DFSME eNEWS arrives at our three-year milestone publication this month! In that time, our audience reach has cascaded upward to over 2,600 educators and business community members. The DFSME staff thanks YOU, our readers for the many shout-outs we have received in regard to our pursuit of preparing EVERY student in Delaware to participate in a STEM-based workforce through improved effectiveness in STEM education.

In this issue we highlight the Odyssey of the Mind World Champions at North Star Elementary School, new STEM career profile videos by DuPont, Brandywine High School’s win at the national Samsung competition, the new Learning Lab at ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute, DFSME’s Shining Light Award honoree at Cape Henlopen, the special summer exhibit “Be the Astronaut” at Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, and more!

— Randy Guschl, Executive Director, DFSME

Above: North Star Elementary’s Odyssey of the Mind program members.

Below: North Star Elementary world championship team. Photos courtesy Mike Phillips, WDEL

Odyssey of the Mind World Finals: World Champs in North Star

DuPont STEM Career Catalyst Program Achieves Milestone

in Education Partnership

Videos Featuring DuPont Employees Will Help Young Students

 Explore Careers in STEM

This month, DuPont achieved a key milestone in their STEM Career Catalyst Program with the release of three new STEM career profile videos. The videos, featuring DuPont employees, are geared toward students in grades K-5.

The STEM Career Catalyst Program is a three-year partnership between DuPont, Discovery Education and the Delaware Department of Education. The program serves to increase student and teacher access to high-quality STEM resources, as well as instructional materials that enhance career and technical education programs across Delaware. The goal is to build the next generation workforce by increasing interest in STEM careers, particularly among under-represented student populations.

The videos were recorded on site at DuPont’s facilities in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware, and make real-world connections for young students through a range of careers including Material Scientist, Reliability and Equipment Engineer, and Lead Technologist. The videos are live on Discovery Education’s STEM Careers Coalition website and K-12 platform. Six additional DuPont videos are planned over the next two years…READ MORE

To see the full collection of DuPont Career Profile videos on the Discovery Education’s STEM Coalition

website, click here.

To download more DFSME Career Profiles to share with your students, click here.

Brandywine High School National Champion STEM Team (L-R) Thomas Baer, Arun Krishnamurthy, Noah Fake, Anand John, and Gabe Pust. Photo courtesy Mike Phillips, WDEL

Brandywine High School Wins Samsung

“Solve for Tomorrow” National Competition

Also Honored by Samsung Employees as “Employee Choice Winner”

Brandywine High School was one of three national winners in Samsung's "Solve for Tomorrow” competition which drew more than a thousand entrants. As one of ten finalists, the team made a live pitch to a panel of judges in Washington DC. The team's project, a proposed solution for low-cost Assistive Technology, was also selected by Samsung employees as the "Employee Choice Winner."

"We made a product that allows people with independent living disabilities to control appliances in the workplace or around the house, and we redesigned it for a 97-percent reduction in price from the market," said team member Gabe Pust.

Physics and engineering teacher Dr. Jud Wagner said, "They were driven by empathy in doing work for people who can't do these things on their own. You look at how genuine they are. The team serves as inspiration for other Delaware students."

When they arrived back in Wilmington, the team, comprised of seniors Arun Krishnamurthy, Anand John, Thomas Baer, Noah Fake and Gabe Pust, was congratulated for their milestone win by Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long at the train station. A stretch limo then whisked them to the high school, where they were greeted by a pep rally including the school band's drum line.

Where they are going next:

Thomas Baer - University of Delaware - Mechanical Engineering

Noah Fake - University of Maryland - Physics

Anand John - MIT - Electrical & Computer Engineering

Arun Krishnamurthy - University of Pittsburg - Civil Engineering

Gabriel Pust - Stevens Institute of Technology - Environmental Engineering

Dr. Rony Flechier accepts the “Shining Light Award” at a presentation with 11th and 12th grade students at Cape Henlopen High School. Educators participating in the presentation were (L-R), Dr. Jessica Hazzard,

Dr. Michael Young, Dr. Nikki Miller, and Kristin DeGregory, Cape Henlopen Principal.

