Maria Isabel Mendiola Ramirez

I have worked as a STEM educator in middle and high school for 22 years. I have taught physics, chemistry, technology, and robotics, proficiency in teaching digital design in Tinnkercad, WokWi, and Microsoft Micro:Bit.

I have experience in computer science, C++ language, Arduino IDE, Processing, Python, and Java.
Expertise in engineering prototyping for environmental science projects using different microcontrollers such as Arduino, ESP32, LoRa, Raspberry Pico, Micro:Bit and sensors for chemistry projects, physics, biology.

Expertise in problem and project-based learning, curriculum writer for middle and high school engineering projects for science labs, fluent in both Spanish and English. I am a self-directed and enthusiastic educator with a passionate commitment to students’ development and their learning experience. My focus is on the design of challenging, enriching, and innovative activities to support STEM education that address the diverse interests and needs of every student. Preparing students for state and national STEM competitions.
My husband and I opened Gearbox Labs in 2019, a non-profit education company. Our mission is to produce cutting-edge and rigorous STEAM education resources and programs for schools, homeschools, out-of-school programs, and self-motivated learners.
Our first curriculum, The STEAM+C Classroom: STEAM Edition, features 25 projects with 110 project extensions for a STEM/STEAM classroom. Our curriculum integrates engineering design, coding in C/C++, and digital prototyping into STEM/STEAM content.

We feature many data sensors in the book that can be used to collect data or control machines. We have written the book for grades 5 and up. The book can also be used in an afterschool or homeschool setting.
Since publishing this edition, we have written several supplements featuring new sensors, a thematic guide around flight, and starter guides in English and Spanish.