Plug In and Press Play: Using Podcasts to Power Up STEM Learning

April 14, 2021

A Student with headphones sits with his back to the camera, listening to a podcast to enhance STEM learning.

Educators are always looking for ways to bring STEM learning to life. Podcasts offer an easy, flexible tool to do just that. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally or connect your students with real-world STEM stories, podcasts can help you do it. The only requirement is a pair of headphones.

You don’t need a huge block of time to benefit from them. Think about your commute, a walk around the block, or even doing the dishes. Podcasts fit into your life without adding anything to your to-do list. Plus, countless options tie into science, technology, engineering, and math in creative, relevant ways.

Why Podcasts Belong in STEM Classrooms

A Student with headphones sits with his back to the camera, listening to a podcast to enhance STEM learning.

STEM education thrives on communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Podcasts support all three. Listening to professionals discuss their work, hearing students reflect on their projects, or exploring current issues through science-based storytelling can help students:

Explore STEM careers and real-world applications
Build listening comprehension and vocabulary
Ask deeper questions
Engage with diverse voices and perspectives
Strengthen science and technical communication skills

Podcasts are a low-prep way to enrich your classroom and expand your students’ understanding of STEM beyond the textbook.

Getting Started with Podcasts

If you’re new to podcasts, getting started is simple. Choose a platform, search for a topic that interests you, and press play.

Popular platforms include:

STEM-related topics to explore:

Engineering design challenges
Space exploration
Women in STEM
Robotics and coding
Climate science
Everyday math applications

Try a few episodes from different shows. You’ll quickly find what resonates with you and your teaching goals.

STEM Podcast Picks for Educators

These podcasts can help you stay current, get inspired, and discover new ways to bring STEM content into your classroom.

STEM and Innovation

Ordinarily Extraordinary – Women sharing their journeys in STEM fields
The K12 Engineering Education Podcast – Real-world applications of engineering in K-12 settings
Her STEM Story – Highlights of women breaking barriers in science and tech

Education and EdTech

Educational Duct Tape – Practical tips for using technology to support learning
10-Minute Teacher Podcast – Quick, actionable strategies from teachers around the world
#LetsK12Better – Focuses on equity, innovation, and student voice in education

Use these as professional development opportunities, conversation starters with colleagues, or part of your classroom lesson planning.

Podcasts for the STEM Classroom

Podcasts can also be a great way to support student learning. They reinforce listening and speaking standards, encourage curiosity, and connect students to real-world topics.

Here are a few student-friendly shows to try:

These podcasts explore big scientific ideas in ways that are fun, accessible, and age-appropriate. They’re perfect for bell ringers, transitions, or launching a new unit.

Real STEM, Real Voices, Real Impact

A happy student smiles at the camera, wearing headphones and listening to a STEM learning podcast.

At STEM Education Works, we believe in giving students hands-on, real-world learning experiences. Podcasts support that mission by making STEM content more accessible, engaging, and personal.

Whether you are listening for your own growth or helping your students create content that connects their learning to the world around them, podcasting is a powerful tool.

Check Out OUR Podcast!

STEM Education Works inspires STEM learning through its podcast, STEM to Stern

Looking for fresh ideas and real conversations about teaching STEM? Tune in to the STEM to Stern podcast by STEM Education Works, where, for a quick 5-7 minutes, we dive into interesting classroom discussion topics. Perfect for bell ringers or class discussions, the podcast encourages creative thinking, healthy debate, and exploration of diverse perspectives. From time travel to the science behind lightsabers, these bite-sized episodes bring big ideas to life and invite deeper learning in your classroom!

STEM Education Works provides educators and youth advocates with the hands-on tools, curriculum, and training to bring STEM learning to life. From coding and robotics to 3D printing and laser cutting, their solutions spark curiosity, build real-world skills, and prepare students for the future.