Happy New Year 2023!

Wishing All a Healthy and Productive Year Ahead

2023 is off to a tremendous start with much to look forward to in STEM. Leadership, research, support, vision and mentorship are the buzzwords for the upcoming year and we can't wait to ring in the promise of tomorrow.

The Delaware Foundation for Science & Math Education (DFSME) has been supporting Delaware's educators and the enhancement of Delaware's education system for several decades. We have witnessed many changes in the education system and the challenges educators have faced over the years. Our focus is to continue to strengthen our Delaware STEM workforce for the future.

“Exploring what could be done to help more students pursue

 great careers in STEM revealed the number one reason

 kids are not pursuing STEM and computer science careers is –

 they don’t know about them!

This is why career awareness is so important.”

— Sheila Boyington, CEO Thinking Media, National States Chair at Million Women Mentors

With our history of advocating for positive changes to improve science and math education for EVERY student in Delaware, we look forward in 2023 to taking it to the next level. We’re actively looking at the business/education interface and finding new working models for teacher support, and we are sharing more ways to adapt to today’s world.

Thank you for your immense spirit and courage and for continuing to make a difference in the world!

– Randy Guschl, Executive Director

Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education

We hope you enjoy this Edition!

Pictured from left: Joe Ianone, Bloom Energy; Leona Williams, Forwood 4th grade Teacher; Ke’Mari Corbin, Jamel Bruce, Mahkai Fofana, and Paige Price, Forwood 4th graders; Caelie Spenser, Forwood 5th grade; Diana Golden, Forwood Principal; Julie Balance, Brandywine School District K-12 Science Curriculum Coordinator; Chris Hood, Croda; and Randy Guschl, Executive Director, DFSME. Photo courtesy of Brandywine School District.

The Air We Share Contest Winners:

The contest was developed by the Energy, Water, Environment and Climate Change (EWECC) task team, supported by Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education (DFSME), Bloom Energy and Croda with the goal to increase awareness around air quality.

Along with the outcomes of The Air We Share Contest is the success of the business and education interface, enriching students with STEM education activities. Joe Ianone, Senior Manager of Process Engineering at Bloom Energy, and Chris Hood, head of Manufacturing at Croda Atlas Point in New Castle, worked interactively with students and related how they got interested in science and math in their careers.

All submissions to the contest will be displayed along the second floor at the Delaware Department of Education headquarters.

At the National Chemistry Week event, students and attendees had the opportunity to witness a series of exciting chemistry demonstrations as part of a show presented by Mike Stemniski, a lifelong chemist and University of Delaware professor of 50 years.

National Chemistry Week 2022

By Jan Castro

For National Chemistry Week 2022, a free chemistry event and show themed “Fabulous Fibers: The Chemistry of Fabrics” was held at the Independence School in Newark, Delaware on December 10th. Approximately 80-100 attendees participated throughout the day’s activities.

An annual event hosted by the Delaware Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS), this year’s chemistry celebration included activity tables geared towards K-6, culminating in a chemistry show and demonstration presented by chemist, educator, and ACS fellow Mike Stemniski.

Throughout the day, activity tables hosted by different organizations engaged students in a broad range of chemistry and STEM concepts. These included do-it-yourself slime, interactive robotics, paper chromatography, and alka-seltzer rockets, which allowed students to use a chemical reaction between citric acid and sodium bicarbonate as a gas “rocket” propellant.

The diversity of organizations present also contributed to the event’s success. Tables were hosted by Hagley Museum, Delaware Girl Scouts, members of the Delaware Valley Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry Fraternity, Delaware Technical Community College, MOE 365, and ACS Delaware, ultimately offering a wide selection of activities for attendees to participate in.

Students and attendees also had the opportunity to witness a series of exciting chemistry demonstrations as part of a show presented by Mike Stemniski, a lifelong chemist and University of Delaware professor of 50 years. Stemniski’s display of chemistry also showcased spinning fires, the launching of balls and toy pigs with tesla coils, and a series of chemical reactions that engaged and fascinated students.

“I had quite a lot of fun, and my favorite thing I saw had to be the robots,”

said local fifth-grader Patrick Palecko, referring to the activity table hosted by the

MOE 365 Robotics Team. “I’m excited and interested in robotics and science!”

To read the full article, click here.

The Jon Manon STEAM Team Education Award 2022

Caesar Rodney “Odyssey of the Mind”

During the Delaware STEM Educator Awards ceremony on November 17, 2022, the Jon Manon STEAM Team Education Award was presented to “Odyssey of the Mind” team members from Fifer Middle School and Caesar Rodney High School. The Award recognizes team collaboration within a school or schools; administrative support for collective, interdisciplinary activities; and unique opportunities for middle and high school students.

2022 Odyssey of the Mind award-winning team includes Tara Faircloth, Christine Alois, Carrie Bush, Kendra Dechenes, Tracy Fennemore and Jennie McMahon.

Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving program where teams are formed to compete at the state and world levels fostering Creative and Divergent Thinking, Teamwork, Self Confidence, Problem Solving, and Project Management.

All of these skills are critical for our students for when they enter the global workforce. Teams learn to manage their budgets and timelines while they examine problems to find creative limitless solutions. Students do the work themselves and celebrate the results of their effort when they compete against other teams solving the same problems. Problems range from creating balsa structures to hold weight, developing robotics that complete tasks, to finding solutions that require an exploration of classic literature, music and art.



The Award recognizes the roles of the team members and provides recognition and a cash award of $1,000 for the team. This is to support projects and helps students become more competitive in the future Delaware STEM workforce.

The Jon Manon STEAM Team Education Award is presented annually by DFSME. For more information about the submission or nomination of a project, contact Randy Guschl at guschlrj@gmail.com.

