Linking Education & Innovation! A SPECIAL Event!

Linking STEM Education & Innovation!

Many signs point to a great year ahead for STEM education in Delaware! One sign is the growing interest by our business partners to be more engaged with STEM teachers and community partners. The business interest in more students graduating with STEM skills for the future Delaware STEM workforce is coupled with sincere enthusiasm in interacting with students in ways that have true real-world impact.

For example, 23 Delaware businesses are hosting STEM ConnectED Day 2025 on Oct. 10, offering teachers a unique professional development opportunity as companies invite educators to witness innovative practices and cutting-edge technologies in diverse STEM fields.

Additionally, Math educators can participate in the DE Math Equity Annual Conference on Oct. 25, held in-person, in Dover, DE. More excitement continues at the Delaware STEM Educator Awards on Nov. 13. Read more about these events in this issue!

“Our business community is making concerted efforts toward

the growth of our Delaware STEM workforce, embracing greater

hands-on collaboration with our educators.”

— Daniel Harris, Store Manager, Walmart

Walmart is a STEM-focused, tech-powered, omnichannel retailer

dedicated to helping people save money and live better.

Daniel Harris is a member of DFSME Board of Directors.

We Hope You Enjoy This Edition!

Celebrating Excellence in Delaware Science Education

Welcome Carrie Evick! Carrie recently became Delaware Department of Education’s (DDOE) newest Science Education Associate, working closely with the Delaware Science Coalition. She was elevated to this role at DDOE for her prior work in helping to facilitate the incorporation of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into Delaware classrooms. For this work she was also honored by Delaware Bio, a group of bioscience businesses that includes AstraZeneca, Incyte, W.L. Gore & Associates, and others. Before her current position, Carrie was a high school biology and anatomy and physiology teacher for 20 years at Cape Henlopen High School, engaging students in learning experiences rooted in the NGSS.

Carrie’s role at DDOE entails supporting science instruction in Delaware’s 19 school districts and 23 charter schools – through resources, professional development, grant access and more so that Delaware students are science-ready for success in college, career and life.

Among Carrie’s many goals, she is working hard at broadening the reach of Delaware Teachers of Science (DTS). In collaboration with Peter Kelley, DTS president and science teacher at Brandywine Springs School, they plan to strengthen our state’s educational science community. DTS is the Delaware chapter group of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). DTS sponsors awards and grants, science learning opportunities, and fun peer networking activities such as Rookie Science Weekend, Dragon Run Canoe Trips and bringing local Delaware phenomena to Delaware students.

To learn more about DTS, contact Peter Kelly at Peter.Kelly@redclay.k12.de.u s or click here.

This unparalleled FREE Professional Development (PD) opportunity offers exclusive access and tours of leading statewide STEM businesses, empowering you to bring real-world STEM applications into your classroom. Witness cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices in diverse STEM fields. Network with industry professionals, gain insights into current industry trends, and discover how these advancements can inspire and enhance your teaching.

Educators will receive 3 credit hours towards PD per session. Registration in PDMS is required. Please verify with your school and district that you will be allowed off-campus to attend.

Download the STEM ConnectED Day Flyer

Delaware Math Equity Conference

Middle School for Innovation

1 Patrick Lynn Drive • Dover, DE 19904

This year's in-person conference includes an incredible lineup of local

and national level champions of equity in mathematics.

8:00am - 12:30pm - Keynote, Breakout Sessions, Sponsor Spotlights, & Networking

Optional: 12:30pm - 3:00pm - Lunch & watch Counted Out: Math is Power

The DE Math Equity Conference engages PK20 educators, policy makers, and business leaders in meaningful learning experiences that are designed to leverage their capacity as agents of change. Sessions leaders include highly respected local and national leaders who will engage participants in conversations and learning focused on positively influencing and impacting classroom and systems level equity challenges in mathematics education.

Keynote Speaker: Vanessa Vakharia The Math Guru! Vanessa is the author of Math Therapy: 5 Steps to Help You Students Overcome Math Trauma and Build a Better Relationship with Math

· Winner of the 2019 Women of Inspiration – Vision Builder Award

· Winner of the 2019 DD Women Achiever Award

· Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management

· Master of Arts in Mathematics Education

· Teaching Degree in Math Education

Click here for the DE Math Equity Conference flyer.

Click here for the DE Math Equity Conference strands and for info about submitting a proposal.

Meet Delaware Math Coalition’s New Executive Director!

Welcome Dr. Crystal Lancour! As a long-time member and supporter of the Delaware Mathematics Coalition (DMC), Crystal steps into the role of Executive Director of the DMC. She has served in various capacities over her 27 years of experience as a mathematics educator, instructional leader, and advocate for equitable and high-quality math learning across the state.

As a classroom teacher, state education associate, district mathematics supervisor, and adjunct instructor, she is deeply committed to empowering teachers and leaders, cultivating student curiosity and confidence in mathematics, and creating systems that promote access, opportunity, and joy for all learners. Her work is guided by a belief in the brilliance of both students and educators and the importance of fostering collaborative, courageous communities where innovation can thrive.

