Working Together to Improve STEM Education in Delaware

The excitement of September and a new school year is underway. There are many signs that this will be a great year for STEM education in Delaware!

What is encouraging is a much increased interest by our business partners to be more engaged with STEM teachers and community partners. The business interest in more students graduating with STEM skills for the future Delaware STEM workforce is invigorated and coupled with sincere enthusiasm in fusing with programs that have real impact.

We are working hard at advocating for a strengthened STEM workforce. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers and jobs are at the heart of our mission and cause. “Empowering Partnerships” will be a special strand of the Delaware Department of Education’s state-wide Delaware Equity Summit on October 13th. Join DFSME at the Summit for three sensational sessions and learn more about this important Business/Education interface. Please make every effort to attend!

We hope you'll join us for our FREE virtual conference! Registration links are included in this issue.



— Randy Guschl, Executive Director

Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME)

We hope you enjoy this Edition!

Delaware Department of Education

2023 Delaware Equity Summit

For Delaware Educators & Community Members

“What Does STEM Success Look Like?”

Join in virtually for a powerful day of professional learning dedicated to Equity in STEM, co-presented by the Delaware Department of Education, Delaware STEM Council, Delaware Mathematics Coalition, Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME), FAME and American Chemical Society Delaware.

The STEM Equity Summit engages PK20 educators, policy makers, and business leaders in meaningful learning experiences that are designed to leverage their capacity as agents of change. Sessions leaders include highly respected local and national leaders who will engage participants in conversations and learning focused on positively influencing and impacting classroom and systems level equity challenges in mathematics education.

AGENDA - Oct 13

This virtual conference will start at 8am with the Equity Summit welcome by

Governor, John Carney and Delaware Secretary of Education, Dr. Mark Holodick.

STEM SESSION ONE / 9am - 10:30am

Promoting Equitable Teaching in the STEM Classroom through

the Lens of Teachers and Administrators.

STEM SESSION TWO / 11am - 12:30pm

Empowering Partnerships: Supporting Access & Deeper Learning

by Building Partnerships with Businesses and Teachers.

STEM SESSION THREE / 1:30pm – 3pm

Addressing Computational Thinking through the Lens of Integration in STEM.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Carol O’Donnell, Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center

Delaware educators who wish to receive clock hour certificates should

 also register in PDMS, Course #31820, Section #73743.

Additional details regarding the program will be provided prior to the event.

Professional Learning Dedicated to Equity in Math

“Creating Math Classrooms Where All Students Think,

Problem Solve and Feel a Sense of Belonging”

The Delaware Mathematics Coalition (DMC) is pleased to once again be partnering with leaders at the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) to support the Oct. 13 Delaware Math Equity Conference. Last year’s conference drew over 500 Delaware educators of mathematics. This virtual conference engages PK20 educators, policy makers, and business leaders in meaningful learning experiences that are designed to leverage their capacity as agents of change. Sessions leaders include highly respected local and national leaders who will engage participants in conversations and learning focused on positively influencing and impacting classroom and systems level equity challenges in mathematics education.

AGENDA - Oct 13

This virtual conference will start at 8am with the Equity Summit welcome by

Governor, John Carney and Delaware Secretary of Education, Dr. Mark Holodick.

MATH STRAND ONE / 9am – 10am

Promoting Equitable Teaching in the Mathematics Classroom.

MATH STRAND TWO / 10:15am - 11:15am

Empowering Leaders: Supporting Access & Deeper Learning for All.

Lunch & Sponsor Sessions / 11:30am - 12:30pm

MATH STRAND THREE / 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Addressing Systemic Equity Challenges in PK-12 and Higher Education Mathematics.

Guest Speaker: Peter Liljedahl, Author of “Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics”

Reflection & Prizes  / 1:30pm - 1:45pm

PLC Focus Groups / 2pm - 2:45pm

Optional: DFSME Equity Summit Strand / 1:30pm – 3pm

Addressing Computational Thinking through the Lens of Integration in STEM.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Carol O’Donnell, Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center

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For Math Equity Conference Details and to get FREE Tickets, click the button below:

Delaware educators who wish to receive clock hour certificates should

 also register in PDMS, Course #31820, Section #73743.

Additional details regarding the program will be provided prior to the event.

Congratulations to This Year's DFSME Seed Grant Awardees!

Each year, DFSME provides Seed Grants for innovative programs that support our mission and vision and are suited to standards-based STEM education for Delaware educators and students.