DFSME’s June “Shining Light Award”

Honors Dr. Rony Flechier, Mathematics Educator

This month’s DFSME Shining Light Award honors Dr. Rony Flechier. Flechier worked previously with the Seaford School District and currently teaches both Calculus and AP Calculus at Cape Henlopen High School. He encourages students to bring real-life applications to math, and introduces them to careers that depend on math. He invites students from his past classes to share their stories about teachers who inspired them in achieving their own STEM careers and jobs.

Dr. Flechier also tutors students in grades 6-12 in math, chemistry and physics. He is co-chair of Cape Henlopen’s math department and coaches both boys’ and girls’ soccer. As a member of the Seaford community, he is active with the Seaford Library, as well as working with local churches to help Haitian immigrants learn about government services and English classes for better opportunities.

Dr. Flechier was recognized as Seaford High School Teacher of the Year 2014 and 2016, Cape Henlopen School District Teacher of the Year 2023, Second Place Mathematics Coach by Salisbury University 2023, and Third Place Mathematics Coach by Salisbury University 2018.

We are pleased to recognize Dr. Flechier as superlative educators!

Dr. Rony Flechier was nominated by Dr. Nikki Miller, Ed.D,

Supervisor of Instruction, Seaford School District.

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Anyone Can Nominate a Shining Light Educator!

Who will YOU Nominate?

Anyone may nominate a STEM formal, informal or community Educator for the Shining Light Award. Honorees receive an award, a $100 gift card and a mini heavy-duty mag flashlight.

For "easy-to-nominate" details, visit us at dfsme.org/shining-light-award.

Email completed form to drses48@aol.com or Michelle.Kutch@bsd.k12.de.us.

Free Program Teaches the Power of Gene Editing

ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute Opens a Unique

Learning Lab for High School and College Students

To inspire the next generation of students to pursue careers in STEM and learn about the power of genomic science, ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute has launched a new Learning Lab on its premises that offers educational programming about revolutionary CRISPR gene editing technology.

Located on the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus, the Learning Lab provides an immersive field trip experience for upper-level high school students and college undergraduates who may not have access at their schools to a to conduct gene editing experiments.

There is no cost for schools to use the lab or for the materials to conduct the experiment. The Gene Editing Institute wants to ensure that all schools have equal opportunity to participate in educational programming at the lab.

“Our hope is that we can inspire the next generation of students to

pursue STEM careers. The Learning Lab allows us to help cultivate

the next generation of genetic scientists, and to strengthen Delaware

and our region as a leader in biotechnology.”

– Eric Kmiec, Ph.D., Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer,

ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute

Students using the lab can perform a gene editing experiment in a single day using the Gene Editing Institute’s innovative CRISPR in a Box™ educational toolkit…READ MORE

To watch the 2-minute video about the Gene Editing Institute Learning Lab, click here.

To read or download the Gene Editing Institute Primer, click here.

Schedule a Learning Lab Field Trip for Your Class

R.S.V.P. to Attend the Virtual Info Session on July 25

The Learning Lab is a unique opportunity for 11th and 12th grade students and their teachers to explore the novel and innovative world of genome science and CRISPR technology.

To learn more about this opportunity, attend our virtual info session on July 25, 2023 at 10:00am, send an RSVP email to geneeditinginstitute@christianacare.org.

To schedule a Learning Lab for your classroom, send an email to geneeditinginstitute@christianacare.org to connect with Amanda Hewes, the Education Program Manager for the Learning Lab. We will find a date that works for your curriculum and class schedule.

