Lab Out Loud
Lab Out Loud is a show about science teaching in the classroom and beyond. Lab Out Loud seeks to explore science education through discussions with educators, researchers, leading scientists, science writers and other guests who are committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.
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STEM Learning with the World's Simplest Camera
03/08/2024
STEM Learning with the World's Simplest Camera
Video version at: In 2017, Sam Cornwell launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to make a pinhole camera called the Solarcan. Now a successful company with the same name, the Solarcan is a simple camera that takes extremely long time exposures capable of capturing the path of the sun. Sam joins us for this special video episode of Lab Out Loud to tell us how the Solarcan combines art and astronomy for the citizen scientist in all of us. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/30287073
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How to Become a Scientific Illustrator
01/14/2024
How to Become a Scientific Illustrator
Ella Marushchenko joins Lab Out Loud to discuss her job and her journey from a traditional art background to creating scientific illustrations. Stressing the need for artistic freedom in scientific visualization, Ella describes how she balances the collaborative process between artists and scientists as she translates complex concepts into visually appealing art. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/29477333
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Without Twitter, Where Will Scientists Find Community?
10/19/2023
Without Twitter, Where Will Scientists Find Community?
In a recent survey, Nature asked scientists about their use of Twitter, and discovered that many decreased their use of the platform, and some have decided to leave it completely. To help understand this trend, we welcome bilingual science journalist Myriam Vidal Valero to the show. Myriam reminds us how many scientists need social media to connect, share their work, and build connections to help advance their careers. With the recent changes at Twitter, Myriam helps us navigate through the fragmentation of what's left in the landscape of social media for scientists that still want and need to collaborate online. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/28365581
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We Can't Recycle our Way Out of This: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Technology
08/25/2023
We Can't Recycle our Way Out of This: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Technology
To talk to us about the life cycle of our technology, we welcome Lucas Gutterman to the show. As the director of the Design to Last campaign with PIRG, the Public Interest Research Group, Lucas provides us with some insight and strategies on how we can advocate to make our devices last longer, and in turn save money and previous raw materials. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/27849804
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This Comic Book Shares Secrets of Everyday Hidden Systems
05/16/2023
This Comic Book Shares Secrets of Everyday Hidden Systems
Artist Dan Nott joins Lab Out Loud to tell us about his new graphic nonfiction book called Hidden Systems. With the help of visual metaphors, Dan illustrates systems that we often take for granted, such as the internet, the electrical grid, and providing water. Hidden Systems reveals these difficult to understand and often hidden systems that we tend to care about most when they aren't working. Through his research and art, Dan also reveals their history, with sometimes uncomfortable truths about our past that are literally hardwired into our present. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/26860803
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The Bald and the Beautiful: Tales from the Nest in Big Bear Valley
04/05/2023
The Bald and the Beautiful: Tales from the Nest in Big Bear Valley
Meet the Friends of Big Bear Valley, a group that maintains two solar powered webcams focused on Jackie and Shadow, a pair of bald eagles in Big Bear Valley, California. Executive Director Sandy Steers and Candee Roberts join us to share a little of Jackie and Shadow’s life while describing the continuous challenges that the eagles face. Listen to the show to learn how you can observe these eagles in your classroom for environmental awareness, appreciation and enjoyment. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/26459700
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Revisiting the 1986 Teacher in Space Program
02/27/2023
Revisiting the 1986 Teacher in Space Program
Announced in 1984 by President Reagan as a way to boost science education, the Teacher in Space program invited teachers to apply to become the first citizen into space. Realizing that two teachers from Wisconsin were selected, we reached out to connect with one of them. From Tomah, Wisconsin, science teacher Larry Scheckel was a finalist in the program alongside Christa McAuliffe. Larry joins the show to describe the Teacher in Space application and selection process, tell us about the state of science education in the 80s, and relive the shared grief that he and other finalists experienced when the Challenger exploded. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/26058651
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Help! My Physics Tutor is a Robot!
