In-school and out-of-school educators have until March 2 to apply for hands-on STEM Scale-Up programs from the Iowa STEM Council
2020-2021 Scale-Up Applications Due March 2
Since 2011, the Iowa STEM Council has vetted high quality STEM programs available to Iowa educators in formal and informal education settings. The 2020-21 Scale-Up Program menu has been released and educators can apply now thru March 2. The Scale-Up program menu ranges from coding programs to integrated mathematics, agriculture projects, STEM career exploration and more. By applying for these programs, educators will receive high quality professional development and the curriculum and materials needed to implement the programs. Almost all programs are fully funded by the STEM Council.
Description: Students develop questions and learn how to analyze data critically to make meaning from the data. Flexibly designed for inclusion within courses such as math, computer science, business, and social studies.
Description: Inspire students as they build their own websites, apps, games and physical computing devices. This course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS and data.
Description: Foster equity and diversity in the classroom, breaking down barriers and stereotypes around computer science. This course is designed to be flexible for the classroom.
Description: Introduce students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenge them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. This course is a rigorous, engaging and approachable exploration of the foundational ideas of computing.
Description: Students are immersed in inquiry-based exercises that tie in the math and science of agricultural mechanics and engineering. Throughout the course, students will apply technical skill while becoming competent in the process used to operate, repair, engineer, and design agricultural tools and equipment.
Description: A digital upgrade of the widely-adopted and highly-rated middle school math curriculum authored by Illustrative Mathematics. Desmos has added to IM's curriculum a) engaging game-like feedback, b) a powerful activity dashboard that helps teachers respond to student learning, c) and a continuous professional development model supporting teachers throughout the year.
Description: An easy-to-manage resource that provides 3 levels of instruction tied to the same Standard of Learning. Each game or activity is standards-aligned, hands-on and complete with formative assessment writing prompt and skills practice.
Description: Engage and inspire young minds to explore scientific phenomena. This course is designed to build science understanding and respond to the ever changing interests and abilities of children.
Description: Introduce the tools and concepts of cybersecurity and encourage students to create solutions that allow people to share computing resources while protecting privacy. Students solve problems by understanding the vulnerability of computational resources and closing these vulnerabilities.
Description: Incorporate three-dimensional learning with an emphasis on authentic hands-on, problem-based learning. This course follows the Engineering Design Process of defining the problem, planning solutions, making a prototype, reflecting, communicating results and redesigning.
Description: Transform the classroom into incubator spaces where student teams solve real-world problems alongside industry mentors. This course prepares students with the skills and mindset to persist in STEM education, pursue STEM careers and become innovators of the future.
Description: Provide the opportunity to learn introductory programming and engineering skills with a snap-together robotics system designed from the ground up.
Description: Provide the opportunity to learn introductory and advanced programming and engineering skills with a snap-together robotics system designed from the ground up.
PreK-12 cross-curricular educators, both in and out of the classroom, are eligible to apply. Eligible applicant(s) include public and private school PreK-12 teachers, youth organization leaders, informal education professionals, home school associations and others who deliver STEM education programming. The lead applicant may also be an administrator applying on behalf of an educator or a group of educators.
Can multiple educators be listed in an application?
Yes. For example, if three fourth grade teachers from the same building are interested in applying for a program, all of the educators can be listed within one application.
I would like to apply but we have not hired the educator who would teach the program.
No worries. The application allows you to put a "placeholder" in your application. Before implementing the program, however, the placeholder will need to be replaced with an actual teacher.
Can I apply for multiple school buildings in one application?
For districts interested in applying for multiple buildings, each building will need to have its own application but within the application portal, applications can be copied to make the process of applying for buildings across a district easier.
I work with children in an afterschool program. Can I apply?
Yes, educators from out-of-school programs benefit greatly from these programs. The summaries listed below identify which programs are best suited for an out-of-school setting.
What do the programs provide?
Each program provides professional development and materials to implement the program. Some programs also provide an educator stipend, lodging and/or meals. More information about what is provided for each program can be found by clicking on the program title.
For more information about the process or the program menu, contact Kristine Bullock.
