions, and evolving student needs
Rethinking high school through flexible, a la carte learning pathways

Resources:

Produced by NOVA

290. Building Math Confidence Through Strategy and Sensemaking with Mike Kenny

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:00:19 +0000

What if we taught math facts through understanding instead of memorization? In this episode, we welcome Mike Kenny—Vermont fifth-grade math teacher and creator of MathFactLab—who shares how strategy-based practice grounded in number sense transforms fluency and confidence. Inspired by the Vermont Mathematics Initiative, Mike reframed "flashcards" into visual, model-rich experiences that help students construct new facts from previously mastered ones.

We dive into how MathFactLab shifts classroom culture—helping students rediscover joy, confidence, and agency in math through reasoning rather than rote recall. Mike also shares how teachers can use progress tracking and conceptual tools to build genuine understanding and long-term success. This is a conversation about turning math from memorization into meaning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Strategy-based fluency vs. rote memorization
Using visual models to reduce cognitive load
Constructing new fact knowledge from mastered facts
Progress monitoring and impartial data collection
Building student agency, confidence, and joy in math

Resources:

289. Opening College Doors for Free with Jefferson Pestronk

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:30:56 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jefferson Pestronk, Executive Director at Modern States, to discuss how their free online courses and College Board’s CLEP exams make college credit accessible to everyone. Learners can take self-paced courses, earn vouchers, and bring passing CLEP scores to nearly 3,000 colleges—no tuition required on the Modern States side.

Jefferson shares how this model supports high schoolers, college students, and adult learners alike through flexible, scalable pathways. We also talk about AI tutoring, virtual cohorts, and statewide programs like Ohio’s new policy recognizing CLEP in diploma metrics.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Modern States + CLEP unlocks free, transcripted college credit for learners anywhere.
Who it serves—from teens to comebackers—and flexible ways schools embed it.
Funding the path: philanthropic support, employer benefits, and state policies.
New supports for self-paced success: AI tutoring and virtual cohorts.
Ohio’s policy shift elevating CLEP in accountability and diploma seals.

Resources:

Modern States — Create a free account and browse the full course library; look for the green “Sign Up” buttons.
College Board CLEP — Check which colleges accept which exams and the score needed to earn credit.
Connect with Jefferson Pestronk on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

288. Ruckus Leadership with Danny Bauer

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:30:49 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Danny Bauer, host of the Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast and a champion for reimagining education through leadership. Danny shares how his journey from assistant principal to leading a global community of “ruckus makers” has been fueled by a belief that leadership is service and schools must evolve beyond the status quo. His perspective challenges us to think differently about what school is for and how leaders can inspire students and educators alike.

We explore the importance of creating schools that kids actually want to show up for, the role of curiosity in shaping the future of learning, and why agency and authenticity are essential in leadership. From transforming abandoned spaces into learning labs to helping principals embrace bold, creative choices, Danny illustrates how disruption can open doors to new possibilities.

This conversation dives into leadership, agency, AI in education, and reimagining what makes school meaningful for both learners and leaders. Join us as we unpack how to build communities of growth, create irresistible learning environments, and embrace the power of disruption in education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Leadership as service in transforming education
Creating schools that inspire students to “opt in”
How curiosity and agency drive meaningful learning

Resources:

Better Leaders, Better Schools
Learning Unboxed Podcast
Follow Danny Bauer on Instagram: @betterleadersbetterschools

Produced by NOVA

287. Psychological Safety in Classrooms with Craig Randall

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:30:20 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, to explore how great teaching thrives when educators feel psychologically safe. We look at why traditional evaluation systems—rubrics, ratings, and high-stakes observations—stifle innovation, and how Craig’s trust-first model creates space for teachers to take risks and grow.

Craig shares his three-part approach: short, unannounced, strengths-based classroom visits; reflective conversations that begin with questions rather than judgments; and concrete, teacher-chosen support. From asking permission before offering suggestions to co-teaching or modeling strategies, each step builds trust so educators feel safe to experiment.

We also talk about scaling impact—aligning professional learning to core pedagogy, tapping in-house expertise, and working within mandated systems without losing sight of trust. The result is what John Hattie calls “collective teacher efficacy in action”—a culture where teachers share wins, iterate openly, and drive stronger student learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why ratings of pedagogy erode trust—and how mindset-focused feedback changes the game.
The mechanics of a strengths-based observation cycle (short, unannounced, reflective, supportive).
“Marbles in the jar”: lowering vulnerability to unlock risk-taking and innovation.
Turning observations into ongoing PD and collective teacher efficacy.
Practical ways to work within evaluation mandates while centering trust.

Resources:

Learn more at TrustBased.com
Read Trust-Based Observations by Craig Randall
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

286. Accelerating Reading Fluency with Tim Waldron

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:30:50 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into reading skills development with Tim Waldron, CEO of Readable English. We explore why so many students—especially in upper elementary, middle, and high school—are still reading below grade level and what it takes to close that gap quickly. The stakes are high: student confidence, classroom participation, and long-term success in college, career, and beyond.

Tim explains how English’s irregular spelling makes decoding harder than in phonetic languages. Readable English offers a research-backed approach—adding syllable breaks, grayed-out silent letters, and 21 glyphs tied to English phonemes—to reduce cognitive load and speed fluency and comprehension. This method supports the science of reading and Scarborough’s Rope by freeing up brainpower for meaning-making.

We also look at implementation: browser-based tools that mark up any digital text, short daily “reading power-ups” aligned to CTE pathways, and a light lift for teachers through two virtual trainings. Tim shows how schools can help students make up to two years of growth in a semester. Getting kids reading at grade level opens doors to deeper learning, authentic participation, and real opportunity.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The decoding problem: why English spelling slows fluency—and how glyphs reduce cognitive load.
A multi-sensory, research-backed approach that accelerates accuracy, rate, and comprehension.
Practical school rollout: minimal PD, browser tools, and daily practice that scales.
Supporting multilingual learners and older struggling readers without derailing core instruction.
Career-connected literacy: CTE-aligned reading “power-ups” to build relevance and motivation.

Resources:

Readable English — Explore the methodology, research, and request a demo
Classroom Browser Extension — Let students double-click any word for markup, pronunciation, definitions, and L1 translation; pilot it with a small group to see immediate impact

Produced by NOVA

285. Instructional Audio for Equitable Classrooms with David Solomon

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:30:09 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome David Solomon, CEO of Lightspeed Technologies, to unpack “instructional audio”—low-volume, high-clarity sound that makes the teacher’s voice equally intelligible in every seat. We explore why clarity beats volume for attention, language development, and early learners, and how speaking in a natural tone calms the room and boosts comprehension.

We also dig into real-world use: integrating classroom audio with displays, computers, PA, and security so pages and emergencies cut through, and teachers can route any audio evenly across the room. David shares quick-win adoption tips—from simple in-class demos to funding paths like bond measures, Title I, and local foundations—and how Lightspeed’s Activate tool supports small-group instruction by letting teachers listen in and jump in at the right moment.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What “instructional audio” is and why clarity beats volume for K–12 learning.
How to integrate classroom audio with displays, computers, PA, security, and phones.
Funding routes: bond measures, Title I, and school foundations.
Avoiding sound bleed and creating an even sound field in every seat.
Small‑group instruction with Activate and boosting student agency.

Resources:

Learn more: Lightspeed Technologies
Connect with David on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

284. Restorative Schools, Real Accountability with Nicholas Bradford

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:30:58 +0000

When it comes to student behavior, punishment often gets mistaken for progress. In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Nicholas Bradford, founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice, to explore a better path: restorative practices that build relationships, invite accountability, and strengthen school communities. Nicholas shares why “punishing our way to good behavior” doesn’t work—and how restorative approaches help students understand impact, repair harm, and reintegrate with dignity.

We unpack what real implementation looks like, from relationship-building circles to conferences scaled to the level of harm. Nicholas also highlights how schools can transform detention into a space for reflection and repair, and why accountability must go beyond a private apology to include the larger community.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why punitive systems fail—and what it means to center relationships and repair
How to design restorative responses that scale from low-level conflicts to serious harm
The power of peer voice and student social capital in changing behavior
Turning detention into development: reflection, mentoring, and accountable next steps
True accountability vs. coercion, and making repair visible so communities learn

Resources:

National Center for Restorative Justice
Connect with Nicholas Bradford on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

283. The Early Childhood Promise with Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum & Dr. Crystal Corle Loose

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:30:44 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Dr. Aimee E. Ketchum and Dr. Crystal Corle Loose, co-authors of The Early Childhood Promise. With a wealth of experience in pediatrics, occupational therapy, early education, and community outreach, they guide us through the transformative power of early childhood through evidence-backed strategies and a commitment to equity.

Throughout our conversation, Aimee and Crystal shed light on how play shapes children's brain development, language, and emotional resilience—and why high-stakes accountability and underfunded early childhood systems have eroded these critical opportunities. They also offer inspiring solutions for educators, parents, and policymakers to restore play, support vulnerable communities, and revitalize early learning ecosystems.

Join us as we explore tangible, research-informed steps—from engaging families at birth to nurturing play-based environments—that champion every child’s potential to thrive.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The science behind play and its role in brain development, language, and problem-solving
How federal policies and high-stakes testing pushed play out of classrooms—and why it must return
The undervaluing of early childhood educators and its impact on children’s futures
Why risky play and unstructured time are critical for building resilience
Practical steps for schools and communities to engage families from birth and support early learning

Resources:

Produced by NOVA

282. Place-Based Nature Learning with Christie McKelvie

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 09:30:30 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Christie McKelvie, co-founder and director of Rooted & Free Nature School, to talk about the transformative potential of place-based education. Christie shares her journey from classroom teacher to nature school founder, explaining how hands-on outdoor learning can nurture children’s confidence, agency, and love of nature.

We explore how Rooted & Free uses nature as its primary teacher, the benefits of “risky play,” and the unique way the school blends free exploration with guided learning. Christie also offers practical tips for traditional educators who want to bring more outdoor experiences into their own classrooms, even with limited resources.

If you’re curious about creating more meaningful and connected learning opportunities for kids, you’ll be inspired by Christie’s insights and her vision for education rooted in community and nature.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The philosophy and mission behind Rooted & Free Nature School
How place-based, experiential education fosters agency and environmental stewardship
The value of risk and “risky play” in children’s development
Practical strategies for bringing outdoor learning into traditional classrooms
Building community partnerships and increasing access to nature-based programs

Resources:

Learn more at Rooted and Free Nature School
Follow Rooted & Free on Instagram: @rootedandfreenatureschool

Produced by NOVA

281. Generational Learning Shifts with Jeff Utecht

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, I’m joined by Jeff Utecht, co-host of the Shifting Schools podcast and a consultant focused on generational change and AI in education. We explore how different generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha—bring unique values and expectations to both learning and work, and why understanding these differences is crucial for educators navigating today’s evolving classroom and workforce.

Jeff shares practical insights on adapting to digitally native students who expect gamified, collaborative experiences and discusses how tools like generative AI can help educators meet these changing needs.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How generational experiences shape learning styles and values
Navigating the challenges of four generations in the workplace and classroom
Why Gen Z and Alpha learners expect gamification and collaboration
The importance of authenticity and embracing failure in education
Leveraging AI to bridge generational gaps and support new approaches to teaching

Resources:

Listen to the Shifting Schools Podcast – Weekly conversations on modern schooling, leadership, and educational innovation.
Connect with Jeff Utecht for consulting or speaking via his website or on LinkedIn
Read: Generations by William Strauss and Neil Howe

Produced by NOVA

BONUS. Changing the Education Ecosystem with Byron Sanders

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:30:46 +0000

Welcome to our special series where we’ll explore four learning sites that are part of the Education Reimagined Ecosystem Lab. Usually, we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine past episodes and big conversations.

The traditional educational ecosystem is not built to reflect kids’ lived experiences and development. It has almost arbitrary divisions: School, after school, and summer; school districts and nonprofits; test scores and behavior. Byron Sanders and Big Thought want to change that ecosystem.

Big Thought is a Dallas-based organization that creates youth programming, convenes other educational organizations, and consults on best practices. Through experiential learning, they provide kids from marginalized communities the opportunities they need to identify and pursue their passions, build 21st skills, and exercise their agency.

Byron explains everything in terms of an ecosystem: How direct youth feedback of programs eventually impacts systems change, how creating more opportunities for youth changes the way they interact with the current system, etc. How he talks about our field might just change the way you look at everything.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How youth’s program feedback should inform advocacy for systems change
Why skills should supplement grades
Understanding the education as an ecosystem

Resources:

Learn more at BigThought.org
Read “Ecosystems for the Future of Learning” report commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

Produced by NOVA

BONUS. Building Students and Staff Agency with Johnna Noll

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:30:47 +0000

In 2015, Norris School District came to Johnna Noll with a learner-centered educational consultant’s dream request. The tiny school district’s residential population consisted of a treatment center for kids, and it asked Johna to help it transform into a learner-centered, trauma-invested, constantly-evolving program. Of course, she said yes.

Johnna joins the show today to tell us about what the school district has built. It uses a very clear learning design process: Profile, Plan, Pathway, Progress, and Proof. Students create their own unique learning paths based on their hobbies, talents, and interests. Then it’s up to the learning specialists to make sure academic competencies are tied into it.

The foundation of the entire learning environment is students and staff deeply learning about each other, building agency and confidence. From there students are connected to resources in the community to learn about what they are specifically interested in.

We also talk about how truly empowering students and staff goes hand-in-hand with scaling up. Authentic success stories for students and communities, plus a healthy workplace for educators, is necessary to sustain the growth rate needed to one day benefit all students across the state, country, and world.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Building student and staff profiles
Tying academic competencies in with community-based learning
Changing job descriptions and workplace policies to support learner-centered education

Resources:

Learn more at NorrisAcademyWI.org

Produced by NOVA

BONUS. Relationship as the Basis of Education with Jim Bailey of Rocky Tree Sky

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:30:32 +0000

The most important thing adults can provide young people in their learning journey is a caring relationship. That is the fundamental belief that drives Jim Bailey in his work as co-founder and executive director at Rock Tree Sky, a self-directed learning community. In this episode, Jim and Annalies discuss adults’ roles in making space for young people to tap their innate curiosity and problem-solving skills.

At Rock Tree Sky, adults roll up their sleeves and get inspired along with students. They act as guides, not knowledge holders– after all, most young people hold the world’s knowledge on a phone in their pocket. Rock Tree Sky is a learning space free from constant evaluation and purposefully designed for building relationships.

Jim also gets into some of the nuts-and-bolts of running this kind of organization. For example, Rock Tree Sky partnered with its local California school district to create an independent study model: Young people can get public funding to attend Rock Tree Sky twice a week. In return, the school district gets more enrollees and more per-pupil funding. Tune in to learn more about this model and what Jim is working on for the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The role of adults in young people’s learning journey.
Rock Tree Sky’s learning facilities and philosophy.
Partnership with school systems and inspiring conventional teachers.
Thinking about assessment, especially in order to get public funding.
Making these spaces financially accessible for all families.

Resources:

Rock Tree Sky: A Self-Directed Learning Community
Follow Rock Tree Sky on Instagram: @rocktreesky

Produced by NOVA

BONUS. Supporting Individual Interests and Strengths with Steve Heath

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:30:41 +0000

Steve Heath calls himself a “professional confuser.” In a world where kids are defined by grades, test scores, attendance, and behavior, Steve’s organization asks them what they want to do and then helps them do it.

Steve is executive director and co-founder of FabNewport. FabNewport provides underserved youth with the opportunity to learn how to code, sew, design, prototype, run CNC machines, and imagine new possibilities. In the 10 years, he’s served more than 20,000 middle and high school students, maintained long-term relationships with 3 school districts, and trained hundreds of educators to be better engaged.

Join us as we discuss how to develop ecosystems of personalized learning by connecting home bases, learning hubs, and field sites.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How to scale up an organization while still providing an individualized approach for each learner.
The concept of ecosystems of learning and the role of community in education.
The importance of building a lasting mentorship team around each kid.

Resources:

Learn more about FabNewport
Follow FabNewport on Instagram: @fabnewport
Watch Education Reimagined’s Big Idea video

Produced by NOVA

280. Internships & Student Agency with Aya Belouadah

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:30:55 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of internships with Aya Belouadah, a college student at The Ohio State University and PAST Foundation Intern. Aya shares her journey from early high school internships to her current college experiences, highlighting how hands-on opportunities have shaped her approach to learning and professional growth.

We dive into the importance of authentic, work-based learning and how it builds not just technical skills but also confidence, communication, and agency. Aya reflects on the differences between high school and collegiate environments, emphasizing why building community, embracing critique, and advocating for yourself are essential for both personal and professional development.

Together, we discuss strategies educators can use to create meaningful internship experiences and foster collaborative, well-rounded teams. Aya’s insights are a compelling reminder of why early, real-world experiences matter—and how students can harness them to chart their own unique paths.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The impact of internships on student agency and career direction
The value of authentic, work-based learning over traditional classroom assignments
Building community and communication skills within internship programs
Navigating team dynamics and the challenges of collaborative work
Strategies for educators to foster student growth, agency, and resilience

Resources:

Read Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life by Annalies Corbin

Produced by NOVA

279. Science Storytelling for Kids with Marshall Escamilla

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:30:49 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Marshall Escamilla, co-host and music creator for the Tumble Podcast, a show that brings the wonders of science directly to kids and families. Marshall shares how Tumble was born out of a desire to make science accessible, fun, and genuinely engaging—not just for future scientists, but for every curious young mind, even those who might think science isn’t “for them.”

We dive into how Tumble crafts episodes that spark curiosity by focusing on the stories behind real scientific discoveries. Marshall explains their process of sourcing wild and wonderful questions from kids—everything from “Why is underwear funny?” to “Can robots think like humans?”—and connecting those questions with active researchers to show that scientists are, at their core, just people trying to figure things out. He also highlights their efforts to support inclusive science education, including tools and curriculum to help students create their own podcasts and build scientific literacy in creative, accessible ways.

Tune in as we explore the impact of inviting kids to see themselves as scientists, no matter their background or career path, and why nurturing curiosity and scientific thinking is essential for preparing thoughtful citizens for the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Tumble Podcast uses real stories to spark scientific curiosity in kids
The process of turning children’s questions into episodes with scientists
Supporting blind and low-vision students through accessible podcasting
Empowering students and classrooms to create their own podcasts
Why building scientific literacy matters for all, not just future scientists

Resources:

Tumble Podcast: Listen to stories of discovery and curiosity-driven science.
MakeClassroomPodcast.com: Explore Tumble’s podcast creator tool and curriculum for classrooms.
Brains On! Podcast: Another leading science podcast for kids mentioned by Marshall.

Produced by NOVA

278. Digital Citizenship & Leadership with Dr. Lisa Strohman

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dr. Lisa Strohman, founder of Digital Citizen Academy and author of Unplugged: Raising Kids in a Technology Addicted World and Digital Distress: Growing Up Online. Dr. Strohman brings a wealth of expertise as a clinical psychologist, sharing her journey from hands-on clinical practice to building research-based programs that empower students to navigate technology with confidence.

We dive into the real-world impacts of technology overuse in classrooms and at home, exploring why conversations around digital citizenship have never been more urgent. Dr. Strohman walks us through the creation and success of Digital Citizen Academy, highlighting how intentional, scaffolded programs can reduce technology-related infractions and help students become leaders and decision-makers in their digital lives.

Together, we discuss the physiological and social effects of constant connectivity, the importance of critical thinking in the age of AI, and what it looks like to equip young people—and their parents—with the tools to define their own “brand” and values as they move through a digital world. Dr. Strohman shares both professional insights and personal experiences, emphasizing agency, self-trust, and the need to help students shape their futures with intention.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The urgent need for digital citizenship education and why it matters now more than ever
How Digital Citizen Academy’s research-based programs are transforming school culture and student behavior
The impact of personal devices and social media on learning, mental health, and self-image
Preparing students for a tech-driven world without losing critical thinking and self-regulation skills
The role of parents and educators in helping kids define their own values and navigate digital challenges

Resources:

Digital Citizen Academy: Learn more and bring programming to your school or community at dcakids.org
Get free copies of Dr. Lisa Strogman’s books at https://drlisastrohman.com/free-ebooks/

Produced by NOVA

277. Student-Centered High School Transformation with Steven Sell

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Steven Sell, Assistant Director at MAP Academy, an alternative charter high school in Plymouth, Massachusetts. MAP Academy’s mission is to serve students who haven’t found success in traditional schools by offering a personalized, student-centered approach with strong academic, social, and emotional support.

Steve shares how MAP’s interdisciplinary, mixed-age learning studios break away from grade levels and allow students to progress at their own pace. Teachers work collaboratively, and both students and staff have the freedom to shape their experience, making learning more meaningful and connected to real life.

We also explore MAP’s career-focused opportunities and wraparound support, including paid career exploration and ongoing guidance even after graduation. It’s a flexible, holistic model that helps students discover their strengths and build real pathways to future success.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The origin and mission behind MAP Academy and its focus on disconnected youth
The design and impact of interdisciplinary, competency-based learning studios
Student and teacher agency in an asynchronous, nontraditional environment
Robust wraparound supports and partnerships for academic and life success
Career exploration, wayfinding, and post-graduation support for alumni

Resources:

MAP Academy website: Learn more about their approach and student resources
YouthWorks Massachusetts: Explore paid career exploration and job training for young people
Mass Robotics: See the types of career field trips and partnerships MAP students experience

Produced by NOVA

276. Transforming Lives Through Education with David Harris

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by David Harris, President and CEO of Christel House International, a global nonprofit breaking the cycle of poverty through an 18-year, full-circle education model. Christel House operates nine tuition-free schools across five countries and supports students from early childhood through age 23. With a mission to create better life outcomes—not just academic success—Christel House boasts a remarkable track record, with 97% of its graduates employed or pursuing further education.

David walks us through the origins of Christel House, rooted in founder Christel DeHaan’s belief that every child deserves “a seat at the table of life.” We dive into what makes this model unique: the long-term commitment to students, the comprehensive wraparound services provided at no cost to families, and the ripple effects of lifting communities through sustained investment in education. David also shares insights into their expansion efforts, including partnerships with other schools and an innovative college and careers coaching program that supports students well into adulthood.

This conversation is a deep look into how educational models can and should be evaluated based on life outcomes rather than test scores. If we want to truly transform education, we must be willing to reimagine success—and that starts with staying in it for the long haul.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The origin story of Christel House and its founder’s vision
A unique 18-year model that follows students through school and into the workforce
How wraparound services—from nutrition to college coaching—change life trajectories
Expansion efforts and cross-school partnerships in Indianapolis
The power of measuring success through long-term life outcomes

Resources:

Learn more at christelhouse.org

Produced by NOVA

BONUS. Learner-Centered Schools in Every State with Sonn Sam

Mon, 26 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Welcome to a bonus edition of Learning Unboxed, where we will spend two weeks revisiting innovative case studies of student-centered learning. We know that the one-size-fits-all sit-and-get strategy is not the most effective for students. Join us in moving to a system that deeply values the individual. Tune in to get inspired and walk away with tools ready to champion student-centered environments in your own community.

There’s a good chance your state’s policies actually allow for more innovative and student-centered learning than you think. Sonn Sam is the National Director of Partnerships at Big Picture Learning and he’s our guest on the show today. He explains how they have been able to create more space for innovative student-centered learning over the last 30 years.

Big Picture Learning’s mission is to activate the potential of schools, systems, and education through student-driven, real-world learning with a vision that all students live lives of their own design, nurtured by supportive mentors, meaningful relationships, and equal opportunities to succeed. Big Picture Learning now has 111 schools in the US and 150 internationally.

Sonn explains Big Picture Learning’s emphasis on locally-infused school design, working through everyday obstacles to community-based learning like transportation issues, and helping teachers become well-connected generalists.

If you’re looking for practical ways you can make student-centered learning possible in your area, be sure to listen to this episode.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The difference between a school model and a school design
What it means to say “the student is the curriculum”
Why it’s important for teachers to be well-connected generalists

Resources:

Learn more at BigPicture.org
Read Education Reimagined’s research, “Progress and Possibilities to Support Learner-Centered Education and Ecosystem Design.”
BPL Guided Experience
Getting to Know BPL: a document that can help explain who BPL is, what they value, and how they do their work for and with young people.
BPL OARIA

Produced by NOVA

BONUS. Institute for Self Directed Learning with Tyler Thigpen

Mon, 19 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Dr. Tyler Thigpen co-founded The Forest School in Fayetteville, GA, and from there he also co-founded the Institute for Self Directed Learning. Tyler is our guest on the show today and shares with us key practices he has researched and used to nurture student-led environments.

We talk about the concept of mastery and how to measure it with single-point rubrics, with an emphasis on longitudinal growth. We discuss the role exhibitions and practicals play in developing student responsibility. We also get into how to create space for students to forge their character and learn how to manage conflict.

The Forest School is a model for all of us interested in education innovation, and its Institute for Self Directed Learning is a resource to help us achieve it.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Tyler implements self directed learning at the micro school he co-founded, The Forest School.
The importance of measuring longitudinal growth in a mastery-based environment.
How to create an environment where kids take responsibility for their learning.

Resources:

Learn more at the Institute for Self Directed Learning
For more free online resources, check out Transcend
Read: “The Playbook for Self Directed Learning”

Produced by NOVA

275. Playful Learning with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor

Mon, 12 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

We’re diving into the joy and purpose of play in this episode of Learning Unboxed with Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, director of Dr. Diane’s Adventures of Learning. Diane brings a powerful message about the deep connections between literacy, creativity, and hands-on exploration—reminding us that learning through play isn’t just for preschoolers, it’s a critical tool for all ages.

Diane shares vibrant, story-driven examples—like using “The Three Little Pigs” to explore everything from character sequencing to air pressure experiments—that show how play naturally builds literacy, science, and collaboration skills. She explains how thematic invitations to play create space for students to explore curiosity, make mistakes, and lead their own learning journeys. And it’s not just for little learners—she shares how even middle and high school students benefit from playful problem-solving that builds real-world skills and deeper engagement.

Together, we explore how educators can start small, collaborate with colleagues, and reimagine lesson planning to infuse wonder back into learning. Whether it’s sinking pirate ships or building TikTok bios of architects, Diane reminds us that when we treat curiosity as a tool, we unlock creativity in both students and teachers alike.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How play supports literacy and cognitive development
Using picture books and STEAM challenges to drive inquiry
The power of story-based learning across all grade levels
Practical ways to bring play into middle and high school classrooms
How teachers can advocate for hands-on learning with administrators
The policy shifts needed to support transdisciplinary education

Resources:

Produced by NOVA

274. Innovative Urban Learning with Kalimah Fergus Ayele

Mon, 05 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

What if your city was your classroom? In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we meet Kalimah Fergus Ayele, Head of the New York City campus of The Winchendon School, a high school program that reimagines education through experiential learning and citywide engagement.

Kalimah shares the origins of this innovative school model and the intentional design behind its iLab and CoLab programs. These programs push students beyond the walls of the classroom and into the streets, museums, pantries, and research centers of New York City. It’s all about cultivating agency, belonging, and real-world problem-solving—equipping students not just with knowledge, but with purpose.

From the power of design thinking to the importance of mindset shifts and community healing, Kalimah reflects on her global teaching experiences and how they shaped her leadership. As she guides students toward a future where uncertainty is the norm, she’s helping them discover their voice, creativity, and capacity to lead right now—not someday.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The city-as-classroom model at The Winchendon School NYC
How real-world learning cultivates student agency and belonging
The role of design thinking in education transformation
Why mindset shifts matter more than strategies
Responding to student needs in times of social and political change
Creating future-ready learners through curiosity and choice

Resources:

The Winchendon School
Books by Ruha Benjamin:
Race After Technology
Viral Justice
NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC)
The Winchendon School NYC Instagram: @winchendon_in_the_city

Produced by NOVA

273. Summer Learning Through Outdoor Joy with Lisa Gitelson

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the powerful intersection of summer camp and education with Lisa Gitelson, CEO of the Fresh Air Fund. With over 148 years of impact, the Fresh Air Fund offers low-income youth from New York City transformative summer experiences—think swimming, hiking, stargazing, and leadership training—all designed to develop independence, confidence, and community connection.

Lisa shares how the Fresh Air Fund continuously evolves its programming through strategic planning, curriculum themes tied to outdoor learning, and feedback from youth, alumni, and families. We discuss the barriers many families face in accessing outdoor experiences and how the organization builds trust through transparency, outreach, and storytelling—like youth-produced podcasts.

We also talk about how these immersive, joyful experiences shape not just campers but future leaders. Lisa highlights the ripple effects of camp, from mentoring and year-round programming to encouraging curiosity and questions in every learning environment. Join us as we imagine how summer camps can inspire schools to embrace joy, agency, and community.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The Fresh Air Fund’s 148-year legacy of empowering NYC youth
Why outdoor learning fosters leadership, confidence, and curiosity
Tackling cultural and logistical barriers to access
Year-round programming that builds on summer experiences
How summer camp values can inform classroom teaching

Resources:

Learn more at The Fresh Air Fund
Follow Lisa on X (formerly Twitter): @LisaGitelson
Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn
Follow The Fresh Air Fund on Instagram: @thefreshairfund

Produced by NOVA

272. Reimagining EdTech and Data with Chris Hull

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into the transformative power of data in education with Chris Hull, former educator and co-founder of Otus. Otus is a K-12 assessment and data insights platform designed to centralize the many fragmented tools educators use and provide actionable data to drive student success. Chris brings a deep understanding of the classroom and a passion for leveraging technology to empower teachers, students, and families.

We talk about the overwhelming nature of data in schools today and how Otus helps educators move from being "data rich but information poor" to truly data-informed. Chris explains how the platform supports intentional instruction, fosters collaboration across stakeholders, and simplifies the daily workflow through AI-powered insights. Instead of adding more to teachers' plates, Otus is designed to save time and enhance student outcomes.

From the value of asking better questions to the magic of those “aha” moments in the classroom, this conversation offers practical insight into using data not just as numbers on a page, but as a tool for deeper connection and more effective teaching. If you've ever felt lost in the sea of edtech tools or unsure how to make data work for you, this episode is for you.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Otus simplifies and centralizes educational data for teachers
The importance of data literacy and asking better questions
How AI assists in interpreting student performance
Turning instinctual insights into actionable strategies
Reducing teacher workload while increasing impact

Resources:

Learn more about Otus
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

271. Transforming Education Through Teaming with Nick Salmon, Mar Cano Mesa, and Erin O’Reilly

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're joined by Nick Salmon, Mar Cano Mesa, and Erin O’Reilly, co-authors of TeamEd, a transformative guide to collaboration in education. Together, they share the story behind their international partnership and their deeply rooted belief that teaming—at every level of the education ecosystem—is essential to building a more learner-centered, sustainable, and joyful system.

We dig into what makes a true team (not just a group), how ecosystem thinking influences team development, and how teacher preparation programs can intentionally plant the seeds of collaboration. Erin shares how she integrates team-based principles into her work training future educators, while Mar explores how visiting schools like Green School Bali and High Tech High shaped her approach. Nick reminds us that education needs diverse voices—especially non-traditional ones—and that the power of team teaching can unlock possibilities we never imagined.

Tune in to hear how this trio models the very work they advocate for—blending ideas, supporting one another’s growth, and pushing education toward a more equitable, connected, and empowered future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why true collaboration means more than just working in groups
The role of ecosystems in transforming education
Practical strategies for building trust and psychological safety in teams
How teacher prep programs can use teaming to support retention
The power of including non-traditional voices in education
Using teaming as a model for both staff and students

Resources:

Read TeamEd
Green School Bali – A model of holistic, sustainability-focused education
High Tech High
Connect with Nick on LinkedIn
Connect with Mar Cano on LinkedIn
Connect with Erin on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

270. Revolutionizing Math Education with Dr. Aditya Nagrath

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Math anxiety holds many students back, but what if we could change the way they experience mathematics? In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, to explore how his innovative approach helps students master years of math in just a few months—using only 10 minutes a day, three days a week.

Dr. Nagrath shares the science behind teaching math as a language, explaining why early exposure to mathematical thinking strengthens all forms of literacy. He also dives into the root causes of math anxiety, how belief systems shape student confidence, and why meeting children at their level of understanding is critical for success. His research-backed methodology focuses on experiential learning, ensuring students grasp math concepts rather than just memorizing formulas.

With a mission to transform math education, Elephant Learning is now expanding into public schools, making these powerful tools accessible to more students. Join us as we discuss how we can change the narrative around math, boost confidence, and ensure every child has the foundation they need to thrive in a world that’s becoming increasingly mathematical.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How math anxiety develops and how to overcome it
Why learning math early enhances overall literacy
The power of experiential learning in math education
How Elephant Learning personalizes math instruction in just 10 minutes a day
The importance of belief and confidence in student success
Bringing research-backed math tools into public education

Resources:

Learn more: Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy
Read: Treating Mathematics Anxiety by Dr. Aditya Nagrath

Produced by NOVA

269. AI as a Positive Disruptor in Education with Jose Moreno

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education with Jose Moreno, founder and CEO of Neulight. Jose's company is at the forefront of using AI to empower educators through their innovative product, IntelliTier, which helps schools implement personalized student support systems with data-driven intervention strategies.

Jose shares his journey from working at Netflix to founding Neulight, highlighting the parallels between AI adoption today and past technological shifts like the internet and mobile apps. We discuss how AI can streamline data collection, enhance the implementation of frameworks like MTSS, and provide educators with actionable insights to better support students. Jose also tackles concerns around AI ethics, data security, and bias in educational tools, ensuring that AI is implemented responsibly and equitably.

Join us as we unpack how AI is shaping the future of learning, the opportunities it presents for educators, and why embracing this technology with a thoughtful approach can lead to more effective and inclusive educational practices.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How AI is reshaping personalized education
The role of IntelliTier in streamlining student support
Addressing security and ethical concerns in AI-driven education
The challenge of bias in AI and ensuring cultural relevance
Lessons from past technological shifts in shaping AI's future

Resources:

Learn more about IntelliTier and Neulight: neulight.io
Want to try out AI for free? Try ChatGPT
Follow Neulight on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

268. Jazz Lab & STEM with Stephanie Matthews

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of jazz in education with Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz. Stephanie has pioneered Jazz Lab, an innovative pilot program that integrates jazz with STEM education to foster creativity, collaboration, and emotional wellness in students. Backed by the Battelle Central Ohio STEM Grant, Jazz Lab provides an interactive, interdisciplinary learning experience where kids build 3D-printed instruments, explore the physics of sound, and even engage in virtual reality music-making.

