Sandy Roberts is the Education Program Manager at Science Friday, where she creates learning resources, content, and experiences to advance STEM equity in all learning environments.
Sandy earned her degree in chemical biology from Stevens Institute of Technology with a minor in literature and certificates in chemical engineering and computer science. After working in both pharmaceutical research and publishing, she transitioned her career to education when she started a family.
Since then, Sandy has taught formally as a middle school STEM teacher with certifications in science and math and informally at local libraries, homeschool co-ops, museums, and camps. She’s also offered professional development to educators through various venues, including Rutgers University, where she earned a graduate certificate in Maker Education. Sandy completed her M.A. in Community Based Education and Leadership with a focus on STEM education at Stevenson University.
Sandy has participated in and presented at Maker Faires along the East Coast since 2012 where she has won numerous awards for her educational activities. Channeling the Maker Movement into education, she has overseen the development of three makerspaces, written The Big Book of Maker Camp Projects (McGraw-Hill 2019), and served as Maker Camp Coordinator and Community Manager for Make: Magazine. Sandy currently sits on the Executive Board for New Jersey Makers Day.
Sandy has spoken at events such as the Make: Education Forum, the National Science Teachers Association National Conference, the AFT Share My Lesson Virtual Conference, the New Jersey Educational Technology Conference, the Canadian Association of Science Centres Annual Conference, and the STEMM Opportunity Alliance White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence. In 2024, Sandy’s work at Science Friday was recognized as a Falling Walls Science Engagement Winner and presented at the Falling Walls Summit in Berlin.
When not teaching or writing, Sandy can be found tinkering in her home office, exploring the outdoors, or spending time with her family—sometimes all three at once. Lately she’s been playing with origami circuits, relearning micro-python, and trying to perfect a gluten-free sourdough recipe.
The Science Of Sunlight And Shadows
Experiment and model the light from the Sun as you explore the science of day and night, the seasons, and shadows.
The Awesome Energy Of The Sun
Experiment with the effects of ultraviolet light as you explore the electromagnetic spectrum from the Sun.
Gravity And Centripetal Force In Our Solar System
Become the Sun as you experiment with the many ways that motion, gravity, inertia, and centripetal force shape our solar system.
Make A Swirling Shaving Cream Sun Model
Model our closest star, the Sun, with this crafty hands-on science activity using shaving cream and food coloring.
Bright Idea: Science Friday’s Sun Camp
The Sun Camp educational program features easy-to-do, hands-on STEAM activities for families and educators curious about Sun science.
Bring The Artemis Mission Home With Hands-On Activities
Grab some supplies and try these hands-on STEM activities right at home to celebrate the Artemis mission to the Moon.
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When Trapping Invasive Bugs Is Science Homework
STEM educators are helping students tackle a real-world challenge—trapping the invasive spotted lanternfly.