Continuing to Illuminate STEM & STEAM Innovation & Excellence

DFSME continues implementing an improved effectiveness through STEM education reform and real impact. We acknowledge how important it is to capture and share stories about our evolving progress, and the ways we are working together to build systems and break down barriers.

 

On Nov. 7, DE STEM Council, DFSME and Ashland co-host the 10th Annual STEM Educator Awards. This event is for teachers and STEM businesses and recognizes both STEM and STEAM innovation and excellence. During this live virtual event, we’ll reveal the 2024 Award Winners!

 

— Daniel Suchenski, Executive Director, Delaware STEM Council, a DFSME Partner

 

Register Now! Free, Live Virtual Event!

Join Us! DE STEM Educator Awards - Nov 7!

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!

 

For more information about the event, click here.


To register for this FREE event and receive a Zoom invite, click here.



 

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

DE Math Equity Annual Conference - In-person!

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 • 8:30am - 2pm • Dover, DE


For Math Educators, Coaches, Specialists, Administrators, Future Math Educators, Parents, and Members of the Community


Featuring sessions related to the following equity-centered themes:

STRAND ONE Promoting Equitable Teaching in the Mathematics Classroom

STRAND TWO Empowering Leaders: Supporting Access & Deeper Learning for All

STRAND THREE Addressing Systemic Equity Challenges in PK-12 and Higher Education Mathematics

Register Now!

Additional details regarding the program and PDMS registration will follow prior to the event.

 
 

David Wienner is surrounded by his science class students, along with Kimberly Mulvena, Science Instructional Coach K-12; Randy Guschl, DFSME Executive Director; Jon Manon, DFSME President; Brock Donovan, Assistant Principal, William Penn High School; and Daniel Harris, DFSME Board Member and New Castle Walmart Store Manager.


DFSME’s October “Shining Light Award” Honors David Wienner,

Science Educator at William Penn High School

David Wienner has been a committed member of the Colonial School District’s Science Dept. for several years. He has taught courses in Integrated Science, was one of the initial educators piloting the Interactions program, and currently teaches Colonial’s new Integrated Earth and Environmental Sustainability course in the 11th Grade program. He has also been one of the Science Leaders within the secondary department.

 

David has been a strong advocate for STEM education since beginning his career at William Penn High School. He actively incorporates STEM opportunities within his planning as well as actively engages in Colonial’s yearly STEAM showcase. Over the past few years, David has successfully incorporated Entomology within the 11th Grade course connecting students to the critically important concepts around Sustainability.

 

David sparks much student enthusiasm within the science program. Colonial supports his creativity and commitment, especially around his thoughtful attention to NGSX Standards as a way to engage students. He has consistently been nominated for Teacher of the Year!

 

We are pleased to recognize David Wienner as a superlative educator!

David Wienner was nominated by Nick Baker, Science Supervisor, Colonial School District

 
 

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, got to dfsme.org/shining-light-award

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

 
 
 
 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is Looking for

STEM Educators to Honor with a Presidential Award

 

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program is pleased to announce that nominations and applications are now open to 7-12th grade teachers!


Being recognized as a PAEMST Awardee is a tremendous honor. We hope you will consider celebrating a teacher in your community by nominating them – go to paemst.nsf.gov to nominate a 7-12th grade STEM teacher today. We welcome multiple nominations if you know more than one teacher deserving of this award.


Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President; a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities; a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation; and join a community of over 5,200 award-winning teachers.

Nominate a Teacher
Learn More About PAEMST

The 2024-2025 application deadline is February 6, 2025. For questions about the program or the nomination process, please email PAEMST@nsf.gov.

 
 

DuPont is named a finalist for the 2024 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Citizen Award.

DuPont STEM Program Named Finalist for National Award


The global leader of community and social impact at DuPont believes a recent recognition reflects the company’s purpose to empower the world with the essential innovations to thrive.


“That includes our commitment to building thriving communities,” said Patrick McCrummen. “Through our long-standing support of increasing access to STEM education programs, we are putting our purpose into action by inspiring and cultivating the next generation of problem solvers, innovative thinkers, and lifelong learners.”


DuPont, along with North Carolina-based Discovery Education, have been named finalists for the 2024 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Citizen Award for their unique partnership supporting K-12 education… >>READ MORE

Jimmy and Kathryn Vennard put their engineering degrees and STEM skills to work when they and Jimmy’s brother, Daniel Vennard, started up a craft brewing business in Newark, DE.

Making Beer is a STEM Career!