Stephanie shares how jazz, with its improvisational nature, can be a powerful tool for problem-solving, innovation, and community building. By merging music with science and technology, Jazz Lab helps students develop essential 21st-century skills, from resilience to collaboration. More than just a music program, Jazz Lab is about expanding possibilities—whether through hands-on exploration of sound, engaging with professional musicians, or discovering new career paths in STEM and the arts.

Join us as we discuss the impact of Jazz Lab and the vision for its future, including expanding beyond Ohio and developing a model that could be replicated nationwide. Stephanie’s work is a testament to the incredible ways we can rethink education and create engaging, meaningful learning experiences for all students.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Jazz Lab bridges the gap between music and STEM education
The power of improvisation in fostering creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving
Why jazz is more than music—it’s a tool for emotional wellness and social connection
How hands-on experiences like 3D-printed instruments and VR music-making engage students in learning
The long-term vision for Jazz Lab and its potential to reshape traditional education models

Resources:

A Tribe for Jazz: atribeforjazz.org
Follow A Tribe for Jazz on Instagram: @atribeforjazz_
COSI (Center of Science and Industry): cosi.org

Produced by NOVA

267. Empowering Kids: Rethinking Grades and Stress with Ned Johnson

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Ned Johnson, co-author of “The Self-Driven Child” and “What Do You Say?”. Ned’s unique blend of experience as a successful academic tutor and a dedicated advocate for student autonomy helps us explore how control and agency shape a child’s mental health and intrinsic motivation.

We discuss why a student’s sense of control matters more than we might initially think. Through real-life examples and solid research, Ned shows us how an overemphasis on grades can sometimes mask underlying issues such as anxiety, ADHD, or dyslexia. We dig into what it means for young people to make their own choices and why this fosters both resilience and engagement.

Ned also shares stories of schools and programs that are breaking away from a rigid, test-focused mindset, encouraging students to find what truly excites them. From “Flex Fridays” to helping kids think about a “Plan B,” we learn how shifting some control to students can yield powerful outcomes. Together, we uncover the value of letting kids explore and shape their own paths, both for their academic success and their emotional well-being.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The link between autonomy and mental health in young people
Why “Plan B” thinking reduces anxiety and fosters resilience
The dangers of masking real learning challenges behind good grades
Innovative school approaches that boost engagement by granting student choice
How parents and educators can support kids’ decision-making without overcontrol

Resources:

Read: The Self-Driven Child
Read: What Do You Say?
Follow Ned on Instagram: @theothernedjohnson

Produced by NOVA

266. Leading with Paws: Empowering Students Through Unconventional Support with Kim Wilson

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore how Ferris, a facility dog at Upper Arlington High School, is transforming inclusion and leadership for students with disabilities. Kim Wilson, an Intervention Specialist, shares how Ferris fosters connections, encourages student leadership, and enhances the school community in ways beyond traditional support models.

What started as an experiment in disability inclusion became a powerful tool for engagement, bridging gaps between students and creating unexpected learning opportunities. From leading activities in elementary schools to bringing families together through his Instagram, Ferris’s impact extends far beyond the classroom.

We also discuss the challenges of introducing a facility dog in schools, including managing logistics, addressing allergies, and ensuring meaningful inclusion. Whether you’re an educator or simply love an inspiring story, this episode highlights how unconventional approaches can reshape education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Ferris the facility dog fosters inclusion and leadership among students with disabilities.
The process of bringing a facility dog to a school, from idea to implementation.
The unexpected ways Ferris connects the broader school community and even families at home.
The subtle promotion of disability awareness without focusing directly on disabilities.
Challenges schools should consider before introducing a facility dog, including managing allergies and cultural sensitivities.

Resources:

Paws with a Cause: The organization that provided Ferris and supports facility dog programs tailored to educational environments. Learn more about their work.
Ferris’s Instagram: Follow Ferris’s daily adventures and see how he’s making an impact at Upper Arlington High School. @UAFerris

Produced by NOVA

265. Redefining Student Success: The Portrait of a Graduate Movement with Shannon King

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive into the transformative power of the Portrait of a Graduate with Shannon King, Chief Learning Officer at Battelle for Kids. This initiative is reshaping how schools define student success, moving beyond grades and test scores to include durable skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills that are essential for thriving in the modern workforce.

Shannon shares insights into the Portrait to Practice and Portrait to Impact frameworks, which help educators bring these skills into the classroom and measure real-world success. We explore the critical role of community engagement in redefining education and discuss the growing recognition that traditional schooling no longer meets the needs of students or employers. With research showing that 85% of job success comes from skills schools often overlook, this work is more urgent than ever.

Join us as we discuss the challenges and opportunities in transforming education, from rethinking assessments and leadership training to shifting the way schools communicate their values. If we were to excavate a school thousands of years from now, what would its artifacts say about what we valued? It’s time to ensure that education truly prepares students for a future we can’t yet predict.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The Portrait of a Graduate and why it matters
Durable skills and their impact on workforce readiness
How communities and businesses influence education reform
Challenges in transforming schools and redefining success
The role of authentic assessment and student-led learning
Why the traditional education model is obsolete and needs reinvention

Resources:

Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn
Battelle for Kids – Organization leading the Portrait of a Graduate initiative. Learn more here
EdLeader21 Network: www.battelleforkids.org/networks/edleader21-network/
The Future of the Portrait of a Graduate Special Report

Produced by NOVA

264. Building a Better School System: The Vision for a Common Global Diploma with Carmela Fleury

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0000

What if education worked for every child, no matter where they lived or how they learned?

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Carmela Fleury, the creator of the Global Education Meetup Retreat and host of the Global Nomad Parent Podcast. Carmela is on a mission to reimagine education on a global scale with the launch of the Common Global School Diploma, an ambitious initiative that brings together progressive educators and alternative learning institutions from around the world.

We explore the shifting landscape of education, how digital nomad families and neurodiverse students are challenging the traditional model, and why now is the time to create a globally recognized alternative to standardized schooling. With a focus on self-directed learning, mastery-based assessments, and e-portfolios, Carmela shares her vision for a future where education meets students where they are. Tune in as we discuss the potential impact of this global initiative and how it could reshape the way we think about learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The Global Education Meetup 2025 and its mission to create a Common Global School Diploma
How progressive education models are challenging traditional schooling
The role of AI and technology in designing personalized learning experiences
The importance of mentors over traditional teachers in student development
How e-portfolios could replace traditional transcripts and revolutionize assessments

Resources:

Learn more at carmelafleury.com
Listen to the Global Nomad Parents Podcast
Learn more: The Global Education Meetup 2025
Read the article Creating a Global Educational System
Follow Carmela on Instagram: @carmela_fleury

Produced by NOVA

263. Designing with Kids, Not for Kids with Dave Hersh

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Dave Hersh, the CEO of InTandem, a groundbreaking organization connecting youth voices with industries to improve products, programs, and services. Dave’s work centers on reducing the barriers that prevent young people from participating in the design of the very systems and tools that impact their lives. By removing logistical, regulatory, and cultural obstacles, InTandem ensures youth are not just heard but actively co-designing the future.

Dave shares his insights into the friction industries face when engaging with young people and explains how InTandem bridges this gap. We dive into the transformative potential of youth-driven design, from education technology to app development, and how organizations gain actionable insights by involving young people at every stage of the R&D process. Dave also explores the profound impact this engagement has on youth, fostering agency, belonging, and real-world skills.

Tune in to hear how InTandem is redefining collaboration between generations, giving young people a seat at the table, and helping organizations create solutions that truly work.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The importance of youth voices in user-centered design.
Barriers to involving young people in decision-making and how to overcome them.
The mutual benefits for organizations and youth in co-designing solutions.
The transformative role of agency and belonging for young participants.
Real-world examples of how InTandem connects youth with industries.

Resources:

Learn more about In Tandem
Read 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager
Connect with Dave Hersh on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

262. Reimagining Education: Purpose, Agency, and the PEAK Model with Kapono Ciotti

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we have the privilege of delving into the personal journey of Kapono Ciotti, CEO of the Pacific American Foundation and co-author of the Landscape Model of Learning. His story, inspired by his parents and his own empowering school experiences, resonates with our shared commitment to reimagining education as a space where students are the protagonists of their learning journey.

We explore the origins of the PEAK model, rooted in the work of "What School Could Be," and its focus on fostering purpose, essential skills, student agency, and deep, applied learning. Kapono's emphasis on celebrating schools' successes beyond standardized testing is a beacon of hope, providing a pathway for certification of distinction and encouraging schools to spotlight and build on what they're doing well.

Kapono shares insights into the challenges of educational reform, from systemic bureaucracy to integrating AI, and introduces the 'island change model,' a practical and applicable framework for guiding schools through transformation. This episode is an inspiring look at how education can evolve to meet the needs of the future by focusing on adaptability, empathy, and creativity.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The origins and principles of the PEAK model for educational transformation.
How the Pacific American Foundation works to foster purpose-driven learning across the globe.
Challenges and opportunities in education, including the role of AI.
Practical frameworks for managing change in schools.
Strategies for celebrating and scaling innovative educational practices.

Resources:

Learn more at reimaginelearning.ca
Hyperlinked URLs to relevant social media channels
Follow Kapono on Instagram: @kaponociotti
Take the survey: reimaginelearning.ca/survey
Read The Landscape Model of Learning

Produced by NOVA

261. Gamifying Life Skills: How CoLab is Transforming Education with Play with Alan Tang

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Alan Tang, co-founder of Collaboration Laboratory (CoLab), an award-winning online program that teaches kids life skills through immersive, game-based learning. CoLab combines elements of Pokemon and Sherlock Holmes, using interactive challenges to help kids develop confidence, leadership, and critical thinking—all while having fun.

Alan shares his unconventional career journey from corporate finance to education and how his experiences led him to create a platform that engages students in authentic learning. CoLab’s global approach fosters collaboration between children from different cultures, allowing them to learn through negotiation, experimentation, and shared problem-solving. The program’s impact isn’t just limited to kids—companies and leadership teams are using CoLab’s methodology to improve teamwork and decision-making.

Tune in to hear how CoLab is redefining education by making learning engaging, accessible, and truly transformative. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or business leader, Alan’s insights will leave you inspired to rethink how we teach and learn.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How CoLab gamifies learning to teach essential life skills.
The power of engagement-driven education in building problem-solving and leadership abilities.
The unexpected benefits of game-based learning for corporate teams.
Creating a global classroom where kids learn through cultural exchange.
The role of reflection and iteration in fostering real-world skills.
Expanding access to high-quality education through an inclusive, subsidized model.

Resources:

Learn more about CoLab: collaborationlaboratory.com
Connect with Alan on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

260. Latest Trends in Education Doctoral Research with Maggie Broderick

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Dr. Maggie Broderick is the Dissertation Chair in the Department of Teacher Education at National University. National University has doctoral students all over the world and credentials the most PK-12 teachers in the state of California.

Because of her position, Maggie has an incredible view of the latest research in teacher education. Today, she joins the show to share the latest trends in doctoral research in this area.

We discuss the surge of interest in social-emotional learning and the concept of teacher dispositions. We also touch on generational differences and the role of technology.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How teacher education needs to be agile
Reasons for the increased interest in social-emotional learning research
The new field of questions about the role of teacher dispositions

Resources:

Read “Mindset” by Carolyn Dweck
Learn more about the work of Ken Robinson
National University: https://www.nu.edu/

Produced by NOVA Media

259. Root Causes of Chronic Absenteeism with Amber Humm Patnode

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Amber Humm Patnode has spent over a decade researching the root causes of chronic absenteeism and how to address them effectively. She joins us today to explain what the data shows.

Amber is the Acting Director of the Proving Ground program, part of Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research. She helps school districts assess the data they have related to chronic absenteeism, analyze it, and come up with timely solutions.

In today’s episode, we talk about the three main categories of root causes– physical, aversion, and disengagement– and what educators can do about them.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The physical barriers leading to absenteeism: illness, transportation, suspensions, etc.
The “aversion” reasons for absenteeism: perception of safety, social-emotion difficulties. etc.
The “disengagement” root cause of absenteeism: When students or families don’t see how attendance is going to help students reach their goals.

Resources:

Learn more about Proving Ground
Learn more about Attendance Works

Produced by NOVA Media

258. Math Class as Computer Science Class with Chris Orban

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 10:30:00 +0000

What if instead of pushing every high schooler into Algebra 2, we let them choose a math route that focused more on data science and computers? That’s what Chris Orban and the Math Pathways project are working to make happen in the state of Ohio.

On the show today, Chris describes how he’s helping increase access to computer science education for kids across the state through math course offerings. He walks us through what those courses can look like, including a project on the Nintendo64 Mario game.

Chris gives an excellent, deep-in-the-weeds perspective of what it takes to make this kind of systemic change.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How a course can serve as both a math class and a computer science class
What systems change looks like from an in-the-weeds perspective
How community members can be impactful in education policy change

Resources:

Learn more about the Math Pathways project

Produced by NOVA

257. Industrial Partnerships as Positive Disrupters with Kasondra Wilson

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Kasondra Wilson was a first generation college student and now works at one of the top consulting firms in the world, Deloitte. She knows firsthand what boost students need in order to thrive in the professional environment. Kasondra is one of our industry partners here at the PAST foundation, and we’re thrilled to have her on the show today.

Kasondra walks our listeners through how to attract and retain industry partners in the education and youth development space. If you’ve been hesitant about reaching out to local industry partners for your own organization, you’ll definitely feel more confident after tuning in to this episode.

We are so proud of our partnership with Kasondra and Deloitte. Thank you to all our industry partners out there!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How to look through an corporate org chart to identify potential partners
What collaboration looks like between educators and industry professionals
How industry partners can identify what they have to offer students

Resources:

Learn more about Deloitte’s Skill-Based Volunteering

Produced by NOVA

256. Portable Innovation Labs (Part 3 of 4) with Iddrisu Seidu and Rich Granger

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Welcome back for the third episode of our four-part series all about our Portable Innovation Labs (PILs). Today, we have a conversation with two community partners who use PILs for their workforce development missions.

Iddrisu Seidu from Makerspace Central and Rich Granger from DriveOhio explain how they team up with our rocket-focused PIL. By using 3D-printing, the PIL allows children to immerse themselves in rocket science– yes, rocket science.

Aerospace and aviation are important industries in Ohio’s economy. Through the rocket-based PIL, we can build a more diverse and talented future workforce together.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why Makerspace Central and DriveOhio decided to use PILs
How PILs increase diversity in STEM
How PILs can be adjusted for different age groups

Resources:

Listen to Episode 49. Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: The Role of Education in Smart Mobility & Infrastructure
Access DriveOhio’s free Educator Toolkit
Learn more at MakerspaceCentral.org
Follow Makerspace Central on Instagram: @Makerspace.Central

Produced by NOVA

255. Learner-Centered Assessment with Sonn Sam

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:30:00 +0000

If assessments measured how a student is smart, not if a student is smart, our education system would be in a better place. That’s the future Sonn Sam and Big Picture Learning are building towards. And they already have examples of it working.

In this conversation, we do a deep dive into learner-centered assessment. We talk about the resistance to it, but also about where it’s finding support with families and businesses who care about the future workforce.

Learner-centered assessment demands change for the better. It’s a path toward more culturally relevant and locally derived education. And increasingly, it looks like the best path for the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Big Picture Learning’s trifecta model: semi-savvy student, semi-savvy advisor, and semi-savvy mentor
What it means for assessment to be learner-centered
The power of slowing down for authentic reflection

Resources:

Listen to Episode 247. Learner-Centered Schools in Every State with Sonn Sam
Learn more at BigPicture.org
Learn more about the Aurora Institute

Produced by NOVA

254. The Walkabout Way with Melyssa Dominguez and Jenny Long

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Imagine if instead of having to cram for tests and sit through lessons, high schoolers could graduate by navigating six “passages” that prove their practical, creative, and logical skills. Fifty years ago in Jefferson County, Colorado, a group of parents and educators created a school just like that and it’s still thriving today. Melyssa Dominguez and Jenny Long from the Open School join us today to talk about their unique program.

Melyssa and Jenny describe the “Walkabout” high school program. They explain each of the six “passages” and show how the model is supported by an advisory system and authentic evaluation process.

Not only do Open School’s Walkabout graduates get eagerly accepted by colleges and universities, but the skills the students develop during their “passages” make them more likely to finish their diplomas than the national average.

Listen in to learn what aspects of “Walkabout” you can apply to your own learning environment.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The six “passages” Open School student must finish to graduate
How the Open School does self-evaluation and transcripts
The Open School’s advisory system

Resources:

Learn more at jcos.jeffcopublicschools.org/curriculum/walkabout
Read “To Create the World That Ought to Be: Memoirs of a Radical Educator” by Arnie Langberg

Produced by NOVA Media

253. Portable Innovation Labs (Part 2 of 4) with Jessica Fields

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:30:00 +0000

When Jessica Fields carries a PAST Foundation Portable Innovation Lab (PILs) box into a school, kids’ eyes light up. They know they’re about to do something cool and fun. What they probably don’t realize is that they’re also going to be learning standard-aligned content that keeps them on-track with their curriculum. Jessica is a 21st Century Learning Coach for Grandview Heights Schools and she is our guest on the show today.

Jessica describes how PILs helps her schools jumpstart innovative education. Just one lab can help students come alive to learning and help teachers trust this approach to teaching. Multiple labs can build a culture of inquiry-based learning.

If you’re a teacher, school leader, after-school programmer, or workforce development specialist, take a listen to this episode and discover what PILs can do for your students.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How PILs help connect private partners with schools for workforce development
Why starting the school year with a lab-based lesson can help build a collaborative classroom culture
How PILs better connect families to their kid’s learning

Resources:

Learn more about Portable Innovation Labs

Produced by NOVA Media

252. Microschools as Positive Disruptors with David K. Richards

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Microschools are positive disruptors of our modern education ecosystem. Today, CEO of Changemaker Microschools, David K. Richards, joins the show to help us dig a little deeper into the phenomenon.

We discuss the ingredients to starting and sustaining a microschool: finding the right teachers; navigating facility and funding options; and deeply engaging student families. We also talk about microschools’ position in the wider education ecosystem.

All signs point to the growth of microschooling, so tune in and see if this model might work for your community.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Recruiting and training teachers for self-directed learning models
Family engagement in opening new microschools
How microschools obtain funding

Resources:

Learn more at DavidKRichards.com
Check out MicroSchoolingCenter.org

Produced by NOVA Media

251. Love of Learning with Amir Nathoo

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:30:00 +0000

The most important part of a child’s education is developing a love of learning. That’s Amir Nathoo’s motto and what led him to co-found OutSchool. Amir joins the show today to talk about future-proofing education by allowing students to engage with what they are most interested in.

OutSchool is a marketplace for live online classes for K-12 learners. It has helped over a million students explore their interests with live online classes in nearly any subject you can think of: learning social skills through Minecraft, to gaming clubs, to learning veterinary topics.

As both parents and teachers are increasingly unhappy with the traditional education system, OutSchool hopes to act as a disruptive force to bring much needed change from outside the system. Tune in to hear Amir’s thoughts about the future workplace, technology, and happiness.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How to future-proof education
Why developing a love of learning is the most important part of a child’s education
Ways to address the teacher shortage

Resources:

Learn more at OutSchool.com
Follow OutSchool on Instagram: @outschool
Check out OutSchool’s YouTube channel
Connect with OutSchool on Facebook

Produced by NOVA Media

250. Portable Innovation Labs (Part 1 of 4) with Brianna Agomessou

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Welcome to our new mini-series on our Portable Innovation Labs (PILs). Here at the PAST Foundation, we’ve been working hard to make this offering a reality. Now we want to tell you all about it! Our own Brianna Agomessou joins the show today to give an overview of our PIL program.

The PIL program is made up of over 40 labs that educators can borrow for 2-3 weeks for free. The labs come with equipment, materials, and even curricula. The best part: They’re completely free.

Besides talking about the nuts and bolts of PIL, we also dive deep into topics about partnering with companies, diversity in STEM, and how to scale up this initiative.

Stay tuned for the next episode where we have an educator discuss their experience with PILs!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What Portable Innovation Labs are
Who can use Portable Innovation Labs
How Portable Innovation Labs are scaling up

Resources:

Learn more about Portable Innovation Labs

Produced by NOVA Media

249. Purdue PolyTechnic: A School without Walls with Dr. Keeanna Warren

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Dr. Keeanna Warren, CEO of Purdue Polytechnic High School, says her school is a school without walls. She means that metaphorically of course, but it did physically come to fruition through a student project at one point. Dr. Keeanna Warren joins us on the show today to explain.

Purdue Polytechnic High School is a school without walls in the sense that it has strong relationships with industry partners. Industry partners are always welcomed in the school and students are always going out to industry partner sites. But it’s also a school without walls –or at least a few less walls– because a few years ago students successfully advocated tearing down some of the classroom walls that were hindering learning.

That’s the essence of Purdue Polytechnic High School. They empower their students to engage in real world problems and have their voices heard. Tune in to hear all the details from Dr. Keeanna Warren.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What’s needed for successful private-public partnerships
How Purdue Polytechnic High School achieves diversity by design
How Dr. Keeanna Warren seeks to elevate the role of teachers

Resources:

Learn more at pphs.purdue.edu

Produced by NOVA Media

248. AI in EdTech: The SchoolJoy Platform with Ian Zhu

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000

There are lots of conversations today about AI’s role in education. To help us more deeply discuss it, we have invited Ian Zhu on the show today. Ian is the co-founder and CEO of SchoolJoy.

We have a conversation about SchoolJoy, an AI-powered education management platform that provides dynamically updated personal learning preference plans, as well as a comprehensive extended learning program management. We dig into issues of bias, data protection, data fidelity.

Ian suggests we analyze AI’s value not by what it can do, but what it can support. In the case of his SchoolJoy project, AI supports teachers building strong relationships with students and better organizing student data.

Tune in and let us know what you think about AI’s role in innovative, student-centered education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The role of AI in EdTech
How teachers can help each other better understand individual students
Addressing bias and data protection in EdTech

Resources:

Learn more at SchoolJoy.com

Produced by NOVA Media

247. Learner-Centered Schools in Every State with Sonn Sam

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0000

If you’re looking for practical ways you can make student-centered learning possible in your area, be sure to listen to this episode.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The difference between a school model and a school design
What it means to say “the student is the curriculum”
Why it’s important for teachers to be well-connected generalists

Resources:

Learn more at BigPicture.org
Read Education Reimagined’s research, “Progress and Possibilities to Support Learner-Centered Education and Ecosystem Design.”
BPL Guided Experience
Getting to Know BPL: a document that can help explain who BPL is, what they value, and how they do their work for and with young people.
BPL OARIA

Produced by NOVA Media

246. Going Homework-less and Grade-less with Andrea Vescelius

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Andrea Vescelius is a Ohio public school teacher who has eliminated homework and limited grades to just quarterly marks for her students. In this episode, we ask her how she pulled this off and what impact it has had on her students.

Andrea takes us on her 24-year teaching journey. She notes when and why her thoughts on homework and grades changed. She also describes the small steps she took, and continues to take, to make her teaching more centered on student needs.

If you’ve ever dreamed of making your classroom less checkbox-driven and more student-led, this episode is for you.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The benefits of no homework and no grades
Andrea’s journey to not assigning homework and limiting graded work
How other teachers can move in the direction of no homework and grades

Produced by NOVA Media

245. Escape Rooms and the Power of Informal Learning with Laksh Dhir

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Laksh Dhir’s goal is to revolutionize how informal education is being done in classrooms around the world. Laksh is the CEO and Chairman of Youth for STEM Equity, and he is our guest on the show today.

Laksh explains that informal education has three main strengths. It helps students imagine themselves in the professional field they are learning about. It deeply engages students in key educational subjects. It also connects students with professionals in the industries they are learning about.

Youth for STEM Equity harnesses the power of informal learning through an escape room model. Take a listen as Laksh describes some of the STEM-based escape rooms they have put on. You’ll want to jump in and do one yourself!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What “equity” means in the context of education
The unique strengths of informal learning
The power of the escape room model for STEM engagement and retention

Resources:

Learn more about Youth for STEM Equity at yforse.org
Follow Youth for STEM Equity on Instagram

Produced by NOVA Media

244. One-on-One Holistic Coaching with Joel Nicholson

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Usually, one-on-one coaching is reserved for business executives, but Joel Nicholson’s mission is to bring it to students. Joel is the co-founder of Youthfully, a coaching and development platform for students. He’s our guest on the show today.

Joel explains Youthfully’s holistic and non-directive coaching philosophy. He walks us through their process, starting with an intake assessment all the way through application of the student’s stated goal. He also lays out his vision for scaling up the platform so more families can benefit from it.

Bloom’s 2 Sigma problem has been around for a few decades now– how do we achieve the outcomes of one-on-one teaching while being limited by resources. Joel is tackling this problem head-on and has a lot to teach us about the lessons he’s learned along the way.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What the term ‘holistic’ means in education
How to scale up one-on-one coaching
The three levels of the Youthfully process: foundations, experiences, applications

Resources:

Learn more about Bloom’s 2 Sigma problem
Explore Youthfully.com
Connect with Youthfully on LinkedIn
Follow Youthfully on Instagram
Watch Youthfully on YouTube
Follow Youthfully on TikTok
Connect with Youthfully on X
Link up with Youthfully on Facebook

Produced by NOVA Media

243. Institute for Self Directed Learning with Tyler Thigpen

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:30:05 +0000

Dr. Tyler Thigpen co-founded The Forest School in Fayetteville, GA and from there he also co-founded the Institute for Self Directed Learning. Tyler is our guest on the show today and shares with us key practices he has researched and used to nurture student-led environments.

We talk about the concept of mastery and how to measure it with single point rubrics, with an emphasis on longitudinal growth. We discuss the role exhibitions and practicals play in developing student responsibility. We also get into how to create space for students to forge their character and learn how to manage conflict.

The Forest School is a model for all of us interested in education innovation, and its Institute for Self Directed Learning is a resource to help us achieve it.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Tyler implements self directed learning at the micro school he co-founded, The Forest School.
The importance of measuring longitudinal growth in a mastery-based environment.
How to create an environment where kids take responsibility for their learning.

Resources:

Learn more at the Institute for Self Directed Learning
For more free online resources, check out Transcend
Join the waitlist for Dr. Tyler Thigpen’s new book “The Playbook for Self Directed Learning”

Produced by NOVA Media

242. What We Show Them with Kevin Stoller

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0000

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” was made almost 40 years ago, yet it still is seen as an accurate representation of education in America. Kevin Stoller is on a mission to update America’s perception of its schools. He’s our guest on today’s episode.

Kevin is the founder of the Second Class Foundation and is creating a new docuseries called “What We Show Them.” He explains the power of entertainment to change culture.

We discuss the importance of leadership, how anyone can be a storyteller, and the roadmap for his series.

Be sure to check the Resources section to find out how you can connect with Kevin and potentially showcase your own innovative education program.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The power of entertainment to change culture
The lag between progress in education and how it is reflected in the media
How anybody can be a leader and a storyteller

Resources:

Learn more at SecondClassFoundation.org
Email Kevin at info@secondclassfoundation.org
Watch “What We Show Them” Episode 1 on YouTube
Read “The End of Average”

Produced by NOVA Media

241. Game-Based Learning with Chris Ramsden

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Often game-based learning is treated simply as a hook to get students initially engaged. Today our guest Chris Ramsden explains how game-based learning should instead be deeply infused in a curriculum, supported with a strong methodological and pedagogical foundation.

Chris is a game-based consultant for Accelium Australia, an organization that provides a digital platform and 24-session “Thinking Journey” to help teachers integrate gamification into their classroom. The sessions are focused on learning abilities, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, and flexible and agile thinking.

Even more importantly, Chris notes, is that game-based learning builds social and emotional skills in students. It helps them create a toolkit of metacognitive habits that they can use in their personal, and eventually professional, life.

This conversation will make you want to stop and play a game right now– what Chris calls “nutritional candy for the brain.”

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Teaching metacognitive thinking models to kids
Game-based methodology and pedagogy
How digital platforms are great ways to capture student learning data

Resources:

Learn more at Accelium.com
Check out the Peace Advocate Project

Produced by NOVA Media

240. Be All You with Ryan Pruitt

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 09:30:00 +0000

All great things start with a podcast! What started out as a podcast by Ryan Pruitt during COVID lockdowns has morphed into his business called Be All You. Ryan joins the show today to introduce his unique business and discuss the state of education.

Be All You is an education company creating an exploratory platform for students who need to create unique projects or initiatives to enhance their college applications or build their resumes. It’s designed to get students to create entrepreneurial projects that are made up of their skills and their passions.

We talk about the importance of youth self-discovery and empowerment. We also discuss how to help teachers develop their own entrepreneurial mindset.

Take a listen to learn more about this exciting new program.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in students and teachers
The importance of students being able to choose their learning projects
How future careers can be created through what students learn today

Resources:

Learn more at BeAllYou.org
Check out the Conrad Challenge Prize

Produced by NOVA Media

239. Virtual, Personalized Learning with Dr. Lorna Bryant

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 09:30:00 +0000

While virtual learning is often associated with COVID lockdowns and isolation, it actually has the power to create more connections than traditional brick-and-mortar schools for some students. Dr. Lorna Bryant, Head of Career Solutions at Pearson Virtual Schools joins the show today to explain how.

With virtual learning, students can access knowledge, networks, and opportunities across the globe while still remaining in a physical setting that works best for them. Sometimes these students have disabilities, are parents themselves, or simply learn best in a virtual setup.

Lorna walks us through how Pearson does career assessments for their students, develops their soft skills, and connects them with industry partners. Even if you work in a brick-and-mortar location, Lorna’s insights can help you broaden your students’ world through technology.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How virtual learning can bring more learning opportunities and connections to under-resourced kids
Pearson Virtual School’s approach to career assessments
How virtual learning and brick-and-mortar are equally valuable, it just depends on which is the best fit for the student

Resources:

Learn more at Pearson.com

Produced by NOVA Media

238. Student Voice and Aspirations with Dr. Russ Quaglia and Dr. Lisa Lande

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Many times we say we value students’ voices and aspirations, but we don’t do the work to truly make them partners in designing and delivering education. Today, Dr. Russ Quaglia and Dr. Lisa Lande from the Quaglia Institute for School Voice and Aspirations join the show to talk about how to change this.

We have a great conversation about being honest with where you’re at as an organization in terms of student voices and aspirations, and starting from there. We talk about trusting students with more responsibility, and being ok when things get messy. We also talk about the importance of building a foundation of community and individuality.

If you are interested in truly utilizing student voices, this episode is for you.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The definition of voice
How values inform aspirations
The importance of ongoing relationship-building to create space for voices and aspirations

Resources:

Learn more at QuagliaInstitute.org

Produced by NOVA Media

BONUS. Making the Shift Series: Heather Van Bethuysen

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Welcome to our special series about shifting to a more student-lead ecosystem! Usually we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine episodes with the theme of empowering students and communities to determine their own needs and successes.

Sometimes we get caught up in the idea that the purpose of education is to create a future workforce. Heather Van Bethuysen joins the show to remind us that the purpose of education is a strong democracy. We want to educate young people to be powerful in the world in which they live. The goal is to develop them to be powerful to enact change, be powerful to advocate, be powerful to know.

If we look at education through that lens, student empowerment becomes a more natural and necessary part of our systems. Heather gives us a specific example of how they are doing this in Chicago Public Schools: Not only do they collect student surveys, but they then give that data back to students to co-collaborate on what changes need to be made.

Join us for a fascinating conversation about power, uncomfortable conversations, and continuous learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The goal of education is to build a strong democracy
What “democratizing data” means
The importance of developing the skills needed to have difficult conversations

Resources:

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn
Learn more about the Civic Engagement Research Group at University of California, Riverside
Find out more about the McCormick Foundation
Explore StartSOLE
Learn more about the Cultivate Survey and Framework
Check out PERTS’ Elevate Program
Take a look at the Inner Core graph on the Chicago Public Schools Department of Student Voice and Engagement page

Produced by NOVA Media

BONUS. Making the Shift Series: Bill Daggett

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Kids today are different. Compared to high school graduates in 2000, today’s graduates are less likely to have a driver’s license (80% to 52%), less likely to have had a part-time job (85% to 35%), and less likely to have ever been on a date (decreased by 50%). Using these numbers, our guest today, Bill Daggett, explains just how out-of-date and out-of-touch our education system is for today’s students.

We discuss how to fundamentally transform the system so it connects with students and what they need to thrive in the modern marketplace.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How today’s students are fundamentally different than those of past generations
The need for schools to focus less on content and more on skills
What it takes to change mindsets, culture, and practices in education

Resources:

Learn more at spnetwork.org
Connect with Dr. Bill Daggett on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

BONUS. Making the Shift Series: Sheryl Cababa

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Welcome back to our special series about shifting to a more student-lead ecosystem! Usually we take the month of July off, but this year we’re going to re-examine episodes with the theme of empowering students and communities to determine their own needs and successes.

Sheryl Cababa researches and designs educational products and services on behalf of philanthropists and investors. In this episode, she explains how she combines design thinking and systems thinking in her work in order to elevate the voices of students and teachers, and examine the underlying structures that shape success. She explains how we all can use concepts of human-centered design, equity-centered design, and targeted universalism in our work.

We wrap up by discussing the latest trend in educational products: AI. Sheryl applies systems thinking to it, highlighting the fact that the commonly used AI models have been built on data sets rife with discrimination.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What key terms mean like “systems thinking,” “targeted universalism,” and more
How to use the power of research to benefit participants, not just extract information from them
Why the equity-centered design approach can uncover systems that are not always visible

Resources:

Connect with Sheryl on LinkedIn
Read “Closing the Loop: Systems Thinking for Designers” by Sheryl Cababa
Read “Race after Technology” by Ruha Benjamin

Produced by NOVA Media

BONUS. Making the Shift Series: Kavita Tanna

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 09:30:00 +0000

In today’s episode, Kavita Tanna, founder of Global Reconnect, speaks about our interconnectedness, not just as human beings, but as creatures on this planet. She weaves together strength-based approaches, sustainable ownership, and care for the environment.

The more we understand our interconnectedness, the more we can make decisions as a community of individuals.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why strength-based conversations are critical
How students can learn with empowered dignity, sustained ownership, and cultivated relationships
The power of connecting with each other around the question of what it means to be a human being

Resources:

Learn more at globallyreconnect.org
Connect with Kavita on LinkedIn
"Factfulness" by Hans Rosling
"Start with Joy" by Katie Cunningham

Produced by NOVA Media

237. Story-Based Creativity with Sarah Lagrotteria

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Humans think in story. Story is not just a way to connect with others, it’s how we connect to ourselves and how we navigate our world. At Just Bloom School, adults and children learn how to tap into their innate story-telling abilities to develop creativity and resilience. Head educator Sarah Lagrotteria joins us today to tell us more.

