Best Ngss Podcasts (2025)

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Building Classroom Community Series Part 1: Interview with Erin's Daughter 33:13

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3d ago33:13

33:13

In this first episode of our 3-part series on building classroom community and expectations, Erin interviews a special guest — her daughter! Together, they reflect on the things that helped her feel seen, supported, and respected throughout middle school. From small gestures to classroom routines, this conversation offers a unique student perspecti…

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"Start Small" Series: Deepen Learning By Reducing Tasks 14:37

10d ago14:37

14:37

In the third episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares some ways we can deepen learning by replacing *quantity* with *quality* in our science classrooms. More isn't always better, and while it can sometimes feel counterintuitive, cutting back on the amount of work we assign can open the gateway for richer discussions, natural differentiat…

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"Start Small" Series: Quick Strategies To Get Your Students Thinking 16:18

17d ago16:18

16:18

In the second episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares a few strategies to create a better THINKING science classroom -- you know, the kind where students actually NOTICE that the bird isn't giving its energy to the worm or that it just doesn't make sense for a pencil to measure 8 meters! More Resources: Why You Need Vertical Whiteboards…

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"Start Small" Series: Building Simple Routines With 3D Practices 29:54

24d ago29:54

29:54

In the first episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares three ideas to consider implementing this fall that will engage your students in three-dimensional learning in a way that builds skill through consistency and practice -- all without eating up huge chunks of class time OR creating a sense of overwhelm for you or your students. 1) Noti…

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Erin's ADHD Diagnosis 49:49

1M ago49:49

49:49

Erin discusses her recent ADHD diagnosis. She recorded this episode in hopes that it may potentially help other people who suspect they have ADHD or who want to know more about what its like having ADHD. In this episode: Deciding to be assessed - 4:25 Being a kid with ADHD - 9:45 Struggles as an adult and in the classroom 22:00 Deciding on medicati…

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5 Things We Want Teachers to Know About ADHD 42:41

1M ago42:41

42:41

Both Nicole and Erin are parents of children with ADHD. Erin was recently diagnosed as having ADHD herself. In this episode, they share the things they've learned in the last year that they wish they would have known. More Resources: 122 Rethinking That Class: What to Do When Classes Feel like a Challenge 111 Rethinking Your Classroom Management Pl…

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Where have we been for the last two years?!? 29:19

1M ago29:19

29:19

It's been two and a half years since we recorded our last episode. So, where have we been!?! In this episode we talk about: What we've been up to Big changes and life updates What this season will entail. Support the show Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience Website: Sadler Science // iExploreSci…

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What Was the World Like Before Quality Curriculum Reviews? with Jessica Deas, EdReports Manager of Review & Partner Success 17:24

3M ago17:24

17:24

What happens when teachers don't have trustworthy info about the quality of their materials? That's what it was like 15 years ago before EdReports. Since the launch of our initial reviews, we've evolved a lot. With our new 2.0 review criteria, we now look for even more indicators of quality, including supports for multilingual learners. In our late…

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The Truth About EdReports Curriculum Reviews with Chief Academic Officer Courtney Allison 14:09

5M ago14:09

14:09

EdReports Chief Academic Officer Courtney Allison joins the EdVoices podcast to give us an overview of EdReports curriculum reviews. What’s in an EdReports review? How have the review criteria changed over the years? What is the right way for districts and educators to use the reviews to help them select and implement the best instructional materia…

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Evolving EdReports ELA Curriculum Reviews: Insights from Education Expert Jenni Aberli 23:59

6M ago23:59

23:59

In this episode of EdVoices, we sit down with Jenni Aberli, an educational program specialist with 30 years of experience in education and a long-time EdReports reviewer. Jenni shares her journey from rural classroom teacher to district-level ELA curriculum specialist, offering valuable insights on the importance of properly vetted instructional ma…

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Reflections on 2024 and Looking to the Future of EdReports 15:37

8M ago15:37

15:37

Eric Hirsch, executive director of EdReports, discusses the big wins and lessons learned in 2024 and what we’re looking forward to in the future of EdReports. ----- Connect with EdReports on social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdReports LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edreports Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edreportsor…

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What We Learned from Teacher-Led Curriculum Reviews with Rebecca Kockler 46:51

10M ago46:51

46:51

Rebecca Kockler, former Assistant Superintendent of Academics at the Louisiana Department of Education and Eric Hirsch, Executive Director of EdReports discuss lessons they learned from curriculum reviews. Connect with EdReports on social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdReports LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edreports Instagr…

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Data Dive: The Curriculum Support Teachers Need with Evan Stone 43:25