Autumn Arch Beer Project, a local small-batch brewery and tasting room, is owned and operated by three members of the Vennard family, all with degrees in engineering. UD graduates Jimmy and his brother, Daniel, opened the start-up business in 2019. Kathryn, Jimmy’s wife and mother of their two-year old, pitches in to help with business support.

 

When asked about his change of jobs from processing engineer at W.L. Gore to starting up a brewing business, Jimmy said, “My degree in engineering gave me a background of broad STEM skills, enabling a change of jobs. We set out to explore the science and math of fermentation and flavor profiles. When process manufacturing and raw materials are involved, everything you do will ultimately affect the final product - a satisfying challenge.”

 

Kathryn, a civil engineer graduate added, “We’re using our STEM backgrounds to do things like critical analysis, process thinking, looking at trends and data, and problem solving. Running a craft beer business might not seem like traditional applications of science and math, but for brewery operations to be successful, you really need all STEM skills working together.”


Kathryn added, “On the science side, fermentation has recently grown from just making beer and wine to a whole new field of certifications. Locally, these are available at UD and Cecil College. Fermentation covers dozens of STEM areas beyond food, including pharmaceuticals and more.”


The Brewery shares space with its tasting room, so you can see the brewing process in action.

Autumn Arch Beer Project is located at 810 C, Pencader Drive, Newark, DE.

Adapting to Industry & Market Trends


A change in jobs or careers is not unique to Jimmy Vennard. In fact, STEM professionals are changing jobs about every five years, enabling more personal growth and challenge. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, professionals will change careers 5-7 times during their working life. Forbes comments, “Adapting to industry trends is essential for professionals to maintain relevance and leadership.”

The Air We Share Environmental Awareness Art Contest! 


Delaware elementary students in grades 3-5 are eligible 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 artwork 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 entire class, or a team as a single submission. 


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

$100 First Place • $50 Second Place • $25 Third Place 


For Contest details including submission process, resources, and helpful websites, click here.

For informational flyer, click here.

Submissions must be sent via Google Form at https://bit.ly/3Ck07hV 

no later than 5pm, Friday, November 22, 2024.


For questions, email Joe Iannone at joseph.iannone@bloomenergy.com.


Last Year's 1st Place Winning Entries:

Sponsored by

October's Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM Honoree

Lindsey Whitecotton is a Strategic Program Manager at Agilent where she spearheads initiatives that bridge the gap between innovative technologies and market needs. She is a passionate advocate and leader, building a women’s employee networking group within the company for professional and personal development, and empowerment. She also serves as a Council Member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

 

Million Women Mentors is the premier network dedicated to encouraging girls and women around the world to pursue, persist and succeed 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.

 

Celebrate National Chemistry Week 2024! • FREE EVENT!


Join the Delaware Section of the American Chemical Society for a FREE community event for National Chemistry Week and celebrate the importance of chemistry in everyday life! Learn about this year’s theme, Picture Perfect Chemistry, with exciting hands-on activities and demonstrations, including invisible inks, slime, sun prints, rockets and more! Activities are geared towards K-6 but all ages are welcome. No reservations are required.

 

Saturday, Oct 26 • 12pm – 3:30pm

Sanford School • Struthers Family Sports Center

6900 Lancaster Pike • Hockessin, DE 19707

 

Contact Martha Holloman for general information at lweyer@verizon.net.

Contact Lois Weyer for scout-related questions at drmhollomon@gmail.com.

 

To download American Chemical Society’s “Picture Perfect Chemistry” special issue, click here.

 
 

Friday, November 8, 2024

Celebrate STEM/STEAM Day!


On Nov. 8, we celebrate STEAM/STEAM Day! There’s no debate: all children are significantly better off with an education that includes strong science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics skills. That’s why STEM and STEAM education programs are so important. Studying and becoming proficient in these subjects push society forward, and allow students to engage in fun learning experiences as well as become ready for successful careers!

 

For the history and fun activities of STEM/STEAM Day, click here.

 
 

Now through October 24

Congressional App Challenge Window Closes Soon!

Start your projects now! Create an “app” for desktop, web, tablet, mobile, or other devices.

The competition is open to all DE middle & high school student in teams of up to four.

Deadline to register and complete the app: Oct 24.

For details, please visit the official Congressional App Challenge.

For more info, click here. To register, click here.


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October 22 • 9am

JA Job Shadow at Delmarva Power

Hosted by Junior Achievement

The JA Job Shadow at Delmarva Power focuses on exploring

and understanding careers at Delmarva Power.

Delmarva Power Conference Center

For registration, contact Denise.Christiansen@ja.org.


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October 26 • 12pm-3:30pm

National Chemistry Week Celebration 2024

FREE Event!

