Continuing to Illuminate STEM Innovation and Excellence

as a Catalyst for Change

DFSME continues implementing improved effectiveness through STEM education reform and real impact. If you attended our October 13 STEM Equity Summit, we hope you have gained insights, tools and wisdom about STEM and equality and how to bring that to the classroom.

We acknowledge how important it is to capture and share stories about our evolving progress, and the ways we are working together to build systems and break down barriers. Along with the Delaware STEM Council, on November 9th we host the 9th Annual STEM Educator Awards, recognizing STEM innovation and excellence. During this live virtual event, we’ll reveal the 2023 Award Winners and share their winning project videos. Event and registration links are in this issue. We hope you will join us!

— Randy Guschl, Executive Director

Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME)

We hope you enjoy this Edition!

Colleagues and friends joined in the celebration honoring the authors of the early work instituting STEM education in Delaware. In the first photo below, are (L to R) Jon Manon, DFSME President, with Armbrecht Awardee's, John (Jack) Collette and Rachel Wood, and Randy Guschl, DFSME Executive Director.

Jack Collette and Rachel Wood

Honored with the DFSME Armbrecht Award

In September, Jack Collette and Rachel Wood were honored with the DFSME Armbrecht Award 2022 for Outstanding STEM Advocacy. The awardees were honored for their years of dedication and achievement to high-quality STEM education for all Delaware students. Along with Joseph Miller, member of the National Science Board, Rachel and Jack were the pioneers in instituting STEM education in Delaware. 

The team first established the Delaware’s Science Framework Commission in 1992. It took two-and-a-half years for the Commission to hammer out science standards meeting requirements for grades K-12. Their work and determination paid off. Classrooms became alive with hands-on, inquiry- based science learning, and State test scores in science steadily rose. In the early 2000s, the Delaware standards that were established were considered to be one of the top three sets of science curriculum standards in the nation set by the National Research Council, the research arm of the National Academy of Science.

Rachel and Jack evolved the Framework into a final report entitled the Delaware Local Systemic Change Initiative (LSCI) which was submitted to the National Science Foundation resulting in an NSF grant to support the STEM initiative.

The hands-on teaching approach included kit-based science teaching materials with each piece chosen for a specific grade level and a specific curriculum. The science kits were housed in a vast warehouse in Dover, now called the John W. Collette Education Center. The science modules came to be known as the “Smithsonian Project”.

Our honorees had the vision and the capacity to sustain science education in every district by developing a network of teacher-leaders in every school in the Delaware Science Coalition, and creating a core of district Science Specialists throughout the State to support the Lead Teachers.

To access the original report, “The Delaware Science LSC: Building a World Class Science Program from Elementary to High School One Step at a Time” by John Collette, click here.

The Armbrecht Award is given in memory of Ross Armbrecht, Ph.D., DuPont research chemist and former DFSME Executive Director. The award acknowledges Delawarean educators who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and collaboration between businesses, educators and community leaders to improve math and science education for all students in Delaware.

Vance Kershner Honored at the Freedom Award

On September 26th, Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation awarded the 2023 “Freedom Award” commemorating a genuine trailblazer and champion for entrepreneurs. Vance Kershner, the founder and CEO of LabWare, graciously accepted the esteemed Award before the largest audience the event has ever seen.

Kershner's children recounted his early days working in his parents' soft pretzel factory, his tenure at DuPont, and the launch of LabWare in 1987, which has since become a leading software company in laboratory informatics. Kershner continues to serve as the President and CEO of LabWare, headquartered in Wilmington, DE, encompassing 40 offices across 6 continents.

During his speech, Kershner shared some of his passions, “Some goals of the foundation are to reinvent Delaware by fostering education, scientific innovation and entrepreneurship. And I make a promise that I will do whatever I can to help this mission to succeed and further Delaware for the benefit of everybody.”

Kershner highlighted four organizations that are helping to move Delaware education forward with philanthropic support from LabWare. He said about DFSME,

“Working with Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education

has shown positive impact and results in Delaware education

with special on focus being with STEM teachers.”

In addition to his role at LabWare, Kershner wears many other hats. He is a general partner at Leading Edge Ventures, chairs the Advisory Council for UD's College of Engineering, holds a significant stake in Scrub Island, and co-owns Buckleys Tavern, among numerous other endeavors.

