<p>In this episode of Design Cast, Jason chats with Dan Thomas, a dedicated STEM teacher from Jamestown, New York. They discuss the value of play-based learning (PBL), the importance of creativity in the classroom, and Dan&#39;s upcoming projects.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Dan&#39;s Background</strong>:</p><p>·      33 years of teaching experience.</p><p>·      Currently teaches 7th grade STEM, covering robotics, coding, woodshop, metal shop, and CAD.</p><p><strong>Teaching Philosophy</strong>:</p><p>·      Focuses on creating &quot;aha moments&quot; for students.</p><p>·      Emphasizes fun and play in learning, arguing that engagement leads to better retention.</p><p><strong>Incorporating LEGO inEducation</strong>:</p><p>·      Dan uses LEGO for creative builds to spark student engagement and creativity.</p><p>·      Discusses the educational benefits of LEGO, including the development of cognitive skills.</p><p>·      LEGO&#39;s meaning in Latin: &quot;<em>I build</em>&quot; and the importance of open-ended building activities.</p><p><strong>Current Projects</strong>:</p><p>·      Dan is retiring soon and working on the &quot;Tech Ed Clubhouse,&quot; which aims to promote tech education and project-based learning.</p><p>·      He is writing a book titled &quot;Where&#39;s the Fun in That?&quot; focused on the role of play in education.</p><p>·      Plans to start a newsletter and has projects available on his website.</p><p><strong>Daily Engagement</strong>:</p><p>·      Dan shares daily selfies with dad jokes on social media, emphasizing the importance of humor in education.</p><p><u>Resources Mentioned</u></p><p><strong>Lego Foundation</strong>: <a href="https://learningthroughplay.com" target="_blank">learningthroughplay.com</a></p><p><strong>Wakelet</strong>: <a href="https://wakelet.com" target="_blank">wakelet.com</a></p><p><strong>Books Recommended</strong>: </p><ul> <li>&quot;Play&quot; by Dr. Stuart Brown</li> <li>&quot;Flow&quot; by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi</li> <li>&quot;The LEGO Serious Play Method&quot;</li></ul><p>Connect with Dan Thomas<strong>Website</strong>: <a href="https://www.techedclubhouse.com" target="_blank">TechEd Clubhouse</a></p><p><strong>LinkedIn</strong>: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danthomas" target="_blank">Dan Thomas on LinkedIn</a></p><p><strong>Twitter</strong>: @CoachThomasTech</p><p><u>Closing Thoughts</u>Dan emphasizes the importance of doing what you love and following your educational strengths. His passion for teaching and learning is evident throughout the conversation, inspiring educators and students.</p><p><br></p>