Those who attended the 2014 CSTEM Challenge and iSTEM Olympiad will remember Dr. Wolfgang Warnecke as the speaker and car enthusiast from Shell Oil Company. He also led the entry parade into the George R. Brown Convention Center, kicking-off opening ceremonies. What many don't know, is that he flew all the way from Germany to speak and inspire the students and teachers. We would like to thank him for his tremendous support and contributions.  C-STEM teachers and students are still talking about Dr. Warnecke's passion for STEM with work and at play.  

"It was really such a great pleasure to be able to join the CSTEM Challenge and to be able to witness the excitement of so many passionate students of all ages, so many different career opportunities are available to those with STEM-based skills so getting young students interested in and enjoying in subjects like science at an early age is very important. As a global energy company, we know that the need for cleaner and reliable energy is a global challenge and the answer to that will come from innovation and smart applications of science. I was just eight years old when I discovered my passion for all things automotive and here I am 27 years into a career with Shell in a role that never fails to bring me new excitement and challenges on a daily basis" says Dr. Wolfgang Warnecke, Chief Scientist for Mobility, Shell Technology Center Hamburg, Germany.

"Thank you Dr. Warnecke for your tremendous support, participation, and contributions to the CSTEM Challenge and iSTEM Olympiad activities.  C-STEM teacher's and student's are still talking about your passion for STEM with work and at play", says Dr. Reagan Flowers.

"I think the most impactful thing C-STEM did was really give me an occupation idea at a very early age" says Julius Liu, a  23 year old software developer engineer at Microsoft and former C-STEM student. Julius was first introduced to C-STEM when he was in 6th grade by a pamphlet his parents had picked up and shared with him."It wasn't until my friend in English class told me he was going to join that I decided I wanted to join too. So one day I found Dr. Flowers in the cafeteria and asked her to join. The rest is history" he describes.

Julius grew up participating in  C-STEM sponsored competitions. Because of that Julius emphasizes the large amount of confidence he had when deciding what to do growing up as a kid. " I was very focused on doing something in engineering, and mostly something in the electrical/electronic area. Now, I wasn't 100% certain that I would end up developing software, I figured that out later in college, but I was very certain about the type of work I would be doing. That confidence definitely paid off in the long run."

Dr. Reagan Flowers at Microsoft Headquarters posing by the founders

The day began with the tables set and ready with great food and d�cor. There were serious topics, jokes, and even emotional moments, one in particular that moved Dr. Flowers to tears of joy at the breakfast. Everyone left the breakfast inspired, encouraged, empowered with STEM information, and excited about the CSTEM Challenge and iSTEM Olympiad.  It was great seeing everyone.  Thanks everyone for your unwavering support! We  look forward to seeing you next year for the 2015 Stakeholders Breakfast.

CSTEM Challenge and iSTEM Olympiad

Event Highlights

   View more images from the competition here! 

The George R. Brown was awakened to the sound of beating drums and the roar of children eager to compete in the CSTEM Challenge and iSTEM Olympiad. Cameras were rolling and snapping photos and the DJ was mixing the best upbeat tones. The stage was set and the children, along with their teachers and parents, marched in the entry parade to the George R. Brown General Assembly Theater. The day was full of excitement and activities and made for what one of our teachers described as "the best competition to date!"

With everything ready for the big day, a smooth execution was bound to happen.  Fox 26 News Anchor, Melinda Spaulding officiated over opening ceremonies with the innovation led by Pastor Mia K. Wright of the Fountain Praise Church, provided encouragement and joy for a successful competition experience for all.  Other notable participants in opening ceremonies were Songstress Latika Tillis accompanied by Saxophonist Christian Morgan of Albright Middle School presenting the National Anthem and Jacarius Tatman from Tekoa Academy who led the pledge of allegiance.  Opening ceremonies kicked-off the competition, sending the competitors to get into position.  Robots were set and ready for lifting and running, eager minds were on standby for quiz bowl, murals were displayed boldly, geoscience and film oral presentations were rolling, sculptures and photo's were prominently displayed with other artifacts in teams expo booths.

After the lunch break, the students and teachers enjoyed live edutainment  were C-STEM's mascot, the lovable Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle, was introduced to the student's.  The performance consisted of a comedy skit and a live mural painting that included the 2014 CSTEM Challenge and iSTEM Olympiad theme, "The Water Energy Nexus".

The competition ended with passionate students, teachers, mentors, and parents anxiously anticipating the announcement of first place winners. The children screamed in excitement as their school names were called and they proudly walked on stage to receive their awards. There were over 52 awards granted in the form of trophies, medals, scholarships, 3D printers, laptop computers, and cash prizes.  

C-STEM appreciates the participation of the 2014 teams! Registration is now open for the 2014-2015 academic year.  We look forward to seeing you at the 2015 CSTEM Challenge and iSTEM Olympiad.  

To register for 2015 competitions:

Summer Learning Opportunities

 With summer break closing in on the school year, it becomes important to fill students' schedule with activities and new experiences, but finding summer opportunities can be time consuming and difficult to do. Thankfully C-STEM is here to help you keep your students active this break. Feel free to cycle through some great opportunities.

Click here to View 

Want to be part of the C-STEM Challenge and iSTEM Olympiad preparation? You're in luck. C-STEM is now looking for teacher trainers from STEM and art industries to lead content areas associated with the 2015 

C-STEM Challenge and iSTEM Olympiad.

If you're interested visit our website here.

August:

• C-STEM Pedagogy 101 Graduate Course Registration Deadline: 1st
• C-STEM Challenge  Registration Deadline: 28th