April 2020 SC STEM Hub Newsletter Ideas & Connections Bloom

In This Issue...  Message to the Class of 2020 STEM Equity Workshop Live Twitter Chat, May 12th Distance Learning Tips BEST Deadline: June 15 Teachable Moments Evals Due Externships Board Members  Contact Information: Dr. Sarah Derry, SC Regional Manager Phone : 515-271-2403 Website : https://scstemhub.drake.edu/ Email : [email protected] Calendar : Calendar of Events Hashtag: #STEMinYourWorld ‌ ‌ ‌

Greatness STEMS from You!

Perhaps nobody feels the pinch of uncertainty more than this year's graduating senior class. At at a time when tradition celebrates prom, sport seasons, musicals, and ceremonies, the class of 2020 must be satisfied with virtual good-byes to high school and virtual introductions to their post-secondary plans and institutions. For that reason, we asked post-secondary providers in the Hub's region what advice or message they'd like to share with this year's graduating senior class. One thing is for sure--they are all excited to receive next year's freshman class! They also offered support and services as students continue in their journey. At a time of uncertainty, it's okay to change plans and stay close to home.

From Drake University: “My advice is to find your passion and go for it ,” said Drake University Provost and Iowa STEM Advisory Council Board Member Dr. Sue Mattison. “A college degree will open up a world of new ideas and opportunities that will benefit you for the rest of your life. This is why we often say a Drake education is for a lifetime. I encourage all high school students to share and build upon their talents by continuing their education in ways that will transform their lives and the world around them. (photo from Drake University website)

From Pella's Work-Based Learning Experience: "Life is full of opportunities to practice resiliency," said Teri Vos, Work-Based Learning Provider at Central College and Iowa STEM Council Board Member, "and few have felt that as significantly as students who are concluding high school careers very differently than imagined." She highlighted educational aspects that students may not even know they're learning. "Perhaps without realizing it," she noted, "they are building character that will serve them well in the months and years to come. As they embrace new remote technologies, continue to grow athletic or musical talents with little immediate reward, volunteer for charities or work extra hours for the greater good, they are being equipped with skills that will help prepare them for a successful future regardless of education or career path ." While many feel these are endless days, Vos offers this perspective: "Their practiced focus and resilience will soon pay back in immeasurable ways." (photo from Central College website) 

From Grand View University: College is all about exploration and self-discovery; finding out what you love and what you’re good at," said Dr. Idit Hazan, Professor of Biology and STEM Festival Exhibitor. "If it can also serve society and provide you with a decent living, then you have found that sweet spot for your vocation."   Hazan (center) said not to worry if you don't declare a major right away. "Most first year students take similar classes, especially in majors that are related or have some overlap. Your academic advisor will be there to guide you. If you didn’t quite get it right, you will have lots of time to pick a different track within a major or even change majors." She also recommended that each student take a class outside their comfort zone. "You might discover something new that you enjoy or a talent you didn’t know you had," said Hazan. "At the very least, you will have broadened your horizons. You never know when those skills will be useful." Some worry about transitioning to college, but Hazan added, "You will find 'your people' in college. There will be lots of like-minded people in college, especially once you find your major. They will share your passion and your interests."   

New Workshop: Fostering STEM Equity

Fostering Equity in the STEM Classroom is a professional development experience for educators, administrators and community members prioritizing equity, diversity and inclusion. Brought to you by the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, this two-day virtual workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Aris Winger, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Mathematics Enrichment for Diversity and Learning (MEDAL). Winger (pictured at above) is an assistant professor of mathematics at Georgia Gwinnett College and mathematics director at Hybrid Education of Greater Atlanta. He collaborated with Dr. Michael Young, assistant professor of mathematics at Iowa State University, and others to develop the Mathematician Affiliates of Color Network, a network of support for students of color who are interested in mathematics. He was also an expert contributor to  America’s Strategy for STEM Education . Winger completed his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Howard University. He earned his Master of Science and Doctoral degrees at Carnegie Mellon University where he discovered a passion for teaching and, specifically, a passion for making mathematics more understandable within the classroom. “When I enter a classroom, I don’t see a classroom of students. I see 25 individuals,” said Winger. “My intent is to connect with students as individuals and adapt my teaching and behavior to make sure they are seen and heard.” With the belief that small changes compound to large transformations, Winger will guide participants of this professional development experience to think critically about their practice, commit to making changes and implement those changes in a way that is pragmatic and meaningful, culminating in a classroom experience where all students in their classroom will feel seen, valued and validated. This workshop will be held virtually on June 18 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and June 19 from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM for up to 100 participants. Three 60-minute webinars will be scheduled to follow the workshop. Additional registrants will be added to the waitlist and notified if an opening comes available. Licensure renewal credit is available to participants at no cost, compliments of the STEM Council. Stipends totaling up to $300 per participant will also be available for qualifying individuals. Register at  www.IowaSTEM.gov/equityworkshop .

