101. STEM Made Simple: Creative, Hands-On Learning with Expert Dena Scoullos

STEM doesn’t have to be one more thing on your overflowing to-do list, it can actually make learning more fun, engaging, and hands-on (three things we are all about here at Rainbow Sky Creations). 

In this energising episode, Ash chats with educator and STEM advocate Dena Scoullos about how classroom teachers can easily integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) into everyday learning.

Dena shares how she fell in love with STEM and discovered how it sparks creativity, problem solving, and collaboration in her students. Whether you're brand new to the concept or already dabbling in maker spaces and coding apps, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered to explore the creative side of STEM, without needing to be a tech expert.

What We Discuss:

• Why STEM is fun, future-focused and more accessible than you think
• How to integrate STEM into your existing units (without extra work!)
• Must-have materials for a simple classroom STEM or maker space
• Storybook-inspired STEM challenges your students will love
• Quick STEM ideas for early finishers
• How to build creativity and resilience through problem solving
• Tech tools even non-techy teachers can use with confidence
• Encouragement for teachers who feel unsure about teaching STEM

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, book-inspired challenges, early-finisher ideas, and tech tools that are fun, low-prep, and classroom-tested. There’s a whole world of learning possibilities, let’s explore them together!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Find Dena’s book “Let’s Explore STEM” here (also available on Amazon)

Connect with Dena on Instagram @misstechqueen or visit her website for more STEM ideas www.misstechqueen.com 

Building task cards

Steam art sheets (for fast finishers)

https://misstechqueen.com/freestemchallenge/ 

Coding links: https://code.org/en-US and https://www.kodable.com/ 

Miss Tech Queen TPT store - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/miss-tech-queen-stem 

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

About Today’s Guest:

Dena Scoullos is a technology & enrichment teacher in Hazlet, New Jersey, teaching grades 1-4. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes technology, STEM, project-based learning, and hands-on activities. Outside the classroom, she runs an online store, Miss Tech Queen, on TPT, providing lesson plans, worksheets, and other resources to educators worldwide. Dena is also a published author and wrote a book titled, “Let’s Explore STEM.” Dena has shared her passion for using technology in the classroom by presenting professional development workshops

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