STEM education requires a solid foundation of skills. Without basic math and reading proficiency, children are not prepared for the opportunities awaiting them in a world of changing careers.

Chris Papst is the lead investigative reporter for Project Baltimore, Fox45 News’ ongoing investigation into Maryland’s public education system. As a national award-winning reporter, his work has led to the passing of state laws, criminal convictions, and court rulings that have set legal precedent throughout Maryland.
Chris’s work has received recognition from institutions such as the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Office of the Comptroller, and the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education. He has received the NAACP’s Vanguard Award and an Emmy Award for investigative reporting.

His new book Failure Factory: How Baltimore City Schools Deprive Taxpayers and Students of a Future, shines a critical light on America’s public education system by exposing what’s really happening inside classrooms and behind administrative doors – such as grade changing, the lower of academic standards and the manipulation of violence data.

Connect with Chris:

• Twitter/X: @chrispapst
• Facebook: @chris.papst.7
• Project Baltimore news: foxbaltimore.com/news/project-baltimore
• Find a copy of Failure Factory on Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Doug Scott has taught 9th-12th grade engineering, robotics, and technology since 2003. His current role at Hopkinton High School includes being the district leader for Business, Tech & Engineering in grades 6–12.

Doug has led numerous robotics and competitive technology teams to state and regional championships, as well as national and international competitions, growing the robotics program from six students to 160. In 2014, Doug was fortunate to accompany students from his Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam to the Office of Science and Technology Policy White House Science Fair. The team’s invention was eventually awarded a U.S. patent. He is also the 2014 Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year Award, was awarded The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science (PAEMST) in 2019, and was a MA Teacher of the Year Semifinalist in 2022.

His students have consistently participated in the US National Invention Convention, a K-12 invention education program that teaches students problem-identification, problem-solving, entrepreneurship and creativity skills and builds confidence in invention, innovation and entrepreneurship for life.

Links mentioned:

• Massachusetts Invention Convention
• Eating Better utensil design project
• Opening Doors wheelchair accessibility project
• Start learning a little about the P-51 Mustang engineering
• And be sure to listen to Ep 273 with Doug's students sharing about their flashlight invention: #273 Invention & Patents

Connect with Doug:

• Website: mrscottbot.org
• Twitter/X: @mrscottbot
• Instagram: @mrscottbot

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Dr Jennifer Berry is the CEO of SmartLab (an education pioneer in STEM, transforming traditional learning environments into project-based learning experiences since 1987). She has previously held leadership roles at other education organizations, each time bringing her expertise and experience as a parent and veteran of stage performance to build better learning opportunities for every kid every day.

SmartLab's mission is to ensure that today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders, prepared and ready to solve the complex challenges of our ever-changing world. Students build STEM identity, confidence, and purpose as they solve meaningful problems and connect classroom learning to the careers of tomorrow. A focus on generating "aha!" moments, steadily converting raw curiosity into resilient, purposeful problem solving.

Innovative school leaders nationwide have empowered learners with SmartLab’s state-of-the-art STEM-focused solutions that include ADA-compliant learning environments, problem-solving, authentic student-led experiences, standards-aligned supplemental curriculum, and rigorous training and professional development.

The SmartLab learning environment is based on 5 key components:

• Career-Connected PBL Curriculum
• Hands-on Tools & Equipment
• Customized STEM Learning Environments
• SmartLab Certified Facilitator
• Ongoing Support & Partnership

Connect with Jennifer & SmartLab:

• Website: smartlablearning.com
• Twitter/X: @smartlab_tweets
• Facebook: @SmartLabLearning
• Instagram: @smartlablearning
• YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCiY2g9pX2nxcLiWF8UpBTBw
• Jennifer's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-jennifer-berry-9a05113/

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show