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  • Rewilding, Restoration, and Hope: Kevin Jolliffe and the Wild Tomorrow Story

    Rewilding, Restoration, and Hope: Kevin Jolliffe and the Wild Tomorrow Story
    2026/07/15
    What does it look like when conservation becomes a long view, a daily practice, and a promise to the future? In Episode 198 of the Adventures in Learning Podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes Kevin Jolliffe, reserve manager at Wild Tomorrow, for a rich conversation about rewilding, restoration, community partnership, and the patience it takes to care for a landscape over time.In Part 3 of the Wild Tomorrow series, Kevin shares how a childhood rooted in nature grew into a career in conservation that has taken him around the world and back again. From sea turtles in the Seychelles to habitat restoration in South Africa, he reflects on what it means to steward land, manage wildlife, and think in terms of generations rather than quick fixes.This episode also continues the Wild Tomorrow story through the lens of balance and hope. Kevin and Dr. Diane talk about what it means to let nature lead when appropriate, step in when human action caused the harm, and support the surrounding community as part of the larger conservation mission. If you’ve loved the earlier Wild Tomorrow conversations with co-founders John Steward and Wendy Hapgood, and community conservation manager Aphiwe Notshaya, this episode deepens that story in a meaningful way.Chapters01:19 A childhood in nature02:45 Studying conservation and meeting his wife03:33 Work in the Seychelles and the Bahamas04:56 How Kevin joined Wild Tomorrow05:56 What a reserve manager does06:53 A "typical day" on the reserve08:42 Rewilding the land10:15 Man-made problems and nature’s balance13:05 Species brought back to the reserve14:37 Anti-poaching and community partnership16:29 Working with local herders and land use19:32 Nursery work and growing trees21:22 Reconnecting with nature24:23 Quiet moments with hippos27:01 How to care about conservation29:34 Thinking in generations, not instant fixes30:24 Favorite trees, birds, and animals32:02 What gives Kevin hopeAbout Kevin JolliffeKevin was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. His early holidays with his aunt and uncle in Hluhluwe sparked his love for Zululand and determined the career he would later pursue. As the youngest of five siblings and the odd man out with the neighbourhood children, Kevin developed a passion for nature. Afternoons were spent exploring the Botanic Gardens where he honed his bird watching skills, collected butterflies and developed an interest in plants, including collecting and growing orchids at the age of seven, becoming the youngest orchid grower in South Africa for over 10 years. Kevin is currently writing and illustrating a book on the orchids of KZN and his vast knowledge has been put to good use while working with the Pollination Ecology department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Kevin was always determined to work in nature conservation. He attained a National Diploma in Nature Conservation from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he met his conservationist wife. They have been working together ever since. He has worked at government run, Ndumo Game Reserve as well as a number of private reserves in KZN, the Western and Eastern Cape, Swaziland and Limpopo provinces. He was the conservation manager for Cousine Island in the Seychelles for five 5 years conducting in-depth monitoring of nesting Hawksbill sea turtles, sea birds and endangered land birds. From there he took up the position of landscape manager in the Bahamas, before returning to South Africa to manage a private nature reserve in the Western Cape. He is now proudly Wild Tomorrow Fund’s Reserve Manager at The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve.Links and resourcesLearn more about Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning: drdianadventures.comExplore Wild Tomorrowand follow on Instagram and LinkedInListen to the Wild Tomorrow Series, featuring John Steward and Wendy Hapgood and Aphiwe NotshayaJoin Wild Tomorrow for the Junior Wildlife Crime Scene Detective Event on July 20, 2026Support the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
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    34 分
  • A Celebration of Life with Dr. Edward John Jackson

    A Celebration of Life with Dr. Edward John Jackson
    2026/07/06

    What do you call a life filled with service, curiosity, humor, and love? In Episode 197 of the Adventures in Learning Podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor shares a deeply personal tribute to her father, Dr. Edward John Jackson, a quiet hero whose life touched military service, higher education, community leadership, and family in lasting ways.

    This episode honors Dr. Jackson’s journey from a difficult childhood to a distinguished Army career and a decades-long legacy at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Along the way, Dr. Diane weaves in stories that reveal his adventurous spirit, his gift for play, his commitment to equity and education, and the joyful way he showed up for the people he loved.

