The Clueless is a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team made up of 13 members from 8 middle/high schools across San Diego, California. Through FTC, they are determined to grow as a team, have fun, and leave a lasting impact on their community.

In their 9 years of competing, they have set the world record twice ('22 & '24) and qualified to the World Championship 6 times, where they've won the divisional Inspire Award three times and won the robot game once.

One of their outreach goals is to make STEM and robotics more accessible to local and global communities, through projects like their First Lego League (FLL) summer camp, EV3 redistribution program, and Global Mentorship Program for FTC teams.

FIRST is a global non-profit that has engaged over 800,000 high school students in building and competing with robots.

"At the core, we love FIRST Tech Challenge. Our passion drives our success!"

Connect with The Clueless team:

• Website: thecluelessftc.org
• Instagram: @clueless11212_ftc
• YouTube: @theclueless11212
• Volunteer at a FIRST event to support youth exploring STEM: firstinspires.org/community/volunteers (No experience required!)

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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STEM education requires a solid foundation of skills. Without basic math and reading proficiency, children are not prepared for the opportunities awaiting them in a world of changing careers.

Chris Papst is the lead investigative reporter for Project Baltimore, Fox45 News’ ongoing investigation into Maryland’s public education system. As a national award-winning reporter, his work has led to the passing of state laws, criminal convictions, and court rulings that have set legal precedent throughout Maryland.
Chris’s work has received recognition from institutions such as the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Office of the Comptroller, and the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education. He has received the NAACP’s Vanguard Award and an Emmy Award for investigative reporting.

His new book Failure Factory: How Baltimore City Schools Deprive Taxpayers and Students of a Future, shines a critical light on America’s public education system by exposing what’s really happening inside classrooms and behind administrative doors – such as grade changing, the lower of academic standards and the manipulation of violence data.

Connect with Chris:

• Twitter/X: @chrispapst
• Facebook: @chris.papst.7
• Project Baltimore news: foxbaltimore.com/news/project-baltimore
• Find a copy of Failure Factory on Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Doug Scott has taught 9th-12th grade engineering, robotics, and technology since 2003. His current role at Hopkinton High School includes being the district leader for Business, Tech & Engineering in grades 6–12.

Doug has led numerous robotics and competitive technology teams to state and regional championships, as well as national and international competitions, growing the robotics program from six students to 160. In 2014, Doug was fortunate to accompany students from his Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam to the Office of Science and Technology Policy White House Science Fair. The team’s invention was eventually awarded a U.S. patent. He is also the 2014 Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year Award, was awarded The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science (PAEMST) in 2019, and was a MA Teacher of the Year Semifinalist in 2022.

His students have consistently participated in the US National Invention Convention, a K-12 invention education program that teaches students problem-identification, problem-solving, entrepreneurship and creativity skills and builds confidence in invention, innovation and entrepreneurship for life.

Links mentioned:

• Massachusetts Invention Convention
• Eating Better utensil design project
• Opening Doors wheelchair accessibility project
• Start learning a little about the P-51 Mustang engineering
• And be sure to listen to Ep 273 with Doug's students sharing about their flashlight invention: #273 Invention & Patents

Connect with Doug:

• Website: mrscottbot.org
• Twitter/X: @mrscottbot
• Instagram: @mrscottbot

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Dr Jennifer Berry is the CEO of SmartLab (an education pioneer in STEM, transforming traditional learning environments into project-based learning experiences since 1987). She has previously held leadership roles at other education organizations, each time bringing her expertise and experience as a parent and veteran of stage performance to build better learning opportunities for every kid every day.

SmartLab's mission is to ensure that today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders, prepared and ready to solve the complex challenges of our ever-changing world. Students build STEM identity, confidence, and purpose as they solve meaningful problems and connect classroom learning to the careers of tomorrow. A focus on generating "aha!" moments, steadily converting raw curiosity into resilient, purposeful problem solving.

Innovative school leaders nationwide have empowered learners with SmartLab’s state-of-the-art STEM-focused solutions that include ADA-compliant learning environments, problem-solving, authentic student-led experiences, standards-aligned supplemental curriculum, and rigorous training and professional development.

The SmartLab learning environment is based on 5 key components:

• Career-Connected PBL Curriculum
• Hands-on Tools & Equipment
• Customized STEM Learning Environments
• SmartLab Certified Facilitator
• Ongoing Support & Partnership

Connect with Jennifer & SmartLab:

• Website: smartlablearning.com
• Twitter/X: @smartlab_tweets
• Facebook: @SmartLabLearning
• Instagram: @smartlablearning
• YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCiY2g9pX2nxcLiWF8UpBTBw
• Jennifer's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-jennifer-berry-9a05113/

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Chuck Ridgeway is the Automation Technology Manager & Senior Customer Advocate at Horner Automation in Indianapolis, Indiana. As an engineer in the automation and robotics industry for over 30 years, Chuck has seen both the changes and valuable uses of automation and robotics in our world, and is an important voice for educators to hear about the value of STEM learning for future careers.