DFSME Seed Grants are designed to provide a portion of the costs of a program that either is new or that replicates a successful program in a new geographic area or for a new population. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.

DFSME Seed Grant Awardees & Projects:

Code Mosaic

Deanna Bledsoe of Cai Coders, LLC & Rosie Tooley of Lazarus Educational Services, Inc.

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3D Design Educational Series: TinkerCad Clubs

Milton & Kristen Melendez, Engineer Early Association

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First Science Night at Caesar Rodney High School

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

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Making a Skyline of Science / Erin Ahern, Skyline Middle School, Red Clay School District

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Building a Stronger and More Inclusive Pathway to Mathematics Education, Year 2

Delaware Mathematics Coalition & District and Charter School Partners

This month we highlight 2023 Seed Grant Awardee:

Code Mosaic

Deanna Bledsoe of Cai Coders, LLC and

Rosie Tooley of Lazarus Educational Services, Inc.

This 8-week, 16-hour Code Mosaic program introduces a group of low-income minority young learners to coding and computer science fundamentals. Children will learn what makes a computer a computer, and the components that make up a computer, and then build on that knowledge as they move into coding. They will learn coding essentials including algorithms, loops, conditionals, events, variables, debugging (and more!). These complex subjects will be relatable to the students as they connect them back to everyday activities that they see outside the world of computers.

Students will then transfer their coding knowledge to physical computing, where they will learn about circuitry and how to make interactive art. They will design their artwork and connect it to circuit boards that will run the computer programs they’ve written. This effort will be their final project and will be demonstrated in our Project Showcase to fellow students, friends, and family.

Watch for future Awardee projects!

This Month We Highlight 2023 DFSME Mini Grant Awardee:

Vex Robotics Teams at Smyrna High School

How a DFSME Mini-Grant Helps:

The DFSME Mini Grant has had a huge impact toward offsetting our registration and competitions fees to participate in VEX robotics competitions. It has provided an opportunity that allows the students to increase and improve their creativity, teamwork skills, leadership skills, and problem solving skills. It also gives the VEX Robotics students a 'fighting chance' to compete at the national level for VEX Robotics and allow our students to compete in more local competitions, provide more time to revise and improve our robots, compete again and heighten our chances of qualifying for nationals! Thank DFSME for our Mini-Grant!

Do You Have a STEM Project, but are Short on Funding?

Apply for a DFSME Mini Grant! It's Easy!

Do you or a colleague know a teacher, administrator or principal who has a brilliant idea for engaging students and families in STEM learning? If so, share this DFSME Mini-Grant opportunity with them!

To download a DFSME Mini-Grant flyer, click here.

For more information or to download an application, click here.

To submit an application, email anne.dfsme@gmail.com. Use subject line “DFSME Mini Grant”.

Jamie Grivas accepts this month's Shining Light Award from Randy Guschl, Executive Director, DFSME.

DFSME’s September “Shining Light Award”

Honors Jamie Grivas, Science and STEM Educator

Nominate a Shining Light Educator!

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.

FREE Program Teaches the Power of Gene Editing

ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute Learning Lab

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 geared up 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.

Teachers! Schedule a Learning Lab Field Trip for Your Class!

Attend a virtual information session. Choose either Sept. 28 or Oct. 3

Open sessions during Fall for 11th and 12th grade students and college undergraduates.

Click here to RSVP to attend our virtual info session Sept. 28 or Oct. 3 at 1pm.

Promoting Science Research by Delaware Students

The Sussex County STEM Alliance in collaboration with the Lewes Public Library is hosting the second annual Sussex County STEM Fair on Nov 4. This year’s STEM fair is open to children in grades K-6 attending a public, private, home, or alternative schools in Sussex County Delaware.

Students can enter projects to compete as individuals or groups within various STEM categories. The fair is designed to encourage students to experience hands-on STEM learning in a fun way while developing their critical thinking and scientific process skills. Projects will be judged by local STEM professionals. All students will be recognized for their efforts, and exceptional entries will be awarded exciting prizes!

Virtual Info Session: September 26 | 6:30pm EST

Educators, parents and students, can attend this free session to learn more about the registration process, project categories and judging process.

Registration for the STEM Fair closes on October 15; 11:59pm EST

Sussex County STEM Fair | November 4

The second annual STEM Fair will be hosted at the Lewes Public Library. Students must arrive to setup between 2:15pm - 3pm. Judging starts at 3pm. Award ceremony at 4:15pm.