Sarah has trained Special Ops members, business leaders, and third graders in how to think in story to come up with creative problem-solving solutions. She gives us an example of how she has kids come up with a kind of “Pokemon card” for someone who thinks differently than them, and then asks the kids to solve problems thinking like that person.

Sarah explains that the ongoing practice of story-based creativity leads to significant results in individuals’ self-efficacy and resilience. Individuals feel confident that they can come up with several different solutions to fix a problem rather than giving up after one.

We discuss how this kind of creativity education can be integrated in schools, afterschool programs, and summer camps.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Story as a mode of thinking
Developing creativity from story-based thinking
How creativity increases resilience

Resources:

Sign up for the Bloom & Grow Newsletter
Contact Sarah at Just Bloom

Produced by NOVA Media

236. Changing the Education Ecosystem with Byron Sanders

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:30:00 +0000

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How youth’s program feedback should inform advocacy for systems change
Why skills should supplement grades
Understanding the education as an ecosystem

Resources:

Learn more at BigThought.org
Read “Ecosystems for the Future of Learning” report commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

Produced by NOVA Media

235. Retaining School Health Professionals with Lesley Slaughter

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Lesley Slaughter’s job as Senior Vice President of Soliant is to examine how to close the gap between the number of healthcare professionals and the increasing number of patients requiring care. Recently she has been focusing on school settings as the location of care and health professionals like speech pathologists, sign language interpreters, special ed teachers, etc.

According to a survey conducted by Soliant, 50% of these school-based professionals were considering leaving their field altogether. At the same time, 90% of schools believe that the number of students with IEPs will continue to increase, and 26% of students will need some kind of mental or behavioral health counseling by 2028.

So how do we retain these professionals in the education setting? Lesley’s research has led her to some suggestions. One is to allow professionals to remote work when appropriate. Another is to allow more professionals to be contract-based instead of district employees, allowing them more autonomy and flexibility.

We dive into these solutions and discuss how we can better think about and act on this topic.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Causes of burnout in school-based health professionals
Ongoing impacts of COVID on students
The importance of agility and autonomy for professionals

Produced by NOVA Media

234. Immersive Nature Learning with Seth Oglesby and Susan Zelinski

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Getting to see a live wild animal up close beats staring at a screen for just about anybody, big or small. Our guests today have witnessed that firsthand and are building out their family education program based on it.

We are joined today by Seth Oglesby and Susan Zelinski from Arc of Appalachia’s Nature is Neat program. They are in the early growing stages of the South-Central Ohio program, bringing on more volunteer naturalists and a full-time education coordinator. Their passion is palpable.

We dive into all the segments they include in their once-a-month programming: An activity, interactive learning, themed hikes, meeting a live animal, and a craft kids can take home to continue their learning. They emphasize that the program is for the whole family, creating meaningful moments of nature immersion and learning that will have a long term impact on everyone.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How nature lends itself to immersive learning
The power of volunteer naturalists in education
Creating a program that is great for kids and parents alike

Resources:

Learn more about Nature is Neat

Produced by NOVA Media

233. Playworks and the Power of Recess with Elizabeth Cushing

Mon, 27 May 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Play is powerful. Not only is it critical to the individual development of children, but it can create schoolwide cultures of inclusion, celebration, and healthy conflict resolution. No one knows this better than our guest on the show today, Elizabeth Cushing, CEO of Playworks.

For almost 30 years, Playworks has worked to give kids a safe, healthy, inclusive recess experience. They partner with schools, starting with a Great Recess Framework evaluation. Then they place Playworks staff at the schools for recess, implementing the basics: Rock, paper, scissors as a conflict resolution tool; high fives; and positive language coming from adults. Plus, they train near-peer mentors as Junior Coaches, allowing kids to shine as leaders at their school.

Beyond discussing the importance of play, both for kids and adults, we also dive into Playworks’ approach to sharing its practices with other organizations. Often nonprofits hesitate to share their “secret sauce” with other nonprofits, not wanting to risk their piece of the funding pie. Elizabeth explains how, for the sake of helping as many kids as possible, Playworks moved past this.

In fact, you can check out Playworks’ free YouTube resources after you listen to the show!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How recess can set the tone for the whole day
The basics norms Playworks establishes for recesses
Why Playworks now makes its practices available to other organizations

Resources:

Watch hundreds of instructional game videos on the Playworks YouTube channel
Take the Recess Checkup at RecessLab.org

Produced by NOVA Media

232. The Research, Entrepreneurship, Design, & Inquiry Lab with Tom Thorpe

Mon, 20 May 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Almost ten years ago, Tom Thorpe wanted to create a learning environment that was embedded in the community and shaped around individual students. Today, REDI Lab, a “school within a school,” is physically located in a Denver Housing Authority neighborhood and sees over 100 students create their own learning path every year.

As our guest today, Tom tells us the origin story and evolution of the Research Entrepreneurship, Design, & Inquiry Lab at Colorado Academy. He walks us through the trimester-long program: Teaching self-empathy and self-discovery, letting students dwell in problem-solving stages, and putting process over product.

We also talk about the importance of developing teacher agency alongside student agency, including what that may look like in terms of experimentation and assessment.

Tom does an excellent job weaving together his real world experience and pedagogical theory. Enjoy!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Teaching students self-empathy and self-discovery
REDI Lab’s emphasis on process over product
Why teacher agency must grow alongside student agency

Resources:

Learn more at ColoradoAcademy.org/REDI-lab-at-ca

Produced by NOVA Media

231. Improving Math Curriculums with Tammy and Marc Goldberg

Mon, 13 May 2024 09:30:00 +0000

If a student misses even a single building block in their math education, they will struggle in future lessons. In math, every concept builds on itself. That’s why developing an excellent math curriculum is so critical… and so difficult.

Today our guests are Tammy and Marc Goldberg, education innovators with Mathnasium. They’ve helped the company revamp its curriculum to help both instructors and students. Every concept is broken down into sequential pieces. Instructors assess where the student needs to (re)start, and each student gets all the time and individualized attention they need until they master that building block.

But that kind of individualization can be hard to come by in traditional education systems. We discuss the challenges of creating math curriculums in schools. But Tammy and Marc do have some suggestions for a path forward: Get rid of timed number fact tests. Treat math like we treat reading in the early grades. Use precise language when teaching concepts.

Tune in for this tough, but important conversation.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How math concepts build on themselves
The emotional and social stigmas attached to struggling in math
Key changes that could make a big difference in math curriculums

Resources:

Learn more at Mathnasium.com/Mathnasium-Method

Produced by NOVA Media

230. The Path to Hope with Christian Martinez

Mon, 06 May 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Christian Martinez knows firsthand what it’s like to be a young immigrant in America: The language barrier, financial stress, feeling alone and hopeless. That’s why he does what he does today. Christian is the founder and community innovator for The Camino Program and he’s our guest on the show today.

Christian tells us about the Camino program, not just what it does, but how it makes its participants feel. The program offers support in professional development, mental health, peer support, and career navigation for teens transitioning into adulthood. While it’s only four months long, it’s just the jumpstart of creating a lifelong network.

The most important impact of the program is one that’s hard to measure, but is foundational to success: Hope. The Camino is literally “a path forward” for youth who have finally found a place where they can connect.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How immigrant youth experience disconnection
The critical importance of hope
Meeting youth where they are at– especially when they’re not at school

Resources:

Learn more at CaminoProgram.org
Follow the Camino Program on Instagram: @CaminoProgram

Produced by NOVA Media

229. Building Students and Staff Agency with Johnna Noll

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 09:30:00 +0000

In 2015, Norris School District came to Johnna Noll with a learner-centered educational consultant’s dream request. The tiny school district’s residential population consisted of a treatment center for kids, and it asked Johnna to help it transform into a learner-centered, trauma-invested, constantly evolving program. Of course, she said yes.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Building student and staff profiles
Tying academic competencies in with community-based learning
Changing job descriptions and workplace policies to support learner-centered education

Resources:

Learn more at NorrisAcademyWI.org

Produced by NOVA Media

228. Systems Change in Kentucky with Rob Collins

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:30:00 +0000

How do you even begin to create systems change in education? Our guest today is Rob Collins. He manages the Innovative Learning Network in the Kentucky Department of Education. Rob gives us a peek into what systems change looks like right now for the state of Kentucky.

We dive into the teaching initiatives that the Kentucky Department of Education is undertaking in this area. Rob tells us about how the Innovative Learning Network provides institutional support and learning opportunities for school leaders and teachers. For example the network has brought in PBLWorks, a community organization, to successfully train a third of Kentocuky teachers on project-based learning.

We also cover efforts to change assessment and accountability. For example, two districts in Kentucky now release accountability dashboards along with state test scores to show there’s more to education achievement than standardized exams. Also, at the state level, there’s now a Kentucky United We Learn Council that includes legislators in exploratory discussions.

Changing systems happens across different levels and through different dynamics. Rob’s stories are excellent examples we can all learn from as we try to change the education system around us.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What diverse stakeholders want out of the education system
Providing organizational structure while encouraging free-form growth among leaders in education innovation
The importance of connecting innovative educators so they don’t feel like they are on an island

Resources:

Learn more at Kentucky’s Innovative Learning Network

Produced by NOVA Media

227. Liberatory Learning with Dr. Michelle Sadrena Pledger

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:30:00 +0000

It’s time to get free from oppression, both inside the classroom and out: internalized oppression, interpersonal oppression, ideological oppression, institutional oppression. That’s what Dr. Michelle Sadrena Pledger is here to talk with us about today.

Michelle is the Founder of Living for Liberation and is also the Director of Liberation at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Her specialty is liberatory project-based learning. That’s when young people experience a learning environment that’s culturally responsive and centered in knowing and improving the world around them.

We talk about how to incorporate equity stances, identity, belonging, place, dialogue, and democratization in teaching practices— even if you have to stick to a standardized curriculum.

And there’s absolutely no expectation of being perfect! So please enjoy this episode with Michelle and enjoy liberatory learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Michelle’s Notice, Name, Navigate framework
The importance of student agency and action in liberatory learning
How liberatory learning leads to deeper learning

Resources:

Learn more at LivingForLiberation.com
Read: Three Steps to Success with The Human Experience GPS
Read LIBERATE! Pocket-Sized Paradigms for Liberatory Learning
Podcast: Unapologetic & Uninterrupted with Dr. Michelle Sadrena Pledger (Available on all platforms)

Produced by NOVA Media

226. Building a Workplace Mentorship Program with Michael Coughlin

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City is the nation's first and the city's largest youth mentoring organization. Chief Program and Innovation Officer Michael Coughlin joins us today to tell us about their newest iteration of mentoring: their workplace mentorship program.

Starting sophomore year, students are paired with corporate professionals who act as their career mentors through high school graduation, and sometimes all the way through college. These one-on-one mentorships are closely supported by a program manager from Big Brothers Big Sisters to make sure they have the foundation needed for a successful mentoring relationship.

Michael takes us through the research that led them to create this program, and lessons learned along the way. If you’re looking to start or grow a community-based mentorship program, don’t miss this episode!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The need for mentor relationships to be long-term and resource-oriented
Paying attention to students’ and families’ perceptions about a program
How to convince corporations to join a mentorship program

Resources:

Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City
Follow Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City on Instagram @BBBSNYC

Produced by NOVA Media

225. Supporting Individual Interests and Strengths with Steve Heath

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Join us as we discuss how to develop ecosystems of personalized learning by connecting home bases, learning hubs, and field sites.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How to scale up an organization while still providing an individualized approach for each learner.
The concept of ecosystems of learning and the role of community in education.
The importance of building a lasting mentorship team around each kid.

Resources:

Learn more about FabNewport.
Follow FabNewport on Instagram: @fabnewport.
Watch Education Reimagined’s Big Idea video.

Produced by NOVA Media

224. Aggressive Optimism with Jenna Edwards

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Students often face the double burden of experiencing trauma then feeling isolated and powerless. Educators don’t always know when to step in and what tools to offer. Jenna Edwards’ new book, “Aggressive Optimism,” seeks to fix that.

“Aggressive Optimism” is a novel based on Jenna’s own experience with a devastating accident and resulting PTSD. The coming-of-age book is written for high school students. Jenna describes it as an “emotional resonance of Girl Interrupted with the empowering essence of Legally Blonde.” The goal is for students to connect with the characters while learning mental health tools embedded in the story.

In this episode we cover toxic positivity, resilience, solidarity, and healing. If you or your students have faced PTSD or other mental health issues, you have a friend in this book and in this podcast.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What aggressive optimism is and why it is the opposite of toxic positivity
The concept of proactive resilience and trying different tools
Some common misconceptions about PTSD

Resources:

Read the book: Aggressive Optimism
Reach out to Jenna to brainstorm how to get this book in your school: Hello@JennaEdwards.com
Follow Jenna on Instagram: @jennaedwardsofficial

Produced by NOVA Media

223. The Learning Science of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood with Ryan Rydzewski and Gregg Behr

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Fred Rogers was an incredible learning scientist before the term even existed. That’s the basis of Ryan Rydzewski’s and Gregg Behr’s new book, “When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.” Today they join the show to share what they learned while writing the book.

Fred engineered every aspect of Mr. Rogers' neighborhood to help kids develop tools for learning. He combined familiarity with mystery to create a magical learning environment. He deeply listened to children through their letters to him, reflecting their stories back to them in his episodes. He taught kids to be curious about the world by starting with what they were familiar with in their own lives. Perhaps most importantly, he just kept showing up. Kids and adults knew that they could count on Mr. Rogers.

Ryan and Gregg share the research that now backs up Fred Roger’s teaching style. They also spotlight his emphasis on “neighborhood” and inclusion. If you’ve ever watched Mr. Rogers put on his sweater and tie his shoes, you’re going to love this episode.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Research on curiosity and learning
The role community plays in education
How Mr. Rogers’ took on big topics like race and disability

Resources:

Read Ryan and Gregg’s book: “When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids”

Produced by NOVA Media

222. City Year’s Whole School, Whole Child Model with Quamid Francis

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:30:00 +0000

Today we’re joined by Quamid Francis, the former Executive Director of City Year New York. His program places and supports Student Success Coaches in 17 New York City public schools. The Student Success Coaches’ number one priority is to build trusting relationships with students. Based on these trusting relationships, student attendance increases, behavioral incidences decrease, and entire families get connected to services they need.

Chances are you’ve heard of City Year and the way they help students, families, and schools. After all, they have locations all across the US. But what you may not know is how much they focus on the Student Success Coaches in addition to their students. Through “Life After City Year,” coaches are connected with resources they need for their post-City Year career.

Join us as we discuss how City Year supports and engages the entire community, including their coach alum, knowing that a healthy, involved community is essential for student success.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How social, emotional, and academic skill development are inextricably linked.
The concept of “Whole School, Whole Child” as well as “Community Schools.”
City Year New York’s effort to help Student Success Coaches with their post-City Year career.

Resources:

Learn more about City Year New York.
To learn more about City Year in general go to CityYear.org.
Read City Year New York’s “The Power of Student Success Coaches in Schools” playbook, developed with support from the Lego Foundation.
Follow City Year on Instagram: @CityYear

Produced by NOVA Media

221. Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Learning with Ellen Erlanger and Kathy Meyer

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we are thrilled to welcome Ellen Erlanger and Kathy Meyer, co-directors of professional learning at the Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership. They bring a wealth of experience and insights into the transformative power of authentic learning—a pedagogical approach that bridges academic content with real-world applications, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

Ellen and Kathy delve into the essentials of authentic learning, emphasizing its role in making education irresistible and impactful. They share compelling examples from their work, showcasing how projects with real-world significance not only enhance student engagement but also address current challenges in education, such as student mental health. The conversation explores the importance of leadership support and systemic changes to sustain these practices, offering hope and practical advice for educators looking to make a difference.

Join us to discover how authentic learning can transform educational experiences, fostering a generation of learners equipped to tackle real-world problems with creativity and resilience. Ellen and Kathy's stories and strategies inspire a reimagined approach to teaching and learning, highlighting the crucial steps toward a more engaging, relevant, and fulfilling education for all students.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The concept and importance of authentic learning in today's educational landscape.
Practical examples of authentic learning in action and its positive impacts on students.
Strategies for overcoming challenges and implementing authentic learning, including the role of leadership and systemic change.

Resources:

Learn more at partnershipsforall.org
Follow Partnerships for Authentic Learning & Leadership on YouTube

Produced by NOVA Media

220. Relationship as the Basis of Education with Jim Bailey of Rocky Tree Sky

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 10:30:00 +0000

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The role of adults in young people’s learning journey.
Rock Tree Sky’s learning facilities and philosophy.
Partnership with school systems and inspiring conventional teachers.
Thinking about assessment, especially in order to get public funding.
Making these spaces financially accessible for all families.

Resources:

Rock Tree Sky: A Self-Directed Learning Community
Follow Rock Tree Sky on Instagram: @rocktreesky

Produced by NOVA Media

219. From Classroom to Community: The Evolution of Education with Remake Learning

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're thrilled to welcome Stephanie Lewis, the Director of Relationships at Remake Learning, a network that's spearheading the transformation of education in the Pittsburgh region. Remake Learning is not just about innovative education; it's about building a community that fosters engaging, relevant, and equitable learning experiences for all. Stephanie shares the journey of Remake Learning since its inception in 2007, highlighting how it has grown into a vibrant network of over 1,200 members who are educators, innovators, and researchers all working towards a common goal.

We delve into the core strategies that drive Remake Learning: convening diverse stakeholders, coordinating efforts around emerging educational themes, catalyzing innovation through funding, celebrating the achievements of educators and learners, and communicating successes to inspire others. The discussion also explores the organization's focus on youth voices and the importance of creating learning ecosystems that support students across various contexts and environments.

Join us as Stephanie provides insights into some of the most transformative projects supported by Remake Learning, such as the Moonshot Grant Program and the annual Remake Learning Days festival. These initiatives not only showcase the potential for innovation in education but also emphasize the power of community and collaboration in reimagining how learning happens. Tune in to discover how Remake Learning is making a difference and how you can be part of this educational revolution.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The mission and impact of Remake Learning in transforming education.
The five core strategies driving Remake Learning's success.
Examples of innovative educational projects and the importance of community engagement.
The role of learning ecosystems in creating comprehensive educational experiences.
The significance of youth voice in shaping learning environments.

Resources:

Learn more at remakelearning.org
Remake Learning Playbook
Follow Remake Learning on Instagram: @remakelearning

Produced by NOVA Media

218. Soaring Beyond Boundaries: How Aviation Is Transforming STEM Learning with Tiffany Nelson

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we have the pleasure of hosting Tiffany Nelson, the Director of Programs and Evaluation at Wings of Hope. Wings of Hope, a global humanitarian organization, has been utilizing aviation to impact vulnerable communities since 1962. Our main topic of discussion is their innovative SOAR into STEM program, which integrates aviation and STEM education to redefine educational and career pathways for students.

Tiffany shares the intriguing journey of Wings of Hope and the development of the SOAR into STEM program, highlighting its unique approach to addressing the shortage of young talent in aviation. We dive into the program's structure, content, and its focus on providing hands-on, practical learning experiences. The conversation reveals how the program covers various facets of aviation, including aerodynamics, airplane maintenance, and drone education, aimed at making aviation careers more accessible to students.

This episode also sheds light on the challenges and adaptations the program faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it continues to evolve to meet students' needs. Tiffany's insights provide valuable advice for educators on integrating real-world applications into STEM education and the importance of community partnerships in enhancing learning experiences. Join us to discover how Wings of Hope is shaping the future of aviation through education and what educators can learn from their model.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The history and mission of Wings of Hope in global humanitarian efforts
The development and structure of the SOAR into STEM program
The significance of integrating aviation with STEM education
Overcoming challenges in the program, especially during the pandemic
Strategies for educators to implement real-world STEM applications
The role of partnerships and community in enhancing STEM education

Resources:

Learn more at wingsofhope.ngo
Check out SOAR into STEM
Follow Wings of Hope on Instagram: @wingsofhope.ngo

Produced by NOVA Media

217. Bridging Worlds: Inspire High’s Revolution in Global Learning with Ian Shimizu

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're exploring the inspiring world of educational innovation with Ian Shimizu, the navigator at Inspire High, a pioneering edtech program based in Japan. Inspire High is revolutionizing the way teenagers connect with the world, offering interactive sessions with creative minds from diverse fields. It's about bringing real-life stories and experiences into the classroom, and Ian is at the forefront of this educational transformation.

Ian shares his journey with Inspire High, from its inception to its current state, discussing the challenges and triumphs of connecting students globally. We delve into the program's unique approach, which integrates interactive quizzes, guided conversations, and a platform for cross-school interaction. This episode is not just about what Inspire High does; it's about the broader vision of empowering students to realize their potential and make informed life choices.

Join us to hear Ian's insights on the future of education, the importance of real-world connections in learning, and the impact of programs like Inspire High on students and teachers alike. It's an enlightening conversation for anyone passionate about the future of education and the role technology plays in shaping it.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The groundbreaking approach of Inspire High in connecting teenagers with global innovators for real-world learning experiences.
Ian Shimizu's journey and the evolution of Inspire High, reflecting his educational insights and aspirations.
The unique interactive learning methods and global connectivity fostered by Inspire High through its engaging educational platform.
The challenges and adaptive strategies in the evolving landscape of educational technology as experienced by Inspire High.
Strategies for empowering students and educators, highlighting the importance of student autonomy and adaptive learning environments.

Resources:

Check out Inspire High: inspirehigh.com
Connect with Ian Shimizu on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

216. Inclusivity in STEM: Culturally Relevant Learning with Meagan Naraine

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we have the pleasure of hosting Meagan Naraine, the co-founder of Culturally Relevant Science (CRS). CRS is an innovative non-profit organization dedicated to making STEM education more inclusive and engaging for underrepresented groups. Founded as a YouTube channel during the pandemic, CRS has grown significantly, offering a range of educational resources that combine rigorous learning with elements of pop culture and entertainment.

Meagan shares the inspiring story behind CRS, starting from its humble beginnings with simple equipment to creating animated videos featuring Black male teachers and students from diverse backgrounds. The content is crafted to be culturally relevant, resonating with students through familiar dialects, clothing, and current trends. She also discusses the expansion of CRS from individual videos to complete course materials, aiming to support teachers and enhance student engagement throughout the school year.

Tune in to learn about the challenges and successes of Culturally Relevant Science, and how Meagan and her team are revolutionizing STEM education by emphasizing relatability and inclusivity. Discover the impact of CRS’s approach on students' understanding and confidence in science, and how they're making a difference in classrooms around the world.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The inception and evolution of Culturally Relevant Science (CRS) as an innovative educational resource
The significance of culturally relevant content in engaging underrepresented students in STEM
The impact of CRS's approach on student engagement and understanding in science
Challenges and learning experiences in developing and implementing CRS in educational settings
Future goals and aspirations of CRS in promoting equity in STEM education

Resources:

Learn more at crsci.org
Connect with Meagan on LinkedIn
Watch Culturally Relevant Science on YouTube

Produced by NOVA Media

215. Bridging the Gap: An Innovative Approach to Real-World Learning with Abdul Matheen of Project You

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we have the pleasure of speaking with Abdul Matheen, the visionary CEO of Project You. Abdul's journey from aeronautical engineering to education has led to the creation of an innovative approach to learning, focusing on the real-world application of academic knowledge.

Abdul discusses Project You's unique 'Build and Guild' program, designed to bridge the gap between conventional schooling and practical industry experience. The program, impacting over 7000 youth, integrates social-emotional learning with hands-on projects, providing students with a more engaging and relevant educational experience.

Join us as we delve into the world of experiential learning with Abdul Matheen. We explore the importance of industry and school partnerships, the role of educators in facilitating transformative experiences, and how Project You's approach is shaping the future of education in countries like the UAE, Australia, Malaysia, and Germany.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The journey from aeronautical engineering to educational innovation.
The "Build and Guild" program's integration of social-emotional learning with real-world industry projects.
Challenges in scaling educational programs and continuous learning in leadership.
The importance of industry and school partnerships in experiential learning.
The global reach and impact of Project You's educational frameworks.

Resources:

Learn more at projectyoux.org
Connect with Abdul on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

214. Beyond the Classroom: Bridging Education and Employment with Kelly Cassaro

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of workforce development in education with Kelly Cassaro, Chief of Learning at Generation. Generation is a remarkable nonprofit that trains adults for careers that were previously out of reach, helping to foster economic mobility on a global scale.

Kelly shares the groundbreaking methodologies of Generation, which aligns job readiness training with employer needs, ensuring that graduates are not just educated but truly prepared for the workforce. We delve into their unique approach, which includes comprehensive training programs, strong mentorship, and a focus on both technical and behavioral skills.

Join us as we discuss Kelly's insights on bridging the gap between education and employment, her upcoming book 'Shift Teaching Forward,' and the crucial role of social-emotional skills in the classroom. This episode is a must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of work and education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Generation’s unique workforce development approach
The challenges and innovations in modern employment
Effective curriculum design strategies
The integration of social-emotional skills in education
Insights from Kelly Cassaro's upcoming book 'Shift Teaching Forward'

Resources:

Learn more at generation.org
Follow Kelly’s work at kellycassaro.com
Read: Shift Teaching Forward
Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

213. Faith Meets Future: Transforming Education at Unity Grammar with Mariam Bernard

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're venturing into the transformative world of education with Mariam Bernard, Deputy Principal of Secondary School at Unity Grammar in Australia. Unity Grammar, a co-educational Islamic school, is on an exciting journey of integrating Islamic values into its curriculum while focusing on future readiness and community integration.

Mariam, who has a unique background in science and industry, shares the school's ambitious mission to nurture future leaders with both foundational and emerging skills. We delve into the school's collaborative approach to redefining its mission and vision, emphasizing the importance of Islamic identity in modern education. From innovative STEM facilities to entrepreneurship days, Unity Grammar is reimagining how Islamic teachings can inspire and empower students.

Join us as Mariam discusses the post-COVID focus on educator empowerment, the challenges of transformation, and the importance of integrating the school with its surrounding ecosystem. Her insights offer a unique perspective on the power of education in shaping future pioneers, inspired by faith and driven by a passion for humanity's betterment.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The transformative journey of Unity Grammar in integrating Islamic values with future-ready education.
Strategies for empowering educators and rebuilding teacher-student relationships post-COVID.
The challenges and rewards of simultaneous pedagogical and infrastructure transformations.
The role of community and ecosystem engagement in modern education.
The importance of self-efficacy and reflection in the personal and professional growth of educators.

Resources:

Learn more at unitygrammar.com.au
Connect with Mariam on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

212. Building Virtual Roads in Education with Catherine Fraise

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're exploring the revolutionary realm of virtual learning and the metaverse with Catherine Fraise, the founder of 100 Roads Design. Catherine brings a fresh perspective to education, aiming to transform it through alternative pathways that cater to diverse learning styles and maximize potential.

Throughout our conversation, Catherine shares her journey from a traditional educator to an innovator, driven by the desire to create more personalized and engaging learning experiences. We dive into the world of 100 Roads Design, an organization that offers virtual campuses, learning ecosystems, and educational mentoring. These spaces, particularly in the metaverse, provide unique opportunities for students to connect, engage, and learn in ways traditional classrooms may not offer.

Join us as Catherine sheds light on the future of education, the potential of virtual learning environments post-COVID, and how technology can bridge the gap between education and industry. Learn about the impact of these innovative approaches on student engagement and the evolving landscape of learning. It's an enlightening conversation that will inspire educators, administrators, and anyone interested in the future of education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Transforming education through the Metaverse and virtual learning environments
The vision and implementation of 100 Roads Design for alternative educational pathways
The integration of virtual learning in traditional education systems
Customizing learning experiences and enhancing student engagement in virtual spaces
The role of technology in shaping the future of personalized education
Building virtual ecosystems for expansive learning opportunities

Resources:

Learn more at 100roadsdesign.com
Connect with Catherine Fraise on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

211. Empowering the Next Generation: Civic Engagement in Teen Science Cafés with Katey Ahmann and Carolyn Noe

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 10:30:00 +0000

In today's episode of Learning Unboxed, we're honored to have Katey Ahmann and Carolyn Noe join us to discuss the transformative role of youth in shaping their communities through civic engagement. Our guests shed light on a unique program called Teen Science Cafe that hosts 'cafes'—dynamic spaces where young people lead the way in selecting local topics and steering community conversations.

Through this exploratory dialogue, Katey and Carolyn illustrate how these cafes operate, the importance of youth-chosen topics, and the program's flexible nature that ensures each cafe is as unique as its participants. This model not only champions education and civic participation but also cultivates an environment where the youth can exercise their voice and agency in real-world contexts.

So tune in as we delve into this empowering initiative, understand its profound impact on participants and communities alike, and learn how such platforms can nurture informed, engaged, and active citizens for the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The role of youth in community decision-making
The structure and adaptability of youth-led 'cafes'
The criteria and process for topic selection in these cafes
The educational and civic impact of youth participation
Strategies for fostering active citizenship among the youth

Resources:

Learn more at teensciencecafe.org
Connect with Katey Ahmann on LinkedIn
Connect with Carolyn Noe on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

210. Building Dreams: How Makerspaces Are Shaping the Future of Learning with Noelle Conover

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're venturing into the inspiring world of maker spaces with Noelle Conover, co-founder of Matt's Maker Space. Founded in memory of her son, Matt's Maker Space is a beacon for STEAM learning, proving to be a game-changer for students and communities alike.

Maker spaces are more than just rooms filled with tools; they are hives of creativity where the process is king. Noelle shares how these spaces have flourished post-pandemic, becoming sanctuaries where students can build, tinker, and learn collaboratively. But it's not all about high-tech gadgets; Noelle reminds us that with a bit of ingenuity, anyone can create a maker space with just cardboard and dreams.

Join me as we discuss how maker spaces can redefine education, why letting go of control can lead to discovery, and how we can all contribute to this growing movement. So whether you're an educator, parent, or just someone who loves the smell of sawdust in the morning, tune in to learn how maker spaces are shaping the innovators of tomorrow.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The transformative role of maker spaces in STEAM education
Overcoming traditional educational barriers with hands-on learning
The impact of community and creativity in fostering innovative thinking
The importance of accessibility and inclusivity in educational resources
Strategies for integrating maker spaces into various educational disciplines

Resources:

Learn more at mattsmakerspace.org
Follow Matt’s Maker Space on Instagram: @mattsmakerspace

Produced by NOVA Media

209. Unlocking the Magic of Middle School: Embracing Authenticity in Education with Chris Balme

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 10:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we journey into the transformative world of middle school education with Chris Balme, a seasoned educator, founder of multiple schools, and author of "Finding the Magic in Middle School". Middle school is a time of rapid change, and Chris shares his insights on the importance of recognizing and valuing the complexities of these young learners.

Together, we discuss the significance of giving middle school students a voice, the lasting impact of their experiences, and the "anchoring effect" that often hinders educators from truly understanding their students. Chris emphasizes authenticity, encouraging educators to be genuine and quirky, fostering a nurturing environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves.

Join us as we delve into the magic of middle school, exploring ways to create a more empathetic, understanding, and effective learning environment for these rapidly evolving students.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The transformative nature of middle school years and the challenges faced by students
The "anchoring effect" and its impact on educators' perceptions of their students
The importance of autonomy and giving middle school students a voice in their education
Chris Balme's advisory work in schools and the significance of creating a safe space for educators
The value of authenticity in teaching and the role of educators in fostering a nurturing environment

Resources:

Learn more at ChrisBalme.com
Read "Finding the Magic in Middle School"
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

208. The Future of Project-Based Learning: An Insight into Project Leo with Steven Eno

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of Project Leo, a groundbreaking project-based learning platform crafted by the Da Vinci School. Joining us is Steven Eno, the director of Project Leo, who takes us on a journey through the platform's inspirations, capabilities, and the challenges faced during its development. Together, we dive into the world of personalized learning, discussing the importance of aligning student interests with academic requirements. Steven also shares insights into the value of broad, authentic feedback and the careful balance of integrating technology into the classroom. Tune in to discover how Project Leo is reshaping the educational landscape and setting students on a path of genuine engagement and excitement.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The genesis and vision behind Project Leo.
The challenges of traditional project creation in capturing student interests.
The importance of genuine, broad feedback in student projects.
Data privacy and student safety in the age of technology.
The balance between integrating technology and ensuring responsible use.

Resources:

Learn more at ProjectLeo.net
Connect with Steven Eno on LinkedIn
Join the Project Leo Substack

Produced by NOVA Media

207. Making Design Accessible with Laura Flusche

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Today we talk about threshold anxiety and teaching design thinking. Our guest is Laura Flusche, the executive Director of the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). An art historian by training, Laura has a deep love for traditional museums, but recognizes the problem of “threshold anxiety.” Many people are scared to go to museums because they feel like they won’t fit in.

At MODA, Laura focuses on making design accessible to everyone. MODA exhibits on video games and hip hop help teach the concept of design to the wider community. Based on feedback from students, the museum launched a climate change project focusing on how design thinking can create real solutions. We talk about how important it is to encourage joy and creativity when teaching about the design process.

Many of MODA’s projects have a strong online, virtual component to them so be sure to check them out as you tune in to this week’s episode of Learning Unboxed!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The history and vision of the Museum of Design Atlanta
What “threshold anxiety” is and how museums can address it
Teaching the design process while steering students away from linear thinking
Encouraging play and creativity in problem-solving
Empowering kids to take on the challenges they want to take on

Resources:

Learn more at MuseumOfDesign.org

Produced by NOVA Media

206. Nurturing the Whole Child: Nataliya Starodub on Redefining Mentorship

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of mentoring in education with Nataliya Starodub, the visionary founder of The Dreva Mentoring Academy. Born from the legacy of an alternative school in Minsk, Belarus, The Dreva Mentoring Academy is redefining mentoring for students aged four to sixteen. Nataliya and her team of international mentors focus on nurturing children's curiosity, agency, skills, and identity, providing a unique approach that extends beyond traditional teaching roles.

Nataliya dives deep into the mentoring strategies tailored for different age groups, from storytelling art activities for preschoolers to coaching adolescents in decision-making and value development. Moreover, we discuss the critical role parents play in this mentoring ecosystem and the unique challenges and rewards that come with it.

