AK STEAM COLLABORATION

Summer 2023 |

Issue 2

Sharing STEAM opportunities and resources through statewide collaboration

Welcome to the second 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.

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.

Renewable Energy Alaska Project

The 11th annual Power Pledge Challenge is kicking off this August 3rd through 12th. Educators can sign up to receive a presentation from the Renewable Energy Alaska Project and complete class challenges throughout the semester for chances to win prizes.

Learn more and sign up on the AK Energy Smart website

Science Resource: New Permafrost Discovery Gateway education websites:

The Permafrost Discovery Gateway has a new education-focused website for K-12 teachers. The Gateway is an online platform for analyzing and visualizing global geospatial permafrost products. One of the goals of the Gateway is to inspire future generations of permafrost and climate scientists through a collaborative earth science standards-based curriculum that ties to integrative real-world big data and connects with the global community.

Find virtual tours of a permafrost tunnel, teacher training materials, and K-12 standards-based lesson plans to help teachers integrate the Permafrost Discovery Gateway into Earth science on the Gateway's education site.

Visit the Permafrost Discovery Gateway website

Join the Alaska Science Teacher Association:

ASTA strives to be a hub for all K-12 science teachers, including homeschool and private schools. We want to be a strong voice advocating for science education that deepens students' understanding of science practices and concepts.

Join today

Science Stars!

Celebrating Science by Students and Educators

The 30th Interior Alaska Science Fair was held March 22-25, 2023, at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks. More than 500 students were interviewed by 45 community judges.

The Director’s Awards are given in honor of Doug Schamel, a UAF professor who was a vital part of the start of the Interior Alaska Science Fair, and awarded by ASTA board member Michelle Daml.

Director's Awards Winners:

"Harding Lake Bacteria: Ice, Snow and Water"- Kinley Carey, 4th grade
"Fungi in the Neighborhood"- Eamon Smith, Kindergarten
"What is the best De-Icer for Alaskan Roads?" - Lincoln Alberg, 2nd grade

The Alaska State Science and Engineering Fair 2023 was held Saturday, April 1st at Change Point Church in Anchorage, Alaska. ASTA Board Members Joey Jigliotti and Jennifer Waisanen and as well as past PAEMST awardee Laura Ann Hulsebus attended as ASTA Special Awards judges. This is an annual contribution of ASTA to celebrate and encourage young scientists and their teachers. Students were interviewed by the judges and awards were presented to projects that demonstrated science practices thoughtfully and communicated findings clearly.

ASTA Award Winners :

"Lead it Out" - Erik Helzer, Grade 10 of South Anchorage High School
"Dirty Soap?" - Lily Betts, Grade 8 of Anchorage Intermediate Elementary School
"Four!!" - Annabelle Slinker, Grade 6 of Aquarian Charter School
"Virtual Rubik's Cube" - Daniel Goins, Grade 12, Homeschool
"Nuclear Energy" - Auggie Thompson, Grade 4 of Anchorage Intermediate Elementary School
"Pursuing Plastivores" - Jaxson Butler, Grade 3 of Anchorage Elementary School

Alaska Science and Engineering Fair website

Episode 3 of the Arctic Together Podcast is now available. This episode features interviews and highlights from the NNA-CO annual meeting as well as interviews by the Alaska Teen Climate Communicators at the Anchorage Museum screening of the film 'Newtok'.

Listen here

Opportunities for Educators

Workshop: Scenarios of Change

Community Storytelling with Data

Join the NNA-CO education & outreach team for another session on science storytelling with communities. In this session, we will practice a technique that translates data from Arctic region projects and climate projection scenarios into stories of possible futures and actions youth and adults can take to create their best possible future. The workshop will provide lesson plans and hands-on practice with the technique.

Learn more and register

Opportunity: Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching

Apply for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching! To apply, or to nominate someone else, go to the PAEMST website or contact Joey Jigliotti for science or Sandy Schoff for math. There are mentors available to help guide you in the intricate process. The process of applying is itself professional development in its purest form: It is a time for self-reflection and celebrating your intrinsic gifts as a teacher.

Apply or nominate an excellent educator

Grants: Travel Grants for Polar Educators

Is there a conference you want to attend this upcoming school year? The Polar Science Early Career Community Office has travel grants for educators to attend professional conferences and events.

Apply now for PSECCO grants

Polar STEAM Educator: Applications open

Applications for Polar STEAM Educator are open until September 24th at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Both virtual and field collaborations are available and educators are strongly encouraged to attend the informational webinar on August 11, 2023 at 11am Pacific Time or to view the recording.

Opportunities for Students

Contest: Sealaska Heritage Way of Life Photo Contest

The Sealaska Way of Life photo contest is accepting submissions until Friday, August 11.

Over the years, photo contest participants have submitted thousands of photos, capturing what we cherish as Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people through their own lens — things like stunning landscapes, favorite subsistence foods, intricate beadwork and carving skills, ways of life beyond our region, joyful moments shared with loved ones, children dancing, or posing with a boast-worthy catch after a day spent fishing.

For details visit the Sealaska website

Alaska Youth for Environmental Action

Younger people have so much at stake and yet have less power to make change…or do they? Students in Alaska have a front-row seat to the life changes being required by climate change right now. Be a part of actions to make things better for all. Gain inspiration and support from each other. We are with you.

Visit the AYEA website

Who are We?

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Become a Member

Email us at UAF-AK-STEAM@alaska.edu

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