#104: Making STEM Subjects Accessible and Using Authenticity as Currency with Chris Emdin
Have you ever said things like "I'm not a science person" or "I can't do math"? Those types of phrases are actually be holding us back from achieving our goals, and they sure aren't helping the generations coming after us.
Chris Emdin, PhD, is the founder of HipHopEd.com and the author behind STEM, STEAM, Make, Dream: Reimagining the Culture of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math which is making STEM more accessible to all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
We're chatting all about his new book, why it's important to reach out to people that interest you, and some of the great artists—and lyrics—in hip-hop.
Highlights of our conversation
Chris teaches at USC and my sister attended USC, so let’s bond over some delightful experiences with “Fight ons!” being lobbed our way. (3:02)
Why now is the right time for the book STEM, STEAM, Make, Dream: Reimagining the Culture of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math — plus, what Chris learned while writing this book. (4:33)
A look at how the book is a metaphor for how we should be teaching these subjects to kids in a way that’s accessible. (7:34)
What to expect inside the pages of STEM, STEAM, Make Dream. (9:06)
The importance of having a strong, eye-catching cover, and why Chris’s explanation of what to look for makes PERFECT sense. (10:12)
How Chris got started with #HipHopEd and how it’s evolved into a magical mix of musicians, scientists, and more. Also, have you checked out Twitter Spaces yet? (14:26)
What parents can do to help their children gain interest in STEM subjects. (19:43)
Why reaching out and saying “why not?” can lead to conversations with Kendrick Lamar. (22:38)
The things Covid-19 has taught us about education, and how we can be better moving forward. (24:30)
Chris drops his top three hip-hop artists of all-time, with a few bonus lyrics sprinkled in. (29:33)
Where to find Chris Emdin
Follow Chris on Twitter and Instagram.
Join the #hiphoped conversation on Twitter.
Support Good People, Cool Things
Buy a copy of Kind, But Kind of Weird: Short Stories on Life's Relationships.
Pick up some merch at the shop.
Share this episode with a friend. Thanks for listening!