Join us on this enlightening journey as we unravel the intricacies of mentoring, its impact on education, and the invaluable lessons from The Dreva Mentoring Academy. Discover how mentors are helping shape the next generation of thinkers, learners, and leaders.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The origins and evolution of The Dreva Mentoring Academy
The unique methodologies adopted by the academy, from storytelling to critical thinking
The role of mentors: How they differ from traditional teachers and the training they undergo
The academy's collaborative approach, involving both formal educators and families
Challenges and successes: Engaging with parents and collaborating with traditional schools
The overarching mission to reimagine education and foster a holistic development in children

Resources:

Learn more at drevaacademy.com
Connect with Nataliya on LinkedIn
Follow Guest Name on Instagram: @natalyja_starodub

Produced by NOVA Media

205. Evolving Education: A Vision for Change in the AI Era with Bill Daggett

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we are honored to have a conversation with Dr. Bill Daggett, a pioneer in education reform, the founder of the Successful Practices Network and the International Center for Leadership in Education, and a renowned author on education. We dive deep into the evolution of transformative education, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges and opportunities it presents in the age of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Daggett shares his invaluable insights on the changing student profile, the urgent need for educational reform, and the strategies to overcome resistance and implement change. We explore the long-term impact of these changes, discuss the importance of community involvement, and reflect on the shift in skill valuation and employment trends.

Join us in unboxing Dr. Daggett’s visionary strategies, his aspirations for future education, the importance of innovation, and the role of creativity and elective programs in fostering a holistic educational environment.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The changing student profile and behavioral changes
The urgent need for educational reform and implementation challenges
Strategies for change and long-term impact
Involvement of parents and students and assessment critiques
Shift in skill valuation and the importance of creativity and elective programs
Dr. Daggett’s future aspirations, innovation, and visualization in education

Resources:

Learn more at spnetwork.org
Connect with Dr. Bill Daggett on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

204. Unboxing Transformative Mentorship: Fostering Passion-Based Learning and Building Community with Audrey Wisch

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:30:00 +0000

We're joined by the inspiring Audrey Wisch, founder of Curious Cardinals and a recognized figure in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Education and Youngest categories. Audrey takes us on a journey through her experiences at Stanford University, which sowed the seeds for her passion in education and led to the creation of Curious Cardinals, a mentorship platform that bridges the gap between K-12 students and college mentors.

Audrey shares the philosophy and core pillars that define Curious Cardinals: near-peer mentorship, passion-based learning, project-based learning, and the importance of representation. We delve into how the platform fosters a sense of community, opens up opportunities, and creates meaningful connections, all while breaking down the traditional silos of education. Audrey also discusses the operational aspects of Curious Cardinals, shedding light on the engagement of mentors, families, and educators, and the platform’s collaborative approach.

Join us in this thought-provoking conversation to discover how Curious Cardinals is reimagining education, making learning journeys more attainable, and fostering a transformative mentorship experience. Let’s unbox the power of mentorship and explore how we can be part of this educational revolution!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The founding and philosophy of Curious Cardinals
The core pillars of Curious Cardinals: near-peer mentorship, passion-based learning, project-based learning, and representation
The community and opportunities created by Curious Cardinals
The operational and engagement aspects of the platform
The vision and aspirations for Curious Cardinals in the educational landscape

Resources:

Discover more about Curious Cardinals and explore opportunities to engage as a mentor, student, or educator: Curious Cardinals
Follow Curious Cardinals on Instagram: @curiouscardinals
Connect with Audrey on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

203. Voice, Vision, and Value: The Student Engagement Revolution with Heather Van Benthuysen

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we welcome Heather Van Benthuysen, the Executive Director of Student Voice and Engagement at Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Chicago stands out, potentially being the first district with a role dedicated to student voice and engagement. Heather illuminates CPS's journey to place students at the heart of decision-making processes, intertwining identity, community, and relationships into an innovative instructional vision.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The evolution of student voice initiatives from service learning committees to a broader "civic life strategy"
The significance of data tools like the Cultivate Survey and the Elevate tool in shaping student-centric education
The transformative impact of powerful practices and the balance between content passion and enriching learning environments

Resources:

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn
McCormick Foundation: mccormickfoundation.org
StartSOLE: startsole.org

Produced by NOVA Media

202. Beyond the Classroom: Shaping Global Education through Systems Thinking with Sheryl Cababa

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're exploring the profound impact of systems thinking in transformative education with Sheryl Cababa from Substantial. Sheryl is the mind behind the freshly-released book, "Closing the Loop: Systems Thinking for Designers.”

A dedicated design researcher and strategist, Sheryl is at the helm of informing education product and service designs, as well as directing investment strategies. In our conversation, Sheryl unveils the close-knit relationship between design thinking and human-centered design. A proponent for amplifying the voices of students and teachers, she believes in actively engaging them in the design processes, bearing in mind their unique contexts and challenges. Sheryl advocates for an equity-centered approach to global education, offering us a macro, bird's-eye view into systems thinking.

Whether you're an educator, designer, or just a curious mind, tune in to this enlightening episode to understand the transformative power of systems thinking in education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Examples of systems thinking in action
The impact systems thinking has in real-world scenarios
The applications, challenges, and opportunities of systems thinking for individual educators

Resources:

Connect with Sheryl on LinkedIn
Read: Closing the Loop

Produced by NOVA Media

201. Flourishing Globally: Transformative Education with Kavita Tanna of Globally Reconnect

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In today's episode of Learning Unboxed, we're joined by Kavita Tanna, founder of Globally Reconnect, an enterprise dedicated to transformative, inclusive education on a global scale. Kavita has a unique perspective on how language and storytelling shape education and personal growth.

In our conversation, Kavita delves into the philosophy behind Globally Reconnect, highlighting the importance of "flourishing" as a more holistic and empowering term than "thriving." She emphasizes that our choice of language can deeply influence our understanding of personal growth and human complexity.

Tune in as we explore how Kavita's work is connecting classrooms across continents, advocating for more thoughtful, inclusive conversations in education. We'll also get a sneak peek into her impactful work in Africa, underscoring the global relevance of her educational approach.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The foundational philosophy behind Globally Reconnect, Kavita Tanna's social enterprise focused on inclusive, transformative education
The significant role of language in shaping educational approaches, with a deep dive into why Kavita prefers the term "flourishing" over "thriving”
The concept of personal growth and how the choice of words can empower individuals to take ownership of their feelings, thoughts, and actions
A preview of Kavita's impactful educational work in Africa, providing a global perspective on the principles of inclusion and equity in education

Resources:

Learn more at globallyreconnect.org
Connect with Kavita on LinkedIn
"Factfulness" by Hans Rosling
"Start with Joy" by Katie Cunningham

Produced by NOVA Media

200. Embracing Curiosity, Making Mistakes & Learning with Fatima Bainazar

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this landmark 200th episode of Learning Unboxed, we're taking a moment to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the incredible journey of one of our most treasured contributors, Fatima Bainazar. From her initial days as a reserved intern during her freshman year of high school to the accomplished graduate that stands before us today, Fatima's growth is a testament to the transformative power of education.

Fatima shares the genesis of her journey with the PAST Innovation Lab—how a mere interest in robotics, sparked by friends, led her down a path she could have never predicted. We delve deep into her initial perceptions of the PAST Foundation, her growing involvement, and her passionate contributions to Minecraft-based educational programs designed to make learning an immersive experience.

Listen in as Fatima sheds light on her transition from high school to college, crediting her early exposure to engineering at the PAST Lab for giving her an unparalleled edge. Join us on this heartfelt journey as we unpack a decade of memories, lessons, and milestones, anchored in the foundational belief of the PAST Foundation: Every child has the potential to solve the world's greatest challenges.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Fatima’s introduction and contributions to PAST Foundation
The evolution of teaching methodologies at PAST and the emphasis on real-world learning experiences
Challenges and rewards of authentic learning environments: from grappling with ambiguity to reveling in freedom
Dynamics of teaching and mentorship: the balancing act of guiding students while also learning from them

Resources:

Connect with Fatima on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

199. Rethinking Discipline: A Journey into Student-Led Restorative Education with AJ Crabill (Part 2)

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we continue our deep dive with AJ Crabill in part 2 of our enlightening 2-part series focused on student-led restorative practices in schools.

The series sheds light on a 24-month pilot spearheaded by AJ from June 2022 to June 2024. A noteworthy aspect of this endeavor? The initial nine months were solely dedicated to adult training. AJ firmly believes in equipping adults first so they are not just passive participants but empowered allies in the initiative.

From the strategic selection of student leaders and the innovative concept of "student-led restorative rooms" to AJ's personal narrative and the profound impact of adult behavior on student outcomes, this episode dives deep into the intricacies of restorative practices in education. AJ emphasizes the need for intentional character development, highlighting the role of community, mediation, and restorative circles in shaping school culture and student success. Tune in, unbox, and learn!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The importance of adult training in implementing student-led restorative practices
The interplay between adult behavior and student outcomes
The three circles: Community, Mediation, and Restorative
The need for intentional character development in schools

Resources:

Learn more at ajc7.com
Read: Great on Their Behalf

Produced by NOVA Media

198. Rethinking Discipline: A Journey into Student-Led Restorative Education with AJ Crabill (Part 1)

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're delving into the realm of student-led restorative practices with AJ Crabill, the author of "Great on Their Behalf." With a firm belief that student outcomes won't shift until adult behaviors change, we explore the transformative education through a restorative lens.

AJ Crabill breaks down the contrasting approaches of retributive versus restorative, showcasing how the latter focuses on repairing harm instead of simply punishing wrongdoing. Together, we dive into the effects this has on absenteeism, revealing how conventional punishments may not lead to behavior change.

Join us as we navigate the calibration of focusing on more frequent behavioral issues, emphasizing early intervention and the importance of teaching life skills like conflict resolution. Crabill introduces us to three powerful tools: community circles, mediation circles, and restorative circles, each with distinct applications in conflict resolution and rule violations.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How conventional punishments might not lead to behavior change.
Teaching essential skills for dealing with conflicts and undesirable situations.
Three Tools for Restorative Practices: Introduction to community circles, mediation circles, and restorative circles.
How teachers can benefit and the step-by-step approach to incorporating restorative practices.
The crucial role of school boards and superintendents for long-term success.

Resources:

Learn more at ajc7.com
Read: Great on Their Behalf

Produced by NOVA Media

197. Reimagining Education through Project-Based Learning with Bryan Harms

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we delve deep into the realm of project-based learning (PBL) with Bryan Harms, a teacher, software engineer, and co-founder of Imagine If, a transformative educational organization based in Denmark. With a mission to reimagine education and provide engaging, personalized, and meaningful learning experiences, Imagine If has been pioneering change in the educational landscape.

Join us in this inspiring conversation with Bryan as we examine the ways in which project-based learning can spark transformative change in education, cultivating authentic, personalized, and equitable learning experiences. Tune in to hear how educators can take the first steps toward this transformation.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Imagine If uses project-based learning to achieve educational goals
The five design principles of Imagine If
Making the leap into project-based learning at scale

Resources:

Learn more at imagineif.dk
Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

196. Rebuilding Education from the Ground Up with Nathan Gorsch and Katie Flanagan (Re-Air)

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Welcome to the July edition of Learning Unboxed. As many of you know, we tend to take the month of July off, but we have heard from our loyal listeners that you would love content during your summer vacation. So we have crafted a set of four episodes to run during the July holiday that are all about exploring student agency. For those working to make a meaningful shift in your classrooms, schools, and communities, the most crucial place to start is making the decision to shift from a teacher-led ecosystem to one that is student-led. But this shift can be daunting. So join us as we explore four examples of student-centered learning that demonstrate what's possible.

We know that the modern school wasn’t designed for education and that it’s woefully inadequate at meeting the needs of today’s students and the work environment of the future. So much so that small tweaks aren’t enough to fix it — it has to be redesigned completely.

Nathan Gorsch, Founding Principal of Village High School in Academy School District 20 in Colorado Springs. Like us at the PAST Foundation, Nathan recognized that our current model of education — the factory model — did not suit kids well, and so he sought out to reinvent high school with the idea of rebuilding it from the ground up. Joining him is Katie Flanagan, a teacher at Village High School, as well as Kate Bennett and Kenny Dufalt, two students attending the school.

We dive into what Village High School is, why it’s a unique hybrid model, and why those out there thinking of transformative education should consider some of the components of that hybrid model.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The student experience as an impetus for innovation
Why students are drawn to Village High School
The concerns and pain points of a non-traditional education
Scaling this model of education for the future

Resources:

Learn more: village.asd20.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nathan-gorsch-759b287a

Produced by Nova Media

195. How One Stone Empowers Students to Become Better Leaders (Re-Air)

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:30:00 +0000

When given trust and resources, students can do some incredible things. One Stone is a student-led and directed nonprofit that makes students better leaders and the world a better place. Through allowing students to pursue their passions and interests, they learn to become more confident, empowered, and self-sufficient. Jesse Ross is the director of senior partnerships at One Stone. He’s joined by two senior students, Saumya Sarin and Elani Waight, who share why they joined the program and what they get out of it.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What One Stone is and why it’s necessary in education
Why students are choosing One Stone for their high school experience
Balancing educational requirements with new, creative ideas
The youth innovation challenge
Experiential learning opportunities

Resources:

onestone.org

Produced by Nova Media

194. Revolutionizing the Middle School Experience with Denise Daniels & Andrew Ravin (Re-Air)

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Many people shy away from talking about middle school, but it’s an important topic. Middle school is often where we make or break a kid’s future – and there is so much opportunity and potential during middle school to shape them for the rest of their lives.

Andrew Ravin and Denise Daniels join us to discuss what Workshop Middle School does differently and how they’re rethinking the structure of the classroom, from starting later in the day to organizing smaller class sizes. Getting things right for kids at this transitional period in life is so important.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What Workshop Middle School is and how it’s structured
Making learning opportunities accessible for more kids
Revolutionizing the conversation around middle school

Resources:

Learn more at workshopmiddleschool.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewravin
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/denise-daniels-5006a611b

Produced by Nova Media

193. When We Trust Kids, Amazing Things Happen with Gever Tulley (Re-Air)

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:30:00 +0000

We’ve come to believe that protecting kids from experiences is a good thing, but what ends up happening is we cripple their ability to make decisions, function as adults, and be intrinsically motivated in anything. Gever Tulley is the co-founder of Tinkering School which came about in 2005. We talk about how trusting kids lead to big things, how teachers and students can collaborate effectively, and why age-restricted learning is a tool of the past.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Gever put kids in charge of his summer camps
Why Tinkering School exists and how it helps kids understand their own potential
Taking a collaborative approach to education with teachers and students
The benefits of mixed-age education
Creating educational “arcs” of learning

Resources:

Produced by Nova Media

192. Chief AI Officers: One example of an incredible new role our kids may aspire to, and what it means for us

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this fascinating episode of Learning Unboxed, we delve deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its profound implications for our future.

Joining us is Sanjay Saigal, Executive Director for Affiliates and Research Engagement at Stanford Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME), brings us the rich history of AI, the democratization of this powerful tool, and its evolving user interface. He also sheds light on the critical role humanities play in steering the ethical questions and decision-making processes involved in AI use.

We’re also joined by Jasmine De Gaia, a Global Product Strategy and Technology Executive in Banking and Financial Services, shares her insights from the business world and the increasing integration of AI in her field. She underscores the necessity for strategists and technologists to deploy AI meaningfully and ethically while maximizing organizational value.

We talk about the pressing need for a Chief AI Officer to manage the ethical, strategic, and technological dimensions of AI implementation. We explore the democratization of AI and its growing accessibility, as well as its wide-ranging implications across various industries. We discuss AI's practical implications in education, the necessity for more critical questioning, and address fears around AI replacing human jobs. Our understanding of AI has a long way to go from this early impression, but it’s important to start asking – and answering – these important questions now.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The growing necessity for a Chief AI Officer to handle the strategic, ethical, and technological aspects of AI in organizations.
The democratization of AI, transitioning from a tool used by a few large organizations to a more accessible technology.
The implications of AI across various industries, and strategic thinking to capitalize on this technology.
The importance of ethical standards in AI usage, aligned with an organization's values.
The societal implications of AI and the growing public understanding and fascination with it.
The significant shift in the user interface of AI technologies, impacting our everyday experiences.
The need for critical thinking and transparency when interacting with AI.
The opportunities AI brings into education, shifting emphasis to why we do things rather than how, and highlighting the role of humanities.

Resources:

Connect with Sanjay on LinkedIn
Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn
icme.stanford.edu/people/sanjay-saigal

Produced by Nova Media

191. The Transformational Power of Montessori Education with Tessa Wessels of Casa Bilingual Montessori

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we dive deep into the world of Montessori education and its transformative potential. Our special guest is Tessa Wessels, founder of Casa Bilingual Montessori. Tessa opens up about her personal journey, from her upbringing in apartheid South Africa to creating an educational environment that nurtures critical and independent thinking in the Netherlands.

Join us as we explore the distinguishing features of Tessa's school, such as its all-day, all-year program, and its core focus on individual personal development. Tessa expounds on the Montessori principles, from fostering an environment that meets a child's developmental needs to guiding older children towards self-reflection and independent thinking.

Discover the unique challenges and rewards of adopting a Montessori education model. We discuss the diversity and continuous learning philosophy of the staff at Casa Bilingual Montessori, Tessa's frustration over the perceived lack of curiosity from traditional schools, and her efforts to demonstrate the effectiveness of alternative teaching methods.

Finally, we discuss the transition of students from Casa to conventional high schools, touching on the strengths and concerns that arise from their different learning experience. Tune in to explore how Montessori education is redefining what school is and why it matters.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Tessa founded Casa Bilingual Montessori
The Montessori approach to education and how it benefits children
The future education path for students beyond Montessori school

Resources:

Learn more at casaschool.nl
Connect with Tessa Wessels on LinkedIn

Produced by Nova Media

190. Pushing the Limits: The Journey to Extreme Innovation in Schools with Nick Salmon

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Today, we're honored to have Nick Salmon, founder and president of the Collaborative Learning Network, join us as we discuss the topic of extreme innovation in the education space. As a ninth-generation educator and self-certified 'educational furniture whisperer,' Nick is deeply committed to positively influencing the lives of 1.6 billion young people worldwide.

Together, we'll delve into the heart of innovation in education, challenging traditional concepts of school and why they matter. From the dynamics of teachers working in pairs or small groups to a complete revamp of how we perceive the school day, Nick offers fresh insights and ideas that have the potential to transform the way we approach teaching and learning.

Join us as we navigate through compelling topics such as the significance of personal transformative learning experiences, the power of collaboration in projects, and unique methods to promote deep learning. We wrap up with a conversation on overcoming the isolation many educators feel and forming supportive cohorts, offering a pathway for meaningful change. Don't miss out on this exciting journey into the realm of educational innovation!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Ways we can revolutionize education without spending any money
Getting educators to recognize different ways of doing things
Giving students the chance to iterate endlessly
Showing up and cultivating curiosity

Resources:

Learn more at collaborativelearningnetwork.com
Connect with Nick Salmon on LinkedIn

Produced by Nova Media

189. How Zoo Schools are Changing the Education Landscape

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Learning Unboxed" where we’re talking about zoo schools as transformative educational institutions.

We're joined by four distinguished guests from the world of zoo education and conservation: Chris Edelen, a career tech teacher at Cincinnati Public Schools' Hughes STEM School and a former zookeeper at the Cincinnati Zoo, brings in over two decades of experience in the zoo and education sectors; Trene't Schill, a proud 2018 Zoo Academy alumni and University of Cincinnati graduate, specialized in Horticultural Science; Rickey Kinley, a dedicated professional, who's led a career spanning 28 years at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and is currently the head keeper of the aviculture department; finally, we have Nhy'Aire Dunn-North, an ambitious senior at the Zoo Academy, who aspires to make a difference in the zoo conservation space, particularly in the African and elephant exhibits.

Tune in to learn how specialized programs like the Zoo Academy can contribute to the personal and professional development of students, even in areas where such programs don't exist. Our guests discuss how to encourage students toward these unique opportunities, the importance of developing soft skills, and the practical application of animal training techniques in human interactions.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What the Cincinnati Zoo Academy is all about
How Hughes STEM School began working with the Zoo Academy
The cross-disciplinary skills students can learn at Zoo Academy

Resources:

Learn more at cincinnatizoo.org/education/the-zoo-academy
Hughes STEM High School

Produced by Nova Media

188. The Power of Intercultural Interactions: The Story of Na'atik School's Immersive Learning Experiences with Catherine Gray

Mon, 22 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Welcome to another episode of Learning Unboxed, where we dive into the innovative and transformative world of education. Today, we're thrilled to have Catherine Gray, the founder of Na'atik School in Mexico. Na'atik is an intercultural school that has been disrupting traditional education models by blending local and foreign learning experiences for over 12 years.

In this episode, Catherine discusses the evolution and mission of Na'atik, an institution that provides subsidized English classes to local and indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto Mexico while also offering language and cultural immersion experiences for foreign students. She shares her journey of growing Na'atik into an intercultural hub, granting scholarships to local students and inviting foreign students to learn Mexican Spanish and Yucatec Maya.

We delve into the power and importance of authentic intercultural interactions, how they can revolutionize traditional education systems, and their role in providing immersive, free-form, and free-flowing learning experiences. Catherine takes us through the unique dynamics of immersive learning at Na'atik, where adults from around the world are often taught by children, thus fostering a bi-directional learning environment.

Join us for this enlightening conversation to understand how learning experiences can be enriched through intercultural immersion and how such models can positively disrupt traditional views on education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Catherine's journey as the founder of Na'atik School in Mexico
The unique intercultural model of Na'atik School
The importance of authentic intercultural interactions in education
The role of immersive, free-form, and free-flowing learning experiences at Na'atik School
The unique dynamics of immersive learning where adults are often taught by children
Challenges faced by Catherine in her journey, including economic difficulties and gaining community trust
The role of authenticity, trust, and respect for local culture in education

Resources:

Learn more at naatikmexico.org
Connect with Catherine on LinkedIn

Produced by Nova Media

187. The Student-Centered Revolution: Exploring the Impact of Student Agency in Modern Classrooms with Michael Nicholson

Mon, 15 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of student agency and autonomy in education. Our guest is Mike Nicholson, principal of Learning Inspired Ed, a forward-thinking education consultancy agency dedicated to supporting the development of student agency across school districts.

Mike shares his passion for moving from a compliance-based education system to one where students have the freedom to make decisions about their learning. We dive into the "55 perspectives" he has developed for teachers to transform their classrooms, including the idea of shadowing a student for an entire day to gain a visceral understanding of their experience. Mike also offers a practical tip for teachers who want to introduce student autonomy in their classrooms but may not be able to do so on a larger scale.

Join us for an insightful conversation on the power of student agency and how to implement it in your classroom. Reach out to Mike at Learning Inspired Ed for resources and support on this transformative journey.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Defining student agency and autonomy
The 55 perspectives of giving kids control and autonomy over their learning
How minimizing educational hierarchy can allow autonomy to flourish
The student autonomy breakdown

Resources:

Learn more at learninspired.org
Follow Mike Nicholson on Twitter: @mnicholson_mike

Produced by Nova Media

186. Discovering Passions and Pursuing Interests: The Joy of Self-Directed Learning at Clonlara School with April Huard

Mon, 08 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're exploring the innovative world of self-directed learning with April Huard, the Executive Director of Clonlara School, a K-12 institution that empowers students to take charge of their own education. Starting as a small homeschooling collective, Clonlara School has expanded to multiple campuses across the United States with a mission to transform education on a global scale.

April shares insights on the self-directed learning model, which allows students to choose their projects and follow their interests while being supported by facilitators who guide them through the learning process. She also addresses the challenges they face, such as misconceptions about self-directed learning and scaling their model to include more students.

One of the core values of Clonlara School is joy, and April talks about the immense joy she finds in her work, witnessing students discovering their passions and families expressing gratitude for the transformations they've seen in their children. The school requires senior students to complete a capstone project, showcasing their diverse interests and talents. Join us in this inspiring conversation to learn more about the importance of giving students the time, space, and freedom to follow their interests and pursue what is important to them.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Clonlara offers multiple ways for participating in its education system
The “full circle learning” approach to education
Giving kids ownership of their education
Training educators to empower kids

Resources:

Learn more at clonlara.org

Produced by Nova Media

185. Navigating Change: Cultivating Global Citizenship in K-12 Education with Dana Mortenson & KK Neimann

Mon, 01 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000

We're diving into the fascinating realm of global citizenship through the lens of a fantastic program called World Savvy. Our esteemed guests are Dana Mortenson, co-founder and CEO of World Savvy, a national education nonprofit working to educate and engage youth as responsible global citizens, and KK Neimann, World Savvy's Director of Professional Learning, with an impressive 20 years of teaching experience in social studies across fifth to 12th grades.

We explore the changing landscape of education and the pivotal role of World Savvy in fostering global competence among K-12 students and teachers. We discuss the importance of integrating global competence into education, preparing students for an interconnected and rapidly changing world. World Savvy's approach champions project-based learning, empowering students to tackle real-world issues while honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Join us as we underscore the importance of global competence and adapting to change to better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Cultivating global competency in K-12 education
Creating a future-proof model of education
Getting everyone in the school community to work together

Resources:

Learn more at worldsavvy.org
Connect with Dana on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dana-mortenson-a691893
Connect with KK on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kk-neimann-2875144

Produced by Nova Media

184. Unlocking Essential Skills with Fab Labs: A Deep Dive with Michael Stone

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Welcome to today's episode of Learning Unboxed! In this episode, we're excited to have an incredible conversation with our guest, Michael Stone, from the Public Education Foundation, based in Tennessee. Michael has an impressive career journey, including being an Albert Einstein Educator Fellow with the National Science Foundation and spending 10 years as a high school mathematics and computer science teacher. In his current role, he's led the development of the largest school-based Fab Lab network in the world through the Volkswagen e-Lab.

We dive deep into the impact of maker spaces and fabrication spaces on education, emphasizing the importance of teaching essential skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. We explore the opportunities for meaningful learning in schools through Fab Labs and discuss the importance of tracking essential skills and technical proficiencies in student learning.

Michael shares his insights on an app called Fabfolio, designed to track these skills. He also recounts a story of how a history teacher incorporated a project involving a 3D printer, leading to an epiphany for two students who had never seen themselves in the lab before.

Join us to learn more about the importance of tracking data to refine educational models and make more informed choices as we scale across the country and the world. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation, and be sure to reach out to Michael if you're inspired by his work. Check out the Fab Labs website and Fabfolio app for further exploration.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The transformative role of Fab Labs in education and skill development
Addressing the future workforce needs through essential skills and hands-on learning experiences
The Fabfolio app: tracking student skills and refining educational models

Resources:

Visit fablabs.io for more information
Connect with Michael Stone on LinkedIn

Produced by Nova Media

183. Transforming Education with an Eye For Sustainability with Trevor Soponis

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Dr. Trevor Soponis is the Founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Sustainable Learning Projects, a lifelong education professional with experience in leading transformative education projects. The purpose of The Sustainable Learning Projects is to provide students with meaningful work that is relevant to their lives and to provide teachers with the curriculum and support they need to make their lives easier. He is focused on having students, teachers, and schools tackle meaningful real-world problems. We talk about the projects that he has worked on, how programs like this can scale, and how a part of their program, Project Student Voice, allows students to customize their curriculum around their passions.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why the Sustainable Learning Projects exist and what they do
Creating models for programs that work and scaling them
Project Student Voice and providing opportunities for students to share their voice

Resources:

Learn more at thesustainablelearningprojects.com
Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trevor-soponis-phd

Produced by Nova Media

182. Building Connections and Solving Challenges at STEM Games with Josip Torić

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we're diving into the exciting world of STEM Games with Josip Torić, the Director of Sports at STEM Games. STEM Games is an international competition that allows students to showcase their knowledge, athletic abilities, and gaming skills across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Josip Torić, who has been instrumental in the growth of STEM Games in Croatia, will be sharing his insights into the competition's success and the benefits it provides for students. We'll be discussing the different arenas of the competition, including the knowledge, sports, and esports components, and the innovative tasks that students tackle in each.

Join us to learn more about how STEM Games encourages creative problem-solving and provides a powerful networking opportunity for STEM students.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Solving real world problems through STEM Games and focused hackathons
What students can learn from the eSports arena
The qualities that make a student succeed at STEM problem-solving
Crafting the right challenges for optimal learning

Resources:

Learn more at stemgames.hr
Connect with Josip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/josiptoric

Produced by Nova Media

181. The Future of Fiber Optics: Exploring Career Paths in Fusion Splicing with Wesley Olinger, Quin Jernigan & Patrick Stichter

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Today's episode is a special takeover, hosted by Ibrahim Aly, a Metro High School junior participant in the PAST Foundation's Workforce Development Program. Ibrahim previously joined us on episode 165 to talk about using internships to encourage STEM careers, and we're thrilled to have him back to lead the conversation about fusion splicing.

A panel of experts will join Ibrahim to discuss this exciting field. Pat Stichter, the hyper-scale trainer from Sumitomo, brings years of experience in the industry. Quin Jernigan, the economic workforce development manager from Amazon Web Services, will discuss the career opportunities available in this field and the skills needed to succeed. Wesley Olinger, the division manager from Team Fishel, will share his perspective on the importance of workforce development and training in this industry. Together, this panel will provide a comprehensive overview of fusion splicing and its potential as a career path. Join us as we learn more about this fascinating field and what it takes to succeed in it.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What fusion splicing is and what it has to do with Amazon’s data centers
What skills are essential to success in the fusion splicing industry
The things students can do today to get ready to enter this field

Resources:

Learn more about Sumitomo: sumitomocorp.com
Connect with Quin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/quin-jernigan-phd
Connect with Wesley on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wesley-olinger-b9097210a
165. Using Internships to Spur Interest in STEM Careers with Nikki Stancampiano

Produced by Nova Media

180. Learning by Doing: The Importance of Professional Learning Communities with Bo Ryan

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, our guest is Bo Ryan, the principal of Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary Magnet School in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and the author of “The Brilliance in the Building”. Bo is a passionate advocate for professional learning communities (PLCs) and believes in the power of collaborative teams in schools.

In our conversation, Bo shares his insights into what PLCs are and why they are not yet widely implemented in schools. He discusses the benefits of building out collaborative teams within schools and how this approach can lead to more effective teaching and learning.

Bo emphasizes the importance of learning by doing and shares his experiences with implementing PLCs at Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary Magnet School. He also offers practical advice for educators who want to develop and sustain their own PLCs. Tune in to hear his expert insights and learn how you can build and sustain a professional learning community in your own school.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What professional learning communities are and why it isn’t already being used in schools
Building out collaborative teams within schools
The importance of learning by doing

Resources:

Learn more: solutiontree.com/bo-ryan
Read: The Brilliance in the Building
Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bo-ryan-077a8299

Produced by Nova Media

179. From Denmark to Silicon Valley: Building Bridges for Innovation with Josefine Strandgaard & Allan Kristensen

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 09:30:00 +0000

We're taking you on a virtual journey to Denmark, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront. Our special guests today, Allan Kristensen and Josefine Strandgaard, are both part of the Innovation Center Denmark Silicon Valley, an organization that facilitates collaboration between Denmark and the US since 2006 as part of the Danish government's initiative to tap into the world's leading innovation hubs.

Today, the center has seven other locations worldwide, including Boston, Munich, Tel Aviv, India, South Korea, and Shanghai. The Silicon Valley office is the oldest and largest, with 14 people working to build bridges between science, education, and innovation for both scholars and Danish companies. Their mission is to internationalize Danish education, science, and innovation.

We talk about introducing students to the startup mindset, incorporating education, business, and government, and how those lessons carry forward in other areas of life.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What the Innovation Center Denmark Silicon Valley is and how they work at the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship
Creating innovative partnerships and programming in education
The benefits of entrepreneurial thinking in various aspects of life

Resources:

Learn more at siliconvalley.um.dk
Connect with Josefine on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/josefinestrandgaard
Connect with Allan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allan-skarup-kristensen

178. Unlocking the Power of Social and Emotional Learning with David Adams

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Are we doing enough to prepare our children for the future? As the world becomes increasingly complex, academic success alone is no longer enough to guarantee a bright future. Today on the podcast, we have David Adams, the CEO of the Urban Assembly, an organization leading the charge in bringing social and emotional learning (SEL) into classrooms across its network. With the Resilience Scholars Program (IRSP), David and his team are crafting unique approaches to integrate SEL into curriculum and classroom practices. Join us as David shares his insights on why SEL is missing in modern education and how Urban Assembly is working to bridge the gap.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Creating a private-public partnership that involves industry in education
How exposing students to different avenues helps them understand their likes and dislikes
The role of the K-12 system to ensure that young people can contribute to their community
The importance of social-emotional skill development

Resources:

Learn more: urbanassembly.org
Connect with David on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-adams-10236721

Produced by Nova Media

177. Teaching Students with a Focus on Mastery in Education with Marcy Raymond

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Today, we have Marcy Raymond joining us, an innovative educator in the STEM space. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Marcy was the first guest we had on this program. Marcy has started multiple schools and transformed existing ones into high-quality, fully-applied STEM schools. We will discuss the concept of mastery learning, which often arises in the transformative school space.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What “mastery learning” is and how it’s being applied in schools today
The necessary elements for fostering mastery learning
The challenges and barriers to practicing mastery learning in school
How teachers can use mastery learning in their classrooms

Resources:

Connect with Marcy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcy-raymond-1193aa205
Twitter: @MarcyRaymond

176. Patching the Leaky Pipeline & Empowering STEM Identity with Dr. Mandy Smith

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Dr. Mandy Smith is the Director of Research at PAST Foundation. She has a wealth of experience in the K-12 education system, including teacher preparation and the intersection of science and technology.

In this episode, we will be discussing the concept of STEM identity. The lack of diversity and opportunity in STEM careers has been a topic of debate and conversation for over a decade. The "leaky pipeline" phenomenon, where individuals drop out of STEM pathways, is a well-known issue, particularly for women and underrepresented minorities. However, PAST Foundation has received funding from the Battelle Memorial Institute to delve deeper into the issue and explore STEM identity in the K-12 space. The goal is to understand and define STEM identity and determine ways to address the issue collectively.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What STEM identity is and why we should care about it
How to give students the opportunity to engage in STEM activities
Partnering with school districts to bolster STEM identity
Using data to inform actionable changes
Taking advantage of existing service learning opportunities

Resources:

Connect with Mandy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mandy-smith

175. Opening Yourself Up to Fellowship Opportunities with Kelly Preheim

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Kelly Preheim has done incredible work as a teacher, but she knows it's important to push herself to step out of her comfort zone. In this episode, we talk to Kelly about her experience as part of the National Geographic Grosvenor Teaching Fellowship cohort and how she balances the everyday pieces of being a teacher with the need to try new things. Don't miss Kelly's insight into how she pushes herself to take risks and try new experiences!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Having the courage as a teacher to push outside of your comfort zone
What Kelly learned in the Teaching Fellowship
How teachers can apply for and take advantage of opportunities

Resources:

174. Be the One: Creating Safe Spaces for Trauma Recovery with Dawn Heideman & Carla Hegyi

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Dawn Heideman and Carla Hegyi are the founders of Be the One, a program aiding at-risk youth in schools in the central Ohio region, both by improving students’ lives and the lives of those around them, through relationship-building and service programs.

