North Central STEM Region
October 10, 2022
|
|
STEM Teacher Nominations DUE TOMORROW! |
|
Every day, exceptional STEM educators across the state are helping prepare students for exciting, high-demand careers. Their passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics is shaping the future through the next generation of Iowans.
Does that sound like a teacher you know? Nominate them today for the 2023 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Kemin Industries!
Now in its ninth year, this award recognizes leadership and dedication that increases student interest in, and awareness of, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The award is given to one licensed, full-time, PreK-12 teacher from each of Iowa’s six STEM regions. Recipients receive $1,500 for their classroom and $1,500 for personal use.
For this award, a full-time teacher is defined as an educator who spends at least 75% of their working hours (approximately 30 hours, minimum) in the classroom–both virtually and in-person–interacting with students. Nominations for previous award recipients and self-nominations will not be accepted.
The deadline to submit nominations is Tuesday, October 11, at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Recipients will be announced in early 2023.
to learn more and submit your nomination.
|
|
Saturday was quite the day in Fort Dodge! Iowa Central Community College, the city of Fort Dodge, and Blanden Art Museum helped the North Central STEM region hold it's first festival of the season. Several area businesses and organizations came together to bring hands-on STEAM activities to youth in grades kindergarten through 6th. Over 200 people attended the event where activities ranged from learning about pollinators to making smoothies with a bicycle!
A huge thank you to all those involved as sponsors, exhibitors, or volunteers! We could not do this without everyone's help and support!
|
|
STEM BEST+HD Round is OPEN! |
|
The STEM BEST® + HD (High Demand) Program is designed to provide real-world opportunities for students to explore and develop High Demand skills that are needed in our future workforce. We know that all students will be better prepared for ANY post-secondary success when they can attain and develop these skills early.
What are the benefits?
- The STEM BEST® + HD Program provides up to $40,000 in funding for K-12 public and private schools in Iowa.
- The STEM BEST® + HD Program implementation timeline is 18 months (January 2023 - June 2024)
- The STEM BEST® + HD Program has a 2:1 cost-share requirement
Project Timeline
- October 3, 2022: Application Opens
- December 14, 2022: Application Closes
- December 2022 - January 2023: Application Review
- Late January 2023: Award Announced
- January 2023 - June 2024: STEM BEST® + HD Program Planning and Implementation
|
|
Future Ready Iowa Summit Recap |
|
The Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council hosted the 2022 Future Ready Iowa Summit on September 21. The Summit brought together Iowans from business and industry, education, nonprofits, elected officials, students and others to amplify the public conversation about solutions for connecting education and the workforce. |
|
Dr. Lisa Schulte Moore, MacArthur "Genius" Awardee
"Take time to be curious. That's where STEM and innovation start."
|
|
Col. Raja Chari, NASA Astronaut
"Even when something doesn't go right, it's still important data."
|
|
Katherine Kunnert, Mid-American Energy
"More than half of all Mid-American employees don't need 4-year degrees. We [employers] need to connect early."
|
|
STEM Perspectives of an Exchange Student |
While it is always interesting discussing STEM topics, it is exceptionally so when speaking to a foregin exchange student! Elsa Axelsson is attending school in Ames while being hosted by regional advisory board member, Yen Verhoeven. Speaking with Elsa has provided a whole new perspective on STEM education here in the states versus her home country of Sweden.
While some things, like the length of school day and year, are similar to Sweden, there are many differences particularly in the higher grade levels. After year 10 in school, students in Sweden decide on a program based on their academics and interests beyond high school. Many students travel long distances to attend the school of their choice; often over an hour! Elsa says that the coursework is very rigorous and fast paced but you are in a cohort of students who are just as motivated to succeed which helps.
She has only been here a few months, but she loves the spirit that American schools have. In her school in Sweden there are no dances or sports unless you do them privately, so that is something she has enjoyed here in Iowa. Elsa has also been a great help to the North Central STEM Hub through volunteering at our recent STEAMfest as well as attending some meetings. We cannot wait to hear more of her perspectives as the year continues!
|
|
|
|
Interested in Joining the Advisory Board? |
We are actively seeking members who represent:
- Community Colleges
- K-12 Parents
- Non-profit/Informal Learning Environments
If interested, apply here!
|
|
The American Chemical Society's upcoming Midwest Regional Meeting is taking place in Iowa City this year. A High School Teacher workshop will take place on October 22nd from 8 AM until Noon. The cost is $25 for teachers.
During the 4 hour event, we will be looking at the Science & Engineering Practices and how to engage students in innovation and the design thinking process. While it is aimed at chemistry teachers, the activities we are doing could be used in any science classroom!
Additional information can be found HERE.
|
|
October 17 NC Advisory Board Meeting
October 22 ACS High School Teacher Workshop
November 17 Advisory Board Meeting
December 5-11 CS Ed Week! Look for schedule of events soon!
February 8 STEM Day at the Capital
|
|
NC Regional Manager:
Mauree Haage
Website: https://ncstemhub.iastate.edu
Email: ncstem@iastate.edu
Phone: 515-294-0645
Address:
NC STEM Hub
Extension 4-H Building
1259 Stange Road
Ames, IA 50011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