Efforts to improve impact for minority students are based on yearly evaluations on the Iowa STEM program. To fulfill the United State's need for STEM professionals and innovators, inclusion is essential.

Live Twitter Chat Iowa STEM Education: New Normal

Award-Winning Teachers Share Distance Learning Tips

Distance learning has created a challenge for both students and teachers. This week, we reached out to our amazing I.O.W.A. STEM Teachers of the Year, positing the question: What best practice tips do you have for those facing this challenge?

Secondary: Dr. Kacia Cain Cain notes that her amazing students have "stepped up to the plate and are doing an excellent job in these uncertain times. She points out that good communication is key right now. "In order to help my students and their parents/guardians with all of the changes, I email with my students often (some students multiple times a day and/or late evening) so they do not feel alone and their questions are not left hanging . I also reach out to students if I have not heard from them in a few days or they have not turned in an assignment, just to check in with them.   I try add positive messages to the students with each email rather than just answering the questions." "Grace and understanding," says Cain, go both ways. She pointed out that teachers are facing many instructional and emotional challenges right now, and sometimes they are not able to get back to a student or parent right away. "I miss my students," added Cain, "and this experience as reminded me why I am a teacher and I can’t wait to get back to my classroom." Spoken like a true teacher of the year! Look for more distance learning strategies in upcoming newsletters.

NewBo's Coder Dojo Offers Free, State-Wide Coding Program

Students participate in NewBo's Coder Dojo. Alison Mohr, headshot, works as a mentor for students interested in coding. Photos from Coder Dojo website .

Alison Mohr, SC STEM Regional Board Co-Chair and Carlisle School District Teacher, is helping to bring more virtual learning opportunities to students. We interviewed her about a new program, Virtual Coder Dojo. It's online, educational, fun, and free! Q: What is the Coder Dojo program you've created?    A: NewBoCo traditionally hosts CoderDojo events on Saturdays throughout the school year. The events have different stations for families to learn about computer science and programming. With the community closures, we recognized that we still wanted to reach families and provide opportunities for students to be creative and collaborate. We designed Virtual CoderDojo into 1-hour sessions for students to join and learn about computer science. Each session focuses on learning a platform to create a project or complete a task. Mentors are available to provide support for students learning how to code. We end every session with time for students to share their projects with the group. Sessions are geared for students in 1st-5th grade and free to all.  Q: What is your role in the program?   A: I've worked as a mentor for CoderDojos to help plan each session and then facilitate the learning during the session.  Q: How does the program benefit students and families?   A: It's been fun to get kids to connect virtually and share their creativity and problem solving. The benefit to being virtual is that we are able to have students from across the state participate. The kids really take the lead during our sessions. They are supportive of each other and happy to help others. A lot of families work on the project together, so it is a fun opportunity to learn computer science for both kids and parents.  Q: Who can participate and how can they sign up? A:  Anyone can participate! Our sessions are currently geared for 1st-5th grade students, but we'd love to expand the program for older students if interested. Registration can be found on the  Virtual CoderDojo page  on our website.  CoderDojos happen every Tuesday and Friday from 1:30-2:30. The events are free for families to join thanks to our sponsors, Collins Aerospace, Cargill, Verizon, Workiva, Green State Credit Union, Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT).