Horner Automation has been part of some truly unique projects in their many years in the industry, creating hardware and software that helps make businesses to homes to schools run smoothly. Their sensors, controllers, and automation have been involved with everything from major sports stadiums, Las Vegas resort attractions, cruise ships, and snowmaking at ski resorts, to the US postal service, agricultural facilities, various food & beverage producers, water/wastewater facilities, power management and fuel storage.

Horner is currently offering, free for qualifying educational institutions, one of their powerful Horner Controllers to help eliminate lab-time bottlenecks and time limitations. The use of an OCS as part of our Academic Program makes it easy and cost-effective for each student to have their own lab equipment and be able to meet their requirements for your automation educational program. Learn more about it at hornerautomation.com/product/academic-program

Connect with Chuck & Horner Automation:

• Website: hornerautomation.com
• Horner's Education Resources: hornerautomation.com/product/academic-program
• YouTube: Horner Automation YouTube
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chuck-ridgeway-79993210

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Chad Miller teaches Technology, Engineering, & Design as well as Computer Science in North Carolina. But he wasn't always a teacher. His experiences as a computer aided draftsman helped him learn the business of architectural lighting, and in the process problem solving, iteration, and more skills that kids in CTE courses need. As an educator, he has always been passionate about STEM and providing real world examples in his classroom. He also enjoys helping with clubs and mentoring groups, even partnering with NC State for many years to bring their students to mentor his students.

He also has his students competing in the Technology Student Association (TSA), and has even had students win top awards for their STEM & design skills.

Connect with Chad:

• Instagram: @techtomentor
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chad-miller-917791214/
• TSA website: tsaweb.org
• Code.org AI teaching course: code.org/en-US/artificial-intelligence

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

For over 15 years, Simply Technologies has been sneaking digital manufacturing into classrooms—one buzzing spindle and slightly terrified teacher at a time. So far, they’ve helped over 3,500 North American schools bring STEM to life in very real, very loud, very safe, and very hands-on ways.

Their father-son company, Simply Technologies, has (unofficially but confidently) placed more CNC machines in schools than anyone else on the continent. They like to say they created CNC for teachers who didn’t sign up for CNC—and it turns out, that’s a lot of them.

In September 2025 they launched Empower[ed] Academy—what they believe is the first-ever CAD/CAM/CNC Teacher Training & Certification program in North America. The goal is to help teachers confidently turn their students’ “Imagination to Reality”—without having to Google “what’s a post-processor” mid-lesson.

On this episode, Steve and Jeremy share insights and stories from 15 years of classroom CNC success, and some practical tips and ideas that teachers can use the day after they listen to the episode.

The founders of Simply Technologies Group Inc. in London, Ontario, Steve and Jeremy Stevenson, have worked within the digital manufacturing since 2009. As a father-son duo with deep industry expertise and a passion for innovation, they offer a diverse range of products, including CNC machines, CO2 laser systems, and GRIT Automation products. Beyond selling equipment, they are committed to education and support, providing in-depth training, technical assistance, and industry-leading resources to help customers get the most out of their investment, with the help of their support and training guru, David Logan.

Connect with Steve & Jeremy:

• Website: simplytechnologies.xyz
• Empower[ed] Academy: learn.simplytechnologies.xyz
• Instagram: @simply.technologies

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

With a cardboard box and a spark of imagination, in 2008, Makedo was born. More than just tools, Makedo empowers kids to become problem-solvers, innovators, and collaborators.

Today, Makedo isn’t just a product line of blue screws & cardboard tools; it’s a vibrant, global community of makers dedicated to building a better future for people and the planet through imaginative, purposeful play, one cardboard creation at a time.

(Check out the Makedo website for lessons and resources to use their reusable screws in your classroom and home. And follow their social media to get more great ideas and inspiration to build and create with your kids.)

Colleen Graves has been an educator and librarian for over 20 years. In 2018, her passion for blogging about makerspaces and libraries shifted her education career into crafting content strategy for innovative edtech companies like Makey Makey, Chibitronics, and now Makedo. Now as the Education Content Officer, USA & Canada, for Makedo, she takes her Makerspace skills and is building lessons and helping educators find ways to get kids to use their brains and their hands.

Check out a few of the Makedo Lessons:

• History in the Making: hub.make.do/education/sel-lesson-plans/history-in-the-making-exploring-history-with-cardboard-costumes
• Cardboard Arcade 9+ : hub.make.do/education/sel-lesson-plans/cardboard-arcade-engineering-games-that-move-ages-9-
• Animal Adaptations: hub.make.do/education/sel-lesson-plans/animal-adaptations

Be sure to check out Colleen's books The Big Book of Makerspace Projects and 20 Makey Makey Projects for the Evil Genius

Connect with Colleen & Makedo:

• Website: www.make.do
• Twitter/X: @makedo
• Instagram: @makedo
• Facebook: @makedo
• YouTube: youtube.com/makedotv
• Colleen's website: colleengraves.org
• Colleen's LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/colleen-graves/

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show