The STEMPunX Podcast

Bill loves live Grand Canyon Sunsets. Photo by Michael Quinn.  

Oh My! People in California are keeping their kids inside because of cougars. But cougars (aka mountain lions) are actually saving human lives by keeping deer populations down. Bill explains.      

Bill cuts to the chase by letting a rattlesnake loose and letting us know they are useful if not especially friendly. 

Casual ephemeral connections add variety to life... and can be found in nature!

Bill conjures up a Fisher -- it's not what you think and it is real. Watch out porcupines!

Happy Thanksgiving! Bill takes us on his yearly story journey into the branches of one of the largest Ponderosa pines in Klickitat County -- right in his own back yard. 

It's time for new beginnings and finding common ground.  "Only Kindness Matters" -- Jewel. Happy World Kindness Day

Amid snow the clad landscapes, one promontory draws Bill's attention. Sometimes unknown territory speaks to us more than that which we know.

Wildlife Biologist Bill Weiler begins his STEMPunX hosting journey with a short exploration of leaves... they're more than just for jumping into.

After quite a hiatus, Joe is back with a lot of info about Steelhead and their amazing lifecycle. Also, due to his diligence, he hooks and lands a nice fish on camera for you. See how STEM is integral to one of America's great outdoor pastimes. The video version of this episode, which includes a LOT of visual information, is available HERE.   Links to explore: Columbia River Information U.S Fish and Wildlife Service - Steelhead Trout page List of dams in the Columbia River watershed Swimming Upstream: Computational Hydrodynamics of Trout Locomotion   Further reading: Federal decision to keep Snake River dams in place is now official; dam debate is far from over     Join the STEMPunX team for as little as a dollar a month. Gain access to bonus material and STEMPunX perks on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/STEMPunx   Music: Music composed and performed by: Kit Garoutte http://kitgaroutte.com   Sponsors Coddiwomple Creative-  A coddiwomple is a purposeful journey towards a vague destination. Coddiwomple Creative makes art and just about anything they're inspired to create from a place of joy.  Check out their newest items at: http://www.coddiwomplecreative.com   AND: Thank you to all of our Patreon STEMPunX.  We are so grateful for you all. Please share this podcast to help us continue our goal of bringing STEM education to everyone. Send us your feedback at: stempunx@gmail.com   Credits The STEMPunX Podcast is hosted and produced by Joe Garoutte. CoProducers: E. Michael Friend and John Hardham Editing: Joe Garoutte Videography & audio recording: Joe Garoutte See all the STEMPunX fun at STEMPunX.com

It's HONEY HARVEST TIME! But this time it's High Tech.  Joe uses the FLOW hive system and explains its use.  Joe and STEMBoT also cover some bee anatomy. This short episode will give you just the right "taste" of an easier and STEM advantaged approach to bees and beekeeping.   The video version of this episode, which includes a LOT of visual information, is available HERE.  Links to explore: More information about FLOW hive at: https://www.honeyflow.com Anatomy of the honeybee info here. A quick-start guide to honey bee antenna.   Join the STEMPunX team for as little as a dollar a month. Gain access to bonus material and STEMPunX perks on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/STEMPunx   Music: Music composed and performed by: Kit Garoutte http://kitgaroutte.com   Sponsors Coddiwomple Creative-  A coddiwomple is a purposeful journey towards a vague destination. Coddiwomple Creative makes art and just about anything they're inspired to create from a place of joy.  Check out their newest items at: http://www.coddiwomplecreative.com  AND: Thank you to all of our Patreon STEMPunX.  We are so grateful for you all. Please share this podcast to help us continue our goal of bringing STEM education to everyone. Send us your feedback at: stempunx@gmail.com   Credits The STEMPunX Podcast is hosted and produced by Joe Garoutte. CoProducers: E. Michael Friend and John Hardham Editing: Joe and Michael. Videography & audio recording: Joe Garoutte   See all the STEMunX fun at STEMPunX.com    

