4 MAR 2024 · Recently, I've been approached by colleagues about various issues they've found or heard about. I appreciate that they come to me to see what I think. This is what a collegial workplace should look like. One came and brought up the topic of wellness through cold plunging. Another brought up concerns about how AI will affect our classes. I constantly get challenged over the debate between electric and gas-powered cars. Still, another brought up the issue of cloud seeding. I decided to share some thoughts around these topics (although I left out the cloud seeding part of the recording...maybe another time). I've always said that as teachers, we need to be ready with informed answers because we want to encourage our students to ask questions. I never want to shut down a good question nor placate it with a minimalist answer or simply tell them to go find out for themselves. I like to employ the "teach" part of my job title. So here is a brief rundown on three of these topics from my point of view. I hope you think through YOUR answer to these issues. If you have opinions or knowledge that differs from mine, please reach out at astrostephenson11@gmail.com and let's dialogue and allow me to learn from you.

5 FEB 2024 · My greatest desire for this podcast is to show you, the teacher, how teaching can be. In its purest sense and in the light of First People's Principles of Learning, there is generally one in the room who is about to lead a discussion on a particular topic. But it is not shared without great respect for the ones listening, offering up the opportunity to differ, interpret, analyze and question. And when it comes to space, inevitably there will be questions asked that you don't know the answer to. But every time this happens, allow it to add to your knowledge bank so that if it comes up again in the future, you're ready. So this may be a discussion about the Moon, but it is more than that. It is as teaching should be: multiple people involved in a respectable conversation, delving deeper and deeper into a topic. I hope you notice and can think of ways that this conversation could lead into activities of inquiry, presentation by the students, group-lead gallery walks involving art and science and history, filled with opportunities to express a newfound and, indeed, profound understanding of this heavenly body we call the Moon. Where could your lesson go next? What planet or star or galaxy do you want to learn about to lead further lessons and explorations of space? If you allow the teacher mind to go wild, the possibilities are endless.

22 JAN 2024 · Here are two new twists...firstly, I'm the one getting interviewed on this episode, and secondly, it's my wife asking the questions! Yes, I invited Sheryl to turn the mic on me after I was inspired to do so when my guest from episode 88 said she was curious about why I got into teaching. That was Marika Cullis-Suzuki so be sure to check that episode out. This episode is a bit of an experiment. I hypothesize that behind every great podcaster is an even greater spouse. I'd love to do this sort of episode regularly. I'm not oblivious to the fact that there have been many times when I thought I was saying something intelligent, only to have Sheryl shed so much more light on it! I guess we all need someone in our lives to point out that we don't know it all. Please connect with me to let me know if you want Sheryl to come on with me regularly. You can email me and give me some feedback on this: mailto:astrostephenson11@gmail.com As usual, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple or Spotify to help with the algorithms.

15 JAN 2024 · What if teaching was less about tradition and more about breaking the rules? What if teaching put less emphasis on predetermined learning outcomes and standardized tests and more emphasis on discovery and inquiry? What you would have would be an educational system that inspires, that evokes meaning and puts the learner first, even over the dusty lesson plans that would have fit right in if they were delivered 20 years ago. This is the mind of Dr. Ross Laird, a post-secondary educator, an educational consultant and a progressive thinker who forges ahead with the right kind of change, even in the face of resistance from the mainstream institution of school. A man after my own heart. Ross was preaching to the choir in this conversation. And I hope you'll join us for the next chorus, because as I like to say, teaching really can be this way. But let's let Ross explain. He speaks so well and his evidence-based points are so well made. Please find more of his work at https://www.rosslaird.com where you will find his blogs, articles and his Tedx talk. I'm also going to link to my book "https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B093WBRC8T?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_65VY2X5XXWCDDD0MP5PS". We talk about the section of the book where I wrote about Ross after his visit to my school over 15 years ago. You can get in touch with Ross and have him come to your school for a brilliant pro-d if you email him at ross@rosslaird.com Be sure to check out more episodes of Science 360 such as my discussion with https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-88-the-nature-of-things-with-dr-sarika-cullis-suzuki--58201233 where we discuss the intrinsic value of scientific knowledge and how important it is to inspire our students with the wonder of nature. Or how about a discussion about AI with https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-82-loosening-the-reigns-on-teaching-with-dr-tim-dasey--56515570. There are lots of conversations that will amplify what you do at school and in your science classroom. Please rate and review and subscribe on your favourite podcasting platform.

9 JAN 2024 · What an exhilarating experience hosting Dr. Sarika Cullis-Suzuki, the host of The Nature of Things, the world's longest-running science show for over 60 years! A cornerstone in science communication, it's now entering a new era on the CBC Gem app, offering modern content to enhance your science lessons. Make sure to explore the show for a fresh perspective that can invigorate your science curriculum. Sarika, a passionate science communicator and planet advocate, stresses the vital role of educators, emphasizing our impact on climate awareness. Together, we affirm that education is paramount, but action starts today. Infuse knowledge, hope, and action into your science classes, drawing inspiration from Sarika's infectious energy. This episode will reignite your excitement for the classroom, fueling your dedication to teaching science. Tune in and let's collectively drive change in science education!