    Listeners will hear memories of travel, teaching, theater, puppets, family adventures, and the creation of programs that made education more accessible for service members and working adults. At its heart, this episode is a celebration of a life that embodied wonder, connection, and the belief that learning should open doors for others.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Opening tribute and introduction to Dr. Edward Jackson
    • 02:00 Pamela the chimpanzee and an early summer job
    • 05:20 Choosing the Army and seeing the world
    • 09:00 Rising from enlisted soldier to officer
    • 13:06 Korea, OCS, and the realities of military life
    • 16:01 Segregation, service, and standing for equal rights
    • 17:16 Women in the Army and supporting change
    • 18:44 Education, graduate school, and teaching
    • 20:24 Building SOCAD and changing degree pathways
    • 23:27 Transforming Fayetteville Technical Community College
    • 25:28 Theater, the arts, and community service
    • 26:31 Play, family adventures, and imagination
    • 33:19 Sunday school, teaching, and faith
    • 36:11 Final reflections and closing tribute

    Key moments

    • Dr. Jackson helped build smoother educational pathways for service members through SOCAD and transfer credit reform.
    • He lived through major social change in the Army and supported equal rights, women soldiers, and integration.
    • He brought play, creativity, and wonder into family life through puppets, forts, games, and travel.
    • He served his community through education, theater, faith, and civic organizations.
    • His legacy continues through his daughters, granddaughters, and the many people whose lives he shaped.

    About Dr. Edward John Jackson

    Dr. Edward John Jackson (Maj. Ret.) served more than 20 years in the United States Army, including tours in Korea and Vietnam, and later dedicated decades to Fayetteville Technical Community College. He was a builder of programs, a champion for equity, a lover of learning, and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

    Memorial information

    Memorial gifts may be made to the Dr. Edward and Eleanor Jackson Memorial Scholarship at the Fayetteville Technical Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 35236, Fayetteville, NC 28303, or online through Fayetteville Tech’s giving page by selecting “give now” and noting “Dr. Edward Jackson” in the comments.


    Support the show

    Share this episode

    If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.

    Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend

    Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

    *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
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    38 分
  • Time Travel, Magical Libraries, and Why Children's Literature Matters with Emma Otheguy

    Time Travel, Magical Libraries, and Why Children's Literature Matters with Emma Otheguy
    2026/07/01
    What if a children’s book could travel through time and connect generations of storytellers? Join Dr. Diane as she welcomes back acclaimed author Emma Otheguy to discuss her enchanting new book, Adventure in the City of Stories, the enduring power of school librarians, and why stories are the ultimate secret weapon for building human connection.SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Diane sits down with historian and children's book author Emma Otheguy. Together, they explore the critical role school librarians play as frontline champions for literacy and open access to books. Emma gives us an exclusive first look at her upcoming middle-grade historical fantasy Adventure in the City of Stories, a companion novel to Cousins in the Time of Magic.Set against the backdrop of 1930s New York City, the book weaves historical reality with time-traveling magic. Emma shares the real-life intellectual lineages that connected historical giants like public library pioneer Pura Belpré, Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral, archivist Arturo Schomburg, and legendary children's librarian Anne Carol Moore. Plus, don't miss a delightful live reading from Chapter 5 that features a quirky, real-life historical artifact, a talking 8-inch wooden doll named Nicholas!Chapters[00:00] Welcome back Emma Otheguy! [00:51] From Social Media to Substack: Writing Digital Love Letters to Readers [03:09] Frontline Champions: The Crucial Fight of School Librarians Today [07:10] Purposeful Play: Symbiosis Between Librarians and STEM Educators [09:00] Introducing Adventure in the City of Stories: 1930s NYC & Latinx Lineages [18:49] Intentionality in Publishing: Books vs. Visual Media [20:55] What it Takes to Make a Reader (and the Heavy Lifting of Families) [22:12] Exclusive Live Reading: Chapter 5 – "42nd Street" and the Nicholas Doll [34:38] Balancing Fact vs. Fiction: A Historian's Approach to Fantasy [39:02] Finding Hope: The Gift of Urban Public SchoolsKey TakeawaysLibrarians are Essential Warriors: School librarians actively curate structural spaces that allow children independent time for pleasure reading, read-alouds, and critical engagement with literature.History is Interconnected: Historical figures shouldn't be taught in isolated vacuums; pioneers like Pura Belpré, Arturo Schomburg, and Gabriela Mistral actively collaborated, forming a rich lineage of Latinx intellectual history in New York City.Intentionality Builds Empathy: Unlike mass media designed for clicks and revenue, children’s books undergo a rigorous process involving authors, editors, and authenticity readers to safely guide children through complex real-world issues.Literacy Requires a Village: Raising a reader isn’t an accidental milestone—it requires a coordinated network of beautifully illustrated books, robust library funding, enthusiastic teachers, and dedicated parents managing the logistics.Join Emma's Pub ClubTo celebrate the release of Adventure in the City of Stories, Emma is inviting educators and librarians to join the Pub Club, where they will receive a handwritten letter from the author, an invitation to a fun webinar, and writing prompts connected to the book. In exchange, Emma asks that participants make the book available in their school or classroom library, read the first chapter aloud, and help her promote the book, whether by writing a review or sharing online.Links & ResourcesSubscribe to Emma’s SubstackPre-order: Adventure in the City of StoriesSign up for Emma's Pub ClubListen to Emma on Episode 122 of the Adventures in Learning PodcastSupport the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
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    42 分
  • Play Before Pencil with Sola Zaccheus: Building Strong Foundations in Early Childhood