Co-producer Michael Friend interviews a special guest in Portugal!  Science is everywhere, and somehow hearing this interview makes it plain.  As we face global issues like climate change and CoVid-19 we all need to appreciate that we're in it together.   Mentioned in the episode: Centro Ciência Viva de Tavira https://www.circuitoscienciaviva.pt/cvcenters       ALSO:  Since we discussed climate change in this episode we were asked by one of our screeners for more information on what to do. Please look at our other episodes for ways we can help our planet.     Join the STEMPunX team for as little as a dollar a month. Gain access to bonus material and STEMPunX perks on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/STEMPunx   Music: The outro music for this episode is by Amanda Palmer.  She was the inspiration for choosing to offer our podcast for free and let listeners decide if they want to support us on Patreon.  Thank you AFP!  We love what you are doing.  Get more info, and support her if you can, here: https://www.patreon.com/amandapalmer #amandapalmer    Sponsors Coddiwomple Creative-  A coddiwomple is a purposeful journey towards a vague destination. Coddiwomple Creative makes art and just about anything they're inspired to create from a place of joy.  Check out their newest items at: http://www.coddiwomplecreative.com  AND: Thank you to all of our Patreon STEMPunX.  We are so grateful for you all. Please share this podcast to help us continue our goal of bringing STEM education to everyone. Send us your feedback at: stempunx@gmail.com   Credits The STEMPunX Podcast is hosted and produced by Joe Garoutte. CoProducers: E. Michael Friend and John Hardham Editing by Joe and Michael.     See all the STEMunX fun at STEMPunX.com  

In the midst of one of the toughest times we may ever face, are there lessons to learn?  Of course there are, if we choose to see them.  Joe and STEMBoT navigate a switch in topics for this podcast and share some very pertinent information that everyone can use.   Mentioned in the episode: Fake animal news abounds on social media as coronavirus upends life https://apple.news/AE5raICV-TmKeraFR5WSJJA Exploiting wildlife poses risks to human health. https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/489299-coronavirus-shows-exploiting-wildlife-poses-risks-to-human-health?utm_term=Wildlife&emci=40181372-d36e-ea11-a94c-00155d03b1e8&emdi=9bc4ef24-816f-ea11-a94c-00155d03b1e8&ceid=1905020 Snopes on swans and dolphins in Venice https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/dolphins-swans-italy-lockdown/   Blue Skies Over Beijing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9654d4dwVmw Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu/flawed-estimates-effects-lockdown-measures-air-quality-satellite-observations   NASA Ozone information https://ozonewatch.gsfc.nasa.gov/facts/SH.html Southern Skies Benefit from a Rare Climate-Diplomacy Success (International Ozone Treaty) https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-25/how-scientists-say-diplomacy-has-helped-close-the-ozone-hole?srnd=premium 1987 Montreal Protocol https://www.state.gov/key-topics-office-of-environmental-quality-and-transboundary-issues/the-montreal-protocol-on-substances-that-deplete-the-ozone-layer/   Fake Bill Gates letter https://artofquotation.wordpress.com/2020/03/23/bill-gates-the-corona-covid-19-virus-is-sent-to-remind-us-of-the-important-lessons-that-we-seem-to-have-forgotten-and-it-is-up-to-us-if-we-will-learn-them-or-not/   BONUS INFO I was going to discuss wildlife more, and the need to return balance to our natural habitat and food chain, but the episode was long as it was.  So here is a quick treat for you.  :-)  Washington has all its carnivores back with return of this furry predator https://apple.news/At7_QEDeNTYeRbPmcceTvlA   ALSO:  Since we discussed climate change in this episode we were asked by one of our screeners for more information on what to do. Please look at our other episodes for ways we can help our planet.     Join the STEMPunX team for as little as a dollar a month. Gain access to bonus material and STEMPunX perks on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/STEMPunx   Music: The intro and outro music from this episode was written and performed by Rachel Moore-Beitler.  You can check out her many other tunes at: https://soundcloud.com/unapologetically The background music was written and performed by Dany Burns.  You can check out the MANY albums this young and talented artist has created at: https://technocinema.bandcamp.com     Sponsors Coddiwomple Creative-  A coddiwomple is a purposeful journey towards a vague destination. Coddiwomple Creative makes art and just about anything they're inspired to create from a place of joy.  Check out their newest items at: http://www.coddiwomplecreative.com  AND: Thank you to all of our Patreon STEMPunX.  We are so grateful for you all. Please share this podcast to help us continue our goal of bringing STEM education to everyone. Send us your feedback at: stempunx@gmail.com   Credits The STEMPunX Podcast is hosted and produced by Joe Garoutte. CoProducers: E. Michael Friend and John Hardham Editing by Joe and Michael.     See all the STEMunX fun at STEMPunX.com  

