The 5 “Kevlar Threads” That Make Learning Stick — Dr. Annalies Corbin (PAST Foundation)
Dr. Annalies Corbin is the Founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation, an organization dedicated to connecting scientific research with education. Over the past 25 years, she has grown PAST into a nationally recognized leader in transforming teaching and learning, impacting millions of students and thousands of educators across the U.S. She also launched the Learning Unboxed podcast to explore innovative approaches to education and the future of workforce development.
Key Takeaways
- The 5 Kevlar Threads: student agency, cultural relevancy, mastery, transdisciplinary learning, and problem-based learning
- STEM “affinity” research: kids light up around math and science when learning feels tangible — mastery-based learning, real problem-solving, and social-emotional connection are the three levers that spark that engagement.
- Silos have their place — a focused mini-lesson works beautifully when it’s triggered by an immediate, meaningful need within a bigger project, giving students exactly what they need, right when they need it.
- Graduation is just the beginning — the real opportunity is helping students discover who they’re becoming, not just getting them across the finish line.
- Relationships are what last — ask any adult about a profound learning moment and they’ll light up describing a person who believed in them, not a lesson plan. That’s the impact educators get to have every day.
- “It takes a village” is coming back into focus — as more people recognize how much parents, grandparents, mentors and coaches contribute to a child’s growth, there’s real momentum to give that learning the credit it deserves.
Chapters:
- 00:02 – Introducing Dr. Annalies Corbin — Founder & CEO of the PAST Foundation
- 01:53 – About the Foundation: Origins & Mission
- 19:13 – Translating Research into Support: In‑Person, Online and Mobile Lab Services
- 27:04 – Rethinking Schooling: From Buildings to Community Learning
- 36:30 – Memorable Learning: People and Experiences Over Curriculum
https://www.pastfoundation.org
https://www.facebook.com/annalies.corbin/
https://www.instagram.com/annaliescorbin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalies-corbin-4016121
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Tony Gustin: From Live Bugs to Virtual Reality — Building Creepy Crawly Zoo 2.0
Tony Gustin is the founder of The Gateway Science Project, Inc. and the educator behind Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo, also known by the trade name The Bug Whisperer. Since 1995, he has used insects, spiders, and other invertebrates to spark curiosity in students and show that science begins with observation, questioning, and wonder.
His live programs reached more than 1.5 million students and introduced children to entomology as a gateway into broader scientific thinking. Tony also created the award-winning video Who Wants to be an Entomologist? and wrote My Science Diary, a student activity book focused on observation and critical thinking.
After the pandemic ended live programming, Tony developed a specialized 8K macro 360-degree camera system to bring students inside real habitats through virtual reality. That work became Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo 2.0, an immersive VR science experience that continues his mission to Excite! Educate! Inspire! and turn curiosity into scientific literacy.
Takeaways:
- Tony Gustin has utilized insects and invertebrates to ignite curiosity in students since 1995.
- His live programs have introduced over 1.5 million students to entomology and scientific inquiry.
- The pandemic catalyzed the development of an innovative virtual reality experience for educational purposes.
- Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo 2.0 offers immersive experiences that aim to foster scientific literacy.
- He emphasizes that scientific curiosity can lead children down diverse educational paths beyond entomology.
- The transition from live shows to virtual reality exemplifies adaptability in education amidst unforeseen challenges.
Chapters:
- 00:03 – Introduction to Tony Gustin and His Work
- 01:43 – The Evolution of Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo
- 15:12 – The Birth of an Idea: Inspiring Future Entomologists
- 28:52 – The Journey of Discovery: Overcoming Challenges in Pursuit of Passion
- 35:11 – Inspiration and Empowerment in Virtual Reality
https://www.meta.com/experiences/tonys-creepy-crawly-zoo-20/26476390235366322/
https://www.facebook.com/creepycrawlyzoo
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebugwhisperer
https://www.instagram.com/creepycrawlyzoo20
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Night Zookeeper: Turning Reluctant Writers into Confident Storytellers | Joshua Davidson
Joshua Davidson is the creator and co‑founder of Night Zookeeper, an award-winning online learning program that helps children aged 6–12 fall in love with reading, writing, and creativity through games and storytelling.
He’s also the author of the Night Zookeeper Adventure book series, which follows Night Zookeeper Will into the magical Night Zoo filled with fantastical creatures dreamed up by children. Josh is passionate about giving kids the confidence to see themselves as writers and creators, and he speaks regularly about the power of play, stories, and co‑created worlds in education.
Takeaways:
- The Night Zookeeper program fosters creativity in children through engaging storytelling and character creation, allowing them to express their imagination freely.
- Joshua Davidson emphasizes the importance of play in education, arguing that children should be empowered to see themselves as creators rather than mere consumers.
- The integration of technology in the Night Zookeeper platform enhances learning experiences by making writing and creativity enjoyable and interactive for children.
- Through collaboration and feedback, the Night Zookeeper community facilitates a supportive environment where children can share their ideas and learn from one another.
- The approach of using project-based learning in the Night Zookeeper curriculum allows children to connect their creativity with educational outcomes, enhancing their overall engagement.