16 DEC 2023 · Dive deep into the oceanic realms as Science 360 brings you this riveting episode. Join me, Tim Stephenson in an engaging conversation with Dr. Isabella Reeves, a pioneering researcher delving into the genetic fabric of orcas. Discover how her groundbreaking analysis links orca pods worldwide to a common ancestry, unveiling the intricate history of these marine dynasties. Hear the story of Old Tom, an orca that assisted whalers 100 years ago. This episode is your backstage pass to the fascinating world of orca genetics and how it connects to your classroom. Get ready for a whale of a time as science takes center stage. Connect with Isabella at the Cetacean Research Centre, Southern Shark Ecology Group, College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Australia. X: @bellaa_reeves LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/isabella-reeves-60142b175 Email: isabella.reeves@flinders.edu.au

27 NOV 2023 · Jo-Anne St. Godard has had a circular economy mindset for decades. A simple Google search and you will see that Jo-Anne has been advocating for an economy that relies less on extraction and new goods from raw materials, and moreso on repurposing existing materials into a second, third and fourth life. A regular guest on news reports, a speaker at conferences and lobbying the government for a more responsible, lower carbon emitting, circular economy. Now as the Executive Director of the Circular Innovation Council of Canada, Jo-Anne is one of Canada's leaders in the shift away from consumerism, and is a strong advocate for adding value to what has traditionally been "thrown away". If you listen to enough of my episodes, you will know by now that I am right there with Jo-Anne. There is no "away", the planet cannot continue to be humanity's garbage can and the oceans our toilet. There are enough materials already made that with some planning and foresight, we can cut down on our selfish use of Earth's resources and make use of what we already have. I also beleive that the path forward in all of this is education. I'm a teacher and quite possibly you are too. I use my platform to raise awareness and instill a "stop and think" approach to the behaviours of extract, manufacture, transport, use, break, toss and repeat. The solution to all of this is educating the young people and empowerin them with the opportunity to imagine and create the future that they want to grow up in. Please follow the work of Jo-Anne St. Godard via the website: https://circularinnovation.ca

8 NOV 2023 · This is a wide-ranging conversation covering topics such as Newtonian physics, the Copernican revolution, life in space, genetics, the interconnectedness of life and teaching. It kept coming back to teaching and the type of education we should be bringing to the classroom. This conversation can affect the way you teach. It can refocus you on a modern approach to education and dare I say, what really matters. And, what really matters first and foremost is our relationships with the students, followed by our relationships with the curriculum, and getting to the heart of learning through stories that connect the brain to the heart…and it’s in that place that lasting learning takes place. It's there that students begin to learn, not because they have to but because they want to. It was a pleasure and a privilege to speak with Dr. Gleiser. Be sure to check out all these links to his website and publications and socials and also to his latest book, which will soon be in my school’s library. Website: https://marcelogleiser.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3fqH16afbPKHx7ABOyQ0soOWyy0RlUOP&si=l5nfcWPscnzHajJj Twitter: @MGleiser Instagram: @Gleiserofficial Blog series: https://bigthink.com/13-8/ Templeton page: https://marcelogleiser.com/media-templeton-prize Templeton prize website: https://www.templetonprize.org

18 OCT 2023 · When my student, Peter, approached me about being a guest on my podcast, I wondered what we would talk about. However, I'm glad we recorded because what we have here is golden. Yes, a lesson in language, but more than that, a lesson in grit, passion, pursuit of knowledge and independent learning. This episode will leave you amazed at what a young person can accomplish. If you know people like Peter, be sure to give them the platform they deserve to share the wisdom that lingers just beneath the surface.

4 SEP 2023 · Scott is committed to advancing nature-based solutions that benefit people and the planet. His current work and experience has resulted in an inspiring and dynamic network that seeks solutions to the complex environmental challenges of our times. He work closely with various levels of government, industry, universities and non-profits to coordinate and amplify these efforts. In concert with a talented team at Ocean Wise, he designs, scales and optimizes solutions that have concrete benefits to people and the planet. Scott was selected as the North American civil society representative for the third and fourth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), in Nairobi, Kenya. He also recently completed his Executive MBA at the Smith School of Business at Queen's University in early 2020. Scott is fortunate to have worked and lived across Canada and internationally over the last decade. This has provided Scott with the unique opportunity to contribute to and lead an incredible variety of teams with different values, worldviews, and skill sets. Connect with Scott via email: Scott.Bohachyk@ocean.org Oceanwise: https://ocean.org Scott’s department at Oceanwise: https://ocean.org/climate-change/seaforestation/ Education resources including the SeaDome: https://ocean.org/learn-explore/education/ Oceanwise for teens: https://ocean.org/learn-explore/youth-programs/youthtosea/ Oceanwise for young adults: https://ocean.org/learn-explore/youth-programs/ocean-bridge/