    Play Before Pencil with Sola Zaccheus: Building Strong Foundations in Early Childhood
    2026/06/24
    What if the key to helping children learn to write, count, and grow wasn’t more pressure but more play? In this episode of Adventures in Learning, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes developmental therapist and early childhood advocate Sola Zaccheus for a rich conversation about fine motor development, developmentally appropriate practice, and the power of purposeful play.Sola shares her path from aspiring lawyer to educator and therapist, and how that journey led her to create Knots and Knuckles, a framework focused on strengthening the whole body before expecting children to master small motor tasks like writing, tracing, or holding a pencil correctly. Together, Diane and Sola unpack why play is not a break from learning; it is learning; and how teachers can embed literacy, math, language, and problem solving into meaningful hands on experiences.This conversation is especially powerful for early childhood educators, instructional coaches, therapists, and families who want practical strategies for supporting children in ways that are joyful, developmentally sound, and responsive to the child in front of them. From modeling in the classroom to building independence through everyday routines, this episode offers both encouragement and concrete ideas you can use right away.Chapters01:16 From aspiring lawyer to early childhood educator06:12 Why play belongs at the center of learning10:59 Modeling, engagement, and what children need from adults12:20 Behavior, support needs, and classroom environments18:08 Fine motor development and Knots and Knuckles23:13 Montessori, independence, and everyday routines25:08 Language, narration, and the power of conversation29:08 Why adults need play too31:00 How to connect with Sola32:02 What brings hopeKey momentsChildren need time, repetition, and practice before mastering complex skills.Play supports critical thinking, peer interaction, creativity, and regulation.Teachers do not have to abandon curriculum; they can weave it into play.Simple shifts in language and environment can make a big difference.Growth happens when we meet children where they are and build from there.About the guestSola Zaccheus is a developmental therapist, early childhood specialist, and founder of The Golden Nugget LLC and Knots and Knuckles. She supports educators, programs, and families with developmentally appropriate strategies that strengthen fine motor skills, language development, independence, and whole child learning.Connect with SolaWebsiteInstagram: @thegoldennuggetllcEmail: thegoldennuget2024@gmail.comLinkedIn @SolaZaccheusStay connectedLearn more about Dr. Diane’s speaking and professional development: drdianadventures.comSubscribe to Adventures in Learning on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Buzzsprout, and wherever you listenSupport the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
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    34 分
  • Just One Oak: Growing Wonder, Science, and Story with Maria Gianferrari & Diana Sudyka

