STEM Happenings Across SE Iowa

IN THIS ISSUE

SCALE-UP & STEM BEST APPS OPEN SOON

SCHOOLS RECEIVE STEM BEST GRANTS

EXTERNSHIP HOSTS NEEDED

STEM FESTIVALS - EXHIBITORS NEEDED

UPCOMING EVENTS NEAR YOU

January 2020

SOUTHEAST IOWA STEM NEWS

STEM news just for you!

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 programs, events, and resources in Southeast Iowa, visit our website .

This newsletter is compiled by Southeast Iowa STEM Manager Kristine Bullock and her team. Email Kristine for all inquires about STEM programming in Southeast Iowa.

SAVE THE DATES: STEM Scale-Up &

STEM BEST Applications

On January 13, the official list of Iowa STEM Scale-Up programs for the 2020-2021 school year will be announced. The application will open to formal and informal educators on January 21.

Common Scale-Up Questions:

Who can apply?

Educators from in-school and out-of-school settings are encouraged to apply.

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.

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.

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.

On February 10, the STEM Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers (STEM BEST) application will open to public and private K-12 schools.

Common STEM BEST Questions:

Who can apply?

Iowa public and non-public school districts and buildings serving students in grades K-12.

How much are the awards?

Eligible applicants can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to be used between July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021.

I am a business looking to partner with a local school district. Can I apply?

Businesses and community organizations are encouraged to apply in partnership with public or private K-12 schools by submitting letters of commitment as part of the application. However, the applying entity must be the school or district.

How are applications submitted?

The STEM Council uses an online application system to handle all aspects of the application process. The application will go live on February 10th but resources are available at https://iowastem.gov/STEMBEST/application

I am looking to partner with another school or district. Can we apply together?

Yes, schools or districts are encouraged to apply together to maximize community resources. The application process will allow the applicant to add multiple school buildings or districts. The lead school or district will serve as the financial entity and will be responsible for the required progress reports.

Schedule a Meeting with Southeast Iowa STEM Manager to discuss available programs and the application process.

2 Southeast Iowa Schools Receive STEM BEST Enhancement Grants

Recently, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council directed additional support toward 19 STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program partners through the STEM BEST Program Enhancement Fund. The funds will help enhance work-based learning opportunities made available through school and business partnerships during the 2019-2020 academic year.

The STEM BEST Program Enhancement Fund supports previously awarded STEM BEST Programs that demonstrated evidence of how the funds would enrich or expand current STEM BEST Programs, strengthen partnerships, enhance experiences for students and increase participation of students of diversity.

In the Southeast STEM Region, Davenport West High School was awarded $10,000 to develop a summer camp for 5th grade and older students focusing on manufacturing and design. The camp will target underrepresented students in manufacturing with the goal of preparing students to pursue manufacturing coursework in high school and manufacturing careers post-high school.

Keokuk High School was awarded $6563 to develop the 12 Plus Program from Lee County Economic Development Group. In the past, Keokuk High School had limited participation due to transportation barriers and scheduling issues. Developing the course on campus will allow more students to enroll in the program and improve their awareness of careers, soft skills and overall employability skills.

For more information about the awarded programs, visit our website.

Externship Hosts Needed Across Southeast Iowa

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.

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.

Recently, members of the Southeast Iowa STEM Advisory Council met with Arconic Davenport Operations leadership to discuss the Teacher Externship Program and to ask Arconic to partner with the Council in this area.

David Jacoby from the Southeast Iowa STEM Hub and Dan D'Alessandro from the Southeast STEM Advisory Board were presented the program and its benefits to Arconic staff including John Riches - Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Jorge Rodriguez - Manager of Human Resources, Cindy Barrett -- Manufacturing Manager, and Kim Worley - Manufacturing and Engineering Manager.

Arconic Davenport Works is one of the largest employers in the Quad Cities region, providing sheet aluminum to many manufacturers including Ford (pickup trucks) and Boeing (aircraft). Arconic employs roughly 2.500 employees and draws from several counties in Iowa and Illinois. Like many companies across Iowa, Arconic leadership sees a challenge in hiring skilled trades employees especially electricians. Programs like the Iowa STEM Teacher Externship program help influential teachers see high demand careers in action and take that knowledge back to the classroom.

Are you interested in learning more about the Iowa STEM Teacher Externship Program? Email us at externships@iowastem.gov .

New STEM Festival Set for East Central Iowa

The Southeast STEM Hub is excited to announce that on March 29th from 1:00 - 4:00, the hub will be partnering with local school districts and local businesses to host the first East Central Iowa STEM Festival at Belle Plaine High School. The goal of the festival is to bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life by assembling experienced scientists, engineers, teachers and education experts to provide an afternoon full of hands-on activities. The event is free and open to the public.

Organizers of the event are actively seeking exhibitors to host 5-10 minute activities throughout the event. This event provides a great opportunity for businesses and organizations to showcase STEM in the workplace through activities such as welding simulations, chemical interactions, computer coding, rocket building and more. To host an activity, register here.

Members of the public interested in attending with children may register their group here.

Upcoming Events and Deadlines

STEM Family Free Night

Last Friday of the month

5 pm - 8 pm

Iowa Children's Museum

Girls Love Code

Tuesdays 3:30 - 4:30

Davenport Public Library

Little Makers

Wednesdays 3:30 - 4:30

Davenport Public Library - Eastern

Little Makers

Thursdays 3:30 - 4:30

Davenport Public Library - M ain

LEGO Time

Thursdays 4 pm - 5 pm

Fairfield Public Library

Bett STEM Expo

January 25 11 am - 2 pm

Bettendorf Middle School

February Code Plus Plus

February 1 9:00 - 3:00

NewBoCo, Cedar Rapids

Linn County STEM Festival

February 18 4:00 - 7:30 pm

Kirkwood Linn County Regional Center, Hiawatha

Southeast Iowa STEM Festival

February 22 10:00 - 1:30

Southeastern Community College, West Burlington

East Central Iowa STEM Festival

March 29 1:00 - 4:00

Belle Plaine High School

Best Practices in STEM #Reboot

February 11 8:00 - 4:00 GPAEA in Ottumwa

Scale-Up Application Opens

January 21

GWAEA MSC Hummingbird kit training

February 4 Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa

STEM BEST Application Opens

February 10

QCESC Annual Banquet

February 20 5 - 8:30 Putnam Museum, Davenport

FIRST Tech Challenge League Meet

Jan 25 Marion High School

Volunteer Info

FIRST Tech Challenge League Meet

Jan 25 Central DeWitt High School

Volunteer Info

FIRST Tech Challenge Super Qualifier Tournament

Feb 15 Regina High School Iowa City

Volunteer Info

Linn County STEM Festival

February 18 4:00 - 7:30 pm

Kirkwood Linn County Regional Center, Hiawatha

QCESC Annual Banquet

February 20 5 - 8:30 Putnam Museum, Davenport

Southeast Iowa STEM Festival

February 22 10:00 - 1:30

Southeastern Community College, West Burlington

East Central Iowa STEM Festival

March 29 1:00 - 4:00

Belle Plaine High School

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

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 .

A World In Motion Activity Kit

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

www.se.iowastem.org