The Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council is a bipartisan collaboration of legislators, educators, businesses, students and families to increase STEM awareness and opportunities in Iowa. To learn more about STEM programming going on in southeast Iowa, visit us at http://se.iowastem.org.
Cassidy Reinken named SE 2018 I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher
The Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council and Kemin Industries have announced the recipients of the 2018 I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award sponsored by Kemin Industries.
For the past four years, Kemin Industries of Des Moines has sponsored the I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher award to recognize teachers who inspire students to excel in STEM. This award recognizes and celebrates one teacher from each of the six STEM regions who goes above and beyond to increase their student's interest in STEM. Each recipient is recognized for
their dedication in representing I.O.W.A.; by being Innovative in their methods, Outstanding in their
passion for education, Worldly in the way they help students see that STEM is all around them, and
Academic through engaging students in the classroom to prepare them for higher education and high-demand careers. This year, the Southeast STEM region's honoree is Cassidy Reinken, a Magnet Coordinator at Johnson STEAM Academy (JSA) in Cedar Rapids. Ms. Reinken's goal is to inspire and encourage teachers to become more engaged in STEM subjects and careers through cross-curricular connections. She works with students and teachers through professional learning, coaching conversations, co-planning and co-teaching of STEM lessons. Ms. Reinken also supports the writing and implementation of all STEAM curriculum that aligns with the Iowa's academic standards and led the rework of this year's final curriculum map at JSA.
From her previous experience as an art teacher, she loves to incorporate art into her STEM lessons and one of her favorite projects has been the Makey Makey Op Art, which is focused on teaching students that energy can be transferred in a variety of ways and how math is used in designing optical illusions. This lesson uses the computer-based Makey Makey invention kit that turns objects into a touchpad. Students studied Op Art movement and learned the role of math in optical illusions through this program.
Ms. Reinken sits on and leads many committees in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. She facilitates continued professional learning for JSA teachers, and was a member of the CRCSD's Theory of Action Task Force, Teacher Leadership System Task
Force, and School Improvement Advisory Committee. She acts as the voice for STEM integration, personalization and innovation in all these groups. Her blog "rethink + innovate" pushes fellow educators to think creatively about the future of education. She holds monthly conversations about a specific topic/concept in education and invites fellow innovative educators to speak.
Ms. Reinken holds five Discovery Days throughout the year at JSA, where students learn in cross-grade age groupings on a select topic, such as 3D printing, building/construction, coding or Makey Makey art. She was awarded a Governor's STEM Advisory Council Scale-Up Program called ST Math in JSA's first year as a magnet school, and she has helped secure funding to sustain the usage of this program for the past two years.
Each I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award recipient was selected by a panel of judges after being nominated for the award by a colleague, school administrator, parent, student or community member and completing an application showcasing their contributions to STEM education. Each recipient will receive $1,500 for personal use and another $1,500 for their classroom.
Reinken and the other five recipients have each been honored with ceremonies in their classrooms with their students and peers, and will also be recognized together at STEM Day at the Capitol, with Gov. and STEM Council Co-Chair Kim Reynolds and a representative from Kemin Industries the morning of Wednesday, February 14th. For more information about the award and all current and previous recipients, please visit www.stemaward.fluidreview.com.
STEM Council Announces New 2018-2019 Scale-Up Menu
Since 2011, the Iowa STEM Council has vetted high quality STEM programs available to Iowa educators in formal and informal education settings.
The 2018-19 Scale-Up Program application will open Monday, January 22. The Scale-Up program menu ranges from coding programs to hands-on biotechnology and agriculture projects to STEM career exploration.
CASE - Animal and Plant Biotech
Description: Experience industry appropriate applications of biotechnology-related plant and animal agriculture through hands-on activities, projects and problems in biotechnology. Research and experimental design will be highlighted in industry-appropriate investigations that involve micropipetting, bacterial cultures and transformations, electrophoresis, and the polymerase chain.
Grade Level: 10-12
Setting: In school
More information:http://www.case4learning.org/
CASE - Environmental Sci Issues
Description: Investigate areas that include ecosystem management, sustainable agriculture, energy choices, and pollution. Students will research, investigate, experiment, and document a project, and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community.
Description: A year-long Code.org course that aligns with CSTA standards and 21st Century Learning Skills. It can be delivered as an Advanced Placement course. Teachers need no prior computer technology experience to qualify for training.
Description: Helps students think creatively and solve globally relevant engineering challenges during out-of-school programs. Each unit has an introduction to the engineering process, culminating design challenge, science and mathematics standards, and 21st Century Learning Skills.
