Southwest Iowa STEM

Regional Newsletter: April 2023

Full STEAM Ahead! Graceland University’s STEM festival fast-tracked through the Morden Center on April 5th, as over 300 students, families and educators attended the Lamoni community event.

With 30 plus exhibitors from area businesses and organizations, this spring festival marked the return of fun, hands-on activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and beyond. Exhibits also featured career information to help students see their future selves in STEM jobs around the state.

To create the event, Graceland University and Lamoni Community Schools partnered with the Southwest and South Central STEM Hubs, AmeriCorps, and the Intermediary Network. Their goal was to provide a fun, inspiring educational experience for participants to engage with local businesses and community organizations, bringing a better understanding of resources and jobs.

Thanks to the following community members for volunteering to exhibit at the event:

• American State Bank

• Bolton & Menk

• Decatur County Conservation Board

• Decatur County Public Health

•Decatur County Public Health -Parents as Teachers

• Farm Bureau Financial Services

• Graceland Agricultural Business Club

• Graceland Esports

• Graceland University Arts

• Graceland University Health and Movement Science Department

• Graceland University -Natural and Physical Sciences

• Green Hills AEA

• Honey Tree Chiropractic

• Infinity Health

• Iowa Corn Growers Association

• Iowa Intermediary Network

• Iowa PBS

• Lamoni Middle School

• Lamoni Police

• Lamoni Public Library

• Leon Public Library

• NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador

• Parabola Farms

• Pioneer

• Southwest Iowa REC

f you’d like to join a mailing list for future STEM notifications, please email SW STEM Hub Manager Joni Ehm at jehm@iowastem.org.

Iowa STEM Teacher Externships are full-time, six-week temporary summer positions in local businesses and agencies for secondary teachers of mathematics, science, and/or technology. STEM Teachers earn a stipend of up to $5,000 (including two paid professional development days) and three graduate credits through the University of Northern Iowa’s Continuing Education program.

If you are a Southwest STEM Region business/organization interested in learning more about hosting a teacher extern, please click the button below.

If you are a Southwest STEM Region teacher who is excited about working with a local Southeast STEM Region business, click the link below.

Iowa STEM created the STEM Latest Information for Teachers (LIfT) Scholarship to support STEM teachers’ pursuit of these high-demand skills and knowledge for incorporating into their classes.

Scholarships are available up to a maximum of $1,800, depending on tuition costs. Any Iowa college or university may be selected by teacher-scholars. The catch is that the course they select must be of a cutting-edge subject in their field of teaching rather than a methodology course. Scholars write essays describing how the course update will enhance their teaching.

The application is due May 1. Visit Iowa STEM's website for more information or apply today.

Computer Science PD Week!

Join educators across the state for a great week of learning and collaboration! Not only is it FREE to attend, you will EARN a stipend for engaging in professional development!

It’s official!! Iowa’s Computer Science Professional Development Week will begin with a kickoff event on the evening of Sunday, June 11th with professional development happening throughout the week of June 12 - 16, 2023.  All professional development will be held in-person on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  Now is the time to register for this amazing opportunity sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education,  the Iowa AEAs, UNI, CSTA, and NewBoCo.

WHEN: June 12 - 16, 2023, Kickoff evening of Sunday, June 11th

WHERE: University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls (High School Cybersecurity at Waterloo Career Center)

WHO:  All PreK-12 Educators, Counselors, Instructional Coaches, and Administrators who will be providing or supporting CS instruction in accredited public and non-public schools that have created a computer science plan

WHY: Support state and K-12 district CS plans and provide equitable access to high-quality CS professional development throughout the state 

WHAT:  PK-12 Computer Science professional development opportunities ranging from 1 to 5 days in duration from 8:30 - 4:30 each day

Logistics:

What is covered?

• Stipends: $150/day Monday - Friday (Sunday not included)
• Lodging:  UNI dorm suites available Sunday - Thursday night
• Food:  Breakfast & Lunch provided

Expenses not covered:

• Mileage/Travel expenses
• Evening meals
• Cost of licensure renewal or graduate credit if desired

Register for all PD by May 5: links on AEA CS website or go to the registration system and search for CSPD week

• Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis with limited capacity so register soon!  If your section is full, please register and you will be put on the waitlist. Registration after the deadline will not guarantee a spot or materials.

Need to get support from your administration?  View admin letter template

More information can be found from the Curriculum Director update.

Not able to attend this summer? Iowa’s CS PD Week will move each summer. In 2022, CS PD week was in Ames and in 2023 will be in Cedar Falls. We are working to schedule 2024 on the west side of Iowa and will share details once finalized.

Questions? Contact iowa-cs-pd-week@gwaea.org

Camp Invention

Earlham July 10-14: Click here to register

Clarinda July 10-14: Click here to register