Episode Summary: Science teacher extraordinaire (and long-time friend) Lynn Coles joins the adventure  to talk about connection, community, and bringing wonder into the classroom. From insects to sunsets and everything in between, we explore the magic of building classroom and real-world connections — with a sprinkle of picture book recommendations!

0:46 We explore the influence of Lynn's early childhood ambitions (you’ll love why she didn’t become an entomologist) and picture books on her journey to become a science teacher. At 06:48, we delve into how STEAM first impacted our adventures as teachers and how those connections carry through to our work today.

11:27 Building connections is critical to our success in the classroom — and our success as humans. 14:28 “If  you have a classroom where students can experience things with their hands and their minds, together with other people, and find a way to enjoy that and to see why it's relevant, then you're going to learn without even realizing you're doing so.” 

20:30 Picture Book Connections  Since Lynn brought up wanting to be an entomologist, I highly recommend Buzzing with Questions: the Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner. It's a beautiful picture book biography by Janice  Harrington, illustrated by Theodore Taylor II. 

Other book connections this week: 

• What's in Your Pocket: Collecting Nature's Treasures (Heather L. Montgomery/Maribel Lechuga) encourages children to use the senses to explore the natural world. 
• Ada Twist, Scientist ( Andrea Beaty/David Roberts) is  a great one for your budding scientists and for considering new ways to encourage wonder and exploration in kids.
• A current new favorite is Fairy Science (Ashley Spires).  All the fairies in the woods think everything happens due to magic and our heroine uses the scientific process to try to prove them wrong.

In our conversation I referenced We Are Water Protectors (Carol Lindstrom/Michaela Goade), a beautiful book for exploring the power we all have to protect the water.  Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

22:22 From picture book and STEAM connections, we explore advice for teachers looking to build connections within the classroom.  24:44: A new must-have in Lynn's teacher tool-kit: the Seek app from iNaturalist.  25:45: We circle back to the wonder of childhood nature experiences with thoughts on how wonder enhances classroom and community connections — as well as makes us happier humans. 

• How to Have a Life Full of Wonder

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