Free eBook by STEMconnector

The Future of Energy is STEM

In this eBook we explore how innovation in energy technologies has changed the way companies offer sustainable products and services. The eBook highlights companies, opportunities for innovation, and the STEM pathways that are shaping the future of energy.

Power Your Path

There are a lot of educational paths students can take to pursue an energy career. Generally, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) classes will serve students well for any energy technical careers, as they require an understanding of how and why things work. For those looking to start work right out of high school or after earning a GED, the industry offers entry level positions that provide all the training you will need to advance your career.

For those who want to join the industry after a two or four year college program, there are a lot of paths to consider. The industry is always in need of engineers of all types.

We hope this visually stunning eBook with rich content inspires you to jump into the future of energy and share the potential of a career in energy with your students.

To download the FREE eBook pdf, click here.

Nominate Your Favorite Educator to be a “Shining Light”

The DFSME “Shining Light Award” recognizes outstanding examples of the excellence of Delaware teachers. Every day in classrooms throughout the state, Delaware teachers quietly go about enabling young learners to be informed citizens in an increasingly complex world. They prepare their students to be competitive in the ever-changing global workforce and to be the problem-solvers of the next generation.

Honorees receive a $100 gift card and a mini heavy-duty mag flashlight.

ANYONE may nominate a STEM Educator for the Shining Light Award.

Click here to download the Nomination Form. Fill out and email back to anne.dfsme@gmail.com.



Short of Funding for your Students’ STEM Projects?

Apply for a DFSME Mini Grant Now!

What is the purpose of DFSME Mini Grants?

DFSME will fund the costs of a variety of projects which are not funded by districts or agencies. The gap created by this lack of funding means that these costs often are paid by teachers and participants. These grants are designed to bridge that gap.

What kinds of funding will DFSME consider?

DFSME will consider paying the cost of experts or agencies with special STEM programs or demonstrations, materials required for students to participate in classroom or club demonstrations or activities, subscriptions, registration fees, conference fees, technology or software, and other STEM-related supplemental costs. DFSME will consider reimbursing funds already spent as well as funding projects yet to happen.

Who can apply?

K-12 STEM teachers, nonformal STEM educators, student STEM groups in Delaware.

How much can be requested?

DFSME Mini Grants generally range from $100 to $500. DFSME will require substantiation of the amount requested.

When can we apply?

There is no deadline for mini grant applications; they are accepted throughout the year.

How do we apply?

The application process is fairly simple. You only need to submit a few paragraphs covering the following items:

• Who are you and what is your affiliation?

• What are/were the start and end dates of your project?

• Describe your target audience.

• Describe what the grant is for including what cost gap it will cover.

• Explain what impact or value added the project will provide.

• Provide a budget, with documentation.

For more information or to send in an application, click here.

Now through January 27

Delaware Agriculture Week and Month 2022

Live, hybrid and virtual gatherings with local and national industry experts

explore the latest innovations in agriculture.

An ongoing collaboration with UD Cooperative Extension

and Delaware Department of Agriculture.

 For more information and to register for sessions, click here.

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January 26

National Mentoring Month Webinar: High Impact Mentoring Programs

In recognition of National Mentoring Month, STEMconnector and Million Women Mentors are hosting this virtual event featuring best-in-class mentoring aimed at supporting the development of a diverse, robust, and sustainable STEM workforce.

To register, click here.

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February 20-26

Engineers Week

E-Week is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce

by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.

For more information and free teacher resources, click here.

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Save the Date! March 2, 2023 • 7:30am - 2:30pm

Yes! Delaware Youth Environmental Summit

FREE for Delaware high school students and educators who are advisors to school teams.

Students explore the most pressing state, national and global environmental issues

and engage in steps they can take on campus and beyond.

Includes morning snack and lunch.

Clayton Hall Conference Center, 100 David Hollowell Drive, Newark DE 19716

Registration opens January 23 and is limited to the first 360 registrants.

For registration details, click here.

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March 4-5

59th Annual Earth Science Gem and Mineral Show

Delaware Mineralogical Society hosts this show

fostering geology, mineralogy, paleontology and the lapidary arts.

Tickets available at the door $6/Adults, $5/Seniors, $3/Ages 12-17, Under 12/Free.

DoubleTree by Hilton, 4727 Concord Pike (Rt 202), Wilmington DE 19803

For the PAEMST application, click here.

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Start Your Projects Now! • Event: March 8, 2023

The 28th Annual New Castle County Fair

Hosted by Delaware Tech Stanton Campus. Get started with

your students and their projects now!

To download a pdf with the science fair project details, click here.

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March 11

Triple Crown Conference 2023

Delaware Council of Mathematics Leaders Annual Conference includes

three strands of professional learning that are designed to address

the varied needs of Delaware’s mathematics leadership community.

To learn more and register, click here.

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Save the Date! March 24

Delaware Women & Girls STEM Day

Established in 2021 by the State of Delaware Governor’s Office and

hosted in collaboration with Million Women Mentors and Delaware STEM Council.

Watch here for more information to follow.

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Coming October 2023

Delaware Mathematics & STEM Equity Conferences

Two powerful days of professional learning dedicated to Equity in Math and STEM.

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

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Coming November 2023

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 Award, the Jon Manon STEAM Team Educator Award and others!

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 | Verizon

STEM Sustainer

Bloom Energy

STEM Network

Agilent Technologies | America Chemical Society | Croda | Delmarva Power an Exelon Company

STEM Friends

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

STEM Gifts in Kind

Beebe Healthcare | Chesapeake Utilities | Christiana Care | Corteva Agriscience | Cyber Streets

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. | Junior Achievement | Million Women Mentors | Spekciton Biosciences LLC

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