Join the Delaware Section of the American Chemical Society

for a community event for National Chemistry Week and celebrate

the importance of chemistry in everyday life!

Hands-on activities, including invisible inks, slime, sun prints, rockets and more!

Activities are geared towards K-6 but all ages are welcome.

No reservations are required.

Sanford School, Struthers Family Sports Center

5900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707


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Register Now! Saturday, November 2, 2024 • 9:30am-2pm

In-Person! Delaware Math Equity Annual Conference, Dover, DE

Sponsored by DMC & DDOE

A powerful day of professional learning dedicated to Equity in Math.

The Conference engages PK20 educators, policy makers,

and business leaders in meaningful learning experiences designed

to leverage their capacity as agents of change. Sessions leaders include

highly respected local & 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.

To register and see agenda, click here.


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Registration is Open! November 7

The 10th Annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards Ceremony

Live Zoom Videocast from Buena Vista Country Estate in New Castle, DE

Co-hosted by DE STEM Council and DFSME, the event announces winners at the

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

the Community Educator Award, the Jon Manon STEAM Team Educator Award and more!

For more information, click here.

Upon registration, Zoom invite information will follow. To register, click here.


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November 8

National STEM/STEAM Day

Join us as we celebrate the incredible world of STEM and STEAM.

Great opportunity to plan an engaging and fun-filled STEM activity,

and igniting the passion of future STEM professionals.

For 50 STEM Activities for kids of all ages & interests, click here.


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Now through November 22

The Air We Share Environmental Awareness Art Contest

Sponsored by DFSME

Delaware students Grades 3-5 can submit entries. Design artwork to

demonstrate how to make a positive impact on our community’s air quality.

For contest details, click here.

For questions, email Joe Iannone at dfsme.contest@gmail.com.


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Now through February 6, 2025

Presidential Awards for Math & Science Teaching (PAEMST)

Nominations and applications are now open to 7-12th grade teachers!

Being recognized as a PAEMST Awardee is a tremendous honor.

We hope you will consider celebrating a teacher in your community by nominating them.

We welcome multiple nominations if you know more than one teacher deserving of this award.

 To nominate a 7-12th grade STEM teacher today, click here.


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Save the Date! February 22, 2025 • 9:30am-3pm

Engineering Your Tomorrow

FREE! A STEM Career Day for Middle School Girls

Calling Future Scientists, Engineers, Doctors and Computer Scientists!

Spend a day with women STEM professionals & learn firsthand through fun STEM activities.

Info sessions for parents & caregivers to support you in helping

with academic decisions for higher learning in STEM fields.

Conrad Schools of Science, Wilmington, DE

To register, click here.


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Save the Date! February 28, 2025 • 9:30am-3pm

The 6th annual YES! Delaware Youth Environmental Summit

FREE! Bigger and even better this year!

Planned by students, the 2025 YES! Summit will be held at Chase Center at the Riverfront.

Free for Delaware high school students and educators who are advisors to school teams.

Students explore the most pressing state, national and global environmental issues

and engage in steps they can take on campus and beyond.

We welcome all Delaware schools to participate!

For more information, click here.

To register: PDMS #42678 The 6th Annual Yes! Delaware Youth Environmental Summit


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Save the Date! March 7, 2025

2025 Sussex County Science Fair

The science fair provides an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to

present their original research in science, mathematics, or engineering.

Any student in Sussex & lower Kent Counties is welcome. Sponsors need not be teachers;

any responsible adult qualifies. Students in New Castle and upper Kent Counties

should contact the Stanton Campus of Del Tech for their Science Fair.

Owens Campus of Delaware Technical and Community College

For more information, click here.

 
Our Sponsors & Supporters

DFSME thanks the following organizations for contributions to STEM education in Delaware.


STEM Legacy

DuPont | LabWare


STEM Heritage

Ashland | Mountaire Farms | Verizon


STEM Sustainer

Bloom Energy


STEM Network

Croda | Delmarva Power | Walmart



STEM Business

Agilent Technologies | American Chemical Society Delaware Section | Autumn Arch


STEM Gifts in Kind

Chesapeake Utilities | ChristianaCare | Corteva Agriscience

Delaware Department of Education | Delaware Design Company | Delaware Technical Community College Delaware Nature Society | DelawareBio | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

EDiS | FAME, Inc. | Junior Achievement | Million Women Mentors | STEMconnector

Stroud Water Research Center | University of Delaware | Whisman Giordano & Associates


Partners Community

Delaware Afterschool Network | Delaware Department of Education

Delaware Pathways / Career and Technical Education Cadre | Delaware Math Coalition

Delaware Science Coalition | Delaware STEM Council Healthy Food for