The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

You've spent the first part of your teaching career as a general education teacher, and now you are stepping into the elementary STEM space. It's equal parts exciting, but also overwhelming. What types of supports are out there to support you in this new-to-you role?Well, you are definitely going to enjoy today's interview! I am chatting with CEO of SmartLab, Dr. Jennifer Berry. The company's philosophy on how they support teachers and students is definitely one that I agree with and goes further than just teaching STEM lessons. Dr. Berry’s background and deep leadership experience in K-12 education, plus her commitment to growing mission-oriented teams, make her the ideal leader to navigate the company’s next chapter of growth. She joins a leadership team already transforming how students experience and consume innovative career-connected curriculum with hands-on, STEM-infused learning,” stated Franklin Staley, Managing Director of Exeter Street Capital Partners and Chairman of CLS.Connect with SmartLab on LinkedInConnect with Dr. Berry on LinkedInCheck out SmartLab's website Get Started Here! November 7, 2025- SmartLab STEM Identity DayHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode205Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram:

Have you been on the fence about starting video school-wide news? Maybe you think you don’t have the right equipment, you need to go live each day, or that it’s too complicated. Whatever your hang-ups are about getting started, I was there too. However, I still got this started at my school, and it was such a success!But don’t just take it from me. In this guest interview, I am chatting with elementary teacher Rebecca Zide, who successfully implemented video school-wide news at her school with the help of my on-demand workshop. She shares all her successes and learning moments while implementing these announcements at her school. I know you’ll find her stories inspiring and motivating to help you want to try this with your students! Need more help getting started? Check out my news workshop here!Watch one of Rebecca’s news episodes in action (shared with permission) Check out THIS local news story that was created about Rebecca’s news programHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode204Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: a...

If you wanted to dedicate a week to teaching students what each letter of STEM was, where do you even begin? You want the lessons to be simple enough to last for one class session, but still engaging.This is Part 2 of a 2 part series where I will be giving you a week of lesson plans for Kinder-2nd grades on how to teach each letter of STEM in a week. Grab the free PDF with the lesson plans here: https://naomimeredith.com/weekofstemplansHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode203Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career DaySTEM Teacher Book Club: naomimeredith.com/stemteacherbookshelf1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids: The STEM Career Quest

If you wanted to dedicate a week to teaching students what each letter of STEM was, where do you even begin? You want the lessons to be simple enough to last for one class session, but still engaging.This is Part 1 of a 2 part series where I will be giving you a week of lesson plans for 3rd-5th grades on how to teach each letter of STEM in a week. Grab the free PDF with the lesson plans here: https://naomimeredith.com/weekofstemplansHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode202Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids: The STEM Career Quest

As you are setting up your STEM classroom, what are things you can decorate with but still connect with what you are teaching? A word wall, or vocabulary wall, can be a great asset to your units to help students make connections across content themes. I'll be sharing practical ways you can set up a word wall that you can use throughout the school year and with all grade levels, K-5. Resources Mentioned:STEM & Technology Alphabet PostersHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode201Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids: The STEM Career Quest

If you were to ask your students what the word "STEM" actually means, could they answer you correctly? And if they do know that "STEM" represents Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, do they know what THAT means?In this episode, I'll be sharing practical and easy ways you can explain what STEM means to your students that doesn't take a lot of time, but will still build a foundation for all your STEM lessons to come! Resources mentioned:YouTube Video Series for Kids: What does STEM mean?STEM/STEAM Definition PostersSTEM Get to Know You SlidesHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode200Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids: The STEM Career Quest

If you have a low or no budget going into your STEM classroom but are wondering what lessons to teach kids, my go-to is Makerspace lessons. There is some prep work to gather supplies to make it happen, but it’s one of the best ways to have hands-on lessons in your classroom that are still engaging. I’ll be sharing my top three favorite themes when teaching Makerspace to students in K-5. These are units where every grade level has its own lesson to jump into, along with what you can do if you only see kids once a week.Resources Mentioned:Easy 1-Day Makerspace Challenges STEM Survival Camp K-5 LessonsEarth’s Engineer’s K-5 LessonsSTEM-usement Park K-5 LessonsHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode199Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: a...