BONUS LENGTH EPISODE...!!!    Joe and Michael interview Oliver and Jim Yue about LEGO robotics and learn that the FIRST LEGO robotics program is about SO much more than just building a cool robot.  The info was so good we couldn't cut it down any further.  Enjoy the world of LEGO robotics clubs and competition and the amazing values it teaches our youth. Show Notes: FIRST is the company behind the LEGO leagues. - The mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. More info here.   Oregon State Championship tournaments are scheduled for January 18th and 19th, 2020 at Liberty High School in Hillsboro - info here: https://ortop.org/fll/fll-team-resources/fll-tournaments/.   RESULTS for Columbia Gorge competitions in December 2019: Overall 1st Place Champions: RoBobs from Hood River; The Snackateers from Wildwood Academy. Overall 2nd Place Champions: Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun! from Wy’east Middle; Gear Spinners from Goldendale Middle School. These additional top teams advanced to the state tournament: 256 Block Limit from Hood River Middle; City Sisters from Wy’east Middle; Wizards of Laser Forks from Hood River Middle; Fire Breathing Ducks from Wasco County 4-H; Finer Things Club and Sunshine Shapers from Klickitat School; Astro Boys from Wy’east Middle; MACS Robotics Team! MACS Robotics from the Gorge is also going to state! Additional top awards for outstanding performance: Core Values Award: City Sisters from Wy’east Middle; Sunshine Shapers from Klickitat School. Project Award: Wizards of Laser Forks from Hood River Middle; Fire Breathing Ducks from Wasco County 4-H. Robot Design Award: 256 Block Limit from Hood River Middle; The A-Team from Klickitat School. Robot Performance Award: S256 Block Limit from Hood River Middle; Astro Boys from Wy’east Middle. Rising Star Award: Robotic Rats from Trout Lake School; Cookie Monsters from Wasco County 4-H. Mentioned in the episode: ROBOT TURTLES - The very fun coding "game" for preschool children to enjoy coding without knowing that's what it is. And by the way, our 4th graders still like it. See their website here.    Also, I think its creator, Dan Sapiro deserves a shout out because he's cool and doing things for the right reasons. He also crowdfunded a really cool laser called GlowForge. We have one, it's fantastic.  :-)  Portmanteau:  a word blending the sounds and combining the meanings of two others, for example motel (from ‘motor’ and ‘hotel’) or brunch (from ‘breakfast’ and ‘lunch’): podcast is a portmanteau, a made-up word coined from a combination of the words iPod and broadcast.   Coopertition®  is a portmanteau used by the FIRST company.  Coopertition® produces innovation. At FIRST, Coopertition is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete. Coopertition involves learning from teammates. It is teaching teammates. It is learning from Mentors. And it is managing and being managed. Coopertition means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can.   Gorge Tech Alliance- GTA - crgta.org. The Gorge Tech Alliance connects, supports and develops the tech community of the Columbia River Gorge. Wildwood Academy - wildwood-academy.org Swift programming language: SWIFT. Ready Player One:  Good movie viewing, and a portion of the living concept upon which our guest, Oliver, and his team, likened their project to. READY PLAYER ONE   Join the STEMPunX team for as little as a dollar a month. Gain access to bonus material and STEMPunX perks on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/STEMPunx   Music: All music from this episode written and performed by Duncan Krummel. You owe it to yourself to listen to him play, and his compositions played by others. Check out his accomplishments and compositions at duncankrummel.com.   Sponsors Coddiwomple Creative-  A coddiwomple is a purposeful journey towards a vague destination. Coddiwomple Creative makes art and just about anything they're inspired to create from a place of joy.  Check out their newest items at: http://www.coddiwomplecreative.com  AND: Thank you to all of our Patreon STEMPunX.  We are so grateful for you all. Please share this podcast to help us continue our goal of bringing STEM education to everyone. Send us your feedback at: stempunx@gmail.com   Credits The STEMPunX Podcast is hosted and produced by Joe Garoutte. CoProducers: E. Michael Friend and John Hardham Editing by Joe and Michael.     See all the STEMunX fun at STEMPunX.com  