- By providing a platform where children’s ideas shape the content, Night Zookeeper instills a sense of ownership and pride in their work, ultimately fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Chapters:
- 00:02 – Introducing Night Zookeeper and Its Impact on Children’s Creativity
- 05:44 – The Journey of Night Zookeeper: From Concept to Reality
- 11:52 – The Importance of Engagement in Learning
- 19:40 – The Importance of Creativity in Education
- 24:15 – The Impact of Arts Education on Learning
- 34:10 – Transitioning to Language Arts Curriculum
- 37:37 – The Importance of Community in Education
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http://educationonfire.com/nightzookeeper
https://www.instagram.com/nightzookeeper/
https://www.facebook.com/NightZookeeper
https://www.tiktok.com/@nightzookeeperofficial
https://uk.pinterest.com/nightzookeeper/
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Why Outdoor Education Beats Nature Deficit Disorder | Nick Hands, Boundless Outdoors
Boundless Outdoors is a Worcestershire-based outdoor learning provider with centres in Malvern and Bell Heath, supporting schools, groups and young people through residentials, activity days, DofE, STEM programmes and tailored outdoor learning experiences.
A key part of Boundless Outdoors’ work is helping schools create inclusive, confidence-building experiences for all pupils, including those with SEND or additional needs. The team works closely with each school to understand its pupils, adapt activities as needed, and shape packages around the group’s needs, abilities, and learning outcomes.
With woodland settings, accessible facilities, experienced staff and a nurturing approach, Boundless Outdoors helps pupils build confidence, teamwork, communication, resilience and self-esteem in a safe, supportive environment. Safety is always a first priority, with an AALS licence and quality marks including Adventuremark, LOtC and AHOEC Gold.
Takeaways:
- Outdoor education promotes essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience.
- Boundless Outdoors customizes educational experiences to meet the specific needs and abilities of students.
- The importance of allowing children to engage in risk assessment through outdoor activities cannot be overstated.
- Children today often lack the freedom to explore and engage with nature, resulting in a need for structured outdoor education.
- The concept of ‘challenge by choice’ empowers children to set their own personal success markers in outdoor activities.
- COVID-19 has highlighted the necessity of outdoor education as children become increasingly disconnected from nature.
Chapters:
- 00:19 – Creating Inclusive Outdoor Learning Experiences
- 00:36 – The Importance of Outdoor Education
- 13:11 – The Importance of Individual Achievement in Outdoor Education
- 20:42 – The Importance of Outdoor Education Funding
- 23:24 – Understanding the Importance of Outdoor Trips in Education
- 33:27 – Understanding the Nature Deficit Disorder
- 37:53 – Empowerment Through Outdoor Education
https://boundlessoutdoors.co.uk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/boundless-outdoors-malvern-bell-heath/
https://www.instagram.com/boundlessoutdoorsuk/
https://www.tiktok.com/@boundlessoutdoorsuk
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Show Sponsors –
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AI in Education: Why a University With No Lecture Halls Might Be the Future | Boris Walbaum
Boris Walbaum is the founder and president of Forward College, an innovative higher education institution built for the AI era. Students study across Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin over three years, earning a University of London degree while never setting foot in London — all in a university with no lecture halls. Boris is also an AI and future skills expert, a former government advisor, and author of Excellent Isn’t What You Think? A Book on Education and Parenting in the Age of AI.
Boris explains why AI is a fundamentally different disruption than Covid — because it’s an “imitation technology” designed to replicate what we do — and why that forces us to ask not just how we teach, but why we learn at all. We talk about the loss of curiosity in classrooms, the reproductive nature of education systems, nonviolent communication and feedback, and how the deepest driver of learning has always been human connection.
Takeaways:
- Forward College offers a degree designed for the AI era, incorporating studies across three major European cities: Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin.
- The educational model emphasizes real-world skills and critical thinking, moving away from traditional industrial-era paradigms of learning.
- AI is viewed as a disruptive force in education, necessitating a reevaluation of what and how we teach to prepare future generations.
- The college promotes a relational pedagogy, focusing on small group learning and personal development rather than traditional lecture hall formats.
- Boris Walbaum, as the founder, advocates for education that fosters adaptability and emotional intelligence to meet future challenges.
- The emphasis on human connection in learning is viewed as essential for fostering curiosity, creativity, and engagement among students.
Chapters:
- 00:02 – Introducing Forward College and Its Unique Approach
- 04:43 – The Impact of AI on Education
- 11:15 – The Need for Educational Reform in the Age of AI
- 17:41 – The Future of Education and Job Market Dynamics
- 23:35 – Navigating Educational Experiences: From Regattas to Ocean Racing
- 29:24 – The Importance of Personal Development in Education
- 35:42 – The Role of AI in Education
- 41:37 – The Importance of Environment in Learning
- 46:04 – The Art of Feedback in Education
https://forward-college.eu/our-vision/
Excellence Isn’t What You Think: Education and Parenting in the Age of AI
https://www.facebook.com/ForwardCollegeOfficial
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