11M ago43:25

43:25

Evan Stone, co-founder of Educators for Excellence, and Eric Hirsch, executive director of EdReports, discuss the importance of centering and supporting educators in the selection and implementation of high quality instructional materials. Related resources: Voices from the Classroom 2024: A Survey of America’s Educators State of the Instructional …

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Why EdReports is reviewing Pre-K Curriculum + What’s Next with Shana Weldon 15:56

1y ago15:56

15:56

EdReports director of Pre-K, Shana Weldon discusses the organization’s expansion into reviewing pre-K materials, and shares more about how and why we’ll be providing free, by-educator reports to help preschool educators get the materials they deserve. Related resources: EdReports Expands Curriculum Reviews to Pre-K EdReports to Expand Its Free Revi…

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How Family Engagement and HQIM Benefit Teachers, Students, and Caregivers with Megan Lorio and Elisabeth O’Bryon 24:53

1y ago24:53

24:53

Megan Lorio and Elisabeth O’Bryon of Family Engagement Lab share tips and insights on how districts, teachers, and caregivers can unite around high-quality materials to help every student thrive. Related resources: Watch: 5 Ways to Know if Your Child is Using a Quality Early Literacy Curriculum 5 Ways to Engage Families Around Student Learning (and…

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Why We Updated the Way We Review Foundational Skills Materials with Stephanie Stephens and Erin Marshman 37:03

1y ago37:03

37:03

Early literacy educators Stephanie Stephens and Erin Marshman dive into updates to EdReports foundational skills review tools, what the field can learn from our recent report releases, and why quality materials are so crucial for students learning to read. Related Resources: 3 Key Updates to EdReports’ K–2 ELA Foundational Skills Reviews EdReports …

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EdReports Curriculum Reviewer Spotlight: Math Educator Dr. Myeisha Phillips 20:34

1y ago20:34

20:34

Math educator Dr. Myeisha talks about how independent information about the quality of instructional materials can support educators in making the best decisions for their communities and the ways aligned programs are so valuable to new teachers. Related Resources: Data Snapshot: K-12 Mathematics Instructional Materials SPOTLIGHT: How Do Students E…

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EdReports Curriculum Reviewer Spotlight: Math Educator Jonathan Regino 19:11

1y ago19:11

19:11

Math educator Jonathan Regino discusses how reviewing for EdReports shaped his views about the power of instructional materials and the importance of supporting teachers with the resources they need to help students thrive. Related Resources: From the Classroom to Central Office: What I’ve Learned About Curriculum Adoption Data Snapshot: K-12 Mathe…

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EdReports Curriculum Reviewer Spotlight: Science Educator Therese Arsenault 19:06

1y ago19:06

19:06

EdReports reviewer, Therese Arsenault, shares her perspectives on why it’s so important for science teachers to have access to high-quality instructional materials and a voice in the adoption process. Related resources: The State of K-12 Science Curriculum Watch: How to Use EdReports High School Science Reviews in Your Selection Process EdReports L…

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How to Prioritize Multilingual Learners in Your Curriculum Adoption Process with Margaret Overbagh-Feld 20:40

1+ y ago20:40

20:40

EdReports multilingual learner lead, Margaret Overbagh-Feld, offers districts best practices for multilingual learners when selecting and implementing new materials. Resources: What I Learned From Teaching English Language Learners for 30 Years https://www.edreports.org/resources/article/what-i-learned-from-teaching-english-language-learners-for-30…

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4 Ways to Elevate Cultural Responsiveness in a Materials Adoption with Dr. Jessica Faith Carter 21:06

1+ y ago21:06

21:06

Dr. Jessica Faith Carter offers districts best practices for prioritizing cultural responsiveness when selecting new materials. Resources: Evaluating Materials for Culturally Responsive Practices: A Landscape Analysis Honoring Origins and Helping Students Succeed How to Prioritize Cultural Responsiveness in Curriculum Review Redefining Engagement: …

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5 Ways to Know if Your Child is Using a Quality Early Literacy Curriculum with Jamilah Hicks 18:42

2y ago18:42

18:42

Veteran educator Jamilah Hicks offers recommendations for families and caregivers navigating materials that students are using to learn to read. Related resources: https://gobeyondgrades.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Science-of-Reading-BTS-.pdf https://www.edreports.org/resources/article/watch-how-can-families-join-the-curriculum-conversation http…

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My District Needs New Materials. Now What? with Dr. Shontoria Walker and Shannah Estep 35:25

2y ago35:25

35:25

Educators Dr. Shontoria Walker and Shannah Estep share recommendations for districts on how to set themselves up for success as they begin their materials adoption process. Related resources: https://www.edreports.org/resources/adoption-steps https://www.edreports.org/resources/article/materials-adoption-101-engage-educators-upfront https://www.edr…

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How to Use EdReports High School Science Reviews in Your Selection Process with Sam Shaw 20:45