    Just One Oak: Growing Wonder, Science, and Story with Maria Gianferrari & Diana Sudyka
    2026/06/17
    What if one oak tree could help kids fall in love with science, story, and their own backyards? In Episode 194, author Maria Gianferrariand illustrator Diana Sudyka share how their new picture book Just One Oakturns a single tree into a whole universe of keystone species, climate conversations, and everyday nature joy, from city parks to schoolyards.SummaryIn this episode of Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane, author Maria Gianferrari and illustrator Diana Sudyka talk about their collaboration on Fungi Grow and their newest nature picture book, Just One Oak. They share how a lifelong love of the outdoors, urban ecology, and everyday backyard wildlife fuels their work and helps kids see that nature isn’t “out there” in national parks -- it’s right outside their doors in cities, suburbs, and schoolyards.Maria explains how Doug Tallamy’s The Nature of Oaks and the Homegrown National Park movement inspired her to celebrate oak trees as keystone species and to weave science, vocabulary, and rich back matter into lyrical, read-aloud text. Diana talks about researching oak ecosystems, grieving the loss of 200–250 year old oaks in Illinois, and visually “peopling” the pages with ants, weevils, and acorn woodpeckers so readers can sense the oak as a living habitat.Together, they and Dr. Diane explore how Just One Oak can launch lessons on ecosystems, climate change, keystone species, and habitats for elementary and middle school learners, and how picture books act as true art objects that teach complex science to kids and adults alike. They also share their creative origin stories, upcoming projects about dead wood and oak forests, and what currently gives them hope: young people, community, and small, daily moments of wonder like hummingbirds, frogs, and backyard birds.Chapters[01:30] Nature as Shared Inspiration: Maria and Diana describe nature as their place of solace, joy, and curiosity, and how their shared love of the natural world fuels their collaborations[04:18] Urban Ecology & Everyday Nature: Finding wildlife and nature connection in cities and suburbs (backyard coyotes, bobcats, and Central Park birding, oh my!)[08:12] Inside Just One Oak: Keystone Species & Research: How Doug Tallamy and The Nature of Oaks inspired the concept, from microscopic soil life to birds and mammals relying on oaks as keystone species.[12:49] Old Oaks, Loss, and Art as Response: Channeling grief and urgency into art[16:25] Building a Spread: Acorn Woodpeckers & Hidden Details: Walk through the acorn woodpecker “granary” spread, talking about lyrical text, scientific sidebars, visual storytelling, and packing pages with tiny creatures.[22:36] Teaching with Just One Oak in K–8 Classrooms: Using the book to teach keystone species, climate change, habitats, food webs, and close observation across grade levels.[26:51] Becoming an Author: Maria's path from shy, nature-loving child to children’s author, persistence through rejection, and turning encounters like Coyote Moon into nonfiction[32:10] From Band Posters to Picture Books: Diana's path from screen-printed band posters to books like The Mysterious Benedict Society, and why picture books are a powerful narrative art form.[36:53] Picture Books as Art Objects in the Age of AI: Why the craft, intention, and skill behind picture books remains relevant and timely[40:01] Favorite Places in Nature & Learning to Love Where You Live: From Illinois forest preserves and Lake Michigan to New England woods and ponds, discover the joy of backyard birding and travel.[46:22] What’s Next: Dead Wood & Acorn Adventures: Maria previews her upcoming book From Forest to a Dead Tree’s Legacy, while Diana shares her forthcoming author/illustrator title The Acorn’s Gift.[48:52] What Brings Hope: young people, readers, community, and everyday wonders like phoebes, hummingbirds, and backyard wildlife.LinksLearn more about Maria Gianferrari and Diana Sudyka (and check out the resource guides for their books on their websites!)Order Fungi Grow and Just One OakFollow Maria on Instagram & FacebookFollow Diana on Instagram & FacebookSupport the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
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    52 分
  • People, Preschoolers, and Planet – Community Conservation with Wild Tomorrow’s Aphiwe Notshaya (Part 2)

