DMACC Fest Inspires Future STEM Enthusiasts | | |
On March 11, DMACC-Ankeny’s Work-Based Learning Program partnered with the South Central STEM Hub to create Future Fest. Almost 600 fifth graders from nine schools attended. Participants interacted with hands-on demonstrations from 37 exhibits and 81 volunteers.
It was a day that both attendees and exhibitors loved! One Perry fifth grader told DMACC's Work-Based Learning Coordinator Renee Gillis-Arnold: "I just want you to know that this ranks in the top 5 of my childhood experiences. I'll always remember this."
Classroom-Career Connections
Karen Swanson, who serves as Director of Work-Based Learning and Career Advantage, said, “When these fifth graders leave here, we want them to understand all the opportunities Iowa has to offer and to help prompt career conversations between students and families.”
Her office was tasked with a strategy to help students and teachers meet state career-planning requirements and to inspire a continued interest in STEM. "To do that, said Swanson, "we need to reach out with exposures to jobs earlier, so that students have needed information before they get set in any one area." Essentially, students don’t know what they could be if they don’t have access to varied careers.
DMACC Program Chair Karen Campbell came to represent her area. "I hope today helps promote the Medical Lab Technology Program because it’s a hidden gem of a field." Campbell was one of the many exhibitors who planned hands-on activities and demonstrations to keep students as engaged as possible.
According to Malory Hamre, Lynnville-Sully teacher, the plan worked: "This is one of the best field trips we've ever been on. They've been so engaged that no one has even asked to use the bathroom in the last three hours. We loved it!"
Professor Esther Fraser of DMACC’s Surgical Technology Program went above and beyond to make sure every student looked the part of a medical professional. “The students are very interested," she noted. "They like donning the gowns and gloves and doing a hands-on experiment.”
Professors & Their Students Team Up
Professor Drew Guinness, Biotechnology Co-Chair, brought materials to extract DNA from strawberries. “We have an NSF grant for expanding the workforce. Events like Future Fest plant the seed and show what careers are possible.”
Anju Varghese, one of Guinness’ biotechnology students, volunteered for the day. “I volunteered today because I like this age of students and the experiments. Today was a good day! Some kids were very excited to see the DNA they extracted and to take their sample home.”
Many meaningful interactions came from the near-peer connections between DMACC students and the fifth graders. One DMACC student, Peyton Wood with Agribusiness, said that she’s worked with kids most of her life. She found this a great opportunity to share a field she's passionate about.
“I like seeing the light in their eyes when they discover something new," said Wood. "I’m a farmer’s daughter, and my grandfather taught me to put my whole heart into whatever I decide to do. I want to inspire that in the students I meet today.”
| | STEM Festivals & the Fifth Grade Advantage | | We loved seeing the fifth graders' amazed faces as they experienced the day's incredible demonstrations, like DMACC's robotic dog, featured by Engineering and Robotics Program Chair Clarissa Snapper. | |
Future Fest was created with fifth grade students in mind.
Q: Why fifth graders?
A: Short answer--Fifth grade is a pivotal year before students start making academic choices in middle school.
The long answer is a little more nuanced.
According to Executive Academic Dean Scott Schultz, “the reason is simple. DMACC’s vision is to improve the quality of life for our students, support our communities, and cultivate a prosperous Iowa. These fifth graders are our future students. We seek to support our communities and help foster a love of STEM in these students, to open their eyes to the world of possibilities.”
Many Iowa schools are structured so that students entering middle school in sixth grade begin to choose their coursework. “Fifth grade is the time when students start thinking about what classes and careers they want in the future,” said Karen Swanson, Career Advantages Coordinator.
Those early choices set into motion the prerequisites they may or may not have to gain access to certain high school math and sciences courses. High school coursework often determines how prepared they are for post-secondary education and beyond.
Schultz noted that, “Research has shown that interventions like quality STEM festivals motivate students to be excited about their studies in math and science and this in turn supports our mission of developing a highly skilled workforce to serve as an economic catalyst for Iowa.”
In the nearer future, Dana Bucklin, Baxter fifth-grade teacher, noted that students will likely use what they saw during the festival in their on-going research projects. They're looking at innovations that have or will change the 21st Century and then give their own ideas on making them better. Bucklin hopes today serves as a catalyst for enriching those projects.
Providing career-related experiences at a young age helps students see various careers sooner and captures their interest earlier. Janice Beard, STEAM Starz founder and owner, says audiences much younger than fifth grade need exposure to STEM enrichment and events. “It creates a love of learning," said Beard, Future Fest workshop facilitator, "that makes them like sponges, absorbing and learning every day.”
| | Extraordinary Exhibitors Make Memorable Events | | Hands-on Math at Future Fest & Beyond | | DMACC math professors Dajean Kinney (left) and Julie Hartzler (right) brought hands-on math activities to Future Fest. | | |
“It’s important to make math real whenever possible,” said Dajean Kinney, DMACC Math Professor. “We often hear, when will we use this?”