Most of the time, when a student experiences trauma, they are only aided for a few days or weeks before everyone returns back to their daily lives — leaving the student to cope with that trauma themselves. Dawn and Carla realized that more needed to be done and that those kids needed long-term support. That’s why they started Be the One: To offer daily support to kids dealing with a variety of struggles in life. They talk about the value of making kids feel heard and seen, making an impact one student at a time, and scaling programs like this to affect more students.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Giving kids the time necessary to overcome emotional trauma
Hearing from people who recognize what you’ve been through
Building a long-term support system for students
How to scale support programs across districts

Resources:

Learn more at betheoneohio.com
Dawn Heideman: Be The One | TED Talk

173. Spreading Financial Education Through Student-Led App Development with Tiffany Marr

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Financial empowerment is incredibly important for those who want to manage their wealth properly, and it’s critical for students to get a headstart on that journey We're talking about Wemblr Ed, a gaming simulation app that engages students in financial scenarios and events to teach the value of critical thinking, personal finance, and strategic planning.

Joining us today is Wemblr's founder and CEO, Tiffany Marr, as well as Derek Fitzer, Dawn Weaver, and Callan Kajdasz from Southwestern City Schools, a school district in the Central Ohio region.

Tiffany will be talking about how the app works, how it impacts students, and the features that make it so cool. We'll also hear from her colleagues about their experience using the app in Southwestern City Schools.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Wemblr got involved in public schools
Drawing on the students’ skillsets for app development
Giving real-world problem-solving opportunities to students
Scaling industry education across school districts

Resources:

Learn more at wemblr.com
Connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffany-marr-348540218

172. Advocating for Equality & Inclusion Through Legislation with Carla Neely

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Carla Neely is currently a fifth and sixth grade science and computer science teacher at Warner Girls’ Leadership Academy for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in Cleveland, OH. Carla has been a teacher for twenty-three years in urban classrooms. She is certified and has experience teaching all subjects, with specialization in science and math. She has a passion for urban education. Carla has spent the past few months in Washington, DC as a member of the 2022-23 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows Cohort. She is passionate about making opportunities equitable for underrepresented and marginalized students. In this conversation, she talks about the struggles that marginalized students face when it comes to opportunities in STEM fields and how she’s working — through legislation — to change things for the better.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The importance of advocacy and exercising your voice
Affecting change beyond the classroom
How legislation can bring about equity

Resources:

Connect with Carla on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carla-neely-390168125
EINSTEIN Carla Neely | U.S. DOE Office of Science(SC)

171. Getting Hands-On Animal Education at Your Local Zoo with Rebecca Morningstar

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Rebecca Morningstar has been teaching animal science and zoo management courses at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan since 2013.

Potter Park Zoo is going above and beyond the minimum requirements to provide the highest possible welfare for its animals, employees, and guests. Its mission is to inspire conservation of animals and the natural world. And people can’t make a difference in the world if they don’t know the issues or what they can do to help.

We dive into how Potter Park Zoo is getting kids engaged with learning about animals and conservation, as well as introducing other learning opportunities along the way. She shares what students are doing in these experiences, how she makes the hard decision on what topics to cover and what to leave out, and how you can partner with your local zoos in your own area.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The mission of Potter Park Zoo
Offering educational opportunities through hands-on animal experiences
Getting kids involved in the conversation around conservation
Bringing local zoo organization into your own innovative program

Resources:

Learn more at potterparkzoo.org
Connect with Rebecca: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-morningstar-2788a664

170. Learning Through Failure & Mastery with Tony Wagner

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Tony Wagner is a globally-recognized expert who is currently a senior research fellow at the Learning Policy Institute founded by Linda Darling-Hammond in 2015. Prior to that, he held a variety of positions at Harvard University for more than twenty years, including a few years as the expert in residence at the Harvard Innovation Lab and the founder and co-director for more than a decade at the Change Leadership Group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

In his latest book Learning By Heart, Tony gives an autobiographical telling of his unconventional educational journey. His background was of hating school. He dropped out of high school, and after going back to get his degree dropped out of college twice. His experience with school, along with getting deeply involved in the 60s political movement, led to two realizations: That he wanted to make a difference in the world, and that education needed to be completely reinvented. We talk about what that reinvention looks like, and how a shift to mastery-based education can prepare students for the world after school.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Shifting the focus of education from time served to mastery
What’s at stake if we don’t make radical changes to our education system
How legislation can free up educators to innovate by removing testing requirements
Breaking down the content barriers
How to find room and space for innovation in your classroom today

Resources:

169. Diving Into the Montessori Education Method with Hannah Baynham & Melanie Thiesse

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 09:30:00 +0000

You can’t talk about rethinking education for long without hearing Montessori come up. In fact, several past guests on the show have mentioned it, either as an inspiration or having been brought up in that educational philosophy themselves. While we’ve scratched the surface before, we’ve never had the opportunity to dig into it until now.

Joining us to help us get a clear picture of this popular education method is Hannah Baynham, Director of Learning and Professional Development at Montessori and Melanie Thiesse, Senior Director of Membership and School Accreditation. They share the philosophy behind Montessori, why it’s so popular among those rethinking education, and how it is helping to shape the future of education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What Montessori is and where it comes from
How Montessori practitioners balance student agency and facilitation
How schools can get accredited as a Montessori school
Integrating Montessori education in an existing school environment
How Montessori is pushing the future of education

Resources:

Learn more: amshq.org
Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-joy-baynham-16aa211a9
Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mthiesse

168. Making Education Feel Magical with Buddy Berry

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Buddy Berry is the superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools, a rural district with approximately 850 students located 400 miles east of Louisville, Kentucky. Buddy is a fourth-generation alumnus of Eminence which offers him a unique perspective, coming from the place that he now leads.

Five years ago, Eminence was facing a decline in enrollment and a dropoff in funding. Thanks to Buddy and many of the programs he’s facilitated in his tenure, that decline has turned around.

We talk about some of those programs including the idea of “School on Fire,” a framework for reinventing and innovating education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Creating a framework for innovation in education
Making education an experience
Onboarding educators into a new, innovative system
Incorporating surprise and delight into the school system

Resources:

Follow Buddy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/buddy-berry-8963baa4
Twiter: @buddyberry, @eminenceschools

167. Turning Kids to Artists, Designers & Change Agents with Jason Blair

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Our traditional school system has always grouped students by age, but we’re coming to see the benefits of mixed-age learning. When you take kids of different ages and have them learn together, they both grow exponentially faster.

Jason Blair is in his 20th year as an elementary school art teacher, currently teaching at Dublin City Schools. He was a previous guest on Learning Unboxed when we spoke with the Columbus Museum of Art about its work on Project Zero, and Jason is the teacher, leader, and resident with the museum.

We explore how he’s taking the innovative things he’s learned over his 20 years of educating and the variety of projects and partnerships he’s been a part of during that time and how he’s translating that experience into his own classrooms.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How multi-age learning benefits students, and how to encourage different age groups to interact
The ripple effects of non-traditional education throughout the school system
Creating an environment full of joyfulness
Incorporating personal learnings into the education experience

Resources:

74 | Cultivating Creative & Civic Capacities | with Jennifer Lehe, Jason Blair, & Britanie Risner

166. Rebuilding Education from the Ground Up with Nathan Gorsch and Katie Flanagan

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Nathan Gorsch, Founding Principal of Village High School in Academy School District 20 in Colorado Springs. Like us at the PAST Foundation, Nathan recognized that our current model of education — the factory model — did not suit kids well, and so he sought out to reinvent high school with the idea of rebuilding it from the ground up. Joining him is Katie Flanagan, a teacher at VIllage High School, as well as Kate Bennett and Kenny Dufalt, two students attending the school.

We dive into what Village High School is, why it’s a unique hybrid model, and why those out there thinking of transformative education should consider some of the components of that hybrid model.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The student experience as an impetus for innovation
Why students are drawn to Village High School
The concerns and pain points of a non-traditional education
Scaling this model of education for the future

Resources:

Learn more: village.asd20.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nathan-gorsch-759b287a

165. Using Internships to Spur Interest in STEM Careers with Nikki Stancampiano

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 09:30:00 +0000

One of the best ways to empower students with the life skills they’ll need as adults is to entrust them with solving challenging, real-world problems. Now imagine being able to pay them for those problems. That’s the reality of the Smart Skills Program here at PAST—all about creative, innovative ways to think about workforce development.

Smart Skills is a six-week program over the summer, a career exploration and work-based learning experience with youth ages 15-18 that explores several different STEM career paths, develops design thinking skills through solving real-world problems, and gets support from local industry professionals. It gives interns the opportunity to hone in on a focus area, develop career skills, and even earn industry credentials—all while developing leadership, communication, and other soft skills.

We’re speaking with the Project Director of the Smart Skills Program, Nikki Stancampiano of the PAST Foundation, along with four student participants, about their experience within the program, why they joined, what they got out of it, and what anyone can do to apply these lessons to their own school program.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What Smart Skills is and how to design a program that helps students develop career skills
The different smart skills kids can develop and learn
The challenges kids face during the program
What teachers interested in implementing this program need to know

Resources:

PAST Workforce Development

164. When We Trust Kids, Amazing Things Happen with Gever Tulley

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:30:00 +0000

We believe kids learn best through experience. But what happens when we start holding our young ones back in a misguided attempt at keeping them safe?

Gever Tulley is the co-founder of Tinkering School which came about in 2005. It gives kids the opportunity to prove how capable they are by supplying them with the tools to solve real-world problems and watching them make mistakes, learn, and build great things.

We’ve come to believe that protecting kids from experiences is a good thing, but what ends up happening is we cripple their ability to make decisions, function as adults, and be intrinsically motivated in anything. We talk about how trusting kids lead to big things, how teachers and students can collaborate effectively, and why age-restricted learning is a tool of the past.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Gever put kids in charge of his summer camps
Why Tinkering School exists and how it helps kids understand their own potential
Taking a collaborative approach to education with teachers and students
The benefits of mixed-age education
Creating educational “arcs” of learning

Resources:

163. What to Do When Teachers Feel Like Quitting with Bill Manchester

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Anyone will tell you: Teaching is hard. But when we have teachers who are good at their jobs but are feeling that struggle, how can they overcome that hurdle and go on to have long, joyous teaching careers?

Bill Manchester is an old friend of Learning Unboxed. We met with him and his students back in episode 34, Engineering Creativity Through Music. If you happened to miss that one, we’ll catch you up: Bill is an 18-year (and counting) veteran teacher who runs his classroom in a way that most teachers dream about. Most recently, he’s published a book titled "When You Feel Like Quitting Teaching, Read This Book".

We talk about the nudge needed to keep teachers on track and feeling good, the small consistent steps for a solid teaching foundation, and how to find your footing in a tumultuous landscape.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why Bill felt the need to write his book
What stands in the way of our teachers loving their jobs long term
The learning triangle that becomes the foundation of your passion pivots: Engagement, content, and structure
Creating full engagement in the classroom
Balancing the need for testing without relying on it as a mechanism to learn

Resources:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/manchester_edu
TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/umA0K6aE15U
Engineering Creativity Through Music with Bill Manchester

162. Preparing Kids for Life Through Playing Chess with Elliott Neff

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

When we can use entertaining games as amazing educational tools, everyone wins. It’s clear that the game of chess can lead to some stellar learning opportunities, but what's not always obvious is how to get kids interested in it at all.

Elliott Neff is the founder and CEO of Chess4Life, a platform that teaches kids critical thinking skills, problem-solving, EQ, and other important life skills through the game of chess. He’s also the author of A Pawn’s Journey: Transforming Lives One Move at a Time.

We talk about how Chess4Life uses the game of chess to teach kids how to fail fast, learn, and improve, focus on individual strengths, and celebrate differences.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why chess makes such a valuable learning tool
Scaling the impact of coaching
Taking failure as an opportunity for growth and iteration
The Chess4Life curriculum and how to get involved

Resources:

chess4life.com
elliottneff.com
Read: A Pawn's Journey
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elliott-neff-9b53473

161. Taking Education Outdoors to Connect with Nature with Matthew Schlein

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

When we spoke to members of The Willowell Foundation, Jen Olson & Tasha Ball, about the Wren’s Nest, we realized there’s so much more to this story that needs to be explored. How we contextualize our relationship with nature is so important, and getting kids interested in it at the ground level may have far-reaching implications.

Matt Schlein is the founder and director of The Walden Project and The WIllowell Foundation. As you may know, Willowell offers nature-based education programs and activities to help connect communities to the natural world. While Wren’s Nest is their preschool program, The Walden Project offers alternative public education for grades 10-12. We talk about the origins of the foundation, why connecting with nature is so important, and how we can get this level of education across the world.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The origins of The Walden Pond Project and The Willowell Foundation
Creating a K-12 experience where students are immersed in nature
How Willowell is allowing kids to recontextualize nature
Finding the universal in the particular

Resources:

160. Teaching STEAM Skills Through Esports with Gerald Solomon & Kevin Brown

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

There’s a lot to learn by taking the time to understand things that kids are invested in, even if it doesn’t seem to relate to education. Take esports, for instance: Could this thing that so many adults pass off as a waste of time actually teach our kids valuable life skills?

North American Scholastic Esports Foundation (NASEF) is the world’s first academic approach to esports, providing opportunities for students to learn STEAM skills and prepare themselves for the work of the future. In 2018, Gerald Solomon created and launched NASEF when he recognized the possibility of reaching disenfranchised learners through a pass time that kids love. Kevin Brown was a lifelong gamer himself and wears many hats at the foundation under the title of Chief Academic Officer. We talk about the unlikely bond between gaming and education, how to open up skeptics to these opportunities, and how to scale programs like this across the globe.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Taking STEAM skills already present in esports and making them visible to kids
How they scaled the NASEF program across states
Pushing back against the negative connotations of video games
Talking to “digital native” kids in a language they understand

Resources:

Learn more at nasef.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/geraldsolomon
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevinthierrybrown

Bonus: Special Edition: Annalies Corbin - Hacking School Pt. 4

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

In previous parts of Hacking School, we’ve taken a look at our education system, the role it’s played, and what could happen if we allow ourselves to imagine other possibilities. Change is difficult—especially getting started—and once you’ve decided to make a change, picking a direction to go in can be even harder. We’re joined by August Majtenyi, a member of PAST’s research team, to have a conversation about the single biggest question I get when we start talking about ways to hack school: How do we know problem-based learning even works?

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Acknowledging the work ahead of us
The evidence behind problem-based learning
How we can improve the research supporting PBL and combat hesitancy

Resources:

159. Bringing Social Emotional Learning to Classrooms with Bridget Durkan Laird

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

If the role of school is to prepare students for their adult lives, then academics are only a part of what they need to learn. We’re going to look at an innovative program that is working hard to bring SEL (social emotional learning) to the forefront of our thinking as we look at transforming our school structure.

Bridget Durkan Laird is the chief executive officer at Wings for Kids, an organization that recognizes how emotional intelligence was a missing component in schools and sought out to give kids these skills by the time they’re teenagers. We discuss why Wings for Kids was founded, their approach toward teaching SEL, and the impact they are hoping to have.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The goal of Wings for Kids and the importance of social emotional learning
How Wings for Kids works to bring SEL into the classroom in engaging ways
Partnering with teachers who are passionate about SEL
The importance of adult buy-in when teaching kids
Finding the kids that need the most help

Resources:

Learn more at wingsforkids.org
soarwithwings.com

158. How STEM Education Serves Students in Their Future Careers with Sam Crews, Mar Lin, and Camryn Woodley

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

We’re speaking to a number of people from one of Ohio’s leading STEM schools, the National Inventors Hall of Fame School, including Sam Crews, a founding teacher at the school with over 20 years of experience in schools. Joining him are two former students, Mar Lin and Camryn Woodley. They share their learning experiences at the National Inventors Hall of Fame School and how what they learned there has carried with them throughout their young adult lives.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The story behind the National Inventors Hall of Fame School
How the school’s strong founding ethos carries on throughout the years
Creating meaningful experiences for students
Rolling out STEM education to the broader school community
Making the decisions that are best for kids

Resources:

invent.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sam-crews-bb795512a

157. Bringing Hands-On High-Tech Education to Everyone with Nikil Ragav

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Many schools are excited by the idea of collaborative maker spaces, putting large amounts of funding into getting them built. But once those spaces have been built they start to struggle. What do we do with these spaces to make them a success? Nikil Ragav is the founder and CEO of inventXYZ, a program devoted to bringing high-tech, hands-on education to students everywhere by setting up maker workspaces at partner schools across the country. We talk about how he’s working with schools to make the process of building and using maker spaces more streamlined, and how schools everywhere can get involved.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The problems districts face when building maker spaces
How inventXYZ is making it easier to put maker spaces in schools
Accelerating the rate of teaching standard education
Becoming involved with inventXYZ

Resources:

inventxyz.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nikil-ragav

Bonus: Special Edition: Annalies Corbin - Hacking School Pt. 3

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

With a wicked problem in mind, choosing relevant issues tied to a school, a community partnership, technical apprenticeship, or continuing education reveals many paths that lead down numerous avenues of inquiry—all relating back to the issues at hand. Sustainability, world health, and local environments are larger issues with multiple facets, with the potential to generate years’ worth of projects for students. We can use this approach to create a new model for learning that increases the motivation of students, supports teachers’ professional development, and engages community industry partners. It would be a system that prepares students for the future and serves us all far better.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The benefits of addressing local or current problems in education
The extraordinary results that come from partnering industry experts with educators
Creating a new, problem-based model of education and learning
Recalibrating our education system to be relevant to the future

156. Connecting Kids to Their Community & Environment with Jen Olson & Tasha Ball

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Education starts from the moment we take our first breath, but we often only give it our full attention as kids get closer to their careers. Today we’re going to be talking about our littlest learners and how to prepare them for further education and their futures.

Willowell Foundation’s “Wren’s Nest” program, a holistic, interdisciplinary, and sensory-based approach to learning, and a companion program to Willowell’s nationally-recognized outdoor high school program The Walden Project. The goal of Wren’s Nest is to foster students’ independence and an initial understanding of their interconnectedness with the whole world.

Joining us are Tasha Ball, the administrative director of the Willowell Foundation, and Jen Olson, an early childhood educator and teacher at the Wren’s Nest. We talk about embracing kids’ natural curiosity and desire to explore, getting them immersed in nature, and how we can scale outdoor education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What Wren’s Nest does and how it works
The value of learning outside the classroom
Trusting kids to rise to their capabilities
How Willowell incorporates state-required learning
Scaling outdoor classroom programs

Resources:

willowell.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-olson-b7842384

155. Preparing Kids Emotionally for the Workplace with Marie Gervais

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Original summarization of the episode. Greet the reader and/or introduce the guest. Preview the person’s area of expertise, qualifications, accomplishments, or hook for being on the show. One sentence to connect relevant subject matter to the audience. Consider finishing with a list rounding out other included topics. Quick sign-off CTA. Educational, open-minded tone.

Part of our core philosophy at Learning Unboxed and the PAST Foundation is how the current educational system fails to prepare students for the future of work. We spend a lot of time focused on the educational aspect of that, but we rarely get a chance to dive into the workplace.

Marie Gervais is the CEO of SHIFT Management, which specializes in helping supervisors learn to lead with confidence by developing their people skills and supporting their teams in meeting business objectives effectively. We discuss the ways in which we consider how the workplace and education relate to each other and their futures.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What it means to participate in the workforce
The diversity of the workplace and how to work collaboratively
Giving workers a sense of purpose
The importance of emotional regulation
Bringing students into your passions

Resources:

shiftworkplace.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leaderstraining
Twitter: @ShiftWorkPlace

Bonus: Special Edition: Annalies Corbin - Hacking School Pt. 2

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

There’s a severe disconnect between the preparation of students coming out of K-12 education and career success. Though the founders of the PAST Foundation each came from diverse areas of science, they each found they were seeing the same problem in students and young employees who worked in their labs: As intelligent as they were, when it came down to rolling up their sleeves and working there were some key skills and understandings that were missing. That is largely because the K-12 education system was rooted in a 19th-century factory-based model—one that is now obsolete. We need a complete overhaul of the system—so what’s that going to look like? Let’s discuss it together.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why our education system is failing us
How the PAST Foundation is bringing education closer to reflecting real life
The opportunity presented in wicked problems

154. Getting Stronger Engagement Through Gamification with Shawn Young

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Shawn Young is the co-founder and CEO of Classcraft, an innovative platform that helps educators make learning meaningful and motivate students through gamification. SInce its launch, Classcraft has had an incredible impact, with over 10 million students making use of the platform. He has a background in teaching himself, and in fact built Classcraft to meet the needs of his own classroom before it became a tool that is deployed in classrooms around the world. We talk about why gamification is such a great tool for encouraging student participation, and how Classcraft presents these features in a way that puts real-world learning upfront and wraps it in an appealing package.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How Classcraft came about
The gaps that Classcraft fills in the classroom
Why gamification increases intrinsic motivation
Addressing the concerns about adopting Classcraft
Bringing Classcraft into your classroom

Resources:

Learn more: classcraft.com
Instagram: @classcraftgame

153. Getting Real-World Career Education Though Pathway Programs with Erika Reeves & Shirish Parasa

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

One of the main goals of education is to prepare our kids for the future, and that often means preparing them for a career. A great way to do that is through internships, capstones, and mentoring programs. Erika Reeves is the Bodies Early College Experience Coordinator at Metro Early College High School, who we’ve spoken with on the podcast before. She’s joined by a student, Shirish Parasa, who has been participating in the Bodies program this past year and gave an incredible capstone presentation. Together, they talk about the benefits of early work education programs and how they can give more opportunities to kids.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What the Bodies Learning Center is
Embedding children in the research process
How students connect with what they learn and experience
Thinking about the role of the mentor
Meeting the needs of each individual student

Resources:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erika-reeves
P3 Applied: pastfoundation.org/p3-applied-mentorship-series

Bonus: Special Edition: Annalies Corbin - Hacking School

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

In this special issue of Learning Unboxed, we are kicking off a multi-part series we call “Hacking School.”

The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, while awful in its own right, brought to light several long-standing issues in the education system—specifically when it comes to equity, technology, and pedagogy. We’ve come to understand that the current system does not prepare students adequately for life or the workforce. Let’s explore how we can take this opportunity to rethink the very foundations of how we teach kids and prepare them for the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The unexpected upside of the pandemic
Why the present education system is obsolete
How we can rethink education

152. Creating Immersive Art Experiences that Spark Creativity with Allyson Lupovich

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Art is such a powerful way to expand our creativity and explore unique ways of thinking, but the traditional art world can be uninspiring to outsiders and limiting to the artists themselves. Thankfully, people like Allyson Lupovich mean to change that. Allyson is the Director of Brand Content for Meow Wolf, an immersive art experience company in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their goal is to inspire creativity through their art and to remind people of the power of play. We talk about all sorts of things, from how Meow Wolf approaches creating their maximalist, impressive art installations to collaborating on creative projects and more. We also discuss how to bring some of this sense of art and inspiration into your own backyard.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What Meow Wolf is and how it got started
How these experiences are designed
Giving everyone a voice in creating
What Omega Mart is and how it was designed
Bringing creativity to your neighborhood

Resources:

meowwolf.com
Instagram: @meow__wolf
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allyson-lupovich-b8190488

151. Giving Students Career Experience with Internships with Tammy Cooper

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

High school internship programs can be a fabulous experience for students and, when done well, are incredibly productive for all parties involved. Internships can run from work-based experiences to being fully embedded in a workplace. Tammy Cooper has been the internship coordinator at the Marysville Early College STEM School for the past five years. She talks about some of the benefits of internships, how students can get involved, and what’s in it for the businesses that participate as well.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What Marysville Early College STEM School is and what they do
What students get out of an internship
The experience for the company during an internship
Getting workplaces on board for internship opportunities

Resources:

150. Take Location-Based Learning Into Your Own Hands with Anne-Marie Gilliland

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Travel is a wonderful thing, and so much learning can happen while doing it. Creating opportunities for learning takes a lot of work however, and it isn’t always accessible. How can we make it easy for anyone to learn as they travel?

That’s the goal of the Smithsonian Adventure Labs. Anne-Marie Gilliland a volunteer organizer at the Smithsonian Castle. Adventure Labs is an app based on the idea of geocaching, where you use your phone’s GPS to go on a scavenger hunt to different locations. In the app, you discover new locations, all the while learning more about their history, and you are encouraged to visit and discover new areas and new things you may never have noticed before. While it is made by the Smithsonian, anyone with the app can set up their own Adventure Lab.

Anne-Marie shares with us how, using the Adventure Lab app, you can bring exploration-based learning to your community without the need to invest in tour guides that by necessity limit what can be covered.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The purpose behind Smithsonian Adventure Labs
How people can use the app
What is involved in making your own Adventure Lab

Resources:

si.edu/mobile/adventurelab

149. Raising Our Teens Into Thriving Adults with Traci Bakenhaster

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

How do we get our kids through childhood and teenage years to adulthood?

The world is changing rapidly, and that’s leaving young adults with having to make important decisions about their future—without knowing if the advice that worked for their parents, or even their peers, will work for them in the future. Things like whether or not college is necessary, what jobs will be around in the next five to ten years, or whether or not they’re prepared to live on their own.

Thankfully, there’s Raising the Next Gen, an organization out of central Ohio that helps high school students make smart career and college decisions to become successful adults—regardless of whether that student is college-bound or going right into the workforce. Traci Bakenhaster is the founder of this organization, and she’s going to share with us why this organization exists and what it does to help young adults thrive.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How most adults learn things the hard way
The foundations of adulting
Keeping educational content both current and timeless
Catering the messaging to different age groups

Resources:

raisingthenextgen.com

148. Learning About Nature is in Our Nature with Jess Kaknevicius

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

How do we create good stewards of Mother Nature from a young age and give our kids a well-rounded education—while having fun? Jessica Kaknevicius is the Vice President of Education at Sustainable Forestry Initiative where she leads the initiative to advance environmental literacy, stewardship, and pathways to green careers. She also leads and directs Project Learning Tree. Sustainable Forestry Initiative is all about the broad aspect of sustainability but approaches it through the lens of forestry. Teachers often don’t have the resources or permission to get their kids outdoors and learning in a natural environment, so anything that helps with that is a huge win.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The mission of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative
Exploring the benefits of trees and forests
How the pandemic has affected outdoor education
Bringing programs to your community
Learning from indigenous communities

Resources:

forests.org
plt.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-kaknevicius-00431525

Learning Unboxed is produced, in part, by Crate Media.

147. Giving Kids an Urban Farming Education with Jim Bruner

Mon, 23 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Food is essential to our lives, but kids rarely get a chance to understand where it comes from – or how to participate in the process. Jim Bruner is the farmer extraordinaire at the Mezzacello, an urban farm in the middle of downtown Columbus which hosts programs that expose local kids to urban farming. We discuss how last year’s events went and what lessons he’s learned that will be applied as the project moves in the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

Why Jim created Mezzacello
Mezzacello summer camp programming
Creating a positive learning environment through play
Lessons Jim learned working with kids
Long-term impact of the program
Designing your own backyard curriculum

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced, in part, by Crate Media.

146. How One Stone Empowers Students to Become Better Leaders

Mon, 16 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

What One Stone is and why it’s necessary in education
Why students are choosing One Stone for their high school experience
Balancing educational requirements with new, creative ideas
The youth innovation challenge
Experiential learning opportunities

Resources:

onestone.org

Learning Unboxed is produced, in part, by Crate Media.

145. Improving Mathematic Instruction for Middle Schoolers with Elly Blanco-Rowe

Mon, 09 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Elly Blanco-Rowe is an expert in K-8 mathematics, with over 20 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and school leadership. We’re talking about Teaching Matters, a national New York City-based nonprofit whose mission is to close the opportunity gap of a radically unequal education system for underserved and historically marginalized children. We take a look specifically at their Math Acceleration pilot program and how it helps to build kids up in their critical areas of education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The background of Teaching Matters
How Teaching Matters offers support to students and educators
Asking kids their perspective on their education
How the learning experience changes from elementary to middle school
Working with the individual schools

Resources:

teachingmatters.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elly-blanco-rowe-2b797a7

Learning Unboxed is produced, in part, by Crate Media.

144. Preparing Our Kids to Become Leaders of the Future with Michael Trezza

Mon, 02 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

High school is a critical age for students. As our kids’ social lives expand, it can be harder to keep them interested in learning. And the skills that they are taught in school may not be the most readily applicable for their future. So what can be done to improve that system?

Giant Leaps Learning provides an after school enrichment program that helps prepare creative and curious students for life in college, the workplace, and beyond. Michael Trezza is the founder and CEO; his perspective aligns well with ours here at the PAST Foundation. We discuss how teaching kids the skills of critical thinking and self-learning can carry them much further than most archaic classroom lessons.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

How the world is changing faster than our current education system can keep up
What Giant Leaps Learning does
How coaching meets educational needs
Teaching kids critical thinking skills

Resources:

giantleapslearning.com

Learning Unboxed is produced, in part, by Crate Media.

143. How Kids Can Become Inventors with Dominic Wilcox & Mark Muzzin

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Little Inventors is a creative education organization that inspires imagination by taking young peoples’ amazing ideas seriously. Dominic Wilcox is a British artist and designer who creates innovative and thought provoking work that is shown in galleries and museums across the world, as well as the founder of Little Inventors. Mark Muzzin is a K-12 STEM consultant for the Macomb Intermediate School District. He loves to develop new initiates, collaborate, and leverage his experience to empower others. Together, they share how kids can learn to think of themselves as inventors and the synergy that comes when working together with teachers and engineers to come up with innovative programming.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

The story behind Little Inventors
Giving kids a sense of agency
How schools can shake things up
Getting schools to buy into an ambitious new program
Balancing open source and formal education

Resources:

littleinventors.org
Follow Dominic on Instagram: @dominic_wilcox

Learning Unboxed is produced, in part, by Crate Media.

142. Helping Entrepreneurs Reach Educators with Josh Chernikoff

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today’s guest has had a remarkable journey in the innovation and entrepreneurship space within education. His name is Josh Chernikoff and he is an innovative entrepreneurship advisor and strategist with over 20 years of experience in education, broadcast journalism, sales, marketing, and communications. He’s used that unique combination of skill sets and applied them to a wide range of work. We hear about his successes, failures, and the thinking that goes on behind the scenes.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

joshchernikoff.com
cascadego.co
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshuachernikoff

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

141. Developing a New Generation of Environmental Stewards with Megan Karch

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Let’s talk about a place, a program, and a whole ecosystem all living under one name: IslandWood. Washington-based IslandWood is an environmental education nonprofit that believes there are many paths to creating a more sustainable and equitable world. Megan Karch, our guest today, has been the CEO of IslandWood since 2018. She sees, and tells us all about, the magic in the science and intention brought to the project.

We talk about the importance of this kind of work, how it opens kids up to seeing the significance of the natural world, and how those without access to IslandWood can replicate its lessons in their own backyard.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

islandwood.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

140. Helping Kids Make Healthy Food Choices with Rachel Shreve of Cooking with Kids

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Rachel Shreve has been involved in Cooking with Kids, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization based in Northern New Mexico, since 2006. It is dedicated to educating and empowering children and families to make healthy food choices through hands-on learning with fresh, affordable ingredients. We talk about nutrition, healthy foods, and the lifelong learning experiences that can take place between kids and their families as they learn how to cook, eat, and be in a happy and joyous relationship with food.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

cookingwithkids.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

139. Bringing Reading to Underserved Communities with Kristen Walter

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Reading and literacy are skills we can often take for granted, but they aren’t as accessible as we might think. Many children – and parents alike – don’t have access to reading material that can allow them to learn at their own pace. That’s where Worldreader and their mission comes in.

The Worldreader website and app offer a digital library of books as part of their Keep Children Reading US programming and provides access to books in English and Spanish to families who otherwise struggle to access books and reading in a meaningful way.

Kristen Walters is the Director of US Programs. She shares how the organization tackles overcoming the barriers to learning, helps parents and their kids connect and learn together, and provides reading materials around the country.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

138. Understanding Our Archaeological Heritage with Dr. Alexandra Jones

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Archaeology is one of the best examples of STEM education you can find. But it can take a lot of effort to get meaningful programming, access, and opportunity into communities as it relates to archaeology and local history.

Joining us to talk about this is Dr. Alexandra Jones. She’s the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Archaeology in the Community and is an education leader focused on community outreach and service.

We talk about how she started getting archaeology-based education into schools without giving teachers more work, what motivated her to start this nonprofit in the first place, and why it’s so important to get kids learning about archaeology.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

137. Creating Equality Through Access to Educational Media with Dr. Jose Morey

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re talking about diversity and inclusion as it relates to the STEM fields and how we can continue working towards a more inclusive industry.

Dr. Jose Morey is an MD known as the first “intergalactic doctor.” He’s also a leader in technology and innovation, and the founder and CEO of Ad Astra Media, a STEAM edutainment company that provides role models and educational content to encourage more diversity in STEM and STEAM fields.

We talk about Dr. Morey’s approach to media education, why it’s so important for kids to see themselves in the careers they pursue, and how this content is being integrated with the traditional education landscape.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

drjosemorey.com
adastrasteammedia.com
Instagram: @drintergalactic
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/josé-morey-03942357

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

136. Building Financial Resilience Through Hip Hop Pedagogy

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Andrea Ferrero is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Pockets Change, a nonprofit that provides curriculum workshops and professional development to build financial literacy and resilience through Hip Hop pedagogy.

If you’re not sure what that means, we dive into all of that and more in this episode, including the difficulties involved in teaching finances in school, understanding different personalities and their relationship to both learning and money, and where you can get started including this in your schools.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

pocketschange.com

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

135. Accelerating Innovation Within Your Community with Michael Dennis of CAS

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Michael W. Dennis is the Vice President of Legal, PMO, and Innovation for CAS. He earned his PhD in biochemistry from the Ohio State University, and JD from Capital University. In this episode, we discuss the advancement of individual communities on a global scale.

CAS is looking to make science and data accessible across the globe, fueling innovation, curating information, and advancing scientific progress. We explore what it means to innovate at a community level, how CAS is contributing to that, and how you can take charge in your own area.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

cas.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-dennis-b262165

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

134. Democratizing Digital Mentorship with Angelica Estevez & Rania Ajami

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

As always on this podcast, we’re excited to have conversations about innovative opportunities for students, for schools, and in this case, for professionals as well. In this episode, we cover a new program called Mentor Ship.

