Episode Details

Join Chrissy Swartz, NIU STEAM educator and self-proclaimed "earth science evangelist," as she shares how she turns middle schoolers into curious scientists—whether they're dissecting worm ecosystems, debating cloud formations, or tackling real-world problems. From her winding career path (retail manager? industrial safety pro? now science teacher?) to her mission to prove everyone can "science," Chrissy reveals how hands-on, messy, authentic learning sparks confidence and creativity.