2y ago20:45

20:45

EdReports Director of Science Sam Shaw discusses how quality high school science materials combined with supports for teachers can help improve student learning. With new high school science reports available, we offer recommendations for incorporating these reviews into district selection processes to help ensure teachers and students have access …

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How to Help High School Science Teachers Get Better Curriculum with Shannon Wachowski 17:13

2y ago17:13

17:13

Science educator Shannon Wachowski discusses how EdReports’ reviews of high school science programs can support educators. Additional resources: Data Snapshot: Science Instructional Materials (2022) https://www.edreports.org/resources/article/data-snapshot-k-12-science-instructional-materials-2022 The Elements: Transforming Teaching through Curricu…

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Season 6, Ep 1: Chat GPT...Cheat? A Conversation Around the role of AI in Teaching and Learning 26:43

2+ y ago26:43

26:43

What is ChatGPT? And should we be worried about this technology? In this episode, Kim and Kate sit down with Amy Dell, George Wise, and Mike Grothem, members of the CNUSD Innovate EdTech Team, to talk about how this artificial intelligence tool will impact teaching and learning.By CNUSDEdChat

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How Can Families Join the Curriculum Conversation? | EdVoices Podcast - EdReports 20:44

2+ y ago20:44

20:44

In this debut episode of our new EdVoices podcast, EdReports’ Chief Strategy Officer Lauren Weisskirk explains why engaging with instructional materials is such a powerful way for families and caregivers to support student learning. Check out these related resources to learn more: 4 Ways Families Can Join the Instructional Materials Conversation Wh…

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129 Three Commitments I Made (And Mostly Kept) This Fall 39:38

2+ y ago39:38

39:38

In this episode, Nicole shared three commitments she made in her classroom as she transitioned back into the classroom this fall -- as well as strategies that she utilized to keep those commitments. "I’m not working [much] outside contract hours." "I’m not rushing through my curriculum to get it covered." "I’m not relying on grades as motivation." …

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128 It's A Tool, Not A Fix 16:42

2+ y ago16:42

16:42

In this episode, Nicole shares an aha moment she recently experienced as she was prompted to reflect on her thinking about the strategies and approaches she utilizes in her classroom. So often we seek out the "one right way" to do something, hoping it to be a "fix" for whatever challenge we are experiencing in the classroom. But the reality is, all…

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127 Establishing An Anchor Phenomenon Routine 31:36

2+ y ago31:36

31:36

The anchor phenomenon routine plays an important role in science classes as students develop their abilities to figure out the questions they need to answer to meet their learning goals. In a perfect world, students work through an anchor experience, ask exactly the right questions, and all together identify and decide the most important question t…

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126 From Whole Group To Small Group Learning 33:48

2+ y ago33:48

33:48

In this episode, Nicole (iExploreScience) shares a few ideas for moving from whole-group instruction to stations-style, small-group learning. Small group activities create the opportunity to work with students individually, scaffolding and extending learning as needed. Because you can interact on a more personal level, it's a great way to meet stud…

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125 A Bell Ringer Approach To Start Class Smoothly 19:59

2+ y ago19:59

19:59

What is your start-of-class routine? Is it working? In this episode, Nicole shares her bell-ringer routine -- a transition time that can make-or-break a smooth class experience. She digs into the actual structure of her routine, how she holds students accountable for the tasks, and how she integrates curiosity-building, student-empowering, three-di…

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124 Your New Favorite Places To Find Authentic Science Texts Adapted For The Classroom 25:33

2+ y ago25:33

25:33

We win any time we can incorporate literacy in science into our daily lessons and activities. One low-prep strategy that I love to use is to ask students to analyze authentic science texts… but let’s be real, those are HARD to understand. Luckily, there are several organizations who do the amazing work at adapting real science work to a student rea…

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123 Teaching Text Annotations - Your New Favorite Literacy Strategy 26:21

3y ago26:21

26:21

In this episode, Nicole shares how she teaches students to annotate texts, a strategy they can pair with any reading task in the science classroom. Text annotations increase student engagement and comprehension when working with science texts, and they provide the educator a better peek into student understanding of text-based tasks. Plus, text ann…

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122 Rethinking THAT Class - What To Do When Classes Feel Like A Challenge 36:53

3y ago36:53

36:53

In this episode, Nicole shares her personal reflections on the "labels" we may (inadvertently) assign to classes and how that can impact our relationships, classroom culture, and teaching practice. She shares how this label developed with student block in her own classroom and what she is doing to "rethink and reset" her experiences with this group…

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121 Establishing A Positive Classroom Culture With Respect Agreements 25:47

3y ago25:47

25:47

In this episode, Nicole (iExploreScience) shares how she has used respect agreements to establish a positive classroom culture and prevent (and address) behavior challenges within her classroom. What are respect agreements? In short, respect agreements are an effective classroom management strategy that create a stronger community culture than top-…

