Inside the Arizona Science Center: Sustainability, STEM Education & Environmental Storytelling

In this episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with Brenna Follett, Director of Professional Development at the Arizona Science Center, inside their iconic giant-screen theater to explore how science education, sustainability, and storytelling come together.

Brenna shares her journey from classroom teaching to leading professional learning initiatives that support educators across Arizona. Together, they discuss how the Arizona Science Center transforms complex scientific concepts into hands-on, engaging experiences for students, teachers, and the broader community.

The conversation also highlights the Science Center’s partnership with the Skyfire Environmental Film Festival, the importance of sustainability education in the Sonoran Desert, and how youth-driven STEM innovation is shaping real-world environmental solutions. This episode emphasizes curiosity, accessibility, and community-powered learning as key drivers of long-term impact.

Why Listen
-Hear from Brenna Follett, Director of Professional Development at the Arizona Science Center
-Learn how teachers earn professional development hours through science-based sustainability programs
-Discover how environmental storytelling enhances science communication
-Explore how youth innovation and STEM education drive real solutions
-Get an inside look at how science centers partner with community initiatives like Skyfire

Highlight Timestamps
00:00 – 01:20 | Welcome + recording at Arizona Science Center’s giant screen theater
01:20 – 02:40 | Brenna Follett’s background in education and professional development
02:40 – 04:40 | Arizona Science Center history and community impact
04:40 – 06:30 | Partnering with Skyfire Environmental Film Festival
06:30 – 08:45 | Environmental storytelling and hands-on science communication
08:45 – 10:30 | How the Science Center defines sustainability
10:30 – 12:20 | Field trips, Science on Wheels, and statewide outreach
12:20 – 13:40 | Sustainability Festival, composting, recycling & green initiatives
13:40 – 15:15 | Addressing misconceptions about sustainability
15:15 – 18:00 | Living and innovating sustainably in the Sonoran Desert
18:00 – 21:00 | Youth leadership, STEM growth, and innovation in Arizona
21:00 – 24:45 | Student science fairs and solution-based research
24:45 – 27:10 | Why youth engagement gives hope for the future
27:10 – 30:00 | Community pride, global perspectives & closing thoughts