For more information about LabWare, click here. 

For more info about the Freedom Award, click here.

Register Now!

Delaware STEM Educator Award Winners will be Revealed!

Please join us for this free event!

Delaware STEM Educator Awards recognize certified teachers and

uncertified community educators who demonstrate STEM innovation and excellence

through teaching, academic collaboration, and student engagement.

Our sponsors and elected officials, in collaboration with the hosts,

will be honoring winners at the

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

Along with the Community Educator Award and

the Jon Manon STEAM Team Award.

Guest Speakers

Bethany Hall-Long, Lt. Governor of Delaware

Mark Holodick, Sec. of Education, DE Dept. of Education

For more information, click here.

To register for this FREE event and receive a Zoom invite, click here.

Thank You Sponsors!

Delaware Teacher Melissa Tracy

Named a Top 50 Finalist of the $1 Million Global Teacher Prize

Melissa Tracy of Odyssey Charter School has been named as a Top 50 Finalist of the $1 Million Global Teacher Prize. Widely considered the Nobel Prize of Education, she was selected from 7,000 nominations and applications from 130 countries around the world. Her platform is Food Literacy, Social Justice and STEM education. She represents Delaware and the U.S.

With a highly entrepreneurial spirit, Melissa believes in “thinking big” to promote equity and amplify student voices whenever possible. A leader in unique and innovative programming, she is the only teacher in Delaware to offer an interdisciplinary Food Studies Career Pathway. Beginning in 2019, with the help of a DFSME Seed Grant, Melissa transformed her classroom into a hydroponic lab, in which her students utilize advanced farming technology to produce chemical-free fruit, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers without a traditional soil growing media. Students also consider why food matters and how they can act to support a healthier food system.

To read more about Melissa and her award-winning achievements, click here.

To meet the other Top 50 Finalists for the Global Teacher Prize 2023, click here.

As an example of the value of connecting businesses with local high schools, William Penn 11th grade students and Croda were recognized for their participation in Bucknell University Engineering Summer Camp.

Croda’s Partnership with the Colonial School District

Delaware High Schools Add Career Readiness to Curriculum

By Brian M. Erskine, Ed.D.

Reprinted from State Chamber Magazine, Manufacturing issue

In response to Delaware’s need for qualified workers in an everchanging global market, traditional high schools have gone through some recent changes. Schools are not only focused on reading, writing and mathematics, but have added a career readiness component to their curriculum. Delaware high schools are finding new ways to enhance their school’s vocational pathways by introducing work-based learning (WBL) opportunities.

For example, the Colonial School District will create a program that will allow students to explore self-awareness, occupational identity, career options, and employability skills. By the time students complete the program, they will have strengthened their high school readiness and be able to best select one of the 24 different degree programs offered at William Penn High School.



At William Penn High School, the answer lies in their WBL program that connects students to dual enrollment college courses and work experiences with industry partners, all connected to their program of study.

To read the full article from the Delaware Business Magazine, by Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, click here. 

DFSME’s October “Shining Light Award” Honors

Jamie Varsalona, Digital Media Educator

Nominate Your Favorite Educator to be a Shining Light!



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 more details, go to dfsme.org/shining-light-award

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

DFSME Seed Grant Awardee:

First Night at Caesar Rodney High School

Sharon Bourke, Caesar Rodney High School, Caesar Rodney School District

Although Caesar Rodney High School has an extensive repertoire of academic courses to meet STEM curriculum, there is minimal student involvement in STEM-related activities beyond the classroom. This program proposed having a school-wide event where students interested in STEM can work on a research project with guidance from a mentor and present their findings at an exhibition. The exhibition will showcase the students’ projects to the Caesar Rodney District community with the goal of increasing student and community awareness of the significance to scientific research on day-to-day life.

Students select a project from three categories:

1. Experimental: students will design and conduct an experiment to answer a question of interest with the advice of a mentor.

2. Historical Awareness: students do research on selected scientist(s) from under-represented groups to bring to light the accomplishments and variety of discoveries.

