Photo: Students from the community of Takotna with their teacher on the Winterberry project . Credit: Dr. Katie Spellman | |
Sharing STEAM opportunities and resources through statewide collaboration | Welcome to the AK STEAM Collaboration newsletter. On a quarterly basis we share Alaska and Arctic-focused opportunities and resources for educators in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). This is a service of the NNA-Community Office and University of Alaska Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center in partnership with the Alaska Science Teachers Association. This collaboration will continue through 2026. | | |
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Create Virtual Field Trips
Engage your students in place-based learning with Tour It!, the free browser-based platform from Infiniscope that enables you to create custom virtual field trips for your learners. With your own 360-degree images you can create a tour in less than 10 minutes or join and have access to a library of tours created by the Infiniscope team. View a recent workshop from the infiniscope team and create an educator account to gain access.
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Alaska Ocean Observing System
The Alaska Ocean Observing System data portal provides an interactive map of real-time climate data. The portal can be used by students in 8th grade and above, or it could be projected by the teacher for younger students. This is a great way to talk about geography, weather, and marine conditions.
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“Dirty Snow” Webinar
In this webinar for both educators & entire classes you'll learn how to collect, measure, and filter snow samples. Former NASA intern Kaila Banister will share what it is like to be a NASA intern. Teachers who are Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) members can receive supplies for their students. Dates are April 9, 2024 at 9 am and April 10, 2024 at 3 pm.
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Science Stars!
Celebrating Science by Students and Educators
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Students from Galena and Sleetmute traveled to San Francisco to present their posters at the American Geophysical Union Fall 2023 meeting. The students and their teachers are part of the citizen science project Fresh Eyes on Ice. Ida and Karin Bodony from Galena presented their poster called Citizen Science Successes in Rural Alaska: Scientist, Educator and Student Points of View. Angela Hayden, Kiley Hayden and Kayla Effemka from Sleetmute presented Ice Thickness and Flood Probability: Using Citizen Scientists in the Classroom to Investigate a Local Issue.
Photo above by Karin Bodony
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Nomination for Frederik Paulson Arctic Academic Action Award
Nominations are open for the 2024 Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award. The award recognizes innovative ideas that aspire to transform knowledge into action to help address the causes and impacts of climate change in the Arctic. Nominations are due April 30th.
| The deadline for the Alaska Branch of the Inspiring Girls* Expeditions has been extended to April 1st. For High School age girls*, these backcountry expeditions combine science, art, and nature for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. | | |
Opportunities for Educators | |
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The Alaska Science Teachers Association is looking to expand their network and invite new leadership by extending free membership to all classroom, home school, and informal educators (museums, non-profit education groups, tribal organizations, public lands staff, etc) from now until June 1, 2024. This is a good way to connect with other educators and show your support for strengthening science education.
The free membership is only available for AKSTA, not the joint membership with NSTA. If you are already a member and would like to enjoy this incentive, e-mail pattyb@aptalaska.net or any board member to extend your membership until June 1, 2024. Please spread the word to your colleagues!
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16th Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference (WAISC)
April 2-4 brings together people invested in sharing information important to rural communities in Western Alaska through Western Alaska knowledge and science. Abstracts are due February 15. Travel awards are available
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Photo sourced from TERC website | |
Climate and Equity Education: A Summer Institute for Learning and Teaching | TERC, in partnership with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, invites high school teachers to apply for a one-week, all-expenses-paid intensive on the beautiful coast of Maine, Sun 21-Sat 27 July 2024. Application deadline: March 4th 2024. | | |
Photo sourced from the the Arctic & Earth SIGNS website | |
Climate Change in My Community: Water and Fish | University of Alaska Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center and Association of Interior Native Educators hosts a three-day professional development workshop and GLOBE training June 12-14, 2024 in Fairbanks. Educators should come as a team with a community member. Application deadline: April 5th 2024. | | | |
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Introducing CLEAN’s Climate Mental Health Activity Guide | Teaching about climate change can bring up many emotions, especially for today’s youth, leading to a need for educator resources that can help address these complex feelings. To support the whole student, CLEAN has assembled a Climate Change Mental Health Activity Guide with youth-friendly resources that aid teachers in approaching complex and sensitive topics in the classroom. | | |
Photo sourced from KidWind Website | |
The 17th annual REcharge Academy
The 17th annual REcharge Academy in Fairbanks, June 9-14, offers intensive training for educators blending expert lectures, local energy facility tours, and hands-on K-12 lessons. Organized by Renewable Energy Alaska Project and KidWind, the Academy focuses on Alaska's renewable microgrids. Only 30 spots available, with scholarships offered; application deadline is March 15.
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Opportunities for Students | | |
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2024 NASA STEM Enhancement in Earth and Space Science Internship
- Audience: Current High School Sophomores and Juniors
- Application Deadline: February 24, 2024
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Contact: Celena Miller
NASA, the Texas Space Grant Consortium and The University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research have joined forces to encourage high school students’ interest in STEM careers. The SEES project offers onsite internships at The University of Texas in Austin, Texas and virtual projects in June and July. Participants conduct authentic research with NASA subject matter experts while working with scientists and engineers in their chosen areas of work. Housing, transportation from Alaska and meals will be provided.
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Planning is underway for the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Summer Youth Practicum
The Native American Environmental Awareness Summer Youth Practicum (SYP) is designed to provide Native American students (incoming 10th – 12th grade) an opportunity to gain hands-on and in-lecture experience in the interdisciplinary components of natural resource management and Indigenous knowledge. One of the goals of the NAFWS is to educate Native American youth to understand the importance of professional natural resource management and the interconnectedness to culture, as well encourage them to continue their education and pursue careers in the natural resource fields.
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Alaska Geographic Teen Expeditions
Alaska teens aged 13-18 can join expeditions in Anchorage focusing on community building and outdoor skill development, regardless of prior experience. The program prioritizes applicants showing potential in leadership, science, or outdoor skills, aiming for diversity and respect among participants. Free transportation, lodging, and meals are provided for non-Anchorage residents. Student Leader positions are available for those aged 17+ with leadership experience. Applications for the 2024 season open on February 15 at 12:00 P.M. AKDT.
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The Navigating the New Arctic Community Office builds awareness, partnerships, opportunities and resources for research funded by the National Science Foundation.
Our education team helps NNA researchers engage with Arctic-inspired educators in culturally responsive ways.
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The International Arctic Research Center is a part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Our purpose is to understand the Arctic to make a difference.
Our education-related programs provide opportunities for K-12, college students and citizen scientists to engage in meaningful climate research.
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The Alaska Science Teachers Association works to inspire, promote and support excellence in science education.
Join colleagues across the state and share ideas, values and priorities in teaching science in the public schools or other sites.
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