Meet the Expert: Laurie Orth, Music Teacher and STEAM education pioneer
STEAM education pioneer Laurie Orth brings together the two contrasting disciplines of space exploration and music. Creating a pipeline for young people into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) educational programs through music is important to her. With over two decades teaching in various settings, in 2012 she began her own business, teaching general music classes to the homeschool community. She teaches on her YouTube channel, Laurie Orth Music Teacher, and teaches music as an independent contractor at the Jessye Norman School for the Arts in Augusta, Georgia.
In May of 2019, Laurie published her first book, Rocket Recorder: Volume One, an innovative music workbook for recorder students that introduces space exploration. She has presented her space-themed music to educators nationally and internationally. She has been a guest on several music and space education podcasts.
Laurie serves as a Teacher Liaison with the Space Foundation, is the Vice President of Aerospace Education and President for the Savannah Chapter of the Air Force Association. In 2020, she received the Air Force Association’s Medal of Merit for the state of Georgia. She served for four years with her son’s CyberPatriot team, as Team Assistant. She was selected as a social media influencer by the Social Media Team at NASA HQ and attended the International Astronautical Congress and toured NASA HQ in Washington, D.C. She serves as a STEAM and Music Educator for the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. In May 2021, she became a corporate ambassador for the Give a Note Foundation. She sings professionally and is a member of Georgia Music Educators Association and the National Association for Music Educators. www.laurieorth.com
Laurie at Kennedy Space Center
Laurie with Lunar Lander Map
***********************************************************************************************************************************Challenge:
Take a very easy melody you know, like Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and change it up by adding words about space. OR create a space rap!
Share it with us by LEAVING A COMMENT BELOW or share with us on our Twitter , Instagram or Facebook page and you’ll automatically be entered to win a copy of the book giveaway for this episode!
***********************************************************************************************************************************
Highlighted book for this episode!
Rocket Recorder by Laurie Orth
The space-themed music composed for the supplemental workbook Rocket Recorder: Volume 1 has flipped a switch in students, opening their minds to learning by putting them in a place of brain reward/motivation and memory that is remarkable to observe.
Book List:
Easy Recorder Tunes: 30 Fun and Easy Recorder Tunes for Beginners! by Ben Parker
The Fascinating Space Book for Kids: 500 Far-Out Facts! by Lisa Reichley
National Geographic Kids Everything Space: Blast Off for a Universe of Photos, Facts, and Fun! by Helaine Becker