3. Phenomena: a demonstration of a student’s phenomenon of interest with its explanation, based on scientific research.



Aside from the research component, there are opportunities for students to play an active role in the organization and management of the event.

Watch here for further Seed Grant Awardee example projects!

Delaware students in grades 3-5 are eligible to submit entries for the Air We Share Art Contest sponsored by DFSME Environment Watershed Energy Climate Change task team.

Criteria

Design an art piece to demonstrate how our actions can make a positive impact on our community’s air quality. Things to consider are transportation, the natural environment, energy use, or anything that can improve air quality.



•  Individual students may submit a single entry.

•  Multiple students may submit a single entry.

•  Teachers may submit multiple works for their class or a team of students as a single submission. 

Prizes

Prizes for the individual entry winners in each grade are:

•  $100 Amazon gift card for 1st place

•  $50 Amazon gift card for 2nd place

•  $25 Amazon gift card for 3rd place

All submissions will be displayed along the 2nd floor at the DDOE headquarters.

Submissions must be sent via Google Form at https://bit.ly/3Ck07hV

no later than 5pm on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

For full details, including submission process, teacher resources, and helpful websites, click here.

For questions, email Joe Iannone at dfsme.contest@gmail.com.

Last Year’s Winning Entries:

FREE eBook by STEMconnector

Transportation is STEM

STEMconnector's latest eBook explores how transportation is a key component of daily operations and critical to business success. The eBook highlights companies, opportunities for innovation, and the STEM pathways that are shaping the future of the transportation industry.

From the food in the grocery store, to products on retail shelves, to global travel, our way of life is highly dependent on transportation to get people and products where they need to be. Across most industries and within most companies, transportation is a key component of daily operations and critical to business success. Science and technology are rapidly evolving the way we move things around the world, creating an abundance of new career opportunities in transportation including logistics, supply chain management, data science, science and technology.

Join us as we take a trip through the transportation industry...we hope you enjoy the ride!

This eBook is a free downloadable resource for exploring today's transportation industry and the career opportunities within. Designed for educators and students alike, we invite you to discover the STEM pathways that lead to an exciting career in transportation!

To download this FREE visual eBook by by STEMconnector, click here.

October'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.

Teri Quinn Gray, Ph.D. is an experienced chemist, innovator, teacher, leader and mentor. Dr. Gray puts her infectious, can-do personality on display every day, teaching our next generation to be curious, be kinder and be life-long learners.

Teri was Chief Operating Officer of Provivi, Inc. and just prior was Global R&D Portfolio Manager with DuPont Materials & Mobility. She served as President of the Delaware State Board of Education (2009-2017), Co-Chair of the Delaware STEM Council (2012-2018), is in Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame and won the Strong, Smart & Bold Award from Girl’s Inc.

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.

This annual Essay Contest is open to all Delaware high schoolers, providing a platform for them to reflect on the unique role of youth on climate action, environmental injustice and their sense of connectedness in the natural world.

Topics include Youth Empowerment in Climate Action,

Tackling Environmental Injustices, and Personal Connection with Nature.

Awards: Each of the Top 10 will receive a Cash Prize

1st Prize – $2,000  •  2nd Prize – $1,500  •  3rd Prize – $1,000

7 Honorable Mentions – $500

2024 Timeline

Registration Opens: January 1, 2024

Essay Submissions: February 26, 2024 to March 11, 2024

Earth Day Awards Ceremony: Date, Time, and Location TBD

For the ReNEW 2024 Video, click here. 

For the DeIPL Website Link, click here. 

For questions, call Lisa Locke at 616-914-1597.

November 8, 2023

Celebrate STEM/STEAM Day!

STEM/STEAM Day falls on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. There’s no way around it: children are significantly better off with strong science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics skills.

That’s why STEM and STEAM education programs are so important. It’s undebatable that these subjects push society forward, and these programs help to find fun and engaging ways to teach students! So, let's celebrate STEAM/STEAM Day on Nov. 8!



For the history and fun activities of STEM/STEAM Day, click here.

October 24 • 6pm-8pm

DSCA College and Career Night

The Delaware School Counselor Association will host the Career Fair at the

University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Center.

For additional information, please email Kelsey Stryker.