Description: Activities that help students connect STEM to their daily lives and develop competencies essential to Iowa's future workforce. Grounded in making, safety, upcycling, creative constraints, art, and reinventing technologies. Lessons build on NGSS standards, reflect Iowa Common Core, and include National CORE Art Standards.
Description: Four hands-on modules: one introductory unit and three chosen by the educator. Features Iowa Early Learning Standards/GOLD Objectives, NGSS, Iowa Common Core math and literacy and 21st Century Learning Skills. Includes kit materials, curriculum guides, website and webinar support.
Description: Includes active instruction, team practice, formative and formal assessments, feedback and motivation, and a designated PowerTeaching coach. Contains Iowa Common Core Mathematics Standards and 21st Century Learning Skills.
Description: Using real-world scenarios, students use the design process, which includes defining the problem, generating concepts, and designing and presenting a solution. Aligns to NGSS, Iowa Common Core for Mathematics and ELA, and CSTA Standards.
Description: Explore the engineering process and mathematics of spatial thinking and geometry through construction of marble runs; mathematics and literacy skills through data collection; physics of force and motion through conversations and retesting; and 21st Century Learning Skills related to creation and innovation.
Description: With options in Life, Earth and Physical Sciences, each educator-chosen kit (5 for PreK, 9 for K-2, 9 for 3-5) is formatted into small, manageable bits of time with limited consumable items. Available in English and Spanish.
Applications will be open January 22 - March 5, 2018.
Have questions?Contact Kristine Bullock, Southeast Regional STEM Manager, at kristine-bullock@uiowa.edu.
Teachers & Businesses Needed for Perfect Externship Match
How many times have you heard a student ask, "When will I ever use this?"
The Iowa STEM Teacher Externship Program aims to help teachers answer that age-old question.
During the summer, educators work side-by-side with knowledgeable and skilled industry employees who help bring the classroom curriculum to life. Teacher Externships provide educators with the exposure to answer questions about real-world application, prepare students for careers they may have in the future, and improve educational experiences.
"The experience I've had here will definitely change how I approach certain topics because I've seen the kinds of skills that the people who work here at different levels need to have. I will be able to give my students an idea of the kind of future employment they can expect to have if they only aspire to certain levels of education and training."
Teacher Externships began in the summer of 2009 with a few goals in mind:
Create lasting partnerships between businesses and local schools.
Connect Teacher Extern experience with STEM content and 21st century skills identified in the Iowa Core.
Give students real-world career information about career possibilities right here in Iowa.
Give teachers the opportunity to see and use the latest real-world applications STEM disciplines in a local business or industry.
Teacher Externships are full-time, six-week temporary summer positions in local businesses and agencies for secondary teachers of mathematics, science and/or technology. Teachers earn a stipend of up to $4,800 (including two days of professional development), as well as one graduate credit through the University of Northern Iowa's Continuing Education program.
The STEM Council is currently in the process of recruiting interested teachers and businesses to participate in the program for summer 2018. Interested teachers can apply
here and interested businesses can apply
here
Available Resources
A collection of resources for STEM educators, businesses, and community members
Virtual Reality Headsets
6 Virtual Reality 3D headsets are available for checkout. Students can use the headsets to view STEM career videos, explore the world beyond the classroom and much more. Educators will need to have access to Apple or Android device to use with the glasses (typically student's personal device). If interested in checking out the glasses, click
here.
Pint Size Science Kit Check-Out
New BeeBot mats have been received and are available for checkout! Four types of kits from the Science Center of Iowa that are designed for 3-5 year old students are currently available for checkout. If interested in checking out a kit or for more information on the kits that are available, click
here.
Renewable Energy Activity Kits
The Southeast STEM Hub is proud to partner with the ATEEC Interactive Learning Lab at Eastern Iowa Community College to offer renewable energy activity kits to educators throughout the southeast region. Thanks to the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, ATEEC is able to offer a variety of kits that are sure to engage any student.
If interested in checking out a kit or for more information on the available kits, click here
A World In Motion Activity Kit Check-Out
Three types of kits designed for primary or elementary students are currently available for checkout.
If interested in checking out a kit or for more information on the kits that are available, click here.
Materials may be checked out for 6 weeks. They can be picked up and returned at the Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa, 2301 Oakdale Boulevard, Coralville, IA 52241. Please replace any consumables you use.
Sincerely,
Kristine Bullock SE Iowa STEM Manager kristine-bullock@uiowa.edu