Math teachers can help students see relevance by providing concrete, concept-based example. “Look for places to insert a related hands-on experiences,” said Kinney. “One of the simplest ways to do this is to introduce a new topic with an activity or demonstration example.”
She finds these types of activities several places:
“Use engaging activities as a starting point,” Kinney advices. This gives students a sturdier foundation on which to build a unit.
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ALL CALL: If you're a math teacher with great ideas on how to bring math to life in the class, please email Lisa at the hub. We'd love to share your tried-n-true activities with others seeking inspiration.
| | Orbis (STEM BEST) and a Story of "Redemption" | | Cade, Nathan, and Kohen represent Orbis, an incredible STEM BEST model. | |
Cade presented with a group of Orbis students at STEM Day at the Capitol. He's an Ankeny Centennial senior who first signed up for Orbis as a sophomore.
“When I took it in 10th grade, I lacked accountability and self-reliance. I treated it like a normal class and did poorly.”
But that’s not the end of the story. He signed up, again, his senior year “as sort of a redemption,” he says. His teachers gave him a clean slate. “I took it really seriously last semester and became a project lead. Before, I didn’t understand the value of Orbis, but it’s based on the same principles as adulthood.”
This time, Cade learned skills like project and time management. He knows his learning profile and how to use that knowledge to his advantage. Next year, he plans to attend ISU for Accounting.
Cade is sharing this story because it’s one that every person can identify with to some degree, and it’s a good reminder to give students a second chance.
“I did the right things this time,” he said. “I’ve grown.” And that’s the kind of courage and growth that leads to lifelong success.
| | Work-Based Learning vs. Classroom Learning | | Pictured above in the front row: Allie, Addison, Adilyne, Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer. Back row: Joel Cox, Caden, Nathan, and Kohen. | | |
The Student Perspective
“Orbis is so different from other classes," said Centennial senior Addison. "I have the opportunity to work in the field I want to join someday.” She plans to go into marketing at the University of Iowa.
Her team member, Adilyne, plans to be a psychologist. She says the STEM BEST experience has given her professional and communication skills she can use in any job.
“This program has benefited me in so many ways," said Adilyne. We problem-solve and talk to peers. I’ve learned there’s no one right answer. We're able to help both businesses and non-profits.
Alli, Ankeny High School senior, has a paid internship at Casey's for 15 hours a week. She knew she wanted to go into the field of business. Now, after working on a big fuel project, she knows she’s interested in data analytics.
“I thought it would be strict and scary to work in an office," said Alli, "but I really enjoy it. We do morning coffee runs, and the culture at Casey’s is amazing. I feel very welcome.”
Kohen noted that, through Orbis, he gained confidence. "I learned how to interact with adults and hold myself accountable."
His team member, Nathan, had two older brothers who participated in Orbis. "Because of this experience, I'm much better at meeting new people and networking," said Grider. "I like working toward something bigger. Orbis is helping me figure out what I want to do in the real world."
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When students say this is different from any of their other classes, Joel Fox, Ankeny Orbis Project Mentor and Internship Coordinator, concurs.
“As a teacher in this program, I really turn control over to the students," said Fox. "I’m not an expert in the areas where they’re working.”
He sees himself as a mentor over a teacher, modeling skills like leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration.
“My mental lift is from figuring out where to fit the student teams, he added. "Our focus is not on the grade.” In the end, students do receive a grade, which comes from a combination of assignments, project management checklists, one-on-one discussions, and more.
Orbis’ goal is to make an actual economic impact and help each student find their own way forward in life, academics, and a career.
Every day Fox checks in with every student intern and every project group to ensure they’re all on the right path.
| | | STEM at the Capitol: Advice of the Day | | |
Shiloh, right, elaborated on her advice. "If you work really hard on something, and you do that every time, you can achieve it. Basically, it's a mindset."
Oliva, left, gave an example of how they used that mindset on their Ferris wheel, also pictured above. "It was hard at first to make the seats work and stand up. It pancaked a lot." She noted that they got a little help and used trial-and-error. "We just kept working on it, and, after a week, we got it!"
The two Des Moines Christian School students demonstrated elements of their class's Scale-Up program at STEM Day at the Capitol.
| | Liz Sisler on Incorporating Scale-Up | | Dr. Sarah Derry learned about the amazing creations completed by Des Moines Christian School students. | | |
Des Moines Christian School K-5 STEM Teacher, Liz Sisler (portrait at left), has applied for and receive several Scale-Up programs. Those programs have become part of the extensive STEM program she's created.