01/19/2023
Help! My Physics Tutor is a Robot!
Rhett Allain returns to Lab Out Loud for his 5th time to talk about ChatGPT, a novel artificial intelligence chat tool from OpenAI. In the last few months, Rhett has also been exploring how to use ChatGPT to see how it can solve physics homework, serve as a suitable teaching assistant and even write code. Rhett shares his experience as we think about the utility of emerging AI tools and how they might challenge educators to teach differently. Show notes:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/25662273
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A Closer Look at Snowflakes
12/29/2022
A Closer Look at Snowflakes
Thinking of snow? We first talked to Dr. Kenneth Libbrecht in 2006 when the US Postal Service began featuring his photographs of snowflakes on stamps. 16 years later, we wanted to find out what’s changed in snowflake science, so we invited him back to the show. Dr. Libbrecht joins us again to share new discoveries in snowflake science, describe how he became the snowflake expert for the movie Frozen, and discuss some tips on talking your own pictures of snowflakes. Show notes and snowflake photos at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/25458405
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More Science and Technology Videos from Sloan Science and Film
11/17/2022
More Science and Technology Videos from Sloan Science and Film
Sloan Science and Film is an online publication from the Museum of the Moving Image that examines the intersection of science and film. As curator of Science and Technology at the museum and the Executive Editor of scienceandfilm.org, Sonia Epstein returns to Lab Out Loud to discuss how Sloan films were used during the pandemic, how you can use the teacher’s guide with over 60 science-themed short films available to stream, and what you might find if you get a chance to visit the Museum of the Moving Image. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/25048761
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Zombie Science Returns
10/17/2022
Zombie Science Returns
For the last decade, this episode on zombie neurobiology has been a seasonal favorite. Listen to Dr. Steven Schlozman describe how to use zombies to teach science. More show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/24709572
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Did you get all of your School Supplies?
09/26/2022
Did you get all of your School Supplies?
Pencils. Notebooks. Glue sticks. Dry erase markers. Safety goggles. Tissues. As students returned to school this fall, they were asked to obtain numerous school supplies for their own use and sometimes for the entire classroom. When are school supplies necessary and when are they excessive? Dale and Brian discuss the topic of school supplies for all classrooms and particularly for the science classroom. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/24489423
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A Message About the Future of the Show
08/29/2022
A Message About the Future of the Show
After 15 years, the Lab Out Loud podcast is changing. What does this mean? We are incredibly thankful for the support that NSTA has provided for the show, but after 15 years we are now looking for alternative funding to continue the show. We need your help! Learn how you can support Lab Out Loud as a listener or an advertiser. Will we still produce shows? Yes, that's our plan. But we may not be as regular as we have over the last 15 years. Thank You. Making this show has been an incredible pleasure. Thank you all so much for listening. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/24187353
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Fostering Educational Stewardship
05/23/2022
Fostering Educational Stewardship
Stephen Pompea joins the show to discuss how scientists can support science education in formal and informal settings. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/23192813
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Learn Chemistry with Ninjas in Games and Graphic Novels!
05/09/2022
Learn Chemistry with Ninjas in Games and Graphic Novels!