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October 26

Lights On Afterschool

This nationwide event, organized by the Afterschool Alliance and in partnership

with the 50 State Afterschool Network, calls attention to the importance of afterschool programs and the resources required to keep the lights on and the doors open.

The Delaware Afterschool Network is proud to be a Lights On Afterschool partner.

Everything you need to plan a successful event,

from case studies to sample materials, is available in the 

Lights On Afterschool Planning Kit.

 ……………………………………………………………

Deadline November 1

Congressional App Challenge

Each year, the Congresswoman’s office participates in the Congressional App Challenge

to help encourage middle and high school age students to get involved in the STEM field.

The deadline to register and complete the app is November 1, 2023.

To register, click here.

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November 1

Sussex County Science Fair Project Timeline Begins

Start your projects now! The Sussex Country Science Fair will be held March 4, 2024.

The Fair is designed to encourage students to experience hands-on science

and engineering learning while developing their scientific process and

organizational skills, and preparation for college and the workplace.

Appropriate projects begun after January 1, 2023 may be submitted.

This may include Ag and Engineering projects submitted to FFA and TSA competitions.

Provides an opportunity to receive monetary prizes and academic recognition.

Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus, Georgetown.

For more information, timeline and teacher resources, click here.

For the informational flyer, click here.

For details or questions, contact Sussex County Science Fair Director

Helen Gieske at hgieske@verizon.net.

……………………………………………………………

November 4 • 9:30am-11:30pm

Exploration: StarLab - Space is limited, sign up today!

Host, Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation (DASEF)

takes a look at some silent travelers! Investigate the night sky in the StarLab.

Explore constellations as well as the phases of the moon, and make your own constellation!

585 Big Oak Road, Smyrna, Delaware 19977, two minutes from Exit 114 on DE Route 1.

To schedule a visit, call 302-834-1978 or 302-659-5003

or email Program Scheduler Lynne Bloom at LynneB@dasef.org.

$6 per person.

……………………………………………………………

November 8

STEM & STEAM Day

Celebrate this national holiday with STEM activities for your students.

For history, timeline, FAQs and fun learning suggestions, click here.

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Register Now! November 9

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

For more information, click here.

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November 13 (Middle School) and November 14 (High School)

Fall CTSO Leadership Conference

The Delaware Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) of BPA, DECA,

Ed Rising, FCCLA, HOSA, SkillsUSA and TSA are excited to announce

the 2023 Fall Leadership Conference (FLC) registration is open.

Participants will gain skills through exciting and engaging leadership sessions.

Delaware State Fairgrounds, 18500 S. Dupont Hwy, Harrington, DE.

For questions or additional information, please email Michael Hill-Shaner.

$50 per person. 

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Save the Date! February 24, 2024

Engineering Your Tomorrow (EYT)

Same day, two locations! For Middle School Girls 6th-8th Grade

This event sparks curiosity and engages love for learning through creative,

fun, hands-on activities exploring STEM/STEAM topics.

Helps students make meaningful connections with STEM professionals.

Provides exposure to female STEM role models.

Conrad Schools of Science and DelTech, Georgetown Campus.

Stay tuned for more information!

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Save the Date! March 2, 2024

The 6th Annual Delaware Youth Environmental (Yes!) Summit

for All Delaware High School Students

Gauge where your school is now on the path to a greener future.

To begin your school's journey, think about your current sustainability status

and focus areas to contemplate change for your campus.

For more information about the Summit, click here.

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Save the Date! April 8, 2024

Total Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse will darken a swath of North America as the Moon blocks the light

of the Sun for a few minutes on April 8, 2024. In addition to casting a breathtaking,

passing shadow over the heads of millions of people, this total solar eclipse gives

scientists a unique opportunity to study the Sun, Earth, and their interactions.

For more information and to visit NASA’s Solar System Exploration website, 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

Croda | Walmart

STEM Business

Agilent Technologies | American Chemical Society Delaware Section | Autumn Arch

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. | Junior Achievement | Million Women Mentors | STEMconnector

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

Partners Community

Delaware Afterschool Network | Delaware Department of Education

Delaware Pathways / Career and Technical Education Cadre | Delaware Math Coalition

Delaware Science Coalition | Delaware STEM Council Healthy Food for Healthy Kids

Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative

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.