Project-based Learning with A.I. and Improving Friendships
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
Release Date: 09/04/2023
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
Brain first AI teaching: a new MIT Media Lab study shows students who think before they use AI have a clear advantage over those who start with AI. Philip Seyfried — Teachers College, Columbia doctoral student and co-author of AI-Enhanced Literacy — shares the brain-first framework, why AI detectors don’t work, how to monitor AI use in the classroom transparently, and how to build the kind of trust that lets students tell you the truth about how they actually used the tools. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why MIT’s research shows brain-first / AI-second produces stronger writers...
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What does real world STEM education look like in a high school where students run actual manufacturing contracts on industry-grade equipment, intern at MIT, and learn AI ethics alongside CAD? Joe Fatheree (Top 10 Global Teacher Prize, Illinois Teacher of the Year) and Dr. Mark Buckner (Smart Industry Top 50 Innovator, founder of Oak Ridge High School's iSchool and Wildcat Manufacturing) take Vicki inside a $1.25 million state grant program where 26 student-run contracts with 18 companies have produced near-net-shape metal 3D printing, augmented reality experiences, and graduates already...
info_outline10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
ADHD misconceptions are sabotaging your students’ confidence and success. In this episode, Jheri South—a certified ADHD specialist and mom of seven neurodivergent kids—reveals the five things that actually engage an ADHD brain, the hidden emotional struggle affecting 95% of people with ADHD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria), and why “just try harder” is the worst advice you can give. Learn practical strategies for classroom engagement, how to recognize hyper-focus, and why consistency matters more than you think. In this episode: The difference between ADHD behaviors and ADHD...
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Free AI literacy resources for every K-12 teacher — not just computer science. Karim Meghji, President and CEO at Code.org, shares how to teach AI in any classroom. In this episode, you'll learn: Why AI literacy belongs in every subject, not just CS class How to get started with Code.org's free Hour of AI activities at hourofai.org Unplugged AI activities that work without any computers — perfect for K-5 Why teachers need to invest in their own AI education first (and a free way to do it) Where to start by grade level: elementary, middle school, and high school resources Karim...
info_outline10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
Inquiry-based learning doesn't have to mean overhauling your entire schedule. Terra Tarango, Chief Education Officer at Van Andel Institute for Education, shares practical ways K-8 teachers can weave inquiry and hands-on science into any subject — starting small and building from there. Sponsored by the VAI Educator's Studio from Van Andel Institute for Education. In this episode, you'll learn: How a 5-lesson kindergarten bee project covers science, math, ELA, and SEL Why "Beat the Bot" is the perfect activity for teaching kids what humans do better than AI How to flip your planning...
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In this episode, Malia Hollowell shares actionable, science-backed strategies to transform early reading instruction. Learn how to organize sight words by phonics rules, leverage spoken language as your teaching superpower, support dyslexic learners, and use word ladders for real reading growth. You'll also discover why leveled readers fall short and how to find trustworthy literacy resources. In this episode, you'll learn: How to organize sight words by phonics rules instead of random lists Why spoken language and sound tapping beats flashcard drilling How to support the 20% of learners...
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Phone addiction in teens is real — and Australian psychologist Dr. Brad Marshall has evidence-based strategies that actually work from treating 2,500+ families. Dr. Brad Marshall, known as the Unplugged Psychologist and Director of Australia's Screen & Gaming Disorder Clinic, joins Vicki Davis to share what two decades of clinical work and university research reveal about helping kids break free from phone addiction — without shame or judgment. In this episode, you'll learn: Why parental control software fails — and the "handbrake rule" that actually works What happened when...
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Executive function strategies Kindergarten through 3rd grade teachers can implement today. Dr. Sarah Oberle shares science-backed ways to support working memory, inhibition, and focus in the classroom. Dr. Sarah Oberle is a primary educator and cognitive science expert whose upcoming book, Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom, translates learning science into practical classroom strategies. In this episode, she breaks down the six executive functions developing in young children and explains why they matter more than content knowledge for student success. In this episode, you'll...