    People, Preschoolers, and Planet – Community Conservation with Wild Tomorrow’s Aphiwe Notshaya (Part 2)
    2026/06/10
    What if saving wildlife starts with school lunches, backpacks, and bush walks? In Part 2 of the Wild Tomorrow series, community leader Aphiwe Notshaya joins Dr. Diane to share how a community partnership approach to conservation in rural South Africa is feeding preschoolers, supporting orphaned and vulnerable children, opening doors to university, and building real climate resilience—one partnership at a time.SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Diane continues the Wild Tomorrow series with community conservation manager Aphiwe Notshaya. Aphiwe describes her path from aspiring accountant to environmental manager and how Wild Tomorrow lets her merge people-centered work with habitat protection. Aphiwe shares how the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program supports preschools with teacher training, toys, and monthly food so young children receive two meals a day and learn to love school, and how a partner community center provides uniforms, stationery, backpacks, and academic support for orphaned and vulnerable children. Aphiwe highlights a local mentor helping graduates apply for university, learnerships, and internships in a rural area with limited digital access, and explains how environmental education days bring children into the reserve for bush walks, outdoor journals, and close-up encounters with insects, birds, and habitats, not just the “big five.” She talks about choosing strategic partnerships with traditional leaders, women’s climate‑smart agriculture projects, and Zulu cultural practices tied to healthy rivers, all while avoiding conservation models that fence people out. Looking ahead, Aphiwe shares her dream of deeper climate resilience work, seed banks, and disaster centers—and why her love of snakes surprises people. What keeps her hopeful is simple -- communities that are still willing to listen, learn, and change.Chapters[00:01] Welcome & Meet Aphiwe: Part 2 of the Wild Tomorrow series and the woman leading community partnerships.[01:11] Discovering Conservation as a Career: From “future accountant” to environmental management and Wild Tomorrow.[04:34] Community-Centered Conservation: Why Wild Tomorrow centers local needs alongside wildlife.[04:58] Preschools, Food, and Early Childhood Development: Supporting ECD centers with teacher training, resources, and monthly meals.[08:10] Orphaned and Vulnerable Children: Uniforms, stationery, backpacks, and extra classes for kids who need it most.[09:50] Helping Youth Reach University and Jobs: Backing a local mentor who guides applications for university, learnerships, and internships.[12:16] Game Drives, Bush Walks, and Outdoor Journals: Bringing local kids into the reserve to notice insects, birds, and habitats.[15:35] Partnerships with Chiefs, Culture, and Climate-Smart Farmers: Working with traditional leaders, Zulu maidens, and women’s agriculture groups.[20:40] Breaking Down Fences: Making the reserve feel like “our future” for neighboring communities.[23:55] Aphiwe’s Practical Wish List: Fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and basic school supplies with big impact.[25:36] Dreaming of Climate Resilience and Disaster Centers: Teaching about wetlands, floods, and planning for a changing climate.[28:49] Favorite Animal: The Dramatic Rinkhals: Why a snake that plays dead has her heart.[29:51] What Brings Aphiwe Hope: Communities that listen, adapt, and choose sustainable paths.Links:Episode 189 – Part 1 of the Wild Tomorrow series with co-founders John Seward and Wendy HapgoodWild Tomorrow Community Programs and opportunities to supportFollow Aphiwe and Wild Tomorrow on InstagramFollow Aphiwe and Wild Tomorrow on LinkedInSupport the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
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    32 分
  • Wombat Waiting, Wildfires, and Weird Is Wonderful with Katherine Applegate

    Wombat Waiting, Wildfires, and Weird Is Wonderful with Katherine Applegate
    2026/06/03
    Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate(The One and Only Ivan, Wishtree, Odder) returns to talk about her newest book, Wombat Waiting—a free-verse “destiny dog” story set against California wildfires. We dive into climate change with hope, why picture books still matter for big kids, how to reach reluctant readers, and why “weird is wonderful” might be the best antidote to both peer pressure and AI.Summary:In this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane sits down with Katherine Applegate to explore Wombat Waiting, a lyrical novel-in-verse about a stray dog, wildfires, waiting, and finding your purpose. Katherine shares the real rescue dog who inspired Wombat, how she writes about climate change without overwhelming kids, and why she believes in best-friend books, comfort reads, and picture books for older readers. They also talk about scripted curricula, book bans, and Dr. Diane’s Read•Connect•Play•Reflect™ framework for connecting stories like Wombat Waiting to STEM/STEAM, SEL, and inquiry-based thinking. Katherine closes with her core message for kids—“embrace your weird”—and a peek at what she’s working on next.Chapters:[02:08] Inside Wombat Waiting: Destiny Dog in a WildfireKatherine shares the California fire inspiration, her real rescue dog Astrid, and why she chose free verse and white space to make a climate story accessible.[04:18] From Stray to Comforter: Character, Community, and Very Few WordsHow Wombat learns to trust humans, the Hachiko connection, and why Katherine loves “chiseling” language down to its most essential form.[08:30] Author Visits, Rally for Reading, and Reluctant ReadersSchool visit stories, one-book/one-school programs, kids meeting a “real author,” and how a “best friend book” like Charlotte’s Web can flip a reluctant reader.[11:00] Graphic Novels, Comfort Reads, and Picture Books for Big KidsWhy we shouldn’t dismiss graphic novels or series, and how picture books support dyslexic, visual, and older readers while teaching craft and content.[14:07] Curriculum, Book Bans, and Trusting TeachersA candid look at scripted programs, excerpts vs. full novels, and why respecting teacher judgment and giving kids whole books matters for real literacy.[16:21] Read–Connect–Play–Reflect: Classroom Ideas for Wombat WaitingDr. Diane shares practical ways to link Wombat Waiting to climate change, STEM challenges, creative response, and deeper reflection.[22:21] AI, Authentic Voices, and “Weird Is Wonderful”Katherine and Dr. Diane discuss AI’s push toward generic voices, why kids need to be their boldest, strangest selves, and how “embrace your weird” empowers readers.[24:10] Climate Themes, Kids Who Care, and Finding HopeKatherine’s environmental throughline, the seven-year-old who explained climate change at a school visit, and why informed, passionate kids give her hope.[26:25] Writing for Kids, Staying 11 Inside, and What’s NextWhy children are her favorite audience, staying connected to her “inner 11-year-old,” and a glimpse at upcoming graphic/picture adaptations and a new middle-grade fantasy.Links and ResourcesCheck out all of Katherine's books -- and don't miss Wombat WaitingCheck out Katherine's previous appearances on the podcast: Episodes 51, 83, and 132.Learn more about Dr. Diane’s Read•Connect•Play•Reflect™ frameworkand contact her to speak or work with your school, library, or district.Support the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
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    32 分
  • Teen Trailblazer Amritha Praveen: Making STEM Accessible for Every Student