For more information and to register, click here.

Connecting Employee Engagement & Volunteerism

Webinar • September 27 • 2pm

At STEMconnector, we are thrilled to unveil our latest research report, Connecting Employee Engagement and Volunteerism. Developed in collaboration with STEM Next Opportunity Fund and funded by 3M, this report delves into the relationship between employee engagement and volunteerism.

Join us September 27 for a webinar to listen to the report’s author, Jessica Johnson, Researcher at STEMconnector, and featured organization (Northwestern Mutual, STEM Next, Corteva Agriscience and Verizon) who will discuss:

• Best practices in crafting an effective employee volunteer program

• The role of such programs in influencing youth engagement in STEM fields

• Other proven strategies that yield success

To download the report, click here. 

To register for the Webinar, click here. 

Please join us in welcoming three new DFSME Board Members!

Daniel Harris

Store Manager,

New Castle Walmart 

& Field Director,

Eastern United States

for Community Engagement

JB Hersch

Director of Customer

Master Governance,

Agilent

Jerrod Hunter, Ph.D.

Chair of Biology, Assistant Professor

College of Health Professions & Natural Sciences

Wilmington University, 

Brandywine Campus

Coast Day is Sunday, October 1

11am-3pm • Lewes, DE

Beach enthusiasts, seafood lovers, and others curious about the wonders of the sea can visit the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, Delaware on Coast Day to learn about the state’s rich marine resources.

Coast Day will highlight how University of Delaware scientists, staff, and students are improving understanding of ocean environments and serving coastal communities. Attendees can interact with researchers, tour ships, try hands-on activities, and attend presentations on a range of topics.



For more information about Coast Day events and activities, click here.

2023 Coast Day Essay Contest

Open to 5th Grade Students in Delaware

The theme of this year’s contest is “Weathering the Storm”. Students are asked to describe a type of extreme weather event that happens in Delaware such as tornados, flooding, hurricanes, and nor’easters, how the weather event can affect their neighborhood and community, and what they and their family can do prepare for the weather event.

Student essays must be emailed or postmarked, by 5pm, October 6.

Email essays to: dmchrist@udel.edu or mail to: David Christopher, Delaware Sea Grant, 700 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE 19958. Essays can be dropped off to the Delaware Sea Grant tent during Coast Day on October 1.

We anticipate assisting approx.5-7 schools, with each school receiving up to $2,500 in outdoor classroom supplies (some supply restrictions apply). We look to provide supplies to schools in all three Delaware counties. Delaware Sea Grant will purchase the supplies and have them delivered to the awarded schools.

For more information or to download the 2023 Coast Day Essay Contest packet, click here.

For more information, e-mail David Christopher at dmchrist@udel.edu.

Teachers, please complete the online supply request form for an outdoor classroom. Requests must be submitted by 5pm EST, on Oct. 11. For more information on this project or to access the online form, click here.

Student Essays must be postmarked or emailed by 5pm on Friday, October 6.

September'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.

Jinxia Susan Sun, Ph.D. is a Research & Technology Manager for Croda. She applies her broad knowledge in surfactant chemistry and degrees in Weed Science/Plant Physiology to develop agricultural adjuvants. Dr. Sun Played an instrumental role to establish the first Application Enhancement Program for the agrichemical industry in 2022.

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.

FAME, Inc. STEMulate Change

Enrollment is Open! Fall/Spring 2023-2024

Application Deadline: September 22

New Students: Rising into grades 7th - 12th are welcome to apply.

For more info, email Lakia Belcher, Director of Education, at lbelcher@fameinc.org or Stephanie Lewis, Director of Workforce at slewis@fameinc.org.

For Dates and Enrollment application, click here.

Back to School Sessions with Discovery Education

Discovery Education, in partnership with DuPont, DDOE and Delaware Pathways, continues this Fall providing professional learning opportunities! When you register and attend one of our sessions, you will receive one (1) professional learning (PL) clock hour for each session attended.



Register in PDMS by searching for Course 30581 and then select the "section" tab and register for the section(s) that interest you.

To download a flyer of our full Fall offerings, click here.

Visit our Delaware Partnership Resource Page.

HBCU Week 2023

Great HBCU Events through September 24!

