Beyond STEM: Building Kids Who Believe They Belong | Dr. Jennifer Berry | CEO of SmartLab and STEM Education Leader | Season 13 Episode 26 | #247

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms education and work, what abilities will matter most for the next generation? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, to explore how schools can prepare students for a future where knowledge is instantly accessible but curiosity, resilience, creativity, and human judgment become increasingly valuable. Rather than viewing STEM as simply science and technology, Jennifer argues that it is fundamentally about developing a mindset in which students believe they belong, can overcome difficult challenges, and know that their ideas matter. Our conversation explores the philosophy behind project-based learning, the importance of productive struggle, and why education should prioritize exploration over memorization. We discuss how AI should support rather than replace thinking, why failure is essential for developing the brain, and how hands-on learning helps students build confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking. Jennifer also explains SmartLab's vision for creating "STEM identity" through meaningful experiences rather than isolated classroom lessons. We also examine some of the biggest structural challenges facing education today, including standardized testing, grading systems, siloed subjects, and the difficulty of implementing meaningful change within large school systems. Throughout the conversation, Jennifer makes the case that education should ultimately help young people become thoughtful, compassionate, and adaptable human beings who are prepared not only for careers, but for life itself. Chapters (1:02:22 Episode) 00:00 – Introduction 02:18 – AI, Education, and the Purpose of Learning 05:28 – Why Students Should Think Before Using AI 08:18 – Productive Struggle and How the Brain Learns 13:47 – What Is a STEM Identity? 20:05 – Why Hands-On Learning Matters 24:20 – Play, Curiosity, and Critical Thinking 26:18 – Can Project-Based Learning Scale? 30:02 – Why Schools Separate Knowledge into Subjects 31:05 – Do Grades Actually Measure Learning? 36:05 – SmartLab's Vision for Educational Change 41:35 – Integrating Project-Based Learning into Schools 47:48 – Why Educational Change Is So Difficult 52:12 – Curiosity, Success, and the Purpose of Education 54:00 – Empathy, Perspective, and Raising Better Humans 58:05 – Finding Hope in Education 01:00:12 – Coaching, Leadership, and Lifelong Learning 01:01:15 – Final Reflections and Closing Other Topics & Resources Mentioned SmartLab and the concept of STEM Identity Project-Based Learning (PBL) International Baccalaureate (IB) education Artificial Intelligence tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) Google Classroom