January 16, 2025

Elevate your back-to-school prep with a FREE professional development opportunity! Transform your K-12 classroom into a forensic DNA laboratory with Prof. Kelly Knight, forensic scientist and George Mason University professor. Introduce your students to forensic DNA analysis by collecting evidence, performing presumptive tests, and comparing DNA profiles! This episode will premiere on January 29th. 

Sign up for the new Spark of STEM Coffee Break Series and be entered for a chance to win one of several $10 Starbucks gift cards! When the new episode airs, you can grab a coffee and enjoy your break on us!

Did you know that CNC machining is used to manufacture almost everything we use—from cars to refrigerators and even guitars? Get an inside look at the world of CNC machining with our all-new episode, Creativity, Coding & CNC Machining! Plus, check out the compatible NGSS-aligned lesson plan, where students will engage in identifying appropriate tools for specific tasks and understanding the key functions and attributes of each machine.

Explore this interactive periodic table. Click on any element to reveal its key properties and learn about its significance in everyday life.

Explore the world of microelectronics with engineer and microelectronics expert Dr. Korine Duval, and learn how this important technology is leveling up for the future. 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.

Hear from Dr. Ciara Sivels to explore the diverse applications of nuclear engineering and gain a deeper understanding of the benefits this field brings to all of us. 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.

Discover welding as a critical, in-demand skill that incorporates many STEM disciplines with Chief Wellness Welder Shanen Aranmor of Weld Like a Girl. Watch this episode. Click here for the FREE NGSS-aligned lesson. Check out the lesson plan in PocketLab for free.

Explore the world of autonomous underwater vehicles with underwater robotics engineer Amy Kukulya. 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 aerospace engineer Dr. Aprille Ericsson's decades-long career at NASA and her new role as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology.  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.

Discover how engineer and CEO Chandler Wicks uses creativity to tackle our nation’s toughest defense challenges. 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 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 with 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!