IN THIS ISSUE
Return on Investment for
STEM BESTs
Enjoy Summertime with STEM
Richardson Elementary Advances Computer Science Despite Pandemic
Save the Date for Upcoming STEM Events
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June 15, 2021 - 1:00 p.m.
South Central Regional STEM Advisory Board Meeting
August 22, 2021 - 9:00 a.m.
STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair
September 16, 2021 - 8:00 a.m.
Transforming Education for the Workforce Summit
More information coming soon!
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Return on Investment for
STEM BESTs
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Graduates from the STEM Council’s STEM BEST Program models across Iowa cited these “lasting impressions” of their involvement. |
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"STEM BEST has provided me the skills and techniques necessary to handle a large variety of problems in my life, as well as improved my social skills. It is what forged me into the person I am today and has prepared me for college."
With sentiments like that from past participants in Iowa’s STEM BEST Program, members of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council may rest assured that their work is profoundly shaping the next generation of innovators.
Recently, the Center for Evaluation and Assessment at the University of Iowa was commissioned to conduct a study of graduates of the sixty-five models that dot the state, focusing on “Where are they now?” Their full report, available at IowaSTEM.org/STEMBEST, details a number of important gains attributable to the program:
- More than half of all graduates entered STEM jobs or post-secondary study.
- Top fields of employment are engineering, technology, computer science and health.
- Top majors are engineering, biology, health/medicine and computer science.
- 65% credit STEM BEST for developing their interest in STEM fields.
- Soft skills (e.g., communication) cited most frequently as skills graduates use daily.
- Professional skills (e.g., attire, etiquette) cited second most frequently as skills graduates use, followed by tech skills and collaboration.
The family of Iowa STEM BEST Program models is about to grow considerably as a 2021 cohort is soon to be announced. Moreover, thanks to Governor Reynold’s advocacy, an additional $700,000 has been approved by the Iowa legislature to expand this widely recognized workforce education program. Perhaps there is a tipping point on the horizon where every young Iowan will enjoy coursework connected to the world of commerce and employment. For now, all of Iowa’s STEM BEST Program models can be found HERE.
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Enjoy Summertime with STEM |
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Students and families can take part in exciting STEM activities throughout summer STEM festivals, at-home activities and STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair. |
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There are many STEM opportunities available this summer to engage minds in learning while having fun. The STEM Council Network Team offers a variety of virtual and in-person, hands-on learning opportunities, including the upcoming events below.
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June 14: Virtual Family MATH Mashup - Join Iowa State University (ISU) mathematics students this summer for weekly activities the whole family can explore! Beginning June 14, participants will receive video links you can watch anytime. The activities are recommended for ages 9+ but are adaptable for all ages. Register by June 7 at ncstemhub.iastate.edu. Brought to you by the ISU Department of Mathematics and the North Central STEM Region.
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July 16: STEM Day on the Ridge - Enjoy engaging, hands-on activities during this on-site STEM Festival that will take place at the Oakridge Neighborhood in Des Moines for students in grades K-8. For more information, contact South Central Regional STEM Manager Sarah Derry at 515-271-2403.
These additional ongoing opportunities are also available:
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Northwest STEM Challenge Cards - Expand STEM learning beyond the school year with NW STEM Challenge Cards! Each card features a challenge for PreK-8 grade students that can be done using common household items. Sign up at https://zcu.io/foxs
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Checkout STEM Kits - Several regions provide access to checkout STEM kits. Contact your Regional STEM Manager for more information. Contact information can be found by clicking on the STEM Region at: IowaSTEM.org/Regions
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Teachable Moment - Available on the STEM Council website, experience a collection of online and unplugged STEM lessons and activities for PreK-12 grade students. Learn more at: IowaSTEM.org/TeachableMoment
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Richardson Elementary Advances Computer Science Despite Pandemic |
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Students at Richardson Elementary in Fort Madison have gained access to computer science instruction through the Computer Science is Elementary project. |
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In 2019, 12 high-poverty schools were selected to transform their schools into models of innovative computer science instruction by the close of the 2020-21 school year. Under a two-year implementation window, year one was cut short due to school closures, and year two was impacted by shifted priorities due to the pandemic. The program implementation window has now been extended through June 15, 2022, to provide every school an additional year for implementation.
Despite the many challenges, Computer Science is Elementary schools are forging ahead in computer science instruction and activities. For example, Richardson Elementary in the Fort Madison Community School District started with very little computer science curriculum at any grade level and has made significant strides toward reaching all students in the district. The school has a planning team, who has taken part in formal computer science professional development and meets weekly with a recently hired part-time Computer Science Integration Coach. The school has adopted computer science curriculum for grades K-3 and is currently piloting computer science teachers at each grade level with intentions of expanding computer science to the high school.
With the additional year of implementation, Richardson Elementary plans to identify ways to ensure all K-8 grade students have computer science opportunities, add a STEAM lab at Lincoln Elementary, expand partnerships with the community and help staff obtain computer science endorsements.
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Save the Date for Upcoming STEM Events |
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Roger Hargens, former STEM Council co-chair, provides remarks at the 2019 STEM Day at the State Fair, which will once again be held safely in-person this summer along with other STEM Council events coming up. |
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Every year, the STEM Council hosts various events that engage Iowans and advance STEM initiatives across the state. Last year, in-person events were reimagined out of caution and safety measures.
Grab a pencil and mark your calendars! Exciting STEM events are on the horizon to be held safely in person once again. Check out the upcoming events below:
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STEM Council 10th Anniversary Reception: In celebration of the STEM Council’s 10th anniversary, a reception will be held the evening of August 21 for STEM Council members, Advisory Board members and other partners and allies on the eve of STEM Day at the State Fair. Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to reflect on a decade of impact on STEM education in Iowa and celebrate the momentous occasion with distinguished guests.
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STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair – August 22: This family-friendly event fills the Iowa State Fair’s Grand Concourse with opportunities to learn about how STEM touches our daily lives and to experience hands-on activities from dozens of organizations across the state. The Iowa STEM booth will hand out free drawstring backpacks and take home STEM activities. Be sure to stick around for a full lineup of exciting experiments and demonstrations on the STEM stage. For more information, visit IowaSTEM.org/STEM-Day-Fair
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Transforming Education for the Workforce Summit – September 16: An event of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council will bring together leaders from business and industry, education, nonprofits, elected officials, students and more to amplify the public conversation about connecting education and the workforce, with a focus on expanding work-based learning and computer science as critical aspects of STEM education. The event will be open to the public at no cost.
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Contact the Iowa STEM Operations Center by phone at (319) 273-2959
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