RootED in Faith | Ep 1: Building Faith Through STEM

In this episode of Rooted in Faith, host Suellen Timm interviews Ophelia Barizo, M.Sc., a STEM Consultant, Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator, and Nationally Certified STEM Educator. Barizo shares practical, faith-integrated strategies for starting STEM in the classroom with purpose and shares stories of her journey as an Adventist teacher.

Episode Highlights:
-What STEM is—and why it matters in faith-based schools
-When and how to begin STEM learning
-Key attributes of successful STEM teaching
-Real-world examples of integrating faith with STEM
-Devotional ideas, classroom worships, and Week of Prayer themes using STEM
-Encouragement for teachers who feel “non-STEM”
-Faith-focused strategies for making STEM accessible and engaging

Practical Takeaways:
-Tips for early STEM integration in any grade
-Devotional and worship themes that merge STEM concepts
-Cross-curricular connections between Bible and STEM content

Resources Mentioned:
-Sample STEM-themed devotional ideas
-Suggested classroom projects with spiritual applications
-Adventist Educators Blog posts written by Barizo