Crystal’s new journey represents both a personal and professional milestone. We look forward to her leadership in shaping the future of mathematics education in Delaware.

George Murray (back of classroom holding the DFSME Shining Light Award) is surrounded by his Christiana High School Physics students. They recently won the NASA Techrise Student Challenge.

DFSME’s September “Shining Light Award” Honors George Murray, Science Educator at Christina High School

Besides being a dedicated Science teacher, George has had the distinction this school year of being chosen as the state of Delaware’s representative to participate in the NASA TechRise Student Challenge! George previously taught at Middletown HS, and at DAPI. Before moving to teaching, he served as an IT specialist in the banking industry, bringing valuable business experience into the classroom.

George’s Physics students recently won the NASA Techrise Student Challenge. They designed and built a high-altitude balloon to measure and compare the temperature gradients, chemical compositions, and barometric pressures of atmospheric layers against historical data on record. As a part of the overall project, students learned to solder, code, and then to track project steps, milestones, and fabrications of the payload.

George is an exemplary teacher at Christiana High School in Christina School District. He has been nominated for the PAEMST for science, and he works diligently with all his students to help them develop a love for science.

We are pleased to recognize George Murray as a superlative educator!

Mr. Murray was nominated by Sheryl Murphy,

K-12 Science Curriculum Specialist, Christina School District.

The Shining Light Award is made possible by sponsor Chesapeake Utilities.

Nominate Your Favorite Educator to be a Shining Light!

Anyone may nominate a STEM formal, informal or community Educator for the Shining Light Award.

Honorees receive an award, a $100 gift card and a mini heavy-duty mag flashlight.

For more details, visit dfsme.org/shining-light-award

Email completed form to drses48@aol.com or Michelle.Kutch@bsd.k12.de.us.

The NSF grant and the Noyce Scholarship Program are designed to encourage STEM majors and professionals to become K-12 math and science teachers. Photo courtesy Delaware State University. Article courtesy WBOC.

Delaware State University Awarded

National Science Foundation Grant for STEM Education

Delaware State University (DSU) announced that the university was granted almost $800,000 for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Track 1 Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship to expand its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education programs.

DSU says the Noyce Scholarship Program is designed to encourage STEM majors and professionals to become K-12 math and science teachers. The grant will support DSU's mission to create a community of highly-qualified STEM educators who can teach students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. University officials say the grant will also help to address critical teacher shortages in Delaware and beyond.

“The program plays a pivotal role in addressing the nationwide shortage of STEM educators, particularly in opportunity-rich school districts, like our district partners

for the grant, Early College School at DSU and Capital School District.”

— Dr. Shelly Rouser, DSU Education Department Chair

DSU says with this funding, the university will create a pipeline of STEM educators, strengthen partnerships with local schools, and ensure that aspiring teachers are prepared to meet the evolving needs of their future students.

Hailey Mack, Miss Delaware 2025, Champions Women in STEM

Hailey Mack has always believed that young women deserve a place in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Now, the University of Delaware civil engineering student is using her Miss Delaware 2025 crown to make that vision a reality.

The rising sophomore from Sussex County represented the First State at the Miss America competition Sept. 2-7. Through her initiative, Shoot for the Stars, Mack is championing girls and young women to explore STEM careers by visiting schools, science expos and community events throughout the year.

“My goal is to show young women across the state and beyond that you can do anything you put your mind to and that women deserve equal respect in the STEM workforce,” Mack said. “When others see that I’m not only an advocate for women in STEM but also a woman actively pursuing a STEM degree, they will feel inspired to do the same.”

To read the full UDaily article, click here.

“The Air We Share”

Environmental Awareness Art Contest is Back!

Delaware elementary students in Grades 3-5 are invited to submit entries for The Air We Share Environmental Awareness Art Contest sponsored by the DFSME Careers, Resources, Education, And Technology for Environmental Solutions (CREATES) task team.

Design an art piece to demonstrate how our actions can make a positive impact on our community’s air quality. Things to consider are transportation, the natural environment, energy use, or anything that can improve air quality.

Individual students may submit a single entry.
Multiple students may submit a single entry.
Teachers may submit multiple works for their entire class or a team of students as a single submission.

Prizes for individual entry winners in each grade are Amazon Gift Cards:

$100 1st Place • $50 2nd Place • $25 3rd Place

To download Contest details and Teacher Resources, click here.

Click here to send submissions via Google Form. Due by 5pm on Nov. 21st.

For questions, email Joe Iannone at info@dfsme.org using The Air We Share in the subject line.

September's Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM Honoree

Jamie Holmes, Ph.D. is a Medical Science Liaison Trainer with Amplity Health with extensive experience in oncology, rare diseases and biosimilars. She is also a dedicated STEM advocate and mentor as an instructor and research associate at Delaware State University. Jamie is deeply committed to inspiring, supporting and empowering the next generation of scientists, especially young women from underrepresented backgrounds.