Joining the conversation is Rania Ajami, an award-winning filmmaker and founder of several successful entities and organizations centered around creating modern programming for students. With Rania is Angelica Estevez, an attorney and legal counsel.

Mentor Ship is an interactive learning platform that connects children with experts from around the world, bringing together changemakers and thought leaders in the areas of survival skills, climate change, space, artificial intelligence, archeology, health and wellbeing, arts, and more.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

mentor-ship.tv
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rania-ajami-7457452

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

133. Designing Education for the Real World with Vivian Shen of Juni Learning

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

We know that the traditional education system doesn’t work for most people, but rarely do people set out to come up with solutions on their own. We talk to Vivian Shen, the founder of Juni Learning, about what subjects give students the most value throughout their lives, how Juni is doing things differently from the traditional school system, and how to prepare kids for the real world.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

junilearning.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vivianmshen

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

132. Take It Outside: Getting Students Invested In & Inspired By Nature with Pete Barnes

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we take another field trip, this time, to the New Albany Intermediate School. Our guide is Pete Barnes, a twenty-five year veteran of education with eighteen of those spent serving young people in New Albany schools. He shares his fresh take on curriculum work involving pollinator gardens, outdoor education, and environmental science – and why it makes such a big difference for kids.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

New Albany Intermediate School

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

131. Bringing Community & Communion to Education with Christopher Travers & Derrick Tillman-Kelly

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Communion is an aspect of education that we rarely discuss, but it can have a tremendous impact on students’ personal outlooks and futures.

Christopher Travers is a scholar, minister, writer, speaker, and curator of communion. Anchored in an ethic of love, his work explores the intersection of spirituality, race, and gender among Black men. Joining him is Derrick Tillman-Kelly, who serves as the Chief of Staff to the Dean of The Ohio State University College of Engineering.

In this episode, we have a conversation that allows us to think critically, to think deeply, to think about community and what it means to be a part of one.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

communioncollective.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopher-travers-97865236
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derricktillmankelly

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

130. Choreographing Ambitious, Messy Change with Dan McClure

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Dan McClure draws on over thirty years of experience in order to, in his words “choreograph ambitious, messy change”. Now, he’s turning his attention to the education landscape, with a focus on which pieces are and aren’t relevant to make the whole thing run as efficiently as possible.

If you haven’t noticed, a lot has changed since our current education system was built. But, there aren't many ways in which it’s been updated to match the times. It can be very difficult to get people to embrace change, especially when civic funding is at stake, but that’s exactly what Dan’s work is all about.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

129. Revolutionizing the Middle School Experience with Denise Daniels & Andrew Ravin

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

workshopmiddleschool.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewravin
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/denise-daniels-5006a611b

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

128. Growing Up Boulder: Empowering the Voices of Children with Mara Mintzer

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Mara Mintzer from Growing Up Boulder gives us the scoop on their youth-friendly city initiative, a program established to include the voices of children in the decisions of local government, focusing on things such as public spaces, transit, and housing.

If kids are going to be affected by these decisions, doesn’t it make sense to at least hear what they have to say? Involving children – especially those from underrepresented backgrounds – sheds a whole new light on aspects of city and social planning that would otherwise go unnoticed.

It also gives them a glimpse of what it looks like to make a true and tangible impact on the world, with the hope that the experience inspires them both professionally and personally down the line.

Growing Up Boulder is now working alongside UNICEF USA to inspire and educate children through unique projects their students are sure to remember for the rest of their lives.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

127. EL Education in Action at Palouse Prairie Charter School with Jeneille Branen & Erin Corwine

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I connect with Jeneille Branen and Erin Corwine, the powerhouses behind the Palouse Prairie Charter School in Moscow, Idaho. As a credited EL institute, it’s exemplary in executing the EL Education philosophy (formally known as Expeditionary Learning).

We discuss what makes the Palouse community and curriculum unique, the intentionality behind their rigorous hiring process, integrating natural learning environments, and how they pivoted their practices during the pandemic.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Website: palouseprairieschool.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

126. How a Living Curriculum Redefines Education with Sal Gordon of Green School Bali

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Sal Gordon, the Head of Teaching and Learning at Green School Bali, is here to explain the mission statement and vision behind the school in Bali which has now grown into a global movement.

Sal spent 12 years in formal education and, at the end of his journey, realized that all he’d really learned along the way was how to learn. That’s what inspired him to join Green School; it matched up with his unique view of what teaching can and should be.

We also get into how Green School Bali pivoted to keep moving during COVID, the ways that their model of education has helped students already, and its global expansion with other Green Schools in South Africa and Tulum.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

125. Using The Conrad Challenge to Unlock the Box with Nancy Conrad & Ankesh Madan

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

The Conrad Challenge has been inspiring students to collaborate and innovate for years as just one of the programs run by The Conrad Foundation. Its founder and chair, Nancy Conrad, joins us, as well as tech investor and Conrad alum, Ankesh Madan, for a discussion on how the challenge continues to benefit people around the globe.

A former teacher, Nancy is now a globally recognized leader in transformative education and a highly sought-after speaker. She established The Conrad Foundation to honor her husband, Pete Conrad, the third man to walk on the moon.

Also joining us is Ankesh Madan. Ankesh is a self-described recovering materials engineer who made the transition to tech investor following his involvement in the 2010 Conrad Challenge.

Together, they give us a full picture of how The Conrad Challenge is able to innovate, bring people together, and bring the best out of our children.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

124. Me and My City with Kaisa Koistinen

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Kaisa Koistinen is the mastermind behind Finland’s innovative Yrityskylä concept. Me and My City seeks to empower children to learn the world of business and entrepreneurship instead of expecting them to learn it on the fly once they’re older.

The idea is simple but profound: children act out different roles within companies and organizations so as to build their understanding of the corporate landscape and how industries fit together. The idea is to prepare them for adulthood in a way that the current education system overlooks. In essence, they put the children in charge.

For example, many young adults lack the basic capabilities to manage their own finances. Me and My City arms people with these tools before they reach an age where they need to rely on them.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

123. Looking at History Through a Critical Archaeological Lens with Matthew Reeves

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

It’s fascinating the way archaeology impacts how we think about teaching, learning, and the future of the world.

We’re going to be talking about exploring the legacy of race through archaeology as a teaching tool with Matthew Reeves, Director of Archaeology at James Madison's Montpelier in Orange, Virginia.

The story of James Madison is a complex and fascinating one, and what they are trying to do at Montpelier is retell that story as accurately as possible. He was a father of the constitution, but he was also a slave owner up until his retirement. We look at the role of archaeology in digging up and telling that story, the value in uncovering the difficult history of the United States, and making sure all voices are heard.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

montpelier.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthew-reeves-72295836

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

122. Teaching Forensic Science in Elementary School

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

As the new academic year gets ready to start, we're going to have a conversation about some of the amazing science programs that are happening in and around our community. Today we’re taking a look at a program at the Ohio State University called WOW (Wonders of Our World), which brings creative, hands-on science experiments to elementary school classrooms grades K through five.

Leading that conversation is Jessica Caton Diefenbach, the WOW Program Coordinator for the last five years at the Ohio State University. Joining Jessica are two third-year Ohio State students who have been participating in the WOW Program for a number of years, Brianna Agomessou and Grace Benecke.

We talk about teaching forensic science to young students, how to approach them at their level, sparking an interest in science, and setting up the next steps for inspired students.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

121. Bringing Education Outdoors with Jessa Goldner

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Elementary school students in the United States don’t typically focus much on science, but sparking that interest early can be a great opportunity to create a lifelong pursuit.

Jessa Goldner is part of the PAST Foundation’s Student Experience Team. She’s been focusing the past six months on designing an environmental science program geared towards elementary students. She’s been building this program out at KIPP Columbus, a local school with an amazing outdoor space.

She dives into the importance of teaching young children about the environment, how she gets them involved and interested in participating in something directly, and incorporating environmental education into every classroom.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

The PAST Foundation - KIPP Summer 2021 Programs

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

120. Creating Brave Spaces in the Classroom with Melissa Crum

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

You’ve likely heard of safe spaces before. The problem is that, when having tough conversations, it may not always be possible to feel completely safe. That’s where the idea of brave spaces comes in – a space where people show up with good intent, but with the knowledge that mistakes will likely be made, and can be corrected as they happen. Creating brave spaces is critically important in what's happening in classrooms, schools, and communities today.

Joining us to discuss brave spaces is Dr. Melissa Crum. She’s an artist, an author, a researcher, and the founder of Mosaic Education Network. She leads a consulting company that infuses the arts, research, storytelling, and critical thinking into professional development, community building, and curriculum development. We discuss why brave spaces are important, how coded messages in children’s media can have an impact on their perception of the world, and how to facilitate difficult conversations in the classroom.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

119. Combining Education & Entrepreneurial Skills for Success with Nik Kafka

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

What happens when social enterprise meets education and opportunity? A whole lot of good.

Nik Kafka is the Chief Executive and Founder of Teach A Man To Fish, a charity he founded after leaving a successful banking career. He discovered an innovative school in Paraguay that was aiming not only to teach the poor how to become rural entrepreneurs, but to do so as a self-financing enterprise. He helped transform the school and turn it into a replicable model which turned into Teach A Man To Fish.

We hear all the time about what isn’t working in our education system – and yet there are examples of successful models out there in the world. We need to learn to capture what they are doing right and replicate them as possible in a variety of ways.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

118. How Apprenticeship Plays a Role in the Future of Education with Rebecca DeMatteis & BJ Knutson

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Apprenticeship is a classic mode of education that we have yet to tap into the full potential of in modern times. But there are organizations out there making the most of apprenticeship, and the benefits it can provide.

Joining us to talk about apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and how these are taking place across the world are Rebecca DeMatteis and BJ Knutson of ApprenticeOhio.

Rebecca is the program administrator at ApprenticeOhio and the Executive Secretary of The Ohio State Apprenticeship Council. She’s responsible for overseeing all aspects of the registered apprenticeship program for the state of Ohio. BJ Knutson is the Program Delivery Supervisor for ApprenticeOhio, who oversees the daily operations for Apprenticeship. We talk about who apprenticeship is for, and how it can benefit both industries and individuals.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

apprentice.ohio.gov
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bjknutson
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-dematteis-1606a932

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

117. Building Out the School to STEM Pipeline with Frederic Bertley of COSI

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

How can we effectively, as a community, create STEM pipelines for our local businesses and industries? And how can we make sure that effort spreads well beyond the local community?

Frederic Bertley is President and CEO of The Center of Science and Industry (or COSI as it’s known colloquially).

Our current K-12 system is woefully inadequate at preparing children for the world they are growing into. Without a solid STEM background, we are not going to solve the massive problems of our future. We unbox how we can ensure children are going to get the education they need to set them – and our communities – up for success.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

cosi.org
Twitter: @FredericBertley

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

116. The Future of Education is Individual with Paolo DeMaria

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

When you think about learning, it’s important to remember that each classroom – or wherever the learning takes place – is made up of a number of individuals with different needs. A one-size-fits-all approach just won’t work. How does that play out when you are overseeing nearly two million students?

Paolo DeMaria is Ohio’s Superintendent of Public Instruction. He’s a passionate leader, a tireless worker, and a respectful listener – and he also has a great sense of humor. He uses all of these skills on a regular basis as he supports Ohio’s 3,600 public schools and 1.7 million students.

We talk about the bigger picture of how the education machine works, improving the school system to be more proactive than reactive, and creating partnerships based around mutual work towards a common goal.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

115. Our Chance to Rethink Early Education with Colin McGinnis

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Colin McGinnis is the CEO of South Side Early Learning, a high-quality early learning school founded in 1922. He’s passionate about early education and ending the disparities that prevent young learners from accessing the education they need to develop a solid foundation. He’s also working to end low wages paid to the teachers who influence children’s success through life.

When South Side and PAST had the opportunity to come together and rethink what education could look like, we developed a moonshot together of what the future of education could look like from a blank slate.

We talk about what the future should look like, how to attract quality talent in early education, and the importance of starting early and continuing that education moving forward.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

southsidelearning.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colinmcginnis

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

114. Hacking the Education System with Jerry Valentine

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We’re going to continue our ongoing conversation around entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and how the two relate to the education system.

Joining us is Jerry Valentine, an active community member and volunteer in the Columbus, Ohio area. As part of his journey, he has completed community hackathons, startup accelerator programs such as Give Back Hack Columbus, and participated in SEA Change where he jump-started his business venture, Renter Mentor.

Because of his participation in all of these spaces, he has a lot to bring to the discussion around the innovations happening in the startup world. We talk about how to take all of those innovations and turn them into amazing opportunities for students.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jerryv513
rentermentor.net

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

113. A Positive Outlook on Education Reform with Steve Shapiro

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Steve Shapiro is a veteran educator of 32 years. He has taught sixth grade through graduate school, primarily as a high school teacher and school reformer.

Our education system was built hundreds of years ago. To say the world has changed a lot since then is an understatement. More than just the adoption of computers in the classroom, there were no cars or even radios. And yet, very little about our educational structure has changed to prepare students for the world we are releasing them into. That’s what school reform is all about.

It can be a loaded term for many people. If you’re a traditional teacher, the phrase “school reform” can even feel accusatory. We unbox what it actually means and explore why it has more to do with understanding the different ways that kids learn, the ways adults teach, and what the world needs from its education system.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

112. The Future of Media in Education at WOSU with Amy Palermo

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today we’re talking about the WOSU classroom. WOSU is a public media station that hosts everything from radio stations, to TV stations, to digital broadcasts, as well as, of course, classrooms. They take kids from birth to 12th grade, offering programs for kids, caregivers, families, teachers, and more. They offer a holistic learning experience with the goal of creating as many touch points as possible along the way.

Amy Palermo is the chief of content for education at WOSU Public Media, where she leads a team of educators dedicated to helping children learn. She began her educational career in Texas, where she perfected the poetic application of “y’all” and developed a love of sweet tea.

It’s easy to forget that, in addition to our traditional school-based learning, kids are engaging with content from a variety of sources and each of them play a role in educating them and their worldview. There’s so much opportunity in meeting them where they are and providing educational materials that integrate into kids’ lives.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

news.wosu.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amypalermo

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

111. Changing Education to Meet a Changing World with Doug Schachtel of Portfolio School

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Is traditional education about learning to be a successful, well-rounded human, or just about getting good at school itself?

Doug Schachtel is the co-founder and Head of Community at Portfolio School, where they believe that making is the best form of learning. As they put it, “We don’t have a maker studio, we are a maker studio.” Their approach to learning enables students to set their own goals, problem-solve, and understand the reasons for the actions they take because children learn best when they’re invested in what they are trying to accomplish.

Doug discusses what led to him founding his own school despite having no background in education, why that’s likely a good thing, and how building the future of teaching is one of the most important endeavors we can devote ourselves to.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

110. Driving Interest & Access to Technology in Education with Lisa Chambers of TECH CORPS

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Lisa M. Chambers has more than 20 years of experience building cross-sector, strategic alliances and developing nationally and award recognized Computer Science and Information Technology programs for K12 classrooms. As the National Executive Director of TECH CORPS, she leverages the power of relationships and works across private, public, and corporate sectors to advance the mission of the organization. We talk about the role of technology in K12 education – both now and what we should expect (and plan for) in the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

109. Exploring Creative Education with Saeed Arida, Siena Jekel, Anara Magavi & Luca Rudenstine of NuVu Studio

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today, we go into detail on an innovative education program, NuVu Studio, a full time innovation school based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Joining us is Saeed Arida, the Chief Excitement Officer at NuVu Studio, and three students at NuVu, Anara Magavi, 10th Grade, with a focus on design; Siena Jekel, 9th Grade, with a focus on film and innovation; and Luca Rudenstine, 12th grade, with a passion for storytelling through design and art as a tool for activism.

While earning his Ph.D. in Architecture at MIT, Saeed studied the processes architects use to create their work. He wondered what would happen if we applied those same techniques to the education system, and, through his work with NuVu, he’s determined to find out.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

108. Doing the Impossible & Changing Mindsets Through Reading with Rana Dajani

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Rana Dajani is a worldwide advocate, and research scientist. She holds a PhD in molecular cell biology, has received many accolades and recognitions around the world, has participated in the Clinton Global Initiative, is on The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program from Jordan to the United States, and so much more. She is also the author of “Five Scarves: Doing the Impossible,” an exploration of the intersections between gender, race, religion, and science, told through the eyes of one of the world’s leading Muslim, women scientists. Every woman or educator deserves to read it. She’s seeking a paradigm shift in the fight against women’s oppression. She joins us to talk about her work, what influences her thinking, and the future of education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

107. Engaging Students Through Progressive Education with Tim O’Connor & Sarah Giles

Mon, 31 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We’re continuing our conversation on the ideologies of progressive education and how to put them into practice. We’ve talked about the origins of the progressive education movement, the philosophy behind it, and why it works so well for students, families, communities, and teachers.

Now we’re talking to two teachers who have been working in progressive education for a while. We dive into more of the details surrounding putting it into practice.

Sarah Giles teaches in a two-three multi-age classroom at Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School. Tim O'Connor is a middle school mathematics teacher, currently at Francis W. Parker School in Chicago. He has many years of experience and has been involved in teaching math in grades six through 12 in England, Ireland, New Zealand, and the US.

We talk about what these progressive schools are doing, how they keep their students engaged, and the barriers blocking progressive education from being introduced to more schools.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

106. Entrepreneurship & Startup Culture for Transformation with Jasmine De Gaia & Kristy Campbell

Mon, 24 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We continue our conversation on digital transformation, this time focusing on growing startups and fostering entrepreneurship as a component of transformation.

Jasmine De Gaia is currently the Executive Director of Transformation at JP Morgan Chase & Co. She has over 20 years of experience in building and leading innovative digital and agile organizations. She’s returning from being featured on the previous two components of this series. Joining her is Kristy Campbell, who leads operations for Rev1 Ventures, an investor startup studio that provides strategic services and capital to help startups scale and corporations innovate.

The education system still has a very distinct divide between business and technology disciplines. We talk about breaking down the silos between them and embracing technology and innovation in the work that educators do.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

105. Promoting Equality & Justice | with Theresa Collins, Chris Thinnes & Kavan Yee

Mon, 17 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We continue our discussion of progressive education by exploring equality and justice. Joining us are three experts in the progressive education movement.

Theresa Collins has 27 years of experience teaching high school English, she was past president of the Progressive Education Network, and she is now co-director of the National Institute of Progressive Education.

Kavan Yee is the director of Middle School at Lowell School and has served in a variety of former roles, including middle school science teacher, science curriculum coordinator, director of middle school and student life.

Chris Thinnes is a veteran, independent school-leader, an active collaborator with educators and activists from the public and private sectors, and an engaged public school parent.

Together, they consider the role that progressive education will play in the future of our society, the value of making connections with students, and the responsibility that educators face in shaping the way forward.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

104. Decolonization & Spreading Knowledge of Native Cultures at the Burke Museum | with Alvin Logan, Jr.

Mon, 10 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Dr. Alvin Logan, Jr. is the Director of Education and Affiliate Curator of African Culture and Education at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture from Seattle, Washington. Dr. Logan has a track record of building support systems to catalyze learning from marginalized communities, from middle school to graduate school. His focus is on culturally relevant pedagogical approaches, decolonization, and multicultural curriculum development.

The Burke Museum is the State of Washington's Natural History and Culture Museum. It has been around for 130 years and has deep roots in the community. It was founded by the wife of Thomas Burke, who collected native art and the stories that go with that — the good and bad. And it's now grown into a significant cornerstone for research, teaching, and community building. It has become a hub in the Northwest for learning about, teaching, and understanding natural culture and history.

STEM typically has a Eurocentric or Western perspective. However, Alvin and the Burke Museum are striving to share the ecological knowledge of indigenous peoples and make it known to the world.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

103. The Mission of Outdoor Education with Carmen DeLeon & Leslie Dorsey

Mon, 03 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Outdoor science education is an essential part of any child’s education. It offers them a real, tangible reference point for their future coursework in science and technology. At the McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS) of the University of Idaho, educators and scientists work together to create diverse, inclusive communities of learners while asking challenging questions that transform their thinking.

Leslie Dorsey is a former MOSS graduate student, field instructor, and AmeriCorps member. She has worked as a Naturalist at the Redfish Visitor Center, and more recently, as the Citizen Naturalist Coordinator at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for the Multi-species Baseline Initiative.

Carmen DeLeon is an experienced science educator, wildlife conservationist, and STEM education specialist. She has over 12 years of experience in volunteer management, inquiry-based education, and animal biology at environmental non-profits and museums.

The conversation heads out into nature for a chat about outdoor science education and how it ties into university programs, training your teachers, and getting kids excited about being in the great outdoors.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

102. Evolving Education in Ireland with Elaine Higgins, Alice D'Arcy & Mark King

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We take the show on the road, so to speak, to Ireland, talking about innovations in education across the pond. Joining us are three industry experts to talk about the work being done there.

Alice D’Arcy has been involved in STEAM Education Ltd. since it was founded in 2014 and now serves as its Managing Director. She’s intimately involved in the development, delivery, and training of all STEAM programs, there.

Elaine Higgins is a Materials Engineering Manager at DePuy Synthes. She leads a technical virtual team involved in engineering and 3D printing.

Mark King is an educator with 19 years of experience working with children in learning environments, presently at the O’Connell Primary School in Dublin.

All three are doing amazing things in the education space, and we’re glad to have them on the show to share their collective approach, findings, and outlook.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

101 | The Student Experience at PAST with Melissa Olvera, Swathi Vudatala, Caleb Buaful, Josiah Nahhas & Javier Cruz

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today, we have a Learning Unboxed takeover. One of our internal colleagues, Javier Cruz, is going to be controlling the host’s mic to lead a conversation discussing student experiences — and what that means in a STEM world.

Javier is joined by Melissa Olvera, Swathi Vudatala, Caleb Buaful, and Josiah Nahhas — all students of The PAST Foundation — to share their experience and talk about how it has influenced their path moving forward. They discuss how they were each introduced to PAST, what skills they gained there, how they are carrying those skills into their careers, and what they envision as the future of education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

100. Unboxing 100 Episodes of Learning Unboxed with Annalies Corbin and Rich Rosen

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

PAST’s podcast passion project, Learning Unboxed, has reached the 100 episode milestone! To commemorate, we thought we’d turn the mic to me, your host, Annalies Corbin, to explore the origin story of the show while celebrating milestones past, present, and future.

We talk about how my life-long thirst for knowledge ultimately led me to PAST and this podcast. I’m so grateful for this incredible platform, which links learning to life and connects with a worldwide network of education facilitators and students on an intimate level.

Thanks for supporting us thus far. Here’s to the next 100!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

99. The Origins of PAST with Dennis Aig, Sheli Smith, and Andy Hall

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today we’re delving into PAST’s origin story with the founders who had the courage and vision to start this foundation with me twenty years ago.

Dennis Aig, Sheli Smith, Andy Hall, and I take a walk down memory lane to reflect on how we set the stage for PAST to innovate, teach and succeed – despite the growing pains we all had to stomach along the way.

We wouldn’t be here today without our incredible network that goes above and beyond the mission to move science from paper-to-people, and make world-class scientific research accessible everywhere.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

98 | Technology and the Change In Pace of Innovation and the Future of Work with Jasmine de Gaia & Paige Love

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We’re super excited to have Jasmine de Gaia and Paige Love from JPMorgan Chase & Co. back on the show for the second segment of our three-part series on innovation strategies within education and the workforce.

We touch on the importance of failure and fluidity for an evolving workforce to thrive and the different ways the tech industry encourages more women, girls, and minorities to move into technology. We also address how the mature workforce can adapt and be part of the innovative process, creating a bridge from the classroom to the boardroom.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Read more: jpmorgan.com/insights/technology/digital-innovation

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

97 | Transitioning From the Typical HighSchool to a STEM-focused School with Riley Andrews

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Riley Andrews is a middle-school student who we’ve had the pleasure of watching flourish academically since transitioning to a STEM school. Today, Riley shares the educational shifts between her different schools, how she navigated the increased workload, and the pros and cons of virtual learning during the pandemic.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

96 | Veterans and Archaeology: Digging into Our Nation's History with Jessica Mundt, Kelly Brown, and Shannon Johnson

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

The Veterans Curation Program hires veterans to curate and maintain archeological collections that preserve U.S. history and endow participants with employable skills for the ever-changing civilian job market.

This wonderful trio of educational leaders —Kelly Brown, Shannon Johnson, and Jessica Mundt — is on the ground, literally making history with those who have served. We discuss the ins-and-outs of this unusual program that connects the military to location and place through an archaeological lens, their current collections, and visions for the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Website: veteranscurationprogram.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

95 | Becoming a High Flyer and Letting Your Dreams Soar with Shaesta Waiz

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

On October 4, 2017, Shaesta Waiz made aviation history when she became the youngest woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft.

And since then, she hasn’t stopped making her mark, in the skies or on the ground. Her foundation, Dreams Soar, runs inspiring outreach programs across the globe to encourage more girls and women to study and work in male-dominated spheres of STEM and aviation.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Website: dreamssoar.org
Book: ¨Fly Girl Fly: The Story of Shaesta Waiz¨ by Nancy Roe Pimm

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

94 | Presidential Libraries, Robots, & STEM: The Surprising Connection & How You Can Use These Resources | with Elizabeth Dinschel and Kristine Bullock

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We cover quite a bit in this week’s episode Elizabeth Dinschel and Kristine Bullock: the work of Presidential Libraries, their public outreach and engagement of K-12 students, and a lot of social studies and language arts — and, of course, how that all ties back into STEM and STEM education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Hoover Library
Visit the Presidential Libraries online

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

93 | The Power of Data to Transform our Lives with Jasmine de Gaia

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Jasmine de Gaia, Executive Director of Transformation at JPMorgan Chase & Co., explains how the advancement of digital innovation in low-tech and high-tech industries is transforming the cultural fabric of our lives.

If we adopt Jasmine's notion that ‘every company has become a tech company,’ it becomes of crucial importance that educators are preparing children for future tech-focused careers that are not the norm. We discuss the importance of agile-based learning over gadget dependency and how this upgraded mindset is transforming the consumer experience of today.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Digital Innovation at JP Morgan: www.jpmorgan.com/insights/technology/digital-innovation

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

92 | The Power of Entrepreneurship in Education with Ruby Xun & Melissa Liang

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We’re talking to Ohio State graduates, Ruby Xun and Melissa Liang, who reached the finale of Best of Student Startups (BOSS) last year.

While Covid-19 derailed execution plans for their sustainable fashion platform, Twirl, the applied learning experience at BOSS endowed them with useful insights for creating, maintaining, and growing a business.

We imagine the different ways entrepreneurship could be integrated into a high-school program, and how familiarizing students with everyday business skills earlier on could help navigate a future in a way that textbooks and blackboards cannot.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

BOSS: The Best of Student Startups

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

91 | Cultivating a Grass-Roots Approach to Conservation with Curt Collier & Lucy Crespo

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Groundwork USA shares our mission to move youth from the classroom to the forest, learning and thriving in the great outdoors.

Today, Curt Collier and Lucy Crespo talk about how they’re combating environmental and socio-cultural barriers to getting kids outdoors, to make the mountains mainstream for urban youth.

We discuss the cultural and generational shifts towards environmentalism, effective community engagement, past project highlights, and the different ways our teachers can integrate our great national parks into the national curriculum.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Website: groundworkusa.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

90 | Merging Arts, Science and Math at The Alabama School of Fine Arts with Tim Mitchell

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Tim Mitchell, executive director of The Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA), has mastered the (seemingly) impossible: he’s curated a hugely-successful fine art, math, and science institution — within the state’s public school system.

With 85-95% scholarship rates for college — compared to the national average of 15% — it’s clear that their diverse student body is thriving. However, it’s the magic of marinating the world of STEM and STEAM together that makes this remarkable school stand out for us here at Learning Unboxed.

Creating synergy between science and arts is not only possible, it’s already happening! We hope this expansive conversation plants a seed of hope for our community looking to ignite more change within the archaic education system.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about ASFA: www.asfa.k12.al.us
Follow:@asfaschool

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

89 | Democratizing Philanthropy with Imran Nuri & Shannon McCalmont

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

At just 23 years old, Imran Nuri is transforming the way America approaches philanthropy with his impactful non-profit, The 52 Million Project.

His subscription-based program, which costs $1 a week, donated just over $30,000 to 52 different non-profits last year. By breaking down the barriers of donating, students, young professionals, and local communities have jumped on the philanthropy wagon, without having to break the bank.

Today Shannon, Imran, and I discuss how the project began, the evolving dynamics of the giving back model, and how charitable efforts from childhood can create altruistic habits for later life.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

88 | Empowering Parents as Co Educators with Sabrina Walters and Lori Trent from Upper Arlington City School

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Learning through seeing, thinking, and wondering is the educational utopia we’re striving to achieve, and thanks to teachers like Sabrina Walters and parents like Lori Trent from Upper Arlington City School, we’re closer to making it a reality.

These forward-thinking educators reveal how creating an active dialogue between parents, teachers, and students can revolutionize the learning process. Their holistic model builds on the notion that learning is best delivered from a dynamic pool of voices and perspectives. For Sabrina and Lori, true learning exists in constructive, shared conversations and not in top-to-bottom instructions from a teacher to a student.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Recreate the Dale Chihuly art project for your students: artsycraftsymom.com/10-dale-chihuly-art-projects-for-kids/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

87 | Parks as Classrooms: Place-Based Learning & Real-World Connections | with Julianne Geleynse

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000

If it involves getting more folks outside, learning, and protecting our environment, we are all about it here at the PAST Foundation. And that’s why we are so enamored with the programs offered by the National Park Service.

And today, Julianne Geleynse from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is going to teach us about the Parks as Classrooms program, which is offered at a number of different parks around the U.S.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Do you want to schedule a virtual program for your class? Send an email to grfm_education [at] nps.gov
National Park Service’s Resources for Educators
Smokieee’s at Home

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

86 | Peerro, Inclusion, & The Future of Employment | with Rachel Angel

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Employment is a big conversation these days, for both those seeking employment and those seeking to hire, and the issues involved are numerous and complex. And this was a big conversation before 2020’s record unemployment numbers. Now? It’s simply one of the biggest conversations that needs to be had.

So we sat down with Dr. Rachel Angel, President and CEO of Anexsis, which has developed an interactive software that engages young adults seeking employment called Peerro. Dr. Angel offers us a glimpse at the future of employment — as well as what we need to do, as a society, to ensure we have a workforce in the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

85 | Work, Play, Learn, Grow: The Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) | with Mike Coonan

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a paid — yes, paid — student residential employment and education program in which 64 teenagers live, work, play, learn, and grow in Yellowstone National Park. They stay in the park for just over a month to work on projects that improve the park for both visitors and mother nature, and one hour is set aside each day for purposeful education, leadership activities, and career development. And this is such an impactful program that about 20% of the current YCC staff were previously students who participated in the program!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

84 | OnRamp: Helping Students Think About Solving Problems in a New Way | with OSU Students

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000

The Ohio State University Center for Innovation Strategies has an incredible program called OnRamp, which is a corporate innovation idea accelerator driven by innovative students. Given initial concepts generated by a sponsor, a group of students conduct customer validation and innovation techniques over a multi-week program to result in out-of-the-box solutions. This gives students from any area of the school an opportunity to experience what it’s like to work within a Lean Startup environment, working collaboratively with other students and a corporate sponsor to solve real-world problems.

And today, we’re going to talk to three students who either have participated in or are currently participating in OnRamp:

Drew Mayerson, a fourth-year scholar student at Ohio State, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through the Max Fisher College of Business and OnRamp graduate.

Szofi Wiksell, a sophomore at the Ohio State University with a double major in marketing and public policy, who is currently in the middle of the program.

David McGrath, who is currently studying finance at OSU and participated in the program a couple years ago.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about OnRamp

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

83 | What Does a School Board Do & What Does It Mean to be a School Board Member? | with Lori Trent, John P. Jones, & Dr. Tina Price

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today we’re covering a topic that we’ve never actually talked about on the program before: What do school boards do? Why would someone run for one? And is it really important?

Really, it’s impossible to talk about what’s going on within our school without considering what’s going on within our school boards. So, we sat down with three newly elected school board members to hear why they were compelled to serve their communities in this capacity:

John Jones, an experienced business owner, a former Huron City Council member, and a new member for Huron City School Board.

Dr. Tina Pierce, a program manager for the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University, CEO and Founder of WORTH (Working through Obstacles Reaching True Heights Foundation), and a new member of Columbus City School Board.

Lori Trent, the communications and development guru here at the PAST Foundation, an art teacher, and a new member of the Upper Arlington School Board.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

82 | Progressive Learning & Project Zero: Making Learning Visible | with Mara Krechevsky & Dr. Fred Burton

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Project Zero is an educational research group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education dedicated to understanding and enhancing learning and thinking. This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about Project Zero on the show — and it probably won’t be the last! — because they are trying to make teaching, learning, and the future of work very relevant and right now. But the secret to this conversation is that work in progressive learning has been going on for many years and it's having quite the impact, so we actually have quite a few clues about where to go in the future.

Our guests are Mara Krechevsky, a senior researcher from Project Zero, and Dr. Fred Burton, who has spent 44 years as an educator in progressive education, including 13 years as principal of Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about Project Zero
Find more resources created by Mara
Listen: “74 | Cultivating Creative & Civic Capacities | with Jennifer Lehe, Jason Blair, & Britanie Risner”
Instagram: @projectzerohgse
Facebook: facebook.com/ProjectZeroHGSE

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

81 | Expedition Yellowstone: Science Education in the People’s Classroom | with Beth Taylor

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic spaces in the United States, if not the world, due to its unique geography and, increasingly, the sheer size of undeveloped land. Yellowstone also happens to be one of the most incredible classrooms in the world, and today we’re going to learn a little bit more about that. Our guest is Beth Taylor, the Youth Education Program Manager at Yellowstone National Park.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Distance learning opportunities and activities
Learn more about Yellowstone National Park

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

80 | 16 Strong: Normalizing Conversations About Mental Health & Mental Illness | with Samantha Wettje & Susan Solar

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Our collective unwillingness to have conversations around things like mental health, familial mental illness, and addiction is really holding a lot of kids back from making it through the day in a strong, successful way — especially this year — but the 16 Strong Project is trying to change that.

Learn how you can break the stigma around mental health with Samantha Wettje and Susan Solar.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

79 | Online Opportunities to Learn From Indigenous American Voices, Cultures, & Perspectives | with Colleen Call Smith

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

2020 has brought a lot of challenges. But at the same time, it’s brought a lot of opportunities to access educational resources from all around the world that were previously inaccessible to most people.

And right now, there's an amazing opportunity — and necessity — to bring native voices into your teaching and learning every day.