June’s 2023 Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM Honoree

Delaware’s (Un)Hidden Figures

At the Proclamation Signing on March 28, Million Women Mentors Delaware (MWM-DE) marked the occasion by announcing the 2023 Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM honorees. This annual recognition celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of these Delaware women in STEM, as well as illuminate the many STEM career paths for Delaware girls. Each month we highlight a 2023 Honoree.

Amanda Hewes is Education Program Manager at the ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute, and our June Honoree. She designs and implements programs to engage students in understanding the concepts of gene editing and CRISPR technology.

Million Women Mentors is the premier network dedicated to encouraging girls and women around the world to pursue, persist and succeed in STEM careers. The Delaware STEM Council and DFSME are partners in the event along with MWM-DE and the Office of the Governor, State of Delaware.

The Museum’s Summer Special Exhibit

“Be the Astronaut” Opens June 24 on Family Fun Day

Delaware Museum of Nature & Science

2023 Family Fun Day | Saturday, June 24 | 9:30am - 1pm

4840 Kennett Pike | Wilmington, DE 19807

Experience the wonders of space and plan a space mission, learn about the technology and math skills required to be an astronaut, and fly spaceships, pilot landers and drive rovers in this exciting exhibit. The exhibit includes interactive stations that encourage guests to learn basic concepts about our solar system, space travel, gravity and more.

About the Museum

Quench your thirst for exploration at the recently renovated and rebranded Delaware Museum of Nature & Science in Wilmington. The museum’s new focus is on what we know about nature and science, why it matters to us, and what we can do to protect the environment.

The museum highlights the ecosystems of Delaware. Visitors can also explore the savannah, the arctic tundra, and marine ecosystems with a close-up look at creatures that dwell in each - shallow, midwater and the deep sea.

The $10.8 million renovation includes the First State’s very own dinosaur, which once roamed the area. The towering replica is a big attraction for visitors of all ages, but especially for budding young scientists.

For more information, visit www.delmns.org.

America Foundation

Grants Promote K-12 Classroom STEM Projects

• Do you have an innovative idea for improving STEM learning in your classroom?
• Is your idea project based learning with measurable outcomes?
• What do you need to make learning math and science fun for your students?

Application Deadlines

• Deadline for Grade K-5 Applications up to $1,000 is Oct. 1, annually.
• Deadlines for Grades 6-12 for Grants of up to $5,000 are March 1, June 1, Sept. 1, & Dec. 1, annually.
• Deadlines for grade 6-12 grant requests of more than $5,000 are May 1 and Nov. 1, annually. 

Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) is dedicated to helping classroom teachers make STEM learning fun and exciting for students in U.S. schools. TAF funds innovative STEM projects designed by teachers for use in their own schools and classrooms. Teachers at public and nonprofit private schools throughout the United States are eligible to apply.

To visit the Toshiba America Foundation website, click here.

To find out more about the proposal process, email tai-foundation@toshiba.com.

Summer is the Time to Get Started on Your Project!

Application Deadline is September 30, 2023

Delaware STEM Educator Awards recognize a teacher, or team of teachers at Elementary (K-5), Middle (6-8) and High School (9-12) levels that demonstrate STEM innovation and excellence through teaching, academic collaboration, and student engagement.

Cash Prizes up to $7,500 Awarded!

Winners at each level are eligible for a cash award up to $7,500 as a thank you for their commitment to STEM in Delaware and the success of our students. Winners will be honored November 9, 2023 at the 9th Annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards Event.

The Community Awards are open to organizations that coordinate and organize STEM activities for youth in grades pre-K through 12 that typically, but not exclusively, take place outside the school environment.

For more information and to download application and instructions:

For application inquiries or for an Awards coordinator, email DelawareSTEMawards@gmail.com.

#TeacherOnBreak!

June 1-30

National Zoo and Aquarium Month

During the month of June, individuals are encouraged to learn about animals

and marine life, and to seek out educational programs to make learning fun.

Did you know that the first zoo in America was the Philadelphia Zoo that opened in 1874?

For more history and facts about this celebration, click here.