Coder Dojo Website

BEST Advice: Building Business Partnerships

The 2020-21 STEM BEST deadline has been extended until June 15, 2020. If you're in the process of or still thinking about applying, the Hub is here to help. Amber Pargmann wears many hats. She's a member of the SC STEM Regional Advisory, Ottumwa Community School District SparkTank Business Partner, and John Deere-Ottumwa's Global Program Manager. She took a moment to offer some ideas for those looking for business partners. " Start with a few key business to develop strong relationships to get your BEST program off-the-ground ," Pargmann recommended. "This helps develop a strong foundation. Once you have some success, you can continue to grow & expand. It becomes easier to get other businesses and organizations interested when you have some success stories to share and they realize the impact a STEM BEST program can have all around ."

Click HERE for Application Info!

Teachable Moments Offer At-Home Ideas

Iowa STEM invites you to visit their Teachable Moment website page. It's a collection of lessons and activities curated by the State STEM Network Team and designed to help students and caregivers continue learning during the suspension of schooling for COVID-19 mitigation. Link: https://iowastem.gov/teachablemoment . If you try something from the website or create your own STEM activity, please share your project-related photos with #TeachableMoment or tag @IowaSTEM in the post. Finally, if you have resources, ideas, lessons, and/or tips that would be helpful, please send feedback to  [email protected] .

Scale-Up Evals Due

Iowa STEM needs your help to collect data for program improvement and continuation. As part of your STEM Scale-Up agreement, all educators who implement a Scale-Up program are expected to complete two evaluation tasks. This includes: 1) Complete an online educator survey. You will receive an email from our evaluation team at Iowa State ( [email protected] ) with the subject line 'Evaluation Instructions for your STEM Scale-Up Program.' The email will contain a link to complete the survey. The link is unique to you so that you won't get additional email reminders after you complete the survey. 2) Submit a student participant list to Iowa Testing Programs. Instructions for submitting the list will be in the email invitation, and can also be found at  https://iowastem.gov/scale-monitoring .  We know your ability to complete the program and evaluation may be affected by school closures, so do feel free to reach out to Dr. Sarah Derry at the Hub with any questions you may have. The whole program benefits from your feedback, and it improves each year because of the time you invest reporting back. Click HERE for Evaluation Guidelines

New Guidelines Help Externship Experiences Continue to Thrive

The Iowa STEM Teacher Externship Program will move forward, despite the way COVID-19 has impacted learning environments, workplaces, social gatherings and more. Under the current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Gov. Kim Reynolds, the STEM Council is working with teacher externs and workplace hosts to adapt this program and others to continue to deliver the experience, while ensuring the safety and well-being of all. The STEM Teacher Externship experience will continue to take place over six weeks this summer with the following adjustments: Virtual professional development and orientation meetings will allow educators to continue to collaborate and share experiences. Social distancing measures are being put in place at workplace sites. Alternate projects for educators are being identified for workplace hosts as needed. Our STEM network team is diligently working to match teacher-externs and hosts this summer and can even begin the conversation for placements in summer 2021. The application is still open for educators and workplace hosts to apply for a summer experience. For more information or to apply, visit  www.IowaSTEM.gov/externships .

Click HERE for More Externship Info

SC Advisory Board: Here for You!

Do you have a STEM question that begs and answer? If so, email the Hub ! We have a great network of experts, including our board members, and we'll keep digging until we find the answers you need. If you'd like to serve on our board, or any other state board, click HERE for info.

Creighton Cox Carla Eysink Sherry Ford Breanne Garrett Nadilia Gomez Mauree Haage* Kari Hanson Jonathan Holmen Ronda McCarthy Alison Mohr* Tyler (T.J.) Myerholz Amber Pargmann Marshall Payne Laura Williams * = board co-chairs

Calendar of Events If you have a STEM-related class, celebration, tribute, or event, please email us so we can share via social media and/or our event calendar. June 15 -- BEST Application Closes June -- Summer Externs Begin--Apply Now! July -- BEST Recipients Announced, date TBA July and August -- STEM Scale-Up trainings begin (virtually) For more events and details, please visit our website calendar . ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