Nathan Schreiber returns to the Lab Out Loud podcast to talk about his newest project using a series of graphic novels designed to teach chemistry concepts. Building off of the popular game, Valence uses science ninjas in an action packed adventure that teaches foundational chemistry about what makes up the universe, how it’s measured, and how it’s transformed. Nathan joins co-hosts Brian Bartel and Dale Basler to discuss his games and graphic novels, describe how his characters can engage students in learning science, and share a sneak peak at his next project! Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/23041553
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Bringing Untold Stories to the Surface
04/25/2022
Bringing Untold Stories to the Surface
The next guest on the Lab Out Loud podcast is National Geographic Explorer and storyteller Tara Roberts. For the last couple of years, Tara has been following a group of black scuba divers around the world as they search for and help document slave shipwrecks. These explorations to the ocean floor and within human journeys have been shared as rich stories through her "Into the Depths" podcast and as a cover feature in the March issue of National Geographic magazine. Tara joins Lab Out Loud to share her experiences as an Explorer, describe the importance of discovery through a different lens, and emphasize the significance of telling these stories. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/22889420
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Addressing Alternative Conceptions when Teaching Science
04/11/2022
Addressing Alternative Conceptions when Teaching Science
Our guest this week is Tim Hartelt from the Department of Biology Education at the University of Kassel in Germany. With colleagues Helge Martens and Nina Minkley, Tim recently co-authored a study investigating if science teachers were able to diagnose the alternative conceptions the may hold when teaching biology concepts. Tim joins us to discuss the study and its findings, how teachers might identify alternative conceptions, and explain how they might be connected to their own professional experiences and content knowledge. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/22742540
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How to Cultivate the Next Generation of Science Teachers
03/21/2022
How to Cultivate the Next Generation of Science Teachers
[ This episode is sponsored by ] This week, the Lab Out Loud podcast welcomes Dr. Meenakshi Sharma to the show. From her unique perspective as a professor of science education who trains pre-service teachers, Dr. Sharma recently wrote an article detailing the characteristics of elementary teachers who effectively implement the Next Generation Science Standards. Dr. Sharma joins co-hosts Brian Bartel and Dale Basler to discuss these characteristics, explain how they are grounded in using real-world phenomena, and describe why this shift in science teacher training is so important. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/22499999
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Reorganizing the Tree of Life #ScientistOutLoud
03/07/2022
Reorganizing the Tree of Life #ScientistOutLoud
In this installment of #ScientistOutLoud, the Lab Out Loud podcast welcomes research and teaching professor Prashant Sharma from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Using morphology and genomic data, Dr. Sharma and his lab recently challenged our understanding of arachnid classification, by adding horseshoe crabs to the same class as spiders and scorpions. Dr. Sharma joins co-hosts Brian Bartel and Dale Basler to remind them how modern classification works, describe why his team believes horseshoe crabs should be classified as arachnids, and discuss how this work showcases the process of science. About The Guest: Dr. Prashant Sharma is the principal investigator of the Sharma Lab in the department of Integrative Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The lab’s research broadly addresses macroevolution of invertebrates through the lenses of phylogenetics, genomics, and comparative development, with emphasis on chelicerate arthropods (from sharmalabuw.org) Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/22356818
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A New Digital First, Learning First Opportunity from NSTA
02/21/2022
A New Digital First, Learning First Opportunity from NSTA
Trish Shelton joins the Lab Out Loud podcast to highlight a new learning initiative from NSTA called the Professional Learning Unit (PLU). Designed as an asynchronous mini-course, a PLU is a bite-sized learning experience available on demand when a teacher, department or district needs it most. Listen to the show to hear more about this exciting new learning opportunity, and find out how you can participate in a PLU to help grow your practice. About The Guest Tricia is the NSTA Chief Learning Officer where she works to support educators and students across the county as they work to integrate contemporary research in science education into classroom teaching and learning (from NSTA Profile). Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/22190105
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Understanding and Accessing Scientific Research on Learning
02/07/2022
Understanding and Accessing Scientific Research on Learning
From the Learning Scientists podcast, cognitive psychologist Megan Sumeracki joins the Lab Out Loud podcast to talk about the science of learning. With a goal to make scientific research on learning more accessible, the Learning Scientists started as a Twitter account that has now grown to a popular podcast aimed at teachers, students and other educators. Megan joins co-hosts Brian Bartel and Dale Basler to describe how scientists research learning, remind us about proper experimental design (and why it's important), and share how the Learning Scientists are helping to broadcast these discoveries. Show notes at:
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/22038296
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Using Art to Bring Science Out of the Lab
01/17/2022
Using Art to Bring Science Out of the Lab
Christine Perdan Curran is a professor of biological sciences at Northern Kentucky University. She joins the Lab Out Loud podcast to talk about the Bioart competition, the intersection of art and science, and how teachers might use stunning visuals to inspire students and advance scientific literacy.
