Episode #210
210. Parents as Partners in STEM
Show Summary: When we think about parent volunteers, we often picture parents helping with classroom parties, fundraisers, field trips, or other special events. But what if we invited parents to be involved in the academic work happening at school, too? In this episode, Natasha and Claire brainstorm ways schools and teachers could rethink parent involvement, especially in STEM and science classrooms. Could parent volunteers help make hands-on science labs more manageable? Could PTOs create academic volunteer roles? Could parents share their careers and expertise, help gather materials, support STEM projects, or simply provide another set of hands during activities that are difficult for one teacher to manage alone? This episode isn't a list of things every school should be doing. It's a conversation about what's possible and an invitation to think beyond the usual ways we ask families to help. If you've ever wished you had an extra set of hands during a science lab, this episode might have you looking at your parent community in a whole new way. Links from the Show: Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 209. 5 Mistakes Almost Every New STEM Teacher Makes (And What to Do Instead) 127. Why You Should Teach About STEM Careers 134. Are You Gifted? Vivify STEM Blog Posts STEM Family Night Planning Guide 10 Amazing STEM Family Night Activities How to Integrate STEM into Your Gifted & Talented Program A Teacher’s Guide to Science Fairs Vivify STEM Lessons Botany STEM Challenge Space Club Mission to Moon or Mission to Mars - FREE! Other STEM Resources Facebook: The Drip Trip About Texas’s Bluebonnet Learning FREE Space Curriculum by Cosmic Leap Foundation Get in on This Conversation and Email Us! THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTES THE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUP VIVIFY INSTAGRAM VIVIFY FACEBOOK VIVIFY X VIVIFY TIKTOK VIVIFY YOUTUBE
