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iExploreScience: STEM in Elem
iExploreScience: STEM in Elem is for upper elementary teachers — especially grades 3–5 —who want to make elementary science and math more engaging, without adding more prep or overwhelm to their day. If you’re looking for practical ways to bring STEM and hands-on learning into your classroom while still meeting standards like NGSS, this podcast is for you.
Each week, you’ll get (ideally) short, (always!) actionable episodes (about 15–30 minutes) filled with classroom-tested ideas you can actually use. From simple STEM challenges and low-prep science activities to math routines, lab management, and neurodivergent-friendly strategies, everything is designed to help you keep students thinking, moving, and engaged—especially during the most challenging times of the year.
You’ll also hear honest reflections from real classroom experiences, with a focus on what works (and what doesn’t) in my 5th grade science and math classroom — no perfection required.
I’m Nicole, and I share practical, hands-on science and math ideas designed specifically for upper elementary teachers who want engaging, rigorous lessons without the overwhelm.
iExploreScience: STEM in Elem
17 How To Use Student Questions To Build Storylines
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In this episode, Erin Sadler of Sadler Science and Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience chat about using student questions to build storylines. Erin is a master at this, so she is going to share the highlights of a presentation she delivered on this topic at the California Science Teachers Association conference last fall.
To see the full episode recap, click here.
Resources Referenced:
>> Erin's Presentation
>> Quick Start Guide To Storyline Your NGSS Unit
Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
📬 Stay Connected
- 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
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- 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
- 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
- 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/