Photo: Students hike along a trail Credit: Inspiring Girls* expeditions.

AK STEAM COLLABORATION

Fall 2023 |

Issue 3

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.

 

2024 Tsunami Bowl


The Tsunami Bowl, hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) since 1998, is a vibrant three-day quiz bowl competition in Seward, Alaska. The Tsunami Bowl is a weekend competition for students in ocean science, featuring research presentations and quiz bowl rounds. It relies on local support to become self-sustaining and promote STEM careers. Contact uaf-tsunamibowl@alaska.edu to get involved. Don't wait as registration closes on November 19, 2023.

Learn more on the Tsunami Bowl Facebook page

Science Resource: Project Learning Tree 'Together for Birds'


Birds offer an accessible and engaging way to introduce students to the natural world, fostering an appreciation for wildlife and empathy towards living beings. Observing birds also promotes mental health and well-being, while providing insight into the interconnectedness of nature. 'Together for Birds' is a downloadable educational resource from Project Learning Tree and American Bird Conservancy, designed for K-5 educators to help students explore the dependence of birds and other creatures on their habitats.

Visit the Project Learning Tree website

Join the FIRST Lego League:


The upcoming season of FIRST Lego League emphasizes art, challenging teams worldwide to build game models and program autonomous robots while fostering teamwork and perseverance, providing an exemplary STEM learning experience for both students and their educators.

Learn more and join today
 

Science Stars!

Celebrating Science by Students and Educators

When a 2011 bridge and levee project on the Tanana River cut off a slough, Salcha residents grew concerned about how the project would affect the health of this waterway and its fish populations, including Yukon River Chinook salmon. The Tanana Valley Watershed Association (TVWA) proposed a 10-year scientific study and asked Salcha Elementary to be its partner in the project. Salcha students collected 1200 data points along the slough. Tori Brannan, a former teacher and principal, and her daughter Teslin Brannan remained involved beyond the study’s completion in 2021. Tori is a GLOBE Trained Educator; Telsin returns each year to teach GLOBE data collection protocols to the young scientists at Salcha Elementary. Both Tori and Teslin presented their findings from the study at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2022 Fall Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. Subsequently, Teslin and Tori have presented at the Alaska sections of the American Water Resources Association and the American Fisheries Society conferences. Read more of Tori and Teslin’s story and learn more about GLOBE on their website.

Read more about GLOBE stars 

Teaching about Climate and Energy?


A team of educators and scientists have reviewed and organized the best free teaching resources for K-12 students. You'll also find professional development tools and a network of other teachers passionate about teaching climate.


CLEAN Resources
 

Opportunities for Educators

 

FREE membership to the Alaska Science Teachers Association

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!

AKSTA membership
 

Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science

The application and nomination period is open for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science. This experience is open to K-6 teachers. Now is the time to explore the application, reach out to mentors, and think back on your 'lightbulb' moments with students. Attend a webinar and read about the application process.

Take the first step
 

Opportunity: Alaska Marine Science Symposium

Alaska Marine Science Symposium brings together scientists, educators, resource managers, students, and the interested public to discuss marine research being conducted in Alaskan waters. Over 700 people attend this conference held annually in January.

Register now
 

NSTA Awards and Recognition Program

Each year the National Science Teachers Association recognizes students and teachers for their accomplishments in science education. Nominate or apply by December 21st to be eligible for cash prizes.

Learn more
 

Opportunities for Students

 

Inspiring Girls* Expedition


Inspiring Girls* Expeditions Alaska invites 16 to 18-year-olds to apply for free summer 2024 science and art expeditions! Spend 12 days walking on glaciers or sea kayaking through coastal ecosystems with like-minded teens and instructors. Learn how to be a field scientist and practice your observation skills through art. Submit your application by January 31. Applications open in early December.

Visit the Inspiring Girls* 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
 
 
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