In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Antonio Gustin, founder of Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo, to explore how insects, reptiles, and immersive technology can spark lasting scientific curiosity. Antonio shares how his decades of hands-on educational programs evolved into Creepy Crawly Zoo 2.0, a virtual reality experience that shrinks learners down into the world of insects and other small creatures.

We also dig into what makes curiosity such a powerful driver of learning. Antonio explains why the way educators make students feel can shape how they connect with a subject, and why authentic enthusiasm matters just as much as the content itself. From live animal encounters to giant virtual tarantulas, his work shows how memorable experiences can send learners down unexpected paths of discovery. Join us to explore how we can help kids stay curious.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How insects can spark lifelong curiosity and interest in science
• Turning a hands-on insect program into an immersive virtual reality experience
• Why memorable, emotional learning experiences stay with students
• How educators can use curiosity to connect learners across scientific disciplines
• The importance of authenticity, enthusiasm, and making learning fun
• Antonio’s vision for expanding Creepy Crawly Zoo 2.0 into a shared classroom experience

Resources:

• Creepy Crawly Zoo Meta
• Creepy Crawly Zoo Website
• Creepy Crawly Zoo Facebook

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Jess Alfreds, founder of Carolina Kids Co-op, a growing network of outdoor, community-centered homeschool programs. What began as Jess’s search for an academically rigorous, in-person learning option for her own daughter has grown into a model that puts relationships, student interests, and personalized learning at the center of education.

Jess shares how Carolina Kids Co-op combines strong academics with outdoor learning, small communities, family involvement, and student choice. We also explore what traditional educators can learn from microschool environments, how students help shape their own learning experiences, and why preparing young people for both college and the workforce means giving them room to explore many possible futures.

Join us to explore how educators and families can create learning environments where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How Carolina Kids Co-op grew from one family’s need into a multi-state learning model
• What defines a microschool and why smaller communities allow for more personalized learning
• Combining rigorous academics with outdoor, nature-connected education
• Giving students meaningful voice and choice in curriculum and class offerings
• Preparing students for college, careers, and changing pathways after graduation
• How educators can identify unmet needs and create meaningful change within any learning environment

Resources:

• Carolina Kids Co-op’s Website
• Carolina Kids Co-op Facebook
• Carolina Kids Co-op Instagram
• Carolina Kids Co-op TikTok

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we talk with Michael Finnegan, co-founder and CEO of Quantum Courses, about what science education can look like when students become active investigators instead of passive recipients of information. Drawing from his experience as a public school teacher, Montessori educator, and scientist, Michael shares how hands-on experimentation and the history of scientific discovery shaped his approach to learning.

We also explore the growing world of micro learning environments and why their flexibility creates room for more engaging, student-centered experiences. Michael explains how Quantum Courses helps students build scientific understanding from first principles, following the experiments and questions that led thinkers like Galileo, Newton, Einstein, and others to major discoveries. Join us to explore how curiosity, autonomy, and hands-on learning can help students see themselves as scientists.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why micro learning environments can create more flexible, student-centered experiences
• How hands-on experimentation builds curiosity, autonomy, and scientific thinking
• Using the history of science to help students construct knowledge from first principles
• How Quantum Courses supports microschools, homeschoolers, and other flexible learning environments
• Balancing innovative learning approaches with academic standards like NGSS
• Why transdisciplinary stories can make science more meaningful and memorable

Resources:

• Quantum Courses
• Childhood Education Innovations Blog
• The Homeschool Advantage Podcast
• Personus Consulting Blog

Produced by NOVA