Q: How do you decide which program(s) to apply for each year?
LIZ: "I look at what I already have and and then checkout what programs could enhance that."
When she was seeking a hands-on engineering program, Sisler chose Making Innovative STEM Connections. From that program, she particularly favors Strawbees and Sphero robots.
Q: Are there specific elements or phrases that catch your attention when looking at the Scale-Up menu?
LIZ: "I'm always looking for the program that serves the largest span of kids. My goal is to go wide with STEM and expose kids to a lot of components."
As a K-5 teacher, Sisler seeks programs that she can easily differentiate for different learners.
Q: Where do you gain the confidence and knowledge to try new things with kid?
LIZ: "The PD is really helpful. I've gone back and rewatched webinars, especially on the Spheros robots. I also ask other STEM teachers for their advice."
Sisler's love of learning and enthusiasm for STEM is contagious, and her students have all caught the curiosity bug.
| | Scale-Up Enriches the Youngest STEM Minds | | |
Above: Terri Johnson, two of their incredible preschool students, Dawn Johnson, and Sarah Derry are all smiles during STEM Day at the Capitol.
Dawn Johnson and the students and teachers at Kids World in Centerville have received several Scale-Ups over the past few years.
"What I love about Scale-Up is the PD (professional development), said Johnson. "With All About Balance, we got to spend time learning all about the program. I love all the UNI programs. Beth (Dr. Beth Dykstra VanMeeteren, Director of the Iowa Regents' Center for Early Developmental Education) understand early childhood. When I get to that PD, I get so excited!"
From the research on why it's an effective way to teach about the vestibular system to the varied ways each item could be used in the classroom. "The materials are awesome and engaging," she added.
Johnson is a proponent of early STEM education, as it builds curiosity. "When preschoolers are given the time they need to explore materials, they start making connections," said Johnson, "This sets a foundation for further learning."
Johnson mentioned how important it is to provide parents with resources. "We do a Parent Night that explains the benefits of intentional play and how we meet the required learning standards." They also give parents tools to extend STEM learning outside of the classroom.
Kid's World Center Director, Terri Johnson sees benefits beyond STEM curriculum. "Scale-Ups like All about Balance teach persistence," she noted. "Students work together to figure out why something doesn't work. They go back and redo things. We can't be quitters in this world. Scale-Ups help develop program-solvers."
| | Invitation to Summer Externship Experiences | | |
Dear Iowa STEM Teacher Externs,
We know what you did last summer--and it was remarkable!
If you're an Iowa STEM teacher seeking a summer adventure, please consider applying for the Iowa STEM Teacher Externship Program
It provides flexible full-time, six-week summer opportunity in local businesses and agencies for licensed PK-12 teachers of mathematics, science, and/or technology.
Externs earn a stipend of up to $5,000 (including two paid professional development days), as well as three graduate credits through the University of Northern Iowa’s Continuing Education program. Most importantly, teachers say they form a relationship with hosts that impact their curriculum in positive ways.
If you have questions, please email Program Coordinator Ann Gritzner at ann.gritzner@iowa.gov.
| | South Central Advisory Board in Action | | |
Members of the South Central STEM Hub's Advisory Board took time from their work day to visit students and educators during STEM Day at the Capitol. It was an inspiring and busy day!
Follow photo numbering from above:
- Ken Bozer, Sarah Derry, and Drew Emerson talk hub business.
- South Central Advisory Board attendees included, from left to right: Drew Emerson, Amber Pargmann, Alexis Cordts, Maddie Kampf, Sarah Derry, Creighton Cox and Ken Bozer.
- Alexis Cordts visits with local students about STEM BEST.
- Creighton Cox stopped by a model of the building in which he works. Des Moines Christian Academy students built a model of 801 Grand.
- Representative Mary Madison is a past SC Advisory Board Member and on-going supporter of STEM.
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2025 SC STEM Advisory Team
Bridgette Andrews
Ken Bozer
Denny Bruck
Ashley Cook
Alexis Cordts
Kate Corrigan
Creighton Cox
Drew Emerson
Sherry Ford
Magan Lewis
Katie Lubbert
Mahesh Mathrubutham
Ronda McCarthy
Alison Mohr
Joe Murphy
Jessica Schellhorn
Scott Schultz
Amber Pargmann
Eric Weber
Justinian Wurtzel
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- March 27 -- SC STEM Hub Board Meeting, email Sarah for details
- April 12 -- Head Start Family Day, Drake
- April 17 -- Latinos in Action, Drake University
- May 1 -- Iowa Ag Literacy Day at Winderset
- July 26 -- Cornbread Fest STEM Exhibit
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