Hello everyone!
This week on The Cosmic Companion, we're going to take a wild ride through the exciting and innovative universe of STEAM education.
Later in the show, we talk with Ariane Szu-Tu, senior editor at National Geographic Kids Books, about their new release, Almanac 2024!
Listen to the podcast here, or watch this episode as a video!
If only there were the perfect analogy for… Wait. HA! There’s the 5:15 from the 19th Century now. Trains just keep getting slower and slower around this place…
The first steam train ran in 1802. This invention was, in part, the result of pure science studying the properties of pressurized steam and vacuums discovered during experiments in the 17th Century.
The technology of steam engines which came about in the early 18th Century also certainly played a major role in the development of steam trains. I mean, a train without an engine is just an oversized paperweight, in’it?
Engineering was responsible for suitable trains and boilers, as well as addressing challenges such as track alignment, ballast selection, track gauge standardization, and the implementation of curves, switches, and turnouts to allow for flexible routing. A train without tracks is, at best, a lunch cart.
Some of these steam trains also went down in history for their beauty and intricate design as well as their ability to travel at breakneck speeds of dozens of miles per hour. These included the Flying Scotsman, which first rolled in 1923, and The Orient Express.
It was MURDER! (Vampirish guy w/ mustache) Mr. Ratchet was looking for Mr. Wrench who bolted when things got nuts and the hammer came down and everyone got nailed and…
The Golden Age of Steam in the 19th and early 20th centuries produced a pinnacle of art and technology during the first generation of train travel.
From knowing how much acceleration a train will gain going downhill, to figuring out how much paint to order for a caboose, everything depends on math.
The invention of the steam train is the result of the development of… STEAM.
Next up, we welcome Ariane Szu-Tu, senior editor, National Geographic Kids Books, talking about STEAM education, and Nat Geo Kid’s new work, Almanac 2024.
First up, let’s talk about Science. SCIENCE!!!
From exploring the mysteries of the universe to discovering the secrets of the natural world, science is all about understanding the Cosmos around us. Science allows learners of all ages experience the thrill of scientific discovery and real-world problem-solving first-hand.
Next up is Technology. From controlling fire to self-driving cars, technology has always changed the way we live, work, and play. Learning how to code, design new systems, and rethink how technologies can make life better for people, students develop skills needed to thrive in a tech-driven world.
Now let’s talk about Engineering. From building bridges to designing spacecraft, engineering is all about using science and technology to solve problems and make our world a better place. With STEAM education, learners get to experience the excitement of engineering first-hand. By working on real-world projects and collaborating with their peers, students learn how to think critically and creatively as they design solutions to complex challenges.
But wait, there’s more! From painting and sculpture to music and dance, the arts can reach people in ways other forms of teaching might not.
The play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the education of the king
STEAM education encourages learners to explore their artistic side in new and exciting ways. Plus, having more people who know science in the film industry is going to relieve the headaches which inevitably result from bad science in movies. A refurbed space shuttle being used to deflect an Earth-threatening asteroid? Seriously? [SHUDDER]
Last but not least, we complete the equation with Mathematics. From crunching numbers to solving equations, math is all about using logic and reasoning to understand the world around us. With STEAM education, learners get to experience the beauty and power of math in entirely new ways.
By exploring real-world applications of mathematics and pattern recognition, students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and learn how to use these tools to solve problems in their everyday lives.
So there you have it! STEAM education is an exciting and innovative approach to learning that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in a way that’s engaging and fun for learners of all ages. By encouraging creativity and critical thinking, STEAM education provides numerous benefits for learners as well as for science and society as a whole. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to jump on board the STEAM train!
All aboard! Excelsior!
Join us next week on the Cosmic Companion for our half-season finale! We’re going to be looking at The Greatest Mysteries of the Universe! We will be joined by acclaimed physicist and author Lawrence Krauss, author of The Physics of Star Trek and The Edge of Knowledge, talking about dark matter, dark energy, the Big Bang, the nature of time and more. Make sure to join us starting on 8 July.
If you enjoyed this episode of The Cosmic Companion, check out other episodes at TheCosmicCompanion.com, .net, .tv., share, tell a friend, yada yada, yada… You know what I’m talking about right now…
Clear skies!
All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.
If it be true that good wine needs no bush, ’tis true that a good play needs no epilogue. Just quit it with the post-credits already. Seriously. You’re not Marvel.
See you next week!
James
Planting the Seeds of STEAM w/ Ariane Szu-Tu, Nat Geo Kids