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Now through September 24

Behind the Scenes Tour: “Under the Fountains”

Longwood Gardens

Explore the technology and production of the world-renowned fountain systems

under the largest fountain gardens in the U.S.

Tours take place on Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the summer.

For information and tickets for this tour, click here.

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June 21 • 4pm

Inspiring Women in STEM Quarterly Networking

Helen Stimson, Executive in Residence, University of Delaware College of Engineering

will discuss The Confidence Gap, What Every Professional Woman Needs to Know.

For more info and to register online by June 19, 2023, click here.

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June 20-July 27 • 8am-3pm Daily

FAME Summer 2023 STEM Programs

Registration is now open for Summer 2023 Academic Programs!

All rising students grades 1-12 are welcome to apply. 

Limited breakfast, lunch and transportation provided.

For more information and to apply, click here.

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July 18-20 • 9am-4pm Daily

Delaware Tech Energy Institute for STEM Educators

Teachers will be paid a $600 stipend for participation in all three days.

Apply NOW! Space is available on a first-come first-served basis.

The Energy Institute will include data analysis, energy efficiency and solar photovoltaics.

For more information and to apply, click here.

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July 18-20 • 9am-3pm Daily

DASEF 3 Full-Day Explorations: Earth, Nature, Space

Hosted by the Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation. Select all 3 or any individually.

Daily activities align with a focus on Earth 7/18, Nature 7/19, and Space 7/20.

For more information, click here.

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July 20-29

Delaware State Fair

During the annual 10-day Fair, find your favorite fair treat, explore agricultural exhibits,

catch some great live music, shop at the marketplace, and experience other festivities.

18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington, DE 19952

To check out the exhibits and live concert lineup, click here.

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July 25 • 10am

ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute Learning Lab

Virtual Info Session

The Learning Lab is free program for 11th and 12th grade students and their

teachers to explore the innovative world of genome science and CRISPR technology.

Students using the lab can perform a gene editing experiment in a single day.

To attend the session, send an RSVP email to Amanda Hewes at:

geneeditinginstitute@christianacare.org

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Save the Date! October 13, 2023

Delaware Mathematics & STEM Equity Conferences

A powerful day of professional learning dedicated to Equity in Math and STEM.

Sponsored by the Delaware Mathematics Coalition & Delaware Department of Education.

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Save the Date! November 9, 2023

The 9th Annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards Ceremony

Live Zoom Videocast from Buena Vista Country Estate in New Castle, Delaware

Co-hosted by Delaware STEM Council and DFSME, the event announces winners at the

Elementary School (K-5), Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12) levels, the

Community Educator Award, the Jon Manon STEAM Team Educator Award and more!

For more information, click here.

DFSME thanks the following organizations for contributions to STEM education in Delaware.

STEM Legacy

DuPont | LabWare

STEM Heritage

Ashland | Mountaire Farms | Verizon

STEM Sustainer

Bloom Energy

STEM Network

Agilent Technologies | America Chemical Society | Croda

Delmarva Power an Exelon Company | Walmart

STEM Business

Autumn Arch | American Chemical Society Delaware Section

STEM Friends

Delaware Math Coalition | Delaware STEM Council | Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative

STEM Gifts in Kind

Chesapeake Utilities | ChristianaCare | Corteva Agriscience

Delaware Department of Education | Delaware Design Company | Delaware Technical Community College Delaware Nature Society | DelawareBio | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

EDiS | FAME, Inc. | ILC Dover | Junior Achievement | Million Women Mentors

Stroud Water Research Center | University of Delaware | Whisman Giordano & Associates

Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education

100 W. 10th Street, Suite 612 

Wilmington, DE 19801 

Tel: 302.397.0034 | Fax: 302.397.0036 

Email: anne.dfsme@gmail.com

www.dfsme.org

©2023 Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education

501(c)(3) Education nonprofit dealing with K-16 STEM education in Delaware schools.