Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning
🎧 Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane 🎧
Inspire curiosity. Spark creativity. Fuel a lifelong love of learning.
Are you an educator, librarian, parent, or STEM/STEAM enthusiast looking to make learning come alive for kids? Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane is your go-to podcast for hands-on, joyful learning that connects STEM/STEAM education, multicultural children's literature, and real-world exploration.
Join Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, educator and explorer, as she travels the world (literally and virtually!) to bring you conversations with award-winning authors, illustrators, educators, scientists, and STEM leaders. Each episode delivers fresh ideas, engaging stories, and practical tips to inspire early childhood and elementary learners—in the classroom, the library, or at home. Wonder, curiosity, connection, and play -- we bring the world to you!
🌎 Featuring:
- Innovative STEM/STEAM experiences
- Diverse children's book recommendations
- Strategies for inquiry-based, joyful learning through play
- Voices from around the globe that inspire the WOW
🧠 Perfect for:
Early childhood & elementary educators | School librarians | Homeschoolers | Caregivers | STEM/STEAM champions
🔗 Explore featured books: bookshop.org/shop/drdianeadventures
📝 Read full show notes: drdianeadventures.com/blog
💌 Have an idea or guest suggestion? Email: diane@drdianeadventures.com
👉 Subscribe, rate, and review to support more Adventures in Learning!
Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning
Unlocking Playful Learning at the Kentucky Science Center with Chris McEachron
Episode Summary: Can fostering curiosity really transform how we learn? Join us as we sit down with Chris McEachron, the Manager of Visitor Engagement at the Kentucky Science Center. We delve into the transformative power of playful learning as Chris takes us on his personal journey from outdoor education for adults to fostering creativity and teamwork in children at the Kentucky Science Center. Chris underscores the importance of hiring passionate educators who ignite curiosity in a wide range of subjects, as well as the crucial role parents and caregivers play in learning through play.
Kentucky Science Center is centering play and learning through a wide range of formal and informal experiences, including Science and Play to Go. Chris tells us about the impact of the Pulse of Surgery program, where students live-stream open heart surgeries and interact with medical professionals. We also learn about innovative educational approaches like the Shapes and Stuff Store, and how patience and open-ended questions can support children's natural learning. We also explore connecting STEM to picture books and pop culture as strategies for making learning fun and engaging. Chris also shares his personal love for Minecraft and its educational potential. Tune in to find out how you can visit or follow the Kentucky Science Center to ignite your own playful learning journey.
Why You Should Listen:
- Gain insights into how playful learning can spark curiosity and creativity in children.
- Learn about cutting-edge educational programs and their real-world impact.
- Discover practical ways parents and caregivers can support their children’s learning.
- Explore how popular culture can be integrated into educational activities to make learning fun.
- Hear from a passionate educator about the joys and challenges of engaging young minds.
Timestamps:
- (0:00:03) - Chris McEachron’s Journey and Role at Kentucky Science Center
- (0:06:51) -- Connecting adults and kids through STEM and play
- (0:10:23) - KY Science Center Programs that Foster Curiosity through Play
- (0:18:12) - STEM in Storytelling and Pop Culture-themed Camps
- (0:26:44) - The Joy of Teaching and Learning at the Kentucky Science Center
Connect:
- Visit the Kentucky Science Center for more information on programs and visiting hours.
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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