We are back at it with some fun interviews this summer! I took a little break from interviewing, but missed it, and I had so much fun with who I talked with for today’s interview. I chatted with Kara Houston, who is a proud member of SelfCAD. If you haven’t heard of SelfCAD before, it is a cloud-based CAD modeling (or computer-aided design) that allows students to model, sculpt, slice, and print online. You might know this most for 3D printing as you get started, but they have other forms of creation inside the platform that you should check out. Kara is passionate about what she does, and she loves that through her job, she can have a part in the future of STEM by bringing their ideas to life. This episode will help give you ideas on various ways you can start implementing 3D modeling in your classroom! Check out SelfCAD: selfcad.com Connect with Kara Houston on LinkedIn HERE Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode198Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids:

If you're in back-to-school mode and starting to set up your classroom, this quick tip will help you think through how to organize your Makerspace or STEM supplies for the year.In this mini-episode is a clip from Episode 150, and I’m sharing how I set up my supplies to stay organized all year long, without constantly resetting things for every lesson. Whether you have a full Makerspace or just a few bins of supplies, these simple strategies can help make your space more functional and your students more independent.Resources Mentioned: STEM Teacher 101 Course [get $30 off using this code: PODCASTBFF ]Hot Glue Gun Safety Poster13 x 13, Large, Collapsible Cubes for Storing ProjectsSTEM Class Project Labels [to add to big fabric boxes]Some items are linked to my Amazon Affiliate account. When you purchase through my link, there is no added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode197Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids: The...

If you're in back-to-school mode and starting to set up your classroom, this quick tip will help you think through how to organize your Makerspace or STEM supplies for the year.In this mini-episode is a clip from Episode 150, and I’m sharing how I set up my supplies to stay organized all year long—without constantly resetting things for every lesson. Whether you have a full Makerspace or just a few bins of supplies, these simple strategies can help make your space more functional and your students more independent.Resources Mentioned: STEM Teacher 101 Course [get $30 off using this code: PODCASTBFF ]Words & Pictures- Editable Makerspace Supply LabelsSticky Business Card Pouches [to use with labels]Makerspace Donation Letter [editable]Sterilite 3 Tiered Paper Drawers [for sorting markers]Free, Editable Paper Drawer Label TemplateSmall Metal Buckets with Handles for Crayon Storage13 x 13, Large, Collapsible Cubes for Storing ProjectsSTEM Class Project Labels [to add to big fabric boxes]Some items are linked to my Amazon Affiliate account. When you purchase through my link, there is no added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode196Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning Bundle

These 5 Makerspace activities are quick, easy, and collaborative and focus on things that roll. By using simple materials, you can have fun lessons that students well remember even after the school year ends! Resources Mentioned: Download this freebie with 20 End of School Year Makerspace STEM ChallengesCardboard Straw MazePaper Plate CoasterCardboard Wall MazeMini Golf CourseCardboard Race CarOnline Game that works like a Cardboard Wall Maze: Tinker BallHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode95Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram:

It’s the end of the school year, which means it can be a crazy and overwhelming time in your STEM classroom. Even with the kids excited about summer break, you can still keep them engaged and learning in your STEM classroom. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 end of year science activities that you can easily implement in your classroom. Even if your school year has ended, these are great activities to use if you’re teaching summer camp or have your own kids home with you for the summer. Resources Mentioned:STEM-usement Park Bundle of LessonsSTEM Choice BoardsSTEM Career Quest PodcastSTEM Career Quest ClubHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode159Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other...

