February 27, 2025

Optics—more than meets the eye, literally! Get exclusive insight into our next episode’s speaker below, and be the first to know when the episode goes live. Sign up now so you don’t miss a thing!

Dr. Vogt received her Bachelor’s degree and PhD from the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester, but she wasn’t always sure what to study. “I began my studies at the University of Rochester with an undecided major, drawn to a wide range of subjects,” said Vogt. Then, a few friends urged her to take Introduction to Optics, praising both the professor and the fascinating content. Their recommendation proved spot on! “Both the course and the professor captivated me,” she added. Learn more here!

Want to learn more about optics before the episode airs? Visit thefutureisoptics.com to explore activities, games, and optical simulations designed to get students excited about all things optics!

Learn from materials science engineer Dr. Angela Moran how the STEM field of materials science is driving groundbreaking innovations that benefit us every day. Watch this episode. Click here for the FREE NGSS-aligned lesson. Want more ways to interact with this lesson? Check out the lesson plan in PocketLab for free!

Learn about Capt. Ariel Knepper's role as an F-35 pilot in the U.S. Air Force! Watch this episode. Click here for the FREE NGSS-aligned lesson. Want more ways to interact with this lesson? Check out the lesson plan in PocketLab for free!

Join neuroscientist Dr. Kay Tye and brain engineer Dr. Kafui Dzirasa for an engaging conversation about how STEM can help us better understand the human brain and mental illness! Watch this episode. Click here for the FREE NGSS-aligned companion lesson. 

Why are teenagers more vulnerable to drug addiction? The answer lies in a critical stage of brain development, says pioneering research psychiatrist Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the NIH. Discover how adolescents can reduce their risk! Watch this video. Click here for the FREE NGSS-aligned lesson.

Join medical oncologist and drug discoverer Dr. Mika Sovak and neuroscientist Dr. Greg Gage to learn how breakthroughs in STEM save lives. Watch this episode. Click here for the FREE NGSS-aligned companion lessons. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the lesson plan in PocketLab for free! 

Join neuroscience educator Emma Bleakman for a crash course in neuroplasticity! Empower your students to take ownership of their own learning by utilizing these neuroplasticity activities and downloadable resources in ANY K-12 classroom.

Ever heard that the ratio of a circle's circumference (the distance around it) to its diameter (the distance across) is a constant? This number starts with 3.14159, and no matter how many decimal places you add, it goes on forever without repeating! To celebrate Pi Day, check out these hassle-free pi-themed activities!

Check out this COOL video from Maynard Okereke about water quality and the COOLness of H20! Watch this video.

Dive into this STEMusic Moment with Roy Moye III to learn all about the deep sea. Sing along as the lesson comes to life through exclusive lyrics and a fun music video. Watch this video. 

World-renowned oceanographer Dr. David Gallo and underwater cave explorer Jill Heinerth talk about ocean exploration. Watch this episode. Click here for the FREE NGSS-aligned companion lessons. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the lesson plan in PocketLab for free!