    Teen Trailblazer Amritha Praveen: Making STEM Accessible for Every Student
    2026/05/27
    What happens when a 17-year-old decides STEM should work for everyone—not just some students? In Episode 191, Dr. Diane talks with Amritha Praveen, founder of Amethyst Changemakers, about creating inclusive STEM kits using Universal Design for Learning, distributing over 250 kits to Title 1 schools, placing third at the International Science and Engineering Fair, and why resilience and empathy drive real change.Summary:In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Diane welcomes Amritha Praveen, a rising high school senior and founder of Amethyst Changemakers, an organization creating accessible STEM kits for learners of all abilities. Amritha explains how her volunteer work in special education revealed that many students interested in STEM couldn't fully participate because resources weren't designed for them. She shares how competition math in fifth grade sparked her STEM journey, leading to science fair projects on autism prediction, music therapy frameworks, and genetics research that earned her third place at ISEF and a scholarship to ASU. Amritha discusses the Universal Design for Learning framework that guides her STEM kits, embedding accessibility from the start rather than retrofitting later, and how her team of high school students, mentors, and volunteers has distributed over 250 kits to Chicago Public Schools and Peoria classrooms. She reflects on resilience as the foundation of good science, why STEM teaching needs more hands-on variety, and what brings her hope: watching young students discover their passion for STEM.Chapters & Timestamps:[00:00] Meet Teen Trailblazer Amritha Praveen – High school senior making STEM accessible for all[01:23] Amethyst Changemakers and Universal Design for Learning – STEM kits built with accessibility from the start[02:16] What's in the Kits? – Ice cream chemistry, catapults, magnets, math bingo, and more04:16] Why Inclusive STEM Matters – Seeing passionate students without equal access[05:29] Competition Math to Autism Research – Amritha's STEM journey from fifth grade to ISEF[06:38] Third Place at International Science Fair – Autism genetics, phenotypes, and an ASU scholarship[08:49] Building the Team – Student designers, mentors, and 30 volunteers assembling kits[11:46] Applied Math and Expanding the Mission – College plans and beyond[13:03] Advice for Young Scientists – Keep pushing through—resilience matters more than perfection[16:21] What Schools Get Wrong About STEM – Moving beyond lectures to differentiated, hands-on learning[17:22] What Brings You Hope? – Students discovering their passion for STEMLinks & Resources:Amethyst ChangemakersPIE (Peer Inclusion Empowerment) AppSociety for ScienceiBio ChampionIllinois Junior Academy of ScienceCall to Action:Inspired by Amritha's work? Listen to Episode 191 of Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane, then visit amethystchangemakers.org to support inclusive STEM kits, donate to Title 1 schools, or bring these resources into your classroom. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or student, join the movement to make STEM accessible for everyone.Hashtags:Support the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
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    19 分