Summer is just around the corner and if you are looking for some ways you can map out your STEM Teacher Professional Development for 2025, I have some ideas for you. From free to paid, virtual and in person, I have a good mix to help you dive in deeper with a variety of topics. STEM Teacher Bookshelf book lists 2023 & 20242023 List2024 ListElementary STEM Coach Podcast PlaylistsSpring International STEAM Summit hosted by Wonder Workshop (May 14-16, 2025)Teacher Seller’s Summit (June 26 - 29, 2025) **sign up using my affiliate link InnEdCO (June 8-11, 2025, Breckenridge, CO)ISTE 2025 (June 29-July 2, San Antonio, TX)Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode193Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: a...

Earth Day is April 22. It’s a good way to teach students ways to take care of the Earth. I’ll be sharing with you 5 STEM lessons that you can teach to celebrate this day or even lessons you can use year round. Earth Day Engineer Inspiration BoardRecycling Plant Makerspace LessonWays to Take Care of the Earth-3D Printing LessonEnvironment Inventions-3D Printing LessonLight Pollution Podcasting LessonEarth Day Bulletin BoardHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode192Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi...

Are you planning on having a long-term sub soon in your elementary STEM space? I recently completed long-term subbing for 4 months in K-5 STEM, and have a lot of insight as to what you should (and shouldn’t do) while you are prepping to be away. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode191Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids: The STEM Career Quest

Math manipulatives are an often overlooked tool in the STEM space. You may have some hiding in your cabinets or other areas in your school right now that you're missing out on! I'm sharing 3 easy ways I've used math manipulatives for various STEM lessons that you and your students will enjoy.Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode190Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids: The STEM Career Quest

Whether you are planning a classroom Valentine's Day party or looking for some fun, themed lessons, you're going to love this episode! There are a variety of activities in this episode that you can implement for Valentine's Day that are low-prep, but highly engaging. You most likely have most of these materials already in your classroom!Candy Heart BasketsValentine's Day Engineer Inspiration BoardsPing Pong Heart RollDigital Tangram PuzzlesHeart LEGO Marble MazeCuisinare Rod HeartsTpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode189Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!Course: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids: The STEM Career Quest

It seems like January is the cold winter month where you are stuck inside, in many parts of the world, trying to keep your students entertained. Take this as a great opportunity to help students make connections to their environment and plan out STEM lessons that are connected to snow! In this episode, I’ll be sharing with you a variety of lessons you can do over the course of a week, or if you see classes once a week, that will take you the entire month. Snapshot of the week: Day 1: Winter-Themed All About Me BrickDay 2: IgloosDay 3 & 4: Snowy STEM StationsDay 5: SledsHead to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode188Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids: The STEM Career Quest

We are back for another new year for the Elementary STEM Coach podcast, starting with the questions you wanted answered on Instagram, @naomimeredith_, and others that popped up in my email. I will be answering the questions you wanted the answers to in this fun, new episode. Are you [Naomi] teaching STEM in a classroom again?Should You Apply for a STEM Position?Listener Tip: Using Google CS First with ScratchWhat are Naomi's Favorite STEM Books? [Professional & for Kids]What are the Best Ways to Organize STEM Lesson Plans?How do you Align Lesson Plans with Standards?How Can You Be a Guest on the Podcast?Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode187Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning 3-5 STEM Planning K-5 STEM Planning BundleStellar School-Wide News STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids: The STEM Career Quest

Another year of Hour of Code has arrived. Are you ready for it? If not, that's okay because, in today's episode, I am sharing three hours of code lessons you can implement in your classroom. These lessons do not require you to be an expert coder, and they are easy to implement.Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode136Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long PlanLeave a voice message HERE for the podcast with your questions and comments!TpT Shop: Naomi Meredith | naomimeredith.com/tptshopCourse: STEM Teacher 101Workshops: K-2 STEM Planning & 3-5 STEM Planning & Stellar School-Wide News & STEM Career Day1:1 STEM Coaching Support: naomimeredith.com/coachingCheck out more inspiration on her website: naomimeredith.comConnect with her on Instagram: @naomimeredith_YouTube Channel: Naomi MeredithFacebook Group: The Elementary STEM Coach Community | Technology & STEM for K-6 TeachersCheck out my other podcast for kids: The STEM Career Quest