Million Women Mentors is the premier network dedicated to encouraging girls and women around the world to pursue, persist and thrive in STEM careers. The Delaware STEM Council and DFSME are partners in the event along with MWM-DE and the Office of the Governor, State of Delaware.

Announcing the 2026 DE Science Olympiad Tournaments!

Delaware Science Olympiad inspires students to achieve the next level in their science education through exciting and challenging competitions.

The 2026 Delaware Tournaments are:

High School Tournament — March 7th (venue not finalized)

Junior High Tournament — March 21st (venue not finalized)

Elementary Tournament — April 18th @ The John Dickinson School

The Elementary Tournament has 10 events encompassing various areas of science. The High School and Junior High Tournaments each consist of 23 National Science Olympiad events and an additional Delaware event in the following areas:

• Earth & Space Science

• Inquiry & Nature of Science

• Life, Personal & Social Science

• Physical Science & Chemistry

• Technology & Engineering Design

For the 2026 National Event Rules for high school and junior high, click here.

2026 Season Kickoff Webinars are coming soon. For an in-depth look at what’s new this season and what to expect, check the Workshops page for webinars to come.

For more information, visit: Delaware Science Olympiad and National Science Olympiad.

For team registration and fees, click here.

To volunteer, email us at DEScienceO@gmail.com to join our all-volunteer team.

To download the flyer with details and more information, click here.

Save the Date! Free, Live Virtual Event

DE STEM Educator Awards - Nov 13, 2025

Delaware STEM Educator Awards recognize certified teachers and

uncertified community educators who have demonstrated STEM innovation and excellence

through teaching, academic collaboration, and student engagement.

Our sponsors and elected officials, in collaboration

with Delaware STEM Council and DFSME,

will be honoring winners at the

Elementary School (K-5), Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12) levels.

The Jon Manon STEAM Team Award winners will also be announced!

Click here for more information.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Discover Our World

2025 Coast Day Event

Sunday, October 5 • 10am-3pm

Join University of Delaware (UD) scientists, staff and students as we showcase the important research we’re doing to protect our coasts, forests, cities and agricultural lands across the state!

Coast Day is the annual flagship event of UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. Attendees enjoy hands-on activities, tour research vessels, explore campus laboratories, visit with local scientists, and interact with a wide range of exhibitors including UD student organizations, community partners, and state environmental agencies.

Visit Coast Day at www.decoastday.com.

2025 Coast Day Essay Contest

for 5th Graders

This year's theme is Discover Our World. Students are asked to describe their favorite Delaware ecosystem or habitat to visit and explore, what types of animals and plants live there, why that ecosystem or habitat is important, and what people can do to protect them.

Essays must be postmarked or emailed by 5pm, Friday, October 10

To download the 2025 Coast Day Essay Contest packet, click here.

The Congressional App Challenge is Open!

Calling all middle and high school teachers! If your students are into coding, computer science, technology, and love creating their own apps, encourage them to enter the Congressional App Challenge! Each year, Congresswoman Sarah McBride’s office participates in the Congressional App Challenge to help encourage middle and high school age students to get involved in the STEM field. Participation in the Challenge has grown exponentially and has reached underserved, diverse, and rural student populations.

Students can use any programming language and any platform such as PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc. There are no limits on application, theme or topic. The competition is open to all Delaware middle & high school students in teams of up to four.

The winning teams are invited to Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to demonstrate their apps to their Representatives at a celebration called #HOUSEOFCODE.

For more details and to register, click here.

Prizes awarded to winners of each school entry level!

Deadline for submissions: Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

For more information, click here.

For questions, email eking@plasticfreedelaware.org

To submit, scan QR code.

STEM ConnectED Day 2025:

Linking Delaware Education & Innovation

Teachers! FREE Exclusive Educator Tours of Delaware Businesses!

This unique professional development one-day event offers exclusive access

to leading STEM companies across Kent, New Castle and Sussex counties,

empowering you to bring real-world STEM opportunities back to your classroom.

Network with industry professionals, gain insights into current industry trends,

and discover how these advancements can inspire and enhance your teaching.

To download the flyer, click here.

To register, click here.

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Start Your Essays Now! Submit by 5pm on October 10

Coast Day 2025 Essay Contest

This year's theme is Discover Our World. 5th Grade students are asked to describe

their favorite Delaware ecosystem or habitat to visit and explore, what types

of animals and plants live there, why that ecosystem or habitat is important

and what people can do to protect that ecosystem or habitat.

Essays must be submitted by 5pm October 10.

To download the contest packet & submission form, click here.

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Design Now! Submit by October 15

Plastic Free Lunch Day School Poster Contest

Open to all Delaware Elementary, Middle & High School students.

Individual & teams may enter. Choose traditional or digital art.

For all contest details, click here.

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The Congressional App Challenge is Open

Calling all Middle and High School teachers! If your students are into

coding, computer science, technology, and love creating their own apps,

encourage them to enter the Congressional App Challenge!

Winning teams are invited to Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to demonstrate their

apps to their Representatives at a celebration called #HOUSEOFCODE.

For more details and to register, click here.

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4th Annual Stars & Strides 5K Run/Walk Delaware