On Saturday, I was privileged to participate in a truly unique event, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) inaugural STEM Conference in Durham, NC. The day was a testament to the power of collaboration, filled with innovative ideas and a shared passion for education. We delved into the fascinating intersection of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and SEL (Social-Emotional Learning), a topic that is gaining increasing importance in education. I could sense the energy and enthusiasm from the moment I stepped into the venue, and the event surpassed all my expectations.
As I walked into the conference, I was greeted by Dr. Wykeria Glass, Associate Professor & Program Coordinator of Early Childhood, Curriculum and Instruction, the wonderful host who welcomed me with open arms. She led me to my room and even sent two amazing student volunteers to assist me with setup. Full of energy and enthusiasm, these young women helped me get organized and became my right-hand team throughout the event. Their support set the tone for a day filled with collaboration and engagement.
The educators, hailing from various corners of North Carolina, were a source of immense inspiration. Their eagerness to incorporate STEM and SEL into their classrooms was palpable and refreshing. It was a privilege to share our goal of creating powerful student learning experiences. Their enthusiasm was inspiring and a testament to their dedication and the potential of our shared mission.
We discussed these feeling words in detail and explored ways to weave SEL into STEM lessons. We began with the basics of SEL, such as teaching positive self-statements like "I am capable" and understanding neuroplasticity—how the brain grows and adapts through learning. We engaged in hands-on activities that illustrated how to incorporate SEL into everyday STEM lessons, such as using repetition to build focus and emotional regulation. The Feeling Friends characters are designed to help children understand and manage their emotions, and they played a central role in these activities.
We combined science with creativity by using The Feeling Friends characters to explore SEL. Educators completed a science-based activity that created a fuzzy heart experience. A group of educators had a math-based challenge where they had to figure out missing information to complete the task. The challenge involved a real-world problem requiring collaboration, critical thinking, and responsible decision-making. The teachers had to work together to solve the problem. In doing so, they demonstrated what we were teaching—responsible decision-making, collaboration, and the ability to step outside the box when things do not go as planned.
The engineering activity, however, was a huge hit! Educators created a sensory cave for one of the Feeling Friends characters, Angie the Tiger, to help manage her anger. These sensory caves, filled with textures and tools, were a brilliant adaptation of the original assignment and showcased teachers' creativity when given the freedom to innovate. This activity demonstrated the power of SEL in managing emotions and the potential for STEM to be a tool for emotional expression and regulation. Educators did not choose the technology activity to create photo albums showcasing different emotions, using The Feeling Friends as models. This was a new way to connect SEL with technology, although it didn't resonate with the participants. We learned that educators do not like all activities, which is perfectly okay.
Watching educators add their unique spin to the activities was a powerful reminder of how powerful a guide—and a little creative freedom—can be in the classroom. Their creativity was impressive and truly appreciated.
As we wrapped up the day, one teacher, Gary, made a statement that resonated with my soul: "SEL is the foundation of STEM." That insight captivated everyone in the room. STEM can teach students to solve problems and think critically, but SEL helps them develop the resilience, emotional intelligence, and teamwork skills they need to excel in these areas.
The most touching moment came after the workshop had ended. While cleaning up, a woman walked into the room, saw The Feeling Friends Education Kit box, and asked me, "Why do I know The Feeling Friends?" After some conversation, she discovered that her aunt, Janyce Marshall, had created the original Feeling Friends plush toys 30 years ago! Janyce’s son Chad had created the original characters. I reconnected with Janyce immediately on the telephone, which brought me full circle in my journey with this project. It was a powerful reminder that our work in SEL and emotional intelligence is timeless and continues to impact lives across generations.
The conference was a shining example of the power of collaboration between universities, companies, and educators to serve the community. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Glass and the NCCU team for hosting such a well-organized, professional event. Reflecting on my workshop, it is clear that SEL is the foundation of STEM. Equipping students with the emotional tools they need sets them up for success in all areas of life. This knowledge fills me with excitement for the future of this partnership and the great things we will continue to achieve together. Thank you, NCCU, for the opportunity to soar together—this is just the beginning of our journey, and I am eager to see where it takes us.
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