Prevent Random Acts of STEM With Project Based Learning | E243

In this episode, Ryan Steuer unpacks the concept of “random acts of STEM” and explains how Project Based Learning (PBL) provides the structure, authenticity, and engagement needed to make STEM meaningful. Instead of relying on flashy experiments to capture attention, Ryan shows how PBL connects science, math, and inquiry to real-world problems, community partners, and long-term engagement.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between “cool experiments” and purposeful STEM learning
  
  
• How PBL prevents random acts of STEM by connecting content to real-world outcomes
  
  
• Why engagement alone isn’t enough—students need critical thinking, inquiry, and authentic application
  
  
• A classroom example: an eighth-grade genetics unit where students educate parents about genetic diseases
  
  
• The role of community partners in helping students see career pathways in STEM
  
  
• Why structure matters: the six-step PBL framework that builds culture and consistency
  
  
• How PBL turns STEM into sustained inquiry instead of a “one-off circus trick”
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Flashy labs like oobleck and elephant toothpaste can be engaging but often lack deeper learning connections.
  
  
• PBL flips the script by giving students authentic problems that require inquiry and critical thinking.
  
  
• Real-world audiences (parents, doctors, community partners) drive authentic motivation.
  
  
• PBL gives teachers a sustainable model so they don’t have to “one-up” themselves with bigger, crazier experiments.
  
  
• Bringing in engineers, scientists, and professionals helps learners see themselves in STEM careers.
  
  

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• pbwebinar.com – Free webinars with slides and visuals
  
  
• whatispbl.com – Free PBL vs. project graphic and resources
  
  

PBL Simplified (book by Ryan Steuer) – Available wherever books are sold