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120 Informal Writing In Science Class 26:37

3y ago26:37

26:37

Incorporating informal writing opportunities in your classroom can improve student understanding of the scientific content while building student confidence in their ability to communicate in writing. This episode explores some ways to support student writing and some quick and easy task formats to bring more writing into your science classroom. Ad…

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119 The Best Strategies For Teaching Science Vocab 34:23

3y ago34:23

34:23

Way back in episode 19, Nicole discussed why you shouldn't front-load science vocabulary. This is one of our most popular episodes. So, we decided to bring you more practical strategies and activities for teaching Science Vocabulary. If you haven't already, check out episode 19 first. You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand vide…

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118 Bringing Nature Journals Into Your 3D Teaching 46:32

3y ago46:32

46:32

In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience interviews Sarah Suloff, a life science/biology teacher with a passion for and expertise in using nature journaling in the classroom. She shares why you may want to consider bringing nature journaling into your classes, her experience doing so, and some practical tips and tricks to get started. I…

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117 How to Improve Observation Skills in Your Science Classes 35:59

3y ago35:59

35:59

Have you noticed your students' observation skills aren't what you'd like them to be? You aren't alone. In this episode, we answer a listener's question about how to improve students' observation skills. This episode s full of easy-to-implement ideas for the first few weeks of school. Click here to read the episode recap. Other Episodes to Check Ou…

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116 Why You Shouldn't Teach An Intro Unit 25:23

3y ago25:23

25:23

Let's talk about those back to school activities. Despite the many shifts we've seen teachers making in their classroom, we've seen several teachers continuing to use old practices. Even if they've ditched the scientific method, many teachers are still teaching an intro to science unit. In this episode, Erin discusses some of the reasons why you sh…

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115 How Can You Use Science Notebooks And Interactive Notebooking? 26:19

3y ago26:19

26:19

This episode comes from a listener's question about science notebooks. Lindsay from New Mexico asked the following question. "I would love to learn more about incorporating interactive notebooks into the NGSS classroom. Do you follow [the] left/right side [structure]? How do you grade them? Do you use them as a lab notebook as well?" This is a simp…

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114 What To Do When Your Science Curriculum Isn't Built for 3D 26:08

3y ago26:08

26:08

Your district adopted a science curriculum. You hoped it would be well aligned with the NGSS. But, after reviewing it, you realized it wasn't built for 3D learning. You aren't alone. This week we answer this question from Kim in California. The name of the publisher she mention has been removed because we believe the problems she is discussing are …

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113 Incorporating Student-Centered Science Stations 32:13

3y ago32:13

32:13

While traditional classrooms put teachers as tellers front and center, transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards and a more student-driven approach to science instruction understandably moves the work of students to the main stage. Incorporating science stations is one way to create a classroom that values and emphasizes active learnin…

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112 What's The Difference Between Evidence And Reasoning? 20:58

3y ago20:58

20:58

The CER is a framework that was created to help students with the practice of engaging in an argument using evidence. It helps them understand the difference between parts of an argument. However, it is often confusing for them to distinguish between evidence and reasoning. We received this question from Ben in Michigan. "The difference between evi…

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111 Rethinking Your Classroom Management Plan 35:10

3y ago35:10

35:10

Most often, we think of the back-to-school time as the best time to rethink your classroom management plan. However, it's never a bad time to rethink your strategy in the classroom. Arguably, this school year was the most difficult one for teachers. If you struggled with classroom management, you weren't alone. In this episode, we discuss what trad…

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110 How to Start Teaching Science in 3D - 2 Simple Strategies 32:52

3y ago32:52

32:52

Teaching science in a three-dimensional learning environment often feels overwhelming. Many teachers ask us where to start. Here's our answer: It depends. Each teaching situation is unique. There are differences in time constraints, demographics, resources and so much more. Therefore, your strategy for approaching 3D teaching and learning also need…

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Spring 2022 Update - What's Happening Next? 3:40

3+ y ago3:40

3:40

Wonder where we have been? Listen to this quick update to find out about the next episode of the podcast. We would love to answer your questions on the podcast. Please submit them at teachingsciencein3d.com/quesitons. You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming …

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109 Resetting Your Classroom Culture After Break 21:03

3+ y ago21:03

21:03

In this episode, Nicole and Erin help you craft a game plan for returning after a break -- from actually taking a rest to making the transition back to teaching in a way that sets you and your students up for success. More Resources: Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Explore ph…

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108 How Your Students CAN Do This! 19:17

3+ y ago19:17

19:17

What do you do when you feel like your students can't do something? In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss steps that you can take to move your students forward when they are struggling. More Resources: Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-cen…