# Summary:

Welcome to the first episode of Science Teachers of the Metaverse!

Today we kick things off with a lovely conversation with Jessica Ramdhany, a former New York City high school teacher. She’s now a converted curriculum writer with Inspirit, but previously  taught science in New York taught for 6 years. Her experience is largely based on teaching multiple sciences to a very diverse population of students and she is specialized in NGSS, making science education engaging, SEL, and the psychology of education. Tune in today as we discuss making learning in the science classroom more accessible!

## Listen To Podcast Here:

On Anchor

<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/inspiritvr/embed/episodes/Tools-for-Making-Learning-More-Accessible-with-Jessica-Ramdhany-e1g3ipt/a-a7ke1q4" height="208px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

On Spotify

<iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6ZpVeTDWXolfpzImamtVOv?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="232" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture"></iframe>

## This Show is Hosted by: 

Inspirit, the 3D STEM learning platform, revolutionizing virtual science learning everywhere! Click here to sign up and build your 3D lesson plan in less than 30 seconds.

## In This Episode We Cover:

- Jessica’s impressive background! BS in Biology and MA in Science Education - specifically for grades 9-12.
- Jessica’s love for Biology and teaching Biology - it truly is dynamic discipline.
- SEL in Biology! Having students learn about how processing emotions (like journaling, talking, expressing gratitude) and its effects on the brain. 
- Using the Mood Meter and free writes for accessible SEL opportunities
- Biggest shift in education according to Jessica- a move away from the lecture model and towards process and dynamic education
- Social media as tool for students to bring their own learning into the science classroom! Provides opportunities for analysis
- Adapting science content to be more engaging and interactive! Using tools like Kahoot to engage students
Using group work as a way to adapt, customize, and meet students at their different levels 

## Defining moment:
”I had my students engage in high level academic discussion...Some of the topics we did were reproductive technology, nuclear technology...and watching the students put together their own resources and articles...and engage in their own discussion about these things was truly memorable for me and emotional. Every time I did it, every single student in the classroom was able to engage. 

## Links from the Show:

-__[Mood Meter:](https://www.marcbrackett.com/the-colors-of-our-emotions/)__ choosing numbers on a scale to express emotion.

-__[Kahoot](https://kahoot.it/)__

## Connect & Follow Jessica here!

[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-r-bbb59111a/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-r-bbb59111a/)

Learn About Tools for Making Learning More Accessible with Jessica Ramdhany 

EOTMP EP1 Thumbnail

Tools for Making Learning More Accessible with Jessica Ramdhany - EOTMP Episode 1

# Summary:
Today on Educators of the Metaverse, we hear from Physics extraordinaire Tom Walsh. Tom  taught all levels of high school physics for 28 years before retiring in 2018. He created and maintains the website [ophysics.com](http://ophysics.com/) which offers animations and simulations intended to help physics students better understand physics concepts. (The site is completely free to use for educational purposes, and is used by students and teachers around the world.)In this episode, learn about how Tom created his website, oPhysics, and listen to his advice on how you can start incorporating interactive virtual resources into your classroom.

## Listen To Podcast Here:

On Anchor

<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/inspiritvr/embed/episodes/Figuring-Out-Physics-with-Tom-Walsh-e1g52si/a-a7kk1ak" height="208px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

On Spotify

<iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5qv5ekgBlyv9RPEYfVBcPr" width="100%" height="232" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture"></iframe>

## This Show is Hosted by: 

Inspirit, the 3D STEM learning platform, revolutionizing virtual science learning everywhere! Click here to sign up and build your 3D lesson plan in less than 30 seconds.

## In This Episode We Cover:

- Tom’s Background: 28 years teaching in high school- all different levels of physics! Included physical science to AP Physics. He taught the whole time in public schools in New Jersey

- oPhysics: Since Tom was first exposed to GeoGebra, he started created simulations for Physics circa 2011/2012

- Then, he decided it would be easiest to share these Physics  with his students via his own website. Hence- the birth of oPhysics! He now has over 100 simulations.

- He started creating simple math based Physics simulations, and took lots of inspiration from other people’s creation.

- Tom started incorporating simulations into class with very specific instructions, guiding his students closely. Later, he started creating more lab-like simulations where students could explore on their own. 

- The biggest shift in teaching that Tom’s observed: the use of technology in general. 

- oPhysics and Teaching: previously, Tom had his students use other simulations, like Phet. But he saw the resources weren’t always exactly what he needed- which is what he used to help him design his simulations (what exactly did he want his students to learn).

- Simulations + online resources need to improve their guided experiences for learners- they shouldn’t have to follow a separate worksheet in order to complete the online experience. 

- Teachers looking to incorporate more interactive, virtual tools- start small! Look up Tom’s previous work on GeoGebra and use it as it make sense. Take it one step at a time.

- Tom’s passion: Ukeleles! He enjoys collecting, studying, and all things ukeleles!

## Hot Takes:

”With my website...I now have something that has helped people around the world... I’ve gotten emails from around the world telling me how useful it’s been- especially during the pandemic. It’s really made me feel that much more complete as a Physics teacher, even though I’m retired now.”

## Links from the Show:

oPhysics- [https://ophysics.com/](https://ophysics.com/)

GeoGebra - [https://www.geogebra.org/?lang=en](https://www.geogebra.org/?lang=en)

Inspirit- [https://www.inspiritvr.com/](https://www.inspiritvr.com/)

Phet - [https://phet.colorado.edu/](https://phet.colorado.edu/)

## Connect & Follow here!

Connect with Tom at [tw@ophysics.com](mailto:tw@ophysics.com).

Learn about engaging physics content creation with Tom Walsh, creator of oPhysics.com. 
 