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/21791741
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The Growing Importance of Science Communication #ScientistOutLoud
01/03/2022
The Growing Importance of Science Communication #ScientistOutLoud
In this installment of the #ScientistOutLoud series, Dr. Carly Anne York joins the Lab Out Loud podcast to talk about the importance of science communication, how she generates enthusiasm for science and the scientific process, and her efforts in making science accessible for students and the public.
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/21652232
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Using Phenomena to Help Students Explain the World
12/13/2021
Using Phenomena to Help Students Explain the World
What are phenomena and how can science teachers use these events to engage students in science? Professor of Science Education Todd Campbell joins the Lab Out Loud Podcast to help start a series about using phenomena in science education. Listen now to hear about new strategies in how pre-service science educators are being prepared, where to start if you are beginning a journey to adopt NGSS, and how we can all use phenomena to help students explain the world around them.
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/21457433
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Code Breaking, Spy Hunting and Other Stories of Women in STEM
11/20/2021
Code Breaking, Spy Hunting and Other Stories of Women in STEM
Laurie Wallmark returns to the Lab Out Loud podcast to share two new stories celebrating women in STEM: Code Breaker, Spy Hunter about Elizabeth Friedman and Numbers in Motion about Sophie Kowalevski. Laurie joins co-hosts Brian Bartel and Dale Basler to share these fascinating stories while discussing the role of STEM in schools and the importance of exposing all kids to STEM learning opportunities.
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/21301586
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A Novel Discovery in Condor Reproduction #ScientistOutLoud
11/15/2021
A Novel Discovery in Condor Reproduction #ScientistOutLoud
A team at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance discovered an unusual phenomenon while analyzing biological samples from California Condors. This startling observation confirmed rare form of asexual reproduction in females that typically reproduce sexually. From that team, Dr. Oliver Ryder joins the Lab Out Loud podcast to discuss his work in conservation biology, how his team made this discovery, and what implications it might have for the endangered California Condor and other species.
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/21157907
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Evolution Education Resources, Support from TIES
11/01/2021
Evolution Education Resources, Support from TIES
The Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science (TIES) was founded to provide teachers with content and engaging resources to teach evolution in an effective and respectful way. Now with downloadable units that meet every state’s evolution standards, TIES offers formidable resources for teaching evolution online. TIES Director Bertha Vazquez joins us to discuss how science teachers can access their powerful resources, tap into their training, and use their support to address critics of evolution.
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/20992433
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Pumpkin Science, Facts and Surprises
10/18/2021
Pumpkin Science, Facts and Surprises
To answer their questions about pumpkins, the Lab Out Loud podcast connects with a pumpkin expert. From the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Rebecca Brown joins co-hosts Brian Bartel and Dale Basler to talk about growing pumpkins, the surprising results of pumpkin breeding, and the pumpkin industry in the United States.
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/20844758
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A Good Game is More Than a Pile of Facts
10/04/2021
A Good Game is More Than a Pile of Facts
Can all games provide learning activities? Is there a connection between scientific models and games? How can educators evaluate games and simulators as learning tools in the classroom? David Gagnon joins the Lab Out Loud podcast to discuss designing and evaluating games for learning, and describes how his team integrates learning theory to create meaningful games that make personal connections to students.
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/20683901
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A Greater Call to Connect with Scientists
09/20/2021
A Greater Call to Connect with Scientists
SKYPE a Scientist uses readily available video chat tools to connect scientists to teachers, students and other groups around the world. Founder and Executive Director Sarah McAnulty joins the Lab Out Loud podcast to talk about Skype a Scientist and its increased programming, how the resource grew during the pandemic, and it fills a growing need to connect students and teachers with scientific experts.
/episode/index/show/wsst/id/20525186