To teach us more about what it looks like to bring native voices into both formal and informal education spaces, we sat down with Colleen Call Smith, who serves as an education specialist in the National Museum of the American Indians Office of Education.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Native Knowledge 360
NMAI’s resources for teachers

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

78 | #ProjectMartian: Farming on Mars, Food Scarcity, & Urban Sustainability | with Jim Bruner

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Can we create #ZeroDirt beds via a repeatable process that can be utilized in almost any urban environment — and on another planet?

This is the question that we wanted to answer when we started #ProjectMartian. Inspired by our previous SOIL Lab Project and a forced pivot in the midst of a global pandemic, we wanted to show the community of Columbus what STEM looks like when deployed to feed people and innovate an industry while simultaneously changing the face of agriculture and sustainability in urban settings. So we launched #ProjectMartian at the PAST Innovation Lab and our partner site, Mezzacello, a 21st Century Urban Farm in Columbus.

And PAST’s own Sultan of Systems, Jim Bruner, is the project director of this collaborative urban farming project. You may not guess it from his title, but Jim is a farmer at heart, and Mezzacello just so happens to be his passion project and urban farm. So, he really gets into the weeds about what's happening at the intersection between STEM, applied teaching and learning, urban sustainability, and food scarcity in the midst of a global pandemic.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

77 | Internships, Manufacturing, & The Future of Work | with Rosemary Coates & Ryan Edwards

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

When the PAST Foundation travels around the country to talk to policymakers, colleges, universities, and trade schools, there’s one topic that gets brought up in just about every conversation: manufacturing. So it’s clear there’s a bigger conversation we really need to have around STEM education and the future of manufacturing jobs.

To help us parse out what needs to be done to get a new generation excited about the possibilities available in manufacturing — which might be more diverse and interesting than you think — and prepare them for the task, we are talking to two guests: Rosemary Coates and Ryan Edwards. Rosemary is the Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute, a 501c3 nonprofit collaborating with nine universities across the U.S. on a mission to support companies starting, restarting, or expanding manufacturing in the United States. Ryan was a summer intern with Reshoring Institute and is currently an MBA student at TCU University, and he shares how the firsthand experience during his internship prepared him for the future of work.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Reshoringinstitute.org
Learn more about internship opportunities at Reshoring Institute

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

76 | Teaching Teachers in 2020: Inside Ohio University’s STEM+ for All Program | with Mary Schneider, Sorpresa Jones, and Bailey Lohr

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today we’re talking to a few of the people who participated in one of Ohio University’s most unique teaching programs: the STEM+ for All Teaching Fellowship. STEM+ is focused on supporting individuals with science, technology, engineering, and math backgrounds — so people who do not already have a background in education — who seek to change their careers to become intervention specialist teachers. Part of the program involves hands-on training with a mentor teacher, and we’re lucky enough to be able to sit down with both two pre-service teachers currently going through the program and the mentor who has guided them throughout the year.

Our pre-service teacher guests are Sorpresa Jones and Bailey Lohr, who are both in their third term in the STEM+ for All teaching fellowship, and our mentor teacher guest is Mary Schneider, a master teacher and PAST’s School Design Coordinator.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about STEM+ Teaching for All
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn
Listen: 044 | How to Train Teachers to Let Students Lead | with Erika Reeves & Mary Schneider

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

75 | Global Competencies for K-12: Agency, Entrepreneurialism, Altruism, Advocacy, Citizenship, Deep Learning, & Agility | with Karen Yager

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Karen Yager’s dream started three years ago when she was watching the 9th and 10th grade students at Knox Grammar School in New South Wales. Their academic results were lower than both older and younger students, and they lacked a sense of purpose. They were drifting.

So she asked herself: How do we give them a sense of purpose? How do we get that passion, purpose, and mastery into their lives and really make them more agile?

What they came up with was the Academy of Global Competency. Folks in the United States, in particular, should take note. This new initiative and building includes a certificate of global competency in K-12 that is achieved through microcredentials that come under the categories of agency, entrepreneurialism, altruism, advocacy, citizenship, deep learning, agility. We should all aspire to be this cool.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

“New Academy of Global Competency builds collaboration and community”

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

Special Edition: Ensuring Personal Connections with Your Students During a Global Pandemic | with Alyssa Reder and Ashley Price

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 18:50:00 +0000

Prior to the impacts of COVID-19 on teaching and learning many of us likely took facial expressions, hearing, listening, and general communication for granted. But distance, face masks, and lack of hugs in elementary settings and so many more daily disruptions have made it difficult to communicate effectively with those we are trying to teach. Join Alyssa and Ashely as they talk about strategies to stay engaged.

Special Edition: Quick Modification of Activities for a Wide Range of Learners | with Alyssa Reder and Ashley Price

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 18:30:00 +0000

As teachers, parents and out of school caregivers scramble in the midst of modified pandemic driven learning - many are reporting having to modify content almost on the fly. This special edition of Learning Unboxed is packed with tips and tricks for modification in a moment!

Special Edition: Thinking About Teaching and Communication in a Virtual Environment | with Ashley Price and Alyssa Reder

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 16:45:00 +0000

There has been so much angst about teaching and learning over the past six months as COVID-19 traverses the globe. How do we teach effectively in a virtual environment, how do we asses, how do we ensure relevant content and how do we effectively communicate with our students. Join Alyssa and Ashely as they talk about communication strategies while providing high quality virtual instruction.

74 | Cultivating Creative & Civic Capacities | with Jennifer Lehe, Jason Blair, & Britanie Risner

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today we’re talking to three guests who are involved with the Cultivating Creative & Civic Capacities project, “a 3-year research-practice collaboration between the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) and Project Zero-Harvard to investigate and document ways to catalyze young people’s capacities for creative and critical thinking and a sense of community with room for divergent perspectives, and the conditions that promote young people’s curiosity about complex issues, openness to engaging multiple, often divergent, viewpoints, and a sense of social responsibility about actions they may take.”

And a lot of that comes down to answering these two questions: What does it look like to cultivate creativity toward more sustainable and equitable worlds? How do we cultivate imagination, thinking with complexity, and taking action?

Our guests are Jennifer Lehe, Jason Blair, and Britanie Risner, and they have some interesting answers for those questions. Jennifer is the Manager of Strategic Partnerships of the Columbus Museum of Art, calls herself a recovering right-answer seeker, and is fascinated by how we can create the conditions that encourage discovery and curiosity in kids; Jason is an 18-year veteran arts educator who says that, every day, he learns from the creative geniuses that he teaches; and Britanie is a 19-year veteran teacher staunchly believes in children's abilities to think and act in ways that move the world to be a better place. All three are educators who should be celebrated in their own right, but together, they’re really doing something special.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

73 | Implementing Student-Centered Education & Collaboration: Where Do We StarT? | with Outi Haatainen

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today we’re getting an international perspective on the evolution of educational systems. Specifically, we’ll be looking at a Finnish program called StarT that invites schools, kindergartens, families, and extracurricular activity groups from all around the world to share ideas, inspiration and the joy of collaborative learning.

Our guest is Outi Haatainen, who is a doctoral candidate in the chemistry department at the University of Helsinki and one of the facilitators for the StarT program created by LUMA Centre Finland.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about StarT: start.luma.fi
Learn more about LUMA Centre Finland: luma.fi

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

72 | Innovation in Crisis: Thinking Differently During the COVID-19 Pandemic | with Mike Wiseman

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and the world started shutting down, people suddenly had a whole bunch of new needs that they didn’t have before. As a result, people and organizations were forced to pivot and innovate so that they could not only survive the crisis but help people with their unique set of skills.

So, what does that kind of forced pivot look like within a big organization? And how can we prepare kids now to be able to think more flexibly and respond positively to a crisis? That’s what we’re going to find out in this episode with Mike Wiseman, the Senior Chief Engineer of Strategic Research at Honda R&D Americas.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Check Out STEMStreaming! A FREE online resource for educators and parents to engage in virtual learning!
Read: “Honda Responds to COVID-19 with Support to Customers, Honda Associates, Business Partners and Local Community Organizations”

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

71 | What All Educators Can Learn from Camp Invention: Hands-On Learning, Low-Tech STEM, & Remote Education | with Krissy Hostetler

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Camp Invention is a STEM summer program for grades K-6 that turns curious students into innovative thinkers, and it’s a program that our host Annalies has a personal love and connection with — because, after her son attended Camp Invention, he came back with absolutely rave reviews.

Our guest today is Krissy Hostetler, Education Team Specialist at the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) in Akron, Ohio, which hosts Camp Invention in addition to a number of other fantastic programs for children of all ages. Krissy is a problem-solving powerhouse, with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a M.Sc. in Urban and Regional Planning.

Krissy also included a fantastic tidbit in her bio that we wanted to share with you, to help you get a better idea of just how awesome she is: "There are days where I am under a desk in the dark to observe LED brightness and other days where I'm building hydraulic cranes using paper cups, duct tape, and aquarium tubing." You just have to love a girl who can make anything happen with duct tape and paper cups.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.invent.org
YouTube: www.youtube.com/NationalInventorsHallofFame_NIHF
Twitter: twitter.com/InventorsHOF
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nihf

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

70 | Empowering Social Change | with Adam Morris

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

We’re frequently talking about how we can broaden a student’s perspective of the world and their role in it, particularly through the lens of STEM education, but how do we get kids thinking about social change? And then, how do we get kids to start taking action to change the world?

It was asking himself that question—how can I make an impact?—that led Adam Morris to his current career as a social impact coach who is inspiring greater social change in the world through Wild Tiger Tees and the People Helping People podcast.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

People Helping People: peoplehelpingpeople.world
Wild Tiger Tees: www.wildtigertees.com
Instagram: @adam_s_morris
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amorris
Twitter: @adam_s_morris

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

69 | Equipping, Empowering, & Inspiring Kids in Tech | with Olu Ibrahim

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Our guest and our host have something in common this week: they both started exploring technology and the world of STEM after their parents brought home a Gateway 2000 PC! It really can’t be understated how impactful just being exposed to the idea of new technology — and being encouraged to play with it — can change what you think is possible with your life.

That’s why Olu Ibrahim created Kids in Tech, a nonprofit that strives to excite, educate, and empower children to acquire skills and confidence in technology through interactive after school programs. Their programs focus on helping kids develop the necessary tech skills and aptitudes to participate in and be future leaders of the 21st-century innovation economy.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

68 | The Zebrafish Effect: How BioEYES is Inspiring Young Minds | with Katie Benton

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

We first talked about BioEYES — a K-12 science education program that aims to foster enthusiasm for science by offering students opportunities to explore life science through real-world applications using a hands-on approach to learning — back in episode 51 with the wonderful Jamie Shuda. Today, we're going to dive deeper into the nuts and bolts of the program with a conversation featuring a teacher and a couple of students who've actually lived and experienced BioEYES.

Katie Benton is a 20-year veteran teacher, and she helps bring programs like BioEYES into Barrington Elementary School. Katie is joined by Louise and Evren, two rising fifth-graders who had the opportunity to participate in BioEYES in Katie’s classroom. We’ll learn what it was like for Katie to bring this program into her class, what it was like for the students who participated, and how being exposed to the program changed the students’ perspectives.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

67 | Engaging in Wonderment: The Intersection of Art, Joy, & Critical Thought | with Raygan Barrett & Nicole Clevenger

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is all about the intersection of art education, joy, and critical thought. Our guests, Raygan Barrett & Nicole Clevenger, are the co-founders of Wonderment, creators of curated art experience that help educators and parents cultivate creative thinking. But the program is about more than just art; it’s a combination of connecting to the world, connecting to each other, and learning about all aspects of life through the lens of art.

Wonderment is basically a combination of Nicole and Raygan’s experiences. Nicole's background in informal education allows her to dive deep into the subject matter, play off of children's interests, and encourage learning through experience. As an artist, Raygan focuses more on exploration, thinking like an artist, and the creative process. The alchemy of these two approaches and experiences is a truly one-of-a-kind learning experience, for everyone involved.

Plus, Raygan and Nicole have come up with some great ideas for how parents can bring Wonderment into their own communities this Summer.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.wonderment.art
Wonderment on Instagram: www.instagram.com/wonderment.art
Raygan on Instagram: www.instagram.com/artbyraygan
Nicole on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-clevenger-24497669

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

66 | When Zoo Becomes School | with Emily Cunningham & Erin Murray

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re talking about one of our favorite styles of education — one that asks students to get hands-on, roll up their sleeves, get in the weeds (among other things), and actively apply everything they’re learning. Specifically, we’re talking about Zoo Schools, which are just as cool as they sound.

Our guests are Emily Cunningham, a veteran science educator and an instructor at the Columbus Zoo School, and Erin Murray, a senior at the Zoo School. We’ll learn what exactly goes on at Zoo School and why these alternative forms of education can serve so many students so much better than the traditional high school route.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about Columbus Zoo School
Delaware Area Career Center

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

65 | What Happens When High School Students Get to be Scientists? | with Andy Farke

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Raymond Alf Museum of Paleontology in Claremont, CA, is unique in that they’re the only nationally accredited Natural History Museum that's located on a high school campus, which also makes The Webb Schools one of the coolest high school campuses in the country.

To learn more about this collaboration, we sit down with Andy Farke, a paleontologist and educator who involves high school students in every step of the scientific research process.

This is an incredible conversation that offers a glimpse at how STEM education can be transformed and given life for students, even in formal education spaces, as well as how non-traditional educators can be mentors to students.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Raymond Alf Museum: www.alfmuseum.org
Learn more about Andy’s work: www.alfmuseum.org/science/research/andrew-a-farke-ph-d/
Twitter: twitter.com/andyfarke

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

64 | Learn, Build, Play: How OASIS is Helping Kids Fall in Love with STEAM | with Maurice Womack

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000

When Maurice Womack was a kid, he loved science fiction. Star Trek, Star Wars, Transformers, Voltron — pretty much anything an 80s kid could watch on Saturday morning that made him think about the world differently. This love for space ships and robots turned into imaginative play, which in turn turned into a passion for engineering. So, growing up, Maurice always knew he wanted to be an engineer. He didn’t, however, know that he’d become an educator.

Now Maurice is the co-founder of OASIS, a STEAM learning company based in Columbus, Ohio. And if that wasn’t already enough to get us excited at the PAST Foundation, just check out what OASIS stands for: Opening Access to STEAM in Informal Settings. This emphasis on play and informal education is exactly what we hope to see more of from children’s programs, and it’s interesting to hear how the increasing popularity of things like Marvel superheroes is helping kids follow the same path from play to passion that Maurice forged in his childhood.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Oasismatters.com
FREE STEM Club: Club OASIS
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mauricewomack

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

Special Edition: Learning at Home - Lessons from a Seasoned HomeSchool Parent | with Stephanie Riley

Wed, 27 May 2020 07:00:00 +0000

This spring many families found themselves as defacto teachers, while trying to work from home and manage their families. It was heavy lift for all of us. But now what, schools out - summer is upon us but camps, parks and rec centers, and such may still be shut down -- what!! You mean more working, learning, playing.... Take a deep breadth, and learn a few valuable lessons from a seasoned Home School mom.

63 | The Courage to Try: The Story of Grypmat | with Tom Burden

Mon, 25 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Tom Burden was an F-16 mechanic in the Air Force, and every day, one of the most painful parts of the job was having his tools slide off the aircraft. Lucky for the Air Force and all of the mechanics who came after him, this mechanical engineer made a decision: to solve that problem, no matter what. And, with some inspiration from his mom’s dashboard mount for her phone, he developed the Grypmat.

Tom has become a frequent visitor to The PAST Foundation, and the kiddos just love hearing his story — because it’s awesome. We are constantly telling teachers, schools, and members of our community the same thing: tap into the thing that you're passionate about. But, for many, it’s hard to take action on this admittedly esoteric advice. However, when they hear Tom’s story, it makes the esoteric concrete; it makes the idea of finding and leveraging your passions and talents feel doable, no matter what age you are.

So, we love that we’re now able to share his story on the podcast because we truly want everyone in the world to feel like they’re capable of finding their superpower and turning that into a career. Tom even has a great hack for finding something you’re passionate about if you have no idea where to start.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

www.grypmat.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/toburden

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

62 | Restorative Practices & Responsive Classrooms | with Allison McMannis

Mon, 18 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today we’re going to talk about Restorative Practices and Responsive Classroom, a relatively new but incredibly powerful approach to formal educational spaces that utilizes a variety of social and emotional learning techniques.

To learn more about what these practices are and what they look like in a classroom (even a virtual classroom), we sit down with Allison McMannis, a third-grade teacher at Herbert Mills STEAM Elementary School in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about Herbert Mills Elementary: www.reyn.org/herbertmillselementary_home.aspx
Twitter: twitter.com/missmcmannis

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohiio

61 | Dinosaurs, Digging, & Interdisciplinary Education at the Tate Museum | with JP Cavigelli and Dylan Trent

Mon, 11 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000

At some point growing up, kids discover dinosaurs — and most kids at least go through a phase where they love (if not obsess over) dinosaurs. So, today we're going to talk about dino digs and how they create an opportunity to learn about an entire career and a field of scientific study from an amazing expert. Our guests are JP Cavigelli, who organizes dino digs at the Tate Geological Museum at Casper College, and Dylan Trent, a sophomore at Upper Arlington High School who participated in a dino dig.

We also discuss how paleontology and the love of dinosaurs can be leveraged to teach kids about a number of other subjects, in both formal and informal spaces.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about the Tate Geological Museum
Check out the Tate Dinosaur Digs

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

Special Edition: What College Students Want Their Universities to Know about Virtual Learning | with Fatima Bainazar and Katie Corbin

Wed, 06 May 2020 21:00:00 +0000

Fatima Bainazar and Katie Corbin are both college freshman, one at a large public university and the other at a small liberal arts college. What they now have in common, like so many college students around the globe, is a sudden and sometimes jarring experience with virtual instruction. Listen in to learn from their experiences during a global pandemic.

60 | Solving Real-Life Problems with Underwater Robots: The MATE ROV Competition | with Jill Zande

Mon, 04 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000

The MATE ROV program is one of the most wonderfully unique, engaging, and fun expressions of STEM education that a student can participate in. The MATE ROV Competition uses remotely operated vehicles — AKA underwater robots — to inspire and challenge students to learn and creatively apply STEM principles to solve real-world problems and strengthen their critical thinking, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It’s awesome.

To learn more about MATE and all that MATE is and aspires to be, we sit down with is the Jill Zande, the Associate Director and Competition Coordinator for the MATE Center, as well as the President of MATE Inspiration for Innovation (MATE II).

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about the MATE competition: materovcompetition.org
MATE Inspiration for Innovation: mateii.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jill-zande-271b887/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

59 | Engineering & Empathy | with Melissa Higgins & Michelle Cerrone

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000

What do engineering and empathy have to do with each other and how we learn?

That’s the question we’re going to address in today’s episode with Melissa Higgins, who is the Senior Director of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) at the Boston Children's Museum. Melissa loves to create exciting hands-on, minds-on STEAM challenges that inspire children and educators to engage and enjoy STEAM learning, and she has some great insight into how kids learn and how we all think that are invaluable for educators of all kinds.

Joining Melissa is Michelle Cerrone, a Senior Research Associate at the Education Development Center, where she leads research studies and evaluations that deepen the understanding of how to harness media and digital technologies to enhance education. Michelle also co-leads a National Science Foundation study investigating the design and implementation of engineering and empathy activities in early childhood settings, and that investigation is what we’re really jazzed to be talking about today.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Boston Children’s Museum: www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org
Education Development Center: www.edc.org
Read the abstract: “Design and Development: Engineering and Empathy Pre-K/K”

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

58 | Active Education at the Intersection of IT & Watersports | with The School of One & MCPc

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Cleveland happens to be home to one of the most unique and innovative education initiatives in the country: The School of One, a flexible program that provides instruction to meet the student's needs — socially, emotionally, and academically — at one of eight sites within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. In this episode, we’re focusing on the site at The Foundry, which is actually not a school but a rowing facility and part of a partnership with MCPc, a data protection company headquartered in the area.

We have three guests to provide insight on every aspect of the initiative: Jalen Baldwin, a student in the School of One MCPc Foundry program; Melanie Lynch, an administrator at the School of One’s Foundry location; and Michael Trebilcock, the Managing Director & President of Community Innovation Partners at MCPc.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.clevelandmetroschools.org/SO1

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

57 | Making Computer Science Education Standard & How to Teach Computer Science While Homeschooling | with Alice Steinglass

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In previous episodes, we've talked about the importance of computer science and coding, the opportunities that open up for students when they do get exposed to this education, and how hard it can be for schools and teachers to really ramp up computer science programs. The good news is there are some amazing organizations out in the world that are trying to be partners in this space. And today, we’re talking with Alice Steinglass, who is the President of Code.org, one of the biggest and most experienced organizations in this space.

Plus, Code.org has some incredible resources for parents and teachers during the current health crisis — and we know that there are a lot of parents looking for resources like this right now! You can learn more about that at code.org/athome.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Resources for parents who are homeschooling: code.org/athome
Instagram: www.instagram.com/codeorg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Code.org
Twitter: twitter.com/alicesteinglass

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

56 | Learning in The Wilds & Resources for Homeschooling (When You Didn’t Expect to Be) | with Emily Knapp

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000

When our host Annalies grows up, she wants to be today’s guest: Emily Knapp, the conservation education coordinator at The Wilds, where she has access to a 10,000-acre classroom and facilitates some of the most amazing programs.

In addition to sharing how Emily educates and engages the community through The Wilds, she has a ton of fantastic advice for parents who are, to their surprise, currently homeschooling for the first time.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at thewilds.columbuszoo.org
Instagram: www.instagram.com/visitthewilds
Facebook: www.facebook.com/visitthewilds
Watch Secrets of the Zoo: www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/secrets-of-the-zoo

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

055 | Shining a Light on Career Opportunities in the Fashion Industry | with Yogi Terrell, Rob Smith, & Joe Brim

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

There’s incredible career potential in the fashion industry, and when you show that to a kid and you show them the variety of careers behind the scenes in the fashion industry, it can get those kids excited to learn.

So, today, we’re sitting down with three of the people who are devoted to engaging kids and teaching them about the opportunities in this industry, especially in Columbus: Joe Brim, a self-described engagement experience strategist and creative who focuses on design through the eyes of the end user; Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell, CEO/Partner at Warhol and WALL ST, plus the new lead director of the Columbus Fashion Initiative; and Rob Smith, a chemist who travels the world, transforming the fashion industry through science and innovation.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Columbus Fashion Initiative: columbusfashion.org
Check out PAST’s Techno Fashion Summer Program: www.pastfoundation.org/events/techno-fashion-2020
KIPP Columbus: www.kippcolumbus.org
https://cutthroughbeheard.com/
Belowthebrim.com

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

Special Edition: From Traditional Classroom to Virtual Instruction (Learning Unboxed Special Edition) with Jeff Schneider

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 14:35:00 +0000

Jeff is a PAST Teaching and Learning Coach as part of our School Design team and better yet, Jeff is a veteran virtual teacher with tons of experiences, do’s , dont’s and so much more for us to think about to be successful in making this switch.

• How does a teachers thinking need to change as we move quickly into online education?

• How does student thinking need to change in response to this new direction in education?

• Logistics of Digital Classes

• Give students the work and let them do it in their time, with their resources, in their own unique circumstances

Special Edition: Working Collaboratively in Virtual School Environments (Learning Unboxed Special Edition) with Mary Schneider

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 14:30:00 +0000

Mary is a PAST Teaching and Learning Coach as part of our School Design team and she gets asked about strategies for collaborative teaching all the time. On this episode we will explore the 5 most frequently asked questions about virtual collaboration in educational settings.

• What does it look like to work collaboratively in a virtual environment?

• How will I be able to work with my colleagues to plan and be part of my PLC?

• Why should I have my learners work collaboratively?

• How can I assess my learners if I can't see them work together?

• My students work in groups in the classroom, how can I have them do that while we are outside the classroom?

Special Edition: Easy Tips for Working Remotely (Learning Unboxed Special Edition) with Kat Deaner

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:45:00 +0000

Are you looking for quick and easy tips on how to transition to working remotely? Give a listen to Kat Deaner, a remote working warrior -- after five years working virtually with teams and industries from around the globe Kat has a number of tips to make sure you can quickly and efficiently transition to a fully virtual environment.

• The virtual working environment

• Managing time

• Avoiding distractions

• Maintaining a sense of community

054 | The Fab Foundation: Democratizing Tools for Change | with Sonya Pryor-Jones

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Sonya Pryor-Jones is the Chief Implementation Officer for The Fab Foundation, an organization with a mission to provide access to the tools, knowledge, and financial means necessary to educate, innovate, and invent using technology and digital fabrication. Their goal is to allow anyone to make (almost) anything, and the impact they’ve made over the past 10 years is powerful.

The founders of The Fab Foundation wanted to democratize digital fabrication because they saw these technological tools as tools for change — changes in education, changes in opportunity, and changes in social justice. The Fab Lab Network now spans 1,800 labs in over 100 countries around the world, but the Fab Lab Network isn’t just about the machines. They've really done a beautiful job, with the help of many others all around the world, in creating a community that makes together, creates together, and challenges each other.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Find a Fab Lab near you: fablabs.io/labs
Fab Foundation: fabfoundation.org
Support the Fab House project: ioby.org/project/fab-house
Free resources from Fab’s SCOPES Project: www.scopesdf.org
Twitter: twitter.com/sonyapryorjones
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sonya-pryor-jones/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

053 | Lessons from the Rijksmuseum: Creating Immersive & Fun Opportunities for Education in Public Spaces | with Irma de Vries

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

There’s a common problem that pops up at the intersection of classic art and education: it’s challenging to make those collections accessible to a broad and diverse group of people. Art can feel intimidating to some, even exclusionary, but that really doesn’t have to be the case if we can make these spaces more inviting.

Irma de Vries, Senior Staff Member for Families and Children in the Education Department at the Rijksmuseum, shares how they’re making informal education opportunities more accessible and fun at one of the most magical museums on Earth.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

www.rijksmuseum.nl/en
Explore the Rijksstudio

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

052 | Honoring Georgia O'Keeffe: Educator, Artist, & Independent Spirit | with Katrina Stacy

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Georgia O'Keeffe is known as the mother of American modernism, but many people don’t know that O'Keeffe was also an educator with a passion for giving back to her community. That’s why the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Sante Fe, New Mexico, provides free educational programs and outreach to youth free of charge — and they’re doing some spectacular things both in their programs and in the museum.

To learn more about this amazing work, Annalies sits down with Katrina Stacy, the Curator of Education and Interpretation at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at okeeffemuseum.org
Twitter: twitter.com/ktnmunchkin

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

051 | How Universities Can Better Engage K-12 Students Through Community Outreach | with Jamie Shuda of BioEYES

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today we’re talking about a critical piece of the educational landscape that we haven’t really touched on in previous episodes: how university faculty can leverage their expertise to craft programming that gives back to students and the local community (and, inversely, how teachers can bring effective college programs and faculty into their classrooms).

And our guest today has been bridging that gap since 2002. Jamie Shuda is a former elementary school teacher who now serves as the Director of Outreach and Education for the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The flagship program for her outreach is BioEYES, a K-12 science education program that aims to foster enthusiasm for science by offering students opportunities to explore life science through real-world applications using a hands-on approach to learning.

Over 175,000 students have participated in BioEYES since 2002 — but Jamie is just getting started, and we know that there are other university programs around the country that could make a tremendous impact on their communities with her insight.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

www.bioeyes.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bioeyes
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bioeyes
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-shuda-edd-2640aa17

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

050 | BoSTEM: How Communities Can Collaborate to Create High-Quality STEM Learning Opportunities | with Julia Kilgore & Joe Rosenbaum

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000

BoSTEM is a collaborative effort throughout the City of Boston that aims to ensure that every middle-school student in Boston Public Schools has access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities.

Our guests today represent the two organizations that partnered up to start BoSTEM — Julia Kilgore of Boston After School and Beyond and Joe Rosenbaum of United Way — and there’s a lot that just about every community in the country can learn from this type of collaborative partnership.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Find a United Way near you: unitedway.org/find-your-united-way
Boston After School and Beyond Insight Center: bostonbeyond.org/summer-insight-center
Contact Julia: jkilgore@bostonbeyond.org
Contact Joe: jrosenbaum@supportunitedway.org
Learn more about the Education, Innovation, and Research Grants: oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-discretionary-grants-support-services/innovation-early-learning/education-innovation-and-research-eir

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

049 | Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: The Role of Education in Smart Mobility & Infrastructure | with Rich Granger

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000

There’s no state in our nation that doesn't have some type of transportation issue that they are wrestling with right now. It's a global issue, especially at the rate and pace of change of technology.

And there is an amazing opportunity for schools and students to be part of the conversation about these various transportation issues. So, today, we’re talking to someone who is out there, every day, working with schools and other community partners to solve these problems in a way that works for everyone: Rich Granger, Managing Director of Workforce Development at DriveOhio.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

DriveOhio: drive.ohio.gov
Learn more about Ohio’s Smart Mobility Corridor: www.33smartcorridor.com
Twitter: twitter.com/RichGranger
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richgranger/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

048 | Creating Real-World Implications for Grade-School Curricula | with Angela Forino

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Have you ever heard a kid ask, “But how will I use this in the real world?” Maybe you even asked that question yourself back in the day? This disconnect creates disengagement for a lot of kids, but that’s just the way these systems were designed — and that’s a big part of the broken system that needs to be changed.

Luckily, there are amazing teachers like Angela Forino out there, a third-grade teacher at Reynoldsburg City Schools who has spent the last few years working on the Smart Teynoldsburg Project, a program endeavoring to make social studies activities more engaging and real-world.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Smart Reynoldsburg Project: https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20190422/reynoldsburg-school-board-oks-more-than-1m-worth-of-summer-projects

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

047 | Giving Back to a Future Generation of Underwater Engineers | with Marty Klein

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000

We are once again on the road this week, this time in Boston, Massachusetts with Marty Klein, president of Martin Klein Consulting. You will find that part of Marty's journey was taking his scientific work and providing an opportunity for public outreach and engagement, taking the real-world science and engineering he's doing and make it relevant to young people.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

MATE: https://www.materovcompetition.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-klein-7854a3177

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

046 | Following Your Passion & Facilitating Human Growth | with Calvin Mires

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000

On today’s episode of Learning Unboxed we are sharing the story of Calvin Mires and his journey in pursuing his passion: education. We talk about what’s possible, the amazing opportunities out there, and the importance of connection. Calvin shares his experiences in teaching educators and facilitating human growth in innovative and unexpected ways.

Calvin Mires, currently works as Research Associate III with Woods Hole. Though, that title doesn’t encompass everything Calvin has done, he has taught classes from global health issues to Middle Eastern cultures to Maritime Archeology, developed 5 field schools, trained nearly 70 citizen scientists, and continues to impact the world of STEM. Calvin is a firm believer of growth and learning from mistakes, all experiences are educational experiences.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more: https://www.whoi.edu/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-mires-08a02050/
STEM Summer Camps: https://www.bridgew.edu/news-events/news/depths-knowledge
Field School: https://www.bridgew.edu/news-events/news/deep-dive-0
Makerspace: https://www.bridgew.edu/news-events/news/visiting-makerspace

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

045 | Making Sure Sea Turtles Last with Love A Sea Turtle | with Dan Sokolovic & Brittany Turner

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000

On Learning Unboxed, we like to share case studies of the projects and programs that are revolutionizing education; great new ideas that have already been tested, the lessons that we've learned along the way, and where there are opportunities for other communities to do similar things as they think about education.

On this episode of Learning Unboxed we are sharing the story of an organization located in North Carolina called Love A Sea Turtle (LAST). A non-profit organization started by an 8 year old girl with a passion to help sea turtles last.

To tell us all about the organization we have Dan Sokolovic, the father of the founder of LAST. He was with the organization from the very start, helping his daughter, along every step of the way. Joining Dan is Brittany Turner, a student leader who joined LAST 5 years ago, fell in love with the program and now wants to start a youth advocacy initiative called Youth Explorers. For the past 2 years she has been one of the program directors helping in a number of different capacities.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.loveaseaturtle.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveaseaturtle
Twitter: www.twitter.com/helpthemlast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/loveaseaturtle

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

044 | How to Train Teachers to Let Students Lead | with Erika Reeves & Mary Schneider

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000

A school is only as good as its teachers, and how we train our teachers is important.

Joining us today is Mary Schneider and Erika Reeves to talk about school design at PAST, which is how we integrate the teachers with what they will be doing in the classroom. We also talk about P3 (problems, projects, products), an online course that introduces teachers into creating coursework and using design thinking.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

P3 Applied: www.pastfoundation.org/p3-applied-mentorship-series

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

043 | Girls Who Lead, Pt. 2

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000

This year, the PAST Foundation held our 2nd annual Girls Who Lead Summit. The event focused on giving 120 parents and students an opportunity to explore and try out different STEM skills. For this episode, we wanted to highlight some of the participants at this summit to share some of the incredible things they are doing!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.pastfoundation.org/girls-who-lead-summit

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

042 | Girls Who Lead, Pt. 1

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.pastfoundation.org/girls-who-lead-summit

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

041 | The Past & Future of Girl Scouts | with Tammy Wharton

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Most people are familiar with Girl Scouts, but may not realize what they do today or the wide-spreading impact they have on girls and communities. Tammy Wharton, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland, talks about their mission to develop girls’ courage, confidence, and character, and how that mission helps move more girls towards STEM and STEAM careers.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.gsoh.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-wharton-1a24939

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

040 | Stargazer, the Portable Planetarium | with Asis Gonzalez

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000

We’re talking with Asis Gonzalez, the Planetarium Coordinator at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum, to talk about a Planetarium that isn’t like any you’ve seen before: It travels! The goal is to get people excited about and invested in their surroundings in a way that traditional schoolwork can’t.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.santafechildrensmuseum.org
Stargazer: www.santafechildrensmuseum.org/explore/stargazer-portable-planetarium

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

039 | Teaching Modern Manufacturing to K-12 Students | with Darius Melvin & Susan Witt

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Today we visit the Buffalo Manufacturing Works with Susan Witt, the STEM Lab Manager for Buffalo Manufacturing Works, and Darius Melvin, an educator who came to Buffalo Manufacturing Works to be the STEM Learning Lab Instructor. We talk about the future of manufacturing work, what that is going to look like for kids, and how we prepare them for it.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.buffalomanufacturingworks.com

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

038 | Collaborating With Your Community on Design Challenges | with Meghan Federer

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000

The Works is a museum, but it is also much more than that. It is a place to not just learn but explore for kids, families, and adults — and it’s an active member of the Newark, Ohio, community.