Should we expect Cursive to be taught in school?  Is there a benefit?  Is it wasted time since we use technology so much?  Joe and STEMBoT share some data so you can form your own decision.   Links to explore:   Why we should Stop Teaching Handwriting. Cursive is making a comeback. Top 10 Reasons to Learn Cursive. Cursive is Dumb. Why cursive handwriting needs to make a school comeback. Why Don't the Common-Core Standards Include Cursive Writing? Common Core Reinforced Not Teaching Cursive. What is the 4th Grade Slump? What Is Automaticity?   The picture for this episode thumbnail courtesy of: https://www.k5learning.com/cursive-writing-worksheets   Join the STEMPunX team for as little as a dollar a month. Gain access to bonus material and STEMPunX perks on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/STEMPunx   Music: All music from this episode written and performed by Danny Burns. Check out his list of albums on Bandcamp.     Sponsors Coddiwomple Creative-  A coddiwomple is a purposeful journey towards a vague destination. Coddiwomple Creative makes art and just about anything they're inspired to create from a place of joy.  Check out their newest items at: http://www.coddiwomplecreative.com  AND: Thank you to all of our Patreon STEMPunX.  We are so grateful for you all. Please share this podcast to help us continue our goal of bringing STEM education to everyone. Send us your feedback at: stempunx@gmail.com   Credits The STEMPunX Podcast is hosted and produced by Joe Garoutte. CoProducers: E. Michael Friend and John Hardham Editing by Joe and Michael.     See all the STEMunX fun at STEMPunX.com  

  Host Joe Garoutte visits with The STEMPunX Mad Scientist Bill Weiler about the not so mad topic of trees. Understanding the circle of life in old growth forests, and even how a forest fire can be beneficial, is just part of what the two discuss.  We even get to hear Bill sing!   Links to explore: The Overstory by Richard Powers at Powell's Books : https://www.powells.com/book/-9780393356687 Bill Weiler's Blog: William Weiler Stewardship ~ Large Living Trees Fishers return to the North Cascades Old growth forests sequester CO2 at a much higher level than previously thought. What Is Biodiversity Loss and Why Is It a Problem? What is an Ent?   The picture for this episode thumbnail courtesy of: https://freebigpictures.com   Join the STEMPunX team for as little as a dollar a month. Gain access to bonus material and STEMPunX perks on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/STEMPunx   Music: All music from this episode written and performed by Danny Burns. Check out his list of albums on Bandcamp.     Sponsors Coddiwomple Creative-  A coddiwomple is a purposeful journey towards a vague destination. Coddiwomple Creative makes art and just about anything they're inspired to create from a place of joy.  Check out their newest items at: http://www.coddiwomplecreative.com  AND: Thank you to all of our Patreon STEMPunX.  We are so grateful for you all. Please share this podcast to help us continue our goal of bringing STEM education to everyone. Send us your feedback at: stempunx@gmail.com   Credits The STEMPunX Podcast is hosted and produced by Joe Garoutte. CoProducers: E. Michael Friend and John Hardham Editing by Joe and Michael.   Special thanks to our Mad Scientist, Bill Weiler.   See all the STEMunX fun at STEMPunX.com  

Wowzers! Join host Joe Garoutte in learning about SketchUp, the Google 3D software used by designer Douglas Hawksworth to build a set for "Noises Off". Joe and Douglas visit on the set for the upcoming show produced by Big Britches Productions.  See how dreams turn to reality through 3D design and then some precise cutting on the saws.   The video version of this episode, which includes a LOT of visual information, is available HERE.  Links to explore: Design your own anything with Google SketchUp here. Go see the set in action.  Get tickets for "Noises Off" at the Big Britches Productions Website.   Join the STEMPunX team for as little as a dollar a month. Gain access to bonus material and STEMPunX perks on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/STEMPunx   Music: All music from this episode written and performed by Danny Burns. Check out his list of albums on Bandcamp.     Sponsors Coddiwomple Creative-  A coddiwomple is a purposeful journey towards a vague destination. Coddiwomple Creative makes art and just about anything they're inspired to create from a place of joy.  Check out their newest items at: http://www.coddiwomplecreative.com  AND: Thank you to all of our Patreon STEMPunX.  We are so grateful for you all. Please share this podcast to help us continue our goal of bringing STEM education to everyone. Send us your feedback at: stempunx@gmail.com   Credits The STEMPunX Podcast is hosted and produced by Joe Garoutte. CoProducers: E. Michael Friend and John Hardham Editing by Joe and Michael.   Special thanks to guest Douglas Hawksworth.   See all the STEMunX fun at STEMPunX.com  

