Elementary Science Makes a Comeback!

"Observing Phenomena":

Do you remember the first time you picked up a leaf? You were probably a toddler exploring the outdoors. For you, it was a nature walk in your backyard, but for elementary science educators this is called "observing phenomena".

Congratulations — you were doing science!

Elementary teachers know it can be a struggle to find classroom time for science, so when kids reach middle and high school many are learning scientific concepts like "'observing phenomena" and "making investigations" for the first time. Too often these students may fall behind and think "I'm not a science person." But Washington State LASER and Washington STEM are helping elementary science stage a comeback!

Learn more about how we can support and integrate science into the elementary classroom so all students know how to navigate the world around them.

STEM STORIES

A Winning Season:

New legislation improves access to dual credit and High School and Beyond Plans

After three seasons working partially remote, we were back in person in Olympia this year. The 2023 legislative session was filled with 105 days of reconnecting and collaborating with educators, business leaders, and community members across the state. Together with a broad set of partners Washington STEM championed Early Learning System Improvements, Applying Dual Credit, and the transition from High School to Postsecondary.

Read about the exciting legislative wins that are opening doors to STEM education for more students across Washington.

STEM by the Numbers:

Introducing the new dashboards

Our new STEM by the Numbers dashboards highlight three key indicators of student success: kindergarten and 3rd grade math readiness, FAFSA completion rates, and postsecondary enrollment and credential attainment.

With regionalized data, these indicators tell us if Washington’s education system is helping more students get on track from—early learning to postsecondary—and leading them into high-demand careers!

Check out the dashboard

Hot off the presses:

2022 Annual Report

In 2022, our High School to Postsecondary research changed perceptions of high school students' goals for after high school. We now know that 90% aspire to continue their education.

With these findings in hand, we worked with partners across the state to pass legislation to improve access to dual credit courses and career pathways. We also launched Early Learning data dashboards with the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF), helped our partners reach 2,000+ educators and families with early math programming, and engaged the business community on the impact of quality child care on student outcomes—as well as on the state's economic growth.

Notable Woman in STEM:

Veterinary pharmacologist keeps furry friends healthy

Dr. Katrina Mealey is a veterinary pharmacologist and professor at Washington State University. She monitors genetic changes in dog and cat breeds to ensure our pets stay healthy.

In her Notable Women in STEM interview, Dr. Mealey talks female mentorship, the power of public schools, and her 4-million-dollar discovery.

210 S. Hudson Street Seattle, WA 98134 206-658-4320

info@washingtonstem.org