Meghan Federer is the STEM Education Director for Middle and High School students at The Works, and she sees herself and the museum as a spark; an opportunity to ignite engagement in history, art, and technology. Meghan takes a hands-on role in helping kids and adults alike take charge of their learning and find new ways to explore.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

037 | Preparing for the Next Industrial Revolution, Additive Manufacturing | with Ian Stroop & Mike Kunselman

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Today we are going to talk about additive manufacturing, what some are calling the next industrial revolution. First of all, what exactly is additive manufacturing, and what is so exciting about it? We also talk about the Additive Manufacturing Summer Institute, which was a project between the National Science Foundation ATE Grant Program and Columbus State Community College, the PAST Foundation, along with a lot of collaborators from industry and a variety of educational partners in and around the community.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Additive Manufacturing Summer Program: https://www.pastfoundation.org/additive-manufacturing-summer-institute

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

036 | Introducing Women & Minorities to Days Science | with Jenna McGuire & Airyana Washington

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Joining us today is Jenna McGuire, who is the Associate Director for Translational Data Analytics Institute at The Ohio State University, and Airyana Washington, a student who participated in the data science summer camp program. We talk about data science and what the heck it is. But more importantly, how do we get more young women interested in what data science is about? We also talk about Airyana’s interest in politics, advocating for minorities, and the environment at a political level, and how to take all of this interest and turn it into a future career.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more: https://tdai.osu.edu/summer-camp/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

035 | Teaching Engineering, Creativity, & Having Fun | with Armando Henriquez & Dean Alkire

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Joining us today are Armando Henriquez and Dean Alkire, who are going to talk about the role of university student clubs working with K-12 students and how we can get those young students to actively engage in their own learning in an after school setting. Armando is a fourth-year undergrad in mechanical engineering at the Ohio State University and Dean is an eighth grader at the Metro Early College Middle School participating in an afterschool program called the Innovators Club.

Together, they talk about the experiences of bringing engineering into schools early in a fun, exciting way, and the wide-reaching education that comes from working on these projects.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Metro Early College Middle School: https://www.themetroschool.org/o/metro-schools/page/metro-early-college-middle-school
The Innovators Club: https://www.pastfoundation.org/event_page/innovators-club

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

034 | Engineering Creativity Through Music | with Bill Manchester

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

We are once again on the road, this time with Bill Manchester. Bill has always hated the idea of wasting kids' time. He didn’t want music class to be seen as a filler class or time waster for students, so he worked hard to make something more out of it. He is passionate about teaching kids not just music, but everything, using the lens of musical performance and production.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/manchester_edu
TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/umA0K6aE15U

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

033 | Combining Empathy and Technology for a Solid Foundation | with Evelyn Van Til

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Evelyn Van Til has her fingers in oh so many pies: she’s a cultural architect, she works in apprenticeships as a consultant at Apprenti, and she's incredibly active in the Central Ohio communities around technology, computer science education, and more.

There is an expectation today that you can use technology, whether or not you see yourself working in tech. From retail, food service, and warehousing logistics to the more obvious careers in tech and cutting-edge innovation that you see at startups, technology simply touches every aspect of work today.

We are seeing transformation at every level, and it’s important that we meet it with a strong foundation to set us up for the future.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.apprenticareers.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/evelynvantil
Twitter: www.twitter.com/EvelynVanTil

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

032 | Leading Education Initiatives in Healthcare and Technology | with Grady Burrows

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Grady Burrows leads the talent initiative at BioEnterprise, a non-profit accelerator for the biomedical space. They find talent and train them in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and health IT industries. These fields are growing rapidly, locally and globally, and their job to grow and diversify talent is increasingly important to society.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

BioEnterprise: https://www.bioenterprise.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/BioEnterprise-Corporation/154676224607662
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BioECorp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bioenterprise
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/BioEnterprise

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

031 | Creative STEM-Based Summer Programs & the Challenges Educators Face | with Laura Bloch & Ashley Price

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 14:00:00 +0000

The Innovation Lab is the PAST Foundation’s “test kitchen,” where we brainstorm the creation of summer STEM experiences for the students. And today, we’re talking to two of the people responsible for creating these experiences: Ashley Price, Assistant Director of Bridge Programs at the PAST Innovation Lab, and Laura Bloch, a student at Columbia University who is working towards her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Media.

Laura and Ashley walk us through the challenges of leading diverse groups of students, embracing failures both in children and as teachers, and creatively linking real world problems with education-based solutions.

Resources:

Learn more at pastfoundation.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

030 | Teaching Through Your Passion to Create Passionate Students | with Kelly Preheim

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Joining us today is Kelly Preheim. Kelly is a kindergarten teacher in Armour, South Dakota. Armour is a small, rural town in South Dakota, with a population of only 800 people.

Kelly is passionate around birds, and she found a way to teach everything in kindergarten through the lens of birds, from creating bird houses to field guides to help out their community. She also started the Chickadee Club as a way to keep kids who were leaving her classroom engaged with her and with their interest in birds and in nature.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

BirdTeach: birdteach.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BirdTeach-367011353690070
Spotlight: Problem-Based Learning with Birds!

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

029 | Talent Crisis & Career Opportunities: Inspiring the Next Generation of Agricultural Enthusiasts | with Chris Baker & Marissa Mulligan

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 14:00:00 +0000

When people talk about education, they rarely talk about agricultural education — but there are infinite possibilities for careers that are available to explore in this space! Luckily, we’re joined by two people who are well prepared to guide us through this possibility space: Chris Baker, Executive Director of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, and Marissa Mulligan, Extension Educator with 4-H Youth Development and the Explore Ag Program within Ohio State Extension.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at https://www.exploreag.org/
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation: https://ofbf.org/foundation/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

028 | Getting Your Feet Wet with Marine Sciences: A Creative & Transformative Education Program from South Africa | with Russell Stevens

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 14:00:00 +0000

We’re back on the road. This time, we are in the beautiful, bustling city of Cape Town, South Africa – and we have an incredibly special treat! Because we have the opportunity to visit with Russell Stevens, Head of Education of the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Two Ocean Aquarium sits in a perfect location for marine education, primed to be one of the most impactful education programs in the world. Because many developing nations are looking to the future and the future of the environment, and they’re putting a greater premium on student understanding so that they can participate within the blossoming ocean economy, or blue economy.

This is just part of the work that Russell and his team do every day as part of their mission to save the planet with this very, very creative Marine Sciences program.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at https://www.aquarium.co.za
Find learning curriculum at https://www.education.gov.za/
Contact Russell at russell.stevens@aquarium.co.za

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

027 | Van Gogh Museum: Creating Engaging & Tactile Learning Experiences Through Play | with René Van Blerk

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Today’s guest is René Van Blerk, who is the Senior Educator and Senior Curation of Education and Interpretation of the Van Gogh Museum, who helped shape one of the most creative and innovative programs that I've seen in a long time. It's called Vincent's Traveling Case. René wanted to find ways for families to engage with the art they were viewing when they weren’t right in front of it. Museums can be busy, they can get hectic, and you can continue thinking about the stories being told while searching for someplace quiet.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en
Vincent’s Traveling Case: www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/whats-on/children-and-families/vincents-travelling-case
Treasure Hunt: www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/whats-on/children-and-families/treasure-hunt

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

026 | The Role of Museums in Cultivating Creativity | with Cindy Foley

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Today, we are continuing our conversation about the critically important role of the arts in communities and education. To guide us through this conversation, we sit down with Cindy Meyers Foley, the Executive Deputy Director for Learning and Experience at the Columbus Museum of Art.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.columbusmuseum.org
Cindy’s TEDx Talk: youtu.be/ZcFRfJb2ONk

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

025 | Infusing Art Into Education to Make Learning Fun & Cooperative | with Amanda Schaeffer & Neel Mawalkar

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Today, we have a wonderful teacher and a student joining us today, Amanda Schaeffer and Neel Mawalkar.

Amanda is an art teacher out of Hilliard City Schools, which is one of the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. She teaches both Art and Ecology, very STEAM-focused, in part of Hilliard City Schools Innovation Learning Campus.

Neel is a 10-year old student who just finished up the 5th grade at Wickliffe Elementary School, which is also in the suburbs of Columbus in Upper Arlington. Next year, Neel is going to be celebrating his journey into middle school, and he wants to be a scientist one day when he grows up.

Resources:

Learn more at pastfoundation.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

024 | GROOVE U: How an Innovative Post-Secondary Music Industry Career Program is Impacting the K-12 Space | with Dwight Heckleman & Nicholas Burgett

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Today, we’re going to be talking about music and the role of arts, music, and technology in education – and we’re going to be doing that by learning more about the unique and innovative program here in Columbus. GROOVE U is a post-secondary two-year music industry career program focusing on music industry entrepreneurship, with a heavy emphasis on experiential and applied learning. And, impressively, the program boasts a 96% job placement in-field among all its graduates.

Our guests are Dwight Heckelman, the founder and Director at GROOVE U, and Nicholas Burgett, a Metro Early College High School graduate who spent some time as a student at GROOVE U. Nicholas is going to give some insight into how GROOVE U is interacting with the K-12 space in some really intriguing and interesting ways, as well as his perspective on learning in these different learning environments.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at www.grooveu.edu
Instaband @ GROOVE U: www.instaband.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/musiccareerprogram
Instagram: www.instagram.com/musiccareerprogram
YouTube: www.youtube.com/musiccareerprogram
Twitter: www.twitter.com/grooveu

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

023 | Getting Out of the Classroom & Into the Field | with Sheli Smith & Pam Hayes

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 14:00:00 +0000

We are joined by awesome guests who know a thing or two (or ten) about what happens when you take your kids out of the classroom, out of the building, and you go into the field. Pam Hayes is the Early College Coordinator for Metro Early College High School in Columbus, Ohio and Sheli Smith is the Chief Academic Officer at the PAST Foundation and the PAST Innovation Lab.

But this is not just a conversation about outdoor education. This is a conversation about how we can truly scaffold kids to have meaningful experiences in an early college setting that is really tied to helping these kids solve problems in the world. The program that these two women have done together is really one that stands out as not just a case study for great STEM education but a case study for how you can work very creatively within your community to make the opportunities and experiences that students can have very, very tangible.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at pastfoundation.org
Connect with Sheli: linkedin.com/in/sheli-smith-0a4b9b4/
Connect with Pam: linkedin.com/in/pam-hayes-ab985b34/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

022 | Clackamas Middle College: Dare to Step Out to Meet the Needs of Your Kids | with Brian Sien

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Today, we are continuing our tour of early access programs that help children transition into post-secondary, often blurring the lines of that traditional high school to college transition in the process. We’ve luckily had the privilege of seeing and exploring some of these programs in other areas of the country and world, and we think getting a view of everything that people are doing now is a really important part of making these programs even better in the future.

Our guest is Brian Sien, who is the current Principal of Clackamas Middle College, a fabulous school outside of Portland, Oregon. Brian is an innovative leader in this space who has been heavily involved in transformative education, in a variety of ways, throughout his experience in both traditional and charter public schools. He has a passion for working with students, teachers, administrators, and state leaders to provide seamless transitions from K12 education into post-secondary for all stakeholders – something that you might know we are extremely passionate about, too!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at https://www.clackamasmiddlecollege.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-sien-2386b438/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

021 | STEMcoding: Reimaging STEM Education | with Chris Orban & Richelle Teeling-Smith

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Today we’re excited to introduce you to a new program called STEMcoding, which is an effort to reimagine STEM courses with computer science in mind, and two of the people spearheading this initiative, Chris Orban and Richelle Teeling-Smith.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about STEMcoding: u.osu.edu/stemcoding
Start taking modules now on the YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/STEMcoding
Twitter: twitter.com/STEMcoding
You can find more coding activities at hourofcode.com
Connect with Chris: physics.osu.edu/people/orban.14
Connect with Richelle: physics.osu.edu/people/teeling-smith.1
College Credit Plus: www.ohiohighered.org/content/college_credit_plus_about

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

020 | The Highs & Lows of Creating Transformative Educational Programs like Middle College | with Greg Giauque, Kaelle Daugherty, & Isabella Sarro

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 14:00:00 +0000

This week, we are wrapping up our tour of the Alaska Middle College program with an on-location conversation at the Mat-Su Middle College. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Middle College as well as the pains of creating transformative educational programs across the nation and around the world.

Our guests today are Greg Giauque, who's a Principal Teacher at Mat-Su Middle College, and Kaelle Daughterty and Isabella Sarro, who are both students currently enrolled at Mat-Su Middle College.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/about/high-school-students/index.cshtml
Mat-Su Middle College: https://www.matsuk12.us/msm

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

019 | What’s Middle College Like? A Student & Teacher’s Perspective | with John Robertson & Kat Barr

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 14:00:00 +0000

In the last episode, we sat down with four of the innovative educators and administrators behind the Alaska Middle College program to discuss what Middle College is and why they’re so effective at improving student outcomes. Today, we’re talking to a teacher and student from Mat-Su Middle College School, the first Middle College school in Alaska, to learn what both students and teachers love about the program.

Our guests are John Robertson, a Social Studies and English teacher at the Mat-Su Middle College School, and Kat Barr, a junior currently attending Mat-Su Middle College.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/about/high-school-students/index.cshtml
Mat-Su Middle College: https://www.matsuk12.us/msm

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

018 | Middle College: A Win-Win-Win for Students, Communities, & Schools | with Claudia Lampman, Holly Martinson, Luke Almon, & Greg Giauque

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Today we are going to learn what Middle College programs are, why they’re so effective at improving student outcomes, and what communities need to know if they are contemplating the possibility of launching Middle Colleges of their own. And we have an all-star lineup of guests joining us to talk about the success of the Middle College School programs in Alaska!

We sit down with Dr. Claudia Lampman, the Vice Provost of Student Success and a Professor of Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage, the institution that hosts the Alaska Middle College efforts across the state; Luke Almon, the principal of the Anchorage Middle College School; Greg Giauque, who's the principal and a teacher at the Matanuska-Susitna (MatSu) Middle College School, which is just outside of Anchorage and the longest-running Middle College in the Alaskan effort; and Dr. Holly Martinson, an Assistant Professor at the WWAMI School of Medical Education and the Chair of the Middle College Programs within the UAA effort and system.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/about/high-school-students/index.cshtml
Holly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-martinson-0a2b50a8/
Luke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-almon-48300b39/
Claudia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-lampman-3332a614a/
Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-giauque-074984140/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

017 | Systemic STEM Transformation: How Communities & Schools Can Lead the Change | with Karl Rectanus

Mon, 27 May 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Karl Rectanus is an educator, entrepreneur, advisor, and the co-founder and CEO of LearnPlatform, an organization with a team of educators, researchers, and technologists committed to leveraging data, delivering dynamic solutions, and making results matter.

Karl leads K-12 districts, higher ed institutions and state education agencies in their efforts to use the research-based LearnPlatform to continuously improve standards of practice that drive blended and personalized learning at scale, increase student achievement, and expand equitable access to education technologies. So, needless to say, we’re big fans over here at PAST.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at LearnPlatform.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LearnPlatformUS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearnTrials
Karl on Twitter: https://twitter.com/karlrectanus
EdTech Top 40: https://learnplatform.com/edtech-top-40
Listen to Seth Godin’s Akimbo S3E9: Stop Stealing Our Dreams

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

016 | The Role of Invention in Education | with Robin Hilsmeier & Jim Bruner

Mon, 20 May 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Today, we’re talking about the role of invention in education – and why design thinking and problem-based learning should, ultimately, have a much greater role in our classrooms than they currently do.

To illustrate the value of invention, we invited two amazing guests, Robin Hilsmeier and Jim Bruner, to discuss how the Ohio Invention League gives students the opportunity to practice design thinking by creating, marketing, and pitching solutions to societal problems.

We describe the Invention League, as well as the national Invention Convention program, in detail in the episode, but Jim provides a wonderful explanation that will help you understand the high-level concept: “Invention Convention is a science fair with purpose. The kids have to create something that is an answer to a problem; it's a product, and then they sell, market, and promote that product with data.”

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at inventionleague.org
Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinhilsmeier
Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbruner/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

015 | Energy Education: How to Create Opportunities for Problem-Based Learning in Classrooms | with Ryan Prestel & Kat Deaner

Mon, 13 May 2019 14:00:00 +0000

That’s why, today, we are excited to introduce you to Energy4Learning, a program that transforms school buildings into learning tools by leveraging real energy data to engage students in problem-based learning.

Joining the show to teach us about this new program is Ryan Prestel and Kat Deaner. Ryan is the co-founder and CEO of JadeTrack, a cloud-based analytics platform powering some of the world’s most robust energy and sustainability programs. They empower stakeholders – and, for this program, students – to create impact by making complex energy usage data simple. Kat is PAST’s very own Director of School Design and Online Learning, and she leads all the efforts associated with school transformation projects, including Energy4Learning.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about Energy4Learning
Check out www.jadetrack.com
JadeTrack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jadetrack
JadeTrack Twitter: https://twitter.com/jade_track
Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-deaner/
Download the Comprehensive Sustainability Tracking Handout
Download the JadeTrack Product Sheet

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

014 | Strategies That Engage Minds (STEM): The Value of Internships in High School | with Meka Pace & Vanessa Jester

Mon, 06 May 2019 14:00:00 +0000

I’m often asked question about internships for high school students, so it’s clear that the subject is top of mind in many schools, communities, businesses, and industries. So, in this episode, I want to shine a spotlight on a partnership that exemplifies the benefits of high school internships, for both students and businesses, and encourage other communities to adopt a similar model.

Joining us are Meka Pace, the Executive Director and Superintendent of the Metro Schools network, and Vanessa Jester, the Workforce Development Manager at Turner Construction.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more about Metro’s Learning Labs: https://www.themetroschool.org/about/learning-centers/
Meka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meka-pace-48309285/
Meka on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mekapace
Vanessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-jester-a41172106/
Read: “Take 5 Steps to Find an Internship During High School”
STEM Industry Council (SInC): http://www.sinccentralohio.org/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

013 | Creating Informal Learning Opportunities (Even in Formal Learning Environments) | with Kim Kiehl

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Dr. Kimberlee Kiehl is a passionate supporter of education in the Columbus area, and she has been for a number of years. She actually started a career in formal education, but she left to focus on informal education – and that’s what makes her the perfect person to teach us about how informal education spaces are disrupting the education world and how teachers can utilize local resources and opportunities in the everyday classroom.

Dr. Kiehl currently serves as Senior Vice President of Operations and Experience at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio, which she claims is “the best science museum in the world” (and we might be a little biased, but we’re inclined to agree).

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

COSI: https://www.cosi.org/
Big Science Celebration (FREE on May 4, 2019): https://cosiscifest.org/bsc/
The 95 Percent Solution: https://www.americanscientist.org/article/the-95-percent-solution

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

012 | Explorer At Large: Engaging, Inspiring, and Educating Kids Through Curiosity & Adventure | with Josh Bernstein & Mike Schott

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Josh Bernstein and Mike Schott are responsible for an awesome new program designed to get kids excited about science: Explorer At Large.

Their mission is to engage, inspire, and educate PreK-12 students around the world with standards-driven content that sparks curiosity, playfulness, and wonder. XAL is now placing its educational content in school systems around the country, with help from partners like the Schott Foundation for Public Education, and we can’t wait to share what they’re doing with all of you.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more at https://www.exploreratlarge.com
schottfoundation.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploreratlarge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploreratlarge

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

011 | #STEMFeedsOhio: How Design Challenges Empower Students to Solve Problems & Contextualize Learning | with Jeanne Gogolski & Heather Sherman

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Giving students more experience solving real-world problems is critical to their development as future problem solvers, and that’s why the Ohio Stem Learning Network hosts statewide design challenges. This year, OSLN is asking students to imagine, prototype, and design a solution to food insecurity in their life, community, or world.

Luckily, we have two amazing women joining us to unbox this huge topic: Heather Sherman and Jeanne Gogolski. Heather is the Director of Ohio's STEM Learning Network and Stem Relationship Manager for Battelle Education and Jeanne is the Founding Partner of educationprojects.org, one of the industry partners for this year’s challenge.

Follow @OSLN on Twitter for updates as they visit many of the students and classrooms tackling this challenge. You can also follow the hashtag #STEMFeedsOhio to see what students are coming up with, and if you’re participating, we’d love you to use the hashtag so we can see what you’re working on, too!

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learn more & sign up at sign up www.osln.org/design
Twitter: @OSLN
EducationProjects.org
Agriculture resources for teachers: GrowNextGen.org | Feed the World Ohio | Feed the World Nebraska | ohiocornandwheat.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

010 | Girls Rule, STEM’s Cool: How Robotics Teaches Students How to Live & Lead | with Fatima Bainazar, Melissa Olvera, and Elizabeth Drake

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 14:00:00 +0000

One of the things that we love here at the PAST Foundation is having the opportunity to watch incredible young adults learn and grow; these amazing students are rock stars in our eyes, and giving them a space to stretch their wings is one of the most rewarding experiences we have.

And today, we want to introduce you to three of the rockstars that lead the Metrobots, Metro Early College High School’s (MECHS) FRC robotics team. Metrobots and several other robotics teams are housed at the PAST Innovation Lab, one of several co-created learning labs hosted at PAST.

We want to introduce you all to: Fatima Bainazar, a senior from Metro Early College and the project manager for the Metrobots; Melissa Olvera, a senior at Metro and the Administrative Project Manager for the Metrobots; and Elizabeth Drake, a junior at Metro who is interested in mechanical integration and engineering.

Collectively, these three ladies represent students from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, opportunities, and passions – just like Metro Early College.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Metrobots: https://www.3324metrobots.org
Start A FIRST Robotics Team: https://www.pastfoundation.org/start-a-first-robotics-team
Learn more about Metro: https://www.themetroschool.org

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

009 | Investing in Girls’ Voices, Opinions, & Confidence | with Lisa Hinkelman

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Today’s guest is an educator, a counselor, a researcher, an author, an advocate, a mentor, a creative thinker, a community changer, an amazing entrepreneur, and a change agent in the lives of girls around the country. Dr. Lisa Hinkelman has spent nearly fifteen years researching girls and educating counselors as both as a professor at The Ohio State University and as the founder and CEO of Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), and we are so happy to have her on the show.

We know that there won’t be a better future without the practitioners who are on the ground day-to-day, in schools, working with kids, getting folks ready to be the next great citizens in our world – but they need to know about the great case studies that can inform practices and decision-making on the local level. We need people to guide conversations about teaching, learning, and the future of work, and, certainly, Dr. Hinkelman and ROX are part of that.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

008: Shadowbox Live: Multidisciplinary Education with a Rock Aesthetic | with Stacie Boord & Nick Wilson

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 15:08:00 +0000

Stacie Boord and Nick Wilson join us to unbox Shadowbox Live, a non-profit performance troupe whose top managers also operate as the primary creators, producers, and performers for their self-produced shows.

As we think about learning through a new paradigm, Shadowbox Live represents an amazing story mechanism that not only brings the arts alive, but more importantly, takes the ethos of the arts industry and demonstrates what the entire ecosystem can bring to bear, across multiple careers. For over 20 years, this creative force has produced world-class productions, including original rock operas, traditional musicals, fine art exhibits, contemporary dance, and video.

We unbox:

What was Stacie thinking when she helped start Shadowbox
Creating diverse art with a rock aesthetic: ballsy, uninhibited, courageous, and bold
When Shadowbox started giving back to and supporting the community
Collaborating with Metro Early College High School (which you might recognize from episode two) to bring arts into the STEM school
Nick first encountered Shadowbox in high school... and then never left!
How Nick’s experiences at Shadowbox translate back into his educational journey
STEM Rocks the Box: an opportunity for students to get field experience as a performing artist
What Stacie and Nick have learned from working with students
The broad impact this program has had and can have on all types of educational programs
The next iteration of education: what’s possible and what might it look like?

Resources:

Learn more at http://www.shadowboxlive.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadowboxlive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShadowboxLive
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShadowboxLive
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShadowboxLiveVideo

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

007: Learning with SOLE: Education for the 21st Century | with Jeff McClellan

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 15:07:00 +0000

21st century education is a very different beast than the education of the past because our world is vastly different, and the pace of change just keeps increasing. As as result, we have to take a very different approach to learning if we want to prepare our children to thrive in the digital age.

So today, we talk to Jeff McClellan, the Founding Director of StartSOLE, an organization that is transforming education through SOLE (Self-Organized Learning Environments).

SOLE is a process-based approach to education, as opposed to results-based, that helps prepare students for success in today’s era of technology and information. By providing an early intervention in education, SOLE can level the academic playing field and increase equity among all students, while helping kids develop the skills they they need for a modern digital society.

We unbox:

What education should be preparing students for and, at the end of the day, what our true purpose is as educators
Turning the city of Cleveland into the campus for a STEM high school
Jeff’s uncanny ability to hire exceptional staff and how he makes those decisions
The difficulty many organizations have had implementing project-based learning, mastery-based grading, and other new approaches to education (and how StartSOLE makes those things easier to implement)
How you can take small chunks of these newer educational design philosophies and integrate them into more traditional educational environments
The essence of StartSOLE and its broad applications in the education space
How StartSOLE allows teachers to do the thing that they’re already doing, but better
Where resources should be allocated for future education
Job-ready skills: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration

Resources:

Get the free StartSOLE app: https://startsole.org/
StartSOLE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StartSOLE
Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-mcclellan-509b6959/
Watch: “Kids can teach themselves” by Sugata Mitra

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

006: Entrepreneurship in Education | with Kevin Gadd

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 15:06:00 +0000

Kevin Gadd is a serial entrepreneur (and self-identified serial learner), retired Air Force Chief, and the Ohio Program Manager for Apprenti. In this episode, Kevin helps us unbox the role of entrepreneurship in education and the intersection between teaching, learning, and work.

The problem with entrepreneurship education is that, until very recently, we have been trying to teach entrepreneurship like math or history: we’d get an outdated book and put students in a class, then if we were getting ambitious, we might have them design a business plan using online software. It was nonfunctional, and it didn’t really match what happened in the real world.

Programs like Apprenti, however, serve as a better model for entrepreneurship education. It is the nation’s first registered IT apprenticeship program, and its goal is to train future tech workers, with an emphasis on underrepresented groups including women, minorities, and veterans. Once trained, these new IT workers join a yearlong apprenticeship program to ensure their success in finding the next piece of their journey.

We unbox:

Launching a program to teach entrepreneurs, at home and abroad
The outdated ways people have tried to teach entrepreneurship in the past – and how we can more effectively teach entrepreneurship in the future
The misunderstanding of where entrepreneurship fits in the world
Mentoring female entrepreneurs in the Middle East
It’s okay to fail, as long as the outcome is learning
How reframing what an entrepreneur is – a problem solver, a solution provider, a community organizer, a leader, self-employed – makes it more appealing and approachable
Diversity is important; you can’t be what you can’t see
At the same time, you can’t do what you don’t know, so there has to be applied opportunity
What Apprenti looks like in practice

Resources:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chiefgadd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chiefgadd
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiefgadd/
Learn more about Apprenti: https://apprenticareers.org/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

005: Robotics in K-12: Helping Students Make Decisions, Solve Problems, & Experience the World | with Angela Hattman & Audrey Strickling

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 15:05:00 +0000

Our guests are Angela Hattman, a fabulous Science Teacher at Upper Arlington High School and the fearless teacher who volunteered to help students start a robotics team, and Audrey Strickling, one of the high school students that helped found the UAHS FRC BearBots.

We talked with Andy Bruening and Tyler Hertenstein in episode six about the FIRST robotics program, which provides some context into the broader implications of these programs, but Angela and Audrey help us unbox what it means to not just start a team, but how doing so provides meaningful educational and life experiences for students.

We unbox:

Why Angela and Audrey decided to start a robotics team
How starting this team has impacted the entire school’s culture
The financial implications of starting a robotics program
The BearBots growing 3x between their first and second years
How robotics programs help students make decisions, experience the world in new ways, and develop critical career skills
What robotics students are looking for from their mentors
Managing parents and parents’ expectations when you are starting a robotics team
How a new robotics team is like running a new startup business
What you should do first if you start a robotics team

Resources:

See the FRC BearBots in action: https://twitter.com/uahsbearbots
Start a FIRST Robotics Team: https://www.pastfoundation.org/start-a-first-robotics-team

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

004: Robotics, Design Thinking, & Engineering in Education | with Andy Bruening & Tyler Hertenstein

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 15:04:00 +0000

Dr. Andy Bruening, Director of Bridge Programs at PAST Foundation, and Tyler Hertenstein, Design Pathway Instructor and Technology Teacher at Metro Early College High School, join us to unbox the role of robotics, design thinking, and engineering in education today.

Both Andy and Tyler have seen first-hand the success of integrating robotics into the classroom and after-school clubs, and what happens when you get really creative with these hands-on opportunities to learn.

We unbox:

Starting and overseeing the Metrobots, Metro's First Robotics Competition Team
Why schools should invest in robotics teams
The difference between being mentor-led and mentor-guided (and why the Metrobots is student-led)
Why Andy and Tyler view their primary role as coaching soft skills, rather than engineering
The PAST Foundation’s Center of Robotics Innovation (CORI)
The time and effort that goes into a robotics team, and why it’s not “just for the nerds”
Robotics competition is “the sport of the minds”
Tyler’s college robotics football team would get “smoked” by anything his kids are currently coming up with
Changing the dynamic of who’s participating in robotics
How teachers and students who have an interest in robotics can spearhead programs like these in their own schools
Why these programs needs good mentors that stick around, and those mentors don’t need to be engineers

Resources:

Check out the Metrobots in action: https://www.3324metrobots.org/
Learn more about PAST’s Bridge Programs: https://www.pastfoundation.org/bridge-programs
Start A FIRST Robotics Team: https://www.pastfoundation.org/start-a-first-robotics-team
Learn more about Metro: https://www.themetroschool.org/
Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bruening-6925049b/
Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-hertenstein/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

003: Columbus Idea Foundry: A Makerspace for Learning, Collaboration, & Mischief | with Alex Bandar

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 15:03:00 +0000

Alex Bandar is the founder and Chief Mischief-Maker at the Columbus Idea Foundry. An engineer by training and serial entrepreneur by practice, Alex is the kind of guy who likes to roll up his sleeves and solve problems – and inspire others do the same.

The Idea Foundry is a multifaceted collaborative environment for exploring, learning, making; a makerspace for anyone with passion and an idea. Whether you want to launch a startup or teach a class, create a podcast or learn a new skill, collaborate on an idea or get into some mischief, it’s the ideal place to make things happen in a 21st century world.

We unbox:

The next generation of teaching and learning
What is work in the 21st century?
Tricking kids to learn tech through hands-on, functional artistic projects
Becoming a center for creative and techy adults
What innovation means in a world where sci-fi is becoming reality
Columbus is a startup town – and a 21st century version of Renaissance Florence Italy
Why the Columbus Idea Foundry works
The role of makerspaces in a traditional education setting
Why does a community need a culture of creation?
What employers and industries want from today’s young learners

Resources:

Learn more at https://ideafoundry.com/
IF on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideafoundrycolumbus/
IF on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdeaFoundryColumbus/
IF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-idea-foundry/
IF on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IdeaFoundryCbus
Alex on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexander.bandar
Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbandar/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

002: Engineers Helping Educators (& Other Partnerships for Reimagining Education) | with Rich Rosen

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 15:02:00 +0000

Rich Rosen is the Founder of Indigo Systems, an organization founded to mobilize practicing engineers to use systems analysis and design skills to address education problems in their local community.

At the heart of Rich’s work is the idea of “engineers helping educators,” and today we discuss the role of both engineers and organizational partnerships in our efforts to reimagine, rethink, and redesign the educational system.

We unbox:

How Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future catalyzed Rich’s shift from healthcare to education
Creating partnerships between education and businesses – and why it’s necessary
“A good idea doesn’t spread just because it’s a good idea.”
The built-in systems of constraints endemic to our schools
Changing the landscape of education through a focus on STEM
Finding the best and highest use of an organization, beyond money
Bringing the concept of R&D to education
Best practices for business-education partnerships that allow for creativity and create opportunity

Resources:

Learn more at http://indigo-strategies.org/
Connect with Rich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-rosen-07825151/
Read a summary: Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Revisited: Rapidly Approaching Category 5

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

001: New Schools as a Startup: Creating Ohio’s First STEM School & a Platform for Innovation | with Marcy Raymond & Jack McClintock

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 15:01:00 +0000

Today we have two wonderful guests, Marcy Raymond and Jack McClintock, joining us to talk about creating startups with a meaningful impact on the world of education.

Marcy is serial school starter and a STEM education specialist with the Education Services Center of Central Ohio. She is a founder of Metro Early College High School (MECHS), which is Ohio’s very first STEM school and a platform for innovation in school design that many schools across the nation are now based on.

Jack is one of the first students to attend and graduate Metro, after which he received a bachelor’s from OSU’s Fisher College of Business and founded G&P Productions.

We unbox:

The massive undertaking of starting a new school, especially one with such an innovative design philosophy
Why doing school differently is a “moral imperative”
The goal of The Metro School, and all of the schools that have followed its model
The uphill battle of STEM education
Why Jack took the risk and jumped in as a founding student of Metro
Partnering with OSU, the Battelle Memorial Institute, and the Educational Council to start MECHS
Battelle’s “opportunity gap”
Why the school is, by design, for all kids – not just “the smart kids”
The conversation around starting similar schools in other communities
Why students are more engaged at MECHS
The habits they teach at MECHS to help students be persistent in any environment
Looking to the future, what do the next iterations of STEM schools look like?
The poem that Marcy read on the first day of school, “Pioneers! O Pioneers!”
Education is dynamic and it cannot be standardized – and as a society, we have to figure out how to effectively provide that to everyone

Resources:

Learn more at https://www.themetroschool.org/
The Metro School on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Metro-Early-College-High-School-171761588940/
The Metro School on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroHS
Check out https://www.gpproductions.tv
Connect with Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-mcclintock-8991592b/
Read: “Pioneers! O Pioneers!”

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio

Teaching, Learning, & The Future of Work [TRAILER]

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 20:46:16 +0000

We hear, frequently, that the global education system is broken, and as a result, we spend billions of dollar trying to fix it. But the K-12 system isn’t actually broken at all – it’s working exactly as it was designed, 100 years ago, and it’s obsolete.

So in Learning Unboxed, we will have a conversation about teaching, learning, and the future of work; we will reimagine, rethink, and redesign our educational system. And we invite you to join us.

Your host on this journey is Annalies Corbin – the Founder, President, CEO, & Chief Goddess of the PAST Foundation – and we will be joined by experts, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are wrestling with this conversation, and who have a whole set of creative designs and solutions.

Resources:

Learn more at https://www.pastfoundation.org
Connect with Annalies: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

Learning Unboxed is produced by Podcast Masters