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Balanced class lists set students and teachers up for success. Principal Carrie Hetzel shares her team approach, time-saving tech tools, and advice for planning ahead. is this podcast. for your free trial of Class Composer. For elementary principals and guidance counselors, this is a must-use. Creating balanced class lists is one of the most important — and labor-intensive — tasks elementary principals tackle each spring. In this episode, Carrie Hetzel, principal of Paradise Canyon Elementary School in California (a National Blue Ribbon School), explains how her team builds balanced...
info_outline10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat Teacher
Too many bright, high-achieving students hit a wall because they lack access, know-how, and the “network advantage” that makes college applications feel possible. In this episode, I talk with Zak Adams, a junior at Harvard University, about how mentorship can help high-potential, low-opportunity students pursue “dream universities” they might not otherwise consider. We discuss Project Access, an international, UK-registered charity that pairs students with mentors connected to their target universities. If you work with juniors right now, this conversation will help you see practical...
info_outlineIn this episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of project-based learning! Our special guest, Or-Tal Kiriati from Tel Aviv, Israel, shares her innovative approach to integrating artificial intelligence and human experiences into multidisciplinary projects. From exploring the duality of human nature through literature (and a super amazing way to teach Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) to teaching friendship skills in a digital age, Or-Tal's projects offer a fresh perspective on education. Learn from her techniques in her language arts classroom to see how you can engage your students, encourage critical thinking, and make learning an adventure!
Show transcript, notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/815
Show Sponsor: Are you looking for engaging NGSS-aligned science lessons designed to improve critical thinking in your middle school students? Now is the time to sign up for Research Quest from the Natural History Museum of Utah. Designed by teachers for teachers these online investigations are lead by museum scientists and use the museum’s incredible collections to create engaging learning experiences that are fun for your students and easy to implement! Check them out now!
Hosts, Guests & Featured People:
Resources:
- Research Quest - amazing PBL resource for middle school students aligned to NGSS standards - show sponsor
- Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Leonardo da Vinci's Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk
Show Highlights:
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Introduction (00:00:00:02 - 00:00:08:05)
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Sponsor and Guest Introduction (00:00:08:10 - 00:00:39:16)
Vicki introduces the episode's sponsor, Research Quest, and the guest, Or-Tal Kiriati, who is from Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Merging Humanity and A.I. in Projects (00:00:39:18 - 00:00:58:06)
Vicki discusses her interest in Or-Tal's projects that combine elements of human experience with artificial intelligence.
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Or-Tal's Approach to A.I. in Education (00:00:58:08 - 00:01:30:08)
Or-Tal explains how she started integrating artificial intelligence into her educational projects based on student interest.
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Additional Resources and New Video Feature (00:01:30:10 - 00:01:56:09)
Vicki mentions the slideshow provided by Or-Tal and introduces a new video feature for the podcast.
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Listener Feedback and First Project Introduction (00:01:56:09 - 00:02:18:17)
Vicki talks about the podcast's new format and asks about Or-Tal's first project about masks.
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The Duality in Me Project (00:02:18:17 - 00:02:55:12)
Or-Tal describes her project, "The Duality in Me," which is designed to teach the literature of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
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Student Engagement and Questions (00:02:55:14 - 00:03:35:11)
Or-Tal shares how she engages students by encouraging them to ask questions related to the project's main theme.
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Project Phases and Activities (00:03:35:13 - 00:05:58:01)
Or-Tal outlines the various phases of her project, including group formation and activities like analyzing art.
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Student Reactions and Comparisons (00:06:03:12 - 00:06:35:03)
Vicki and Or-Tal discuss student reactions to the project and how they compared their own work to the book Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
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Examples and Student Work (00:06:35:03 - 00:07:33:07)
Or-Tal provides examples of student work, including their interactions with an A.I. tool named ChatGPT.
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Second Project: Friendship (00:07:33:07 - 00:08:46:02)
Or-Tal introduces her second project focused on the theme of friendship, explaining its multidisciplinary approach.
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Closing Thoughts (00:09:08:12 - 00:10:18:18)
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Sponsor Message and Conclusion (00:10:18:18 - 00:10:58:08)
- Vicki revisits the episode's sponsor, Research Quest, and provides information on accessing their resources. John closes the podcast.