HBCU Week Happy Hour 2023 • DECO • Wed 9/20 • 4pm-7pm

HBCU Week Fabulous Monica Concert • The Queen Wilmington • Wed 9/20 • 7pm

My HBCU Experience Panel Discussion • Howard HS of Technology • Thurs 9/21 • 9:30am

A Conversation on Social Justice • Wilmington Library • Thurs 9/21 • 6pm-7pm

HBCU Week College Fair Wilmington • Chase Fieldhouse • Fri 9/22 • 9am-2pm

HBCU Week Comedy Show • The Queen Wilmington • Fri 9/22 • 7pm

HBCU Week Block Party & STEM Day • DECO • Sat 9/23 • 12pm-5pm

Battle of the Bands • Frawley Stadium • Sun 9/24. • 12:30pm

To check out further information and to register for events, click here.

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September 22 • 9am-2pm

HBCU Week STEM Major Innovation Fair

Discover your passion! Presented by DuPont, this STEM event invites students to speak with innovators about their education & career journey. Find out how DuPont is leading the way in Electronics, Water, Protection, Next Gen Automotive, Computer Science CAI, UL/UX, Development and Information Security.

Chase Field house, Wilmington DE

For more information about the Fair, click here.

To register, click here.

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September 23 • 12pm-5pm

Community STEM Day & HBCU Block Party

Sponsored by DuPont, this STEM event that drives innovation with great fun and easy

to do STEM activities for students, with opportunities to engage with HBCU representatives

to learn more about college process and experience. All ages are welcome!

Deco, 111 W. 10th Street, Wilmington DE

For more information, click here.

To register, click here. 

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Sept 27

Connecting Employee Engagement and Volunteerism Webinar

STEMconnector, STEM Next Opportunity Fund and 3M unveil their latest research report. Author Jessica Johnson, Researcher at STEMconnector, and featured organizations discuss best practices in creating an effective employee volunteer program and influencing youth engagement in STEM fields.

To download the report, click here. 

To register for the Webinar, click here. 

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October 1 • 11am-3pm

Coast Day – Lewes, Delaware – FREE

Beach enthusiasts, seafood lovers, and anyone curious about the wonders of the sea

can learn about the state’s rich marine resources.

Coast Day highlights how UD scientists, staff, and students are improving understanding

of ocean environments and serving coastal communities. Interact with researchers,

tour ships, hands-on activities, and presentations on a range of oceanic topics.

University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, DE

For more information, click here. 

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Register Now! October 13, 2023 • 8am-3pm

DFSME Equity Summit Strand – FREE

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

The Conferences engage PK20 educators, policy makers, and business leaders in meaningful learning experiences that are designed to leverage their capacity as agents of change.

Sessions include highly respected local and national leaders who will engage participants

in conversations and learning focused on positively influencing and impacting classroom

and systems level equity challenges in education.

Hosted by the Delaware Mathematics Coalition, Delaware Department of Education,

Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education, Delaware STEM Council,

FAME and American Chemical Society Delaware.

To register, click here.

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Register Now! October 13, 2023

Delaware Math Equity Conference

This virtual conference engages PK20 educators, policy makers, and business leaders

in meaningful learning experiences that are designed to leverage their capacity

as agents of change. Hosted by the Delaware Mathematics Coalition.

To register, click here.

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Register Now! October 19

Inspiring Women in STEM 2023 Conference

Sponsored by DelawareBio, the Inspiring Women in STEM (IWSTEM) Conference is

the leading professional development and networking event in Delaware designed to encourage, support, and inspire women in all aspects of STEM in their professional lives – including industrial and government scientists and engineers, academic researchers, STEM educators, college students, and entrepreneurs.

University of Delaware's Clayton Hall in Newark, DE

For more info, agenda and to purchase tickets, click here.

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Register Now! October 19-20

The STEM Innovation Forum:

Activating Collaborations to Advance an Inclusive STEM Workforce

This Forum will engage stakeholders across the national and regional STEM education and workforce development ecosystems. Leaders from industry, government, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and STEM networks will have unmatched opportunities to collaborate to advance a diverse, robust and sustainable STEM workforce across the U.S.

This highly engaging event takes place at Colorado State University Spur Campus, Denver CO.

To register, click here.

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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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Save the Date! 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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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

Agilent Technologies | American Chemical Society Delaware Section | Croda

Delmarva Power an Exelon Company | Walmart

STEM Business

Autumn Arch

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.