In this episode our Denver correspondent Thom Harrop, a professor at Red Rocks Community College near Denver, Colorado, sat down with students Bruno, Tyler, and Dallas, three creative STEM students, at the Red Rocks Community College IDEA Lab.  They talk about space projects, cool theatre tech, STEM competitions, camaraderie, and how all of that thrives at a community college.  Listen in and hear how your ideas could flourish too!  There's room for everyone in STEM! Links to explore: Red Rocks Community College IDEA Institute What's the difference between Arduino and Raspberry Pi?  Find out here. What is a Sounding Rocket? Community College of Aurora Arapahoe Community College Engineering program   Join the STEMPunX team for as little as a dollar a month. Gain access to bonus material and STEMPunX perks on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/STEMPunx   Music: All music from this episode written and performed by Danny Burns. Check out his list of albums on Bandcamp.     Sponsors Coddiwomple Creative-  A coddiwomple is a purposeful journey towards a vague destination. Coddiwomple Creative makes art and just about anything they're inspired to create from a place of joy.  Check out their newest items at: http://www.coddiwomplecreative.com  AND: Thank you to all of our Patreon STEMPunX.  We are so grateful for you all. Please share this podcast to help us continue our goal of bringing STEM education to everyone. Send us your feedback at: stempunx@gmail.com   Credits The STEMPunX Podcast is hosted and produced by Joe Garoutte. CoProducers: E. Michael Friend and John Hardham Editing by Joe and Michael. Correspondent for this episode: Thom Harrop See all the STEMunX fun at STEMPunX.com

Delve into the deep mystery that Joe encountered one dark and stormy evening....   Okay, not quite that dramatic, but he did encounter something alive and glowing.  Listen in as he and STEMBoT discuss Bioluminescence, and some intriguing STEM applications for it.  There's also some new bionics research that crawls its way into this episode as well.   Links to explore:     How bioluminescence works. Whit is Luciferin? What is biohybrid? Bright ideas for bioluminescent tech. Fun bioluminescent reading. MIT Researcher Dr. Ritu Raman     Join the STEMPunX team for as little as a dollar a month. Gain access to bonus material and STEMPunX perks on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/STEMPunx   Music: All music from this episode written by Danny Burns, from his commissioned soundtracks for the two plays "MacBeth", and "Art". Check out his list of albums on Bandcamp.     Sponsors Coddiwomple Creative-  A coddiwomple is a purposeful journey towards a vague destination. Coddiwomple Creative makes art and just about anything they're inspired to create from a place of joy.  Check out their newest items at: http://www.coddiwomplecreative.com  AND: Thank you to all of our Patreon STEMPunX.  We are so grateful for you all. Please share this podcast to help us continue our goal of bringing STEM education to everyone. Send us your feedback at: stempunx@gmail.com   Credits The STEMPunX Podcast is hosted and produced by Joe Garoutte. CoProducers: E. Michael Friend and John Hardham Editing by Joe and Michael. See all the STEMunX fun at STEMPunX.com

This week's episode is a fan request!  Teresa B. discovered through an online post that something she thought was beneficial wasn't. She wanted more. We responded! Dive in with Joe and STEMBoT to see if you actually know the things you think you know.  Are you really warmer sleeping naked? Should you really buy a cotton bag to avoid plastic while shopping? Should you put something on your pasta to keep it from sticking?  Is having breakfast every day a good thing? While bouncing from topic to topic you'll find out a few things and have a good time in the process.  Enjoy!   Links to explore: Why kids shouldn't skip breakfast. The benefits of skipping breakfast. You lose 70% of your body heat from your head.  Or do you....? You should still wear a hat if you're cold. Sleep NAKED!  Wait... Should you? No really, I'm warmer in the nude! It's healthier to sleep naked.  For many... reasons...   There're bugs in my what??!? Coffee with extra protein. Why you're allergic to pre-ground coffee. Teach me about plastic bag replacements.  I want to know. The environmental impact of your cotton clothes...   BONUS: 51 fun facts.  For fun! (Spoiler alert: some are covered above.)     Join the STEMPunX team for as little as a dollar a month. Gain access to bonus material and STEMPunX perks on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/STEMPunx   Music: All music from this episode is from the Free Music Archive Artist: Scott Holmes  Track name: Hotshot Artist: Blue dot sessions   Track Names: Gambrel, Kirkus Interlude, Lunette Interlude, Palladian   Sponsors Coddiwomple Creative-  A coddiwomple is a purposeful journey towards a vague destination. Coddiwomple Creative makes art and just about anything they're inspired to create from a place of joy.  Check out their newest items at: http://www.coddiwomplecreative.com  AND: Thank you to all of our Patreon STEMPunX.  We are so grateful for you all. Please share this podcast to help us continue our goal of bringing STEM education to everyone. Send us your feedback at: stempunx@gmail.com   Credits The STEMPunX Podcast is hosted and produced by Joe Garoutte. CoProducers: E. Michael Friend and John Hardham Editing by Joe and Michael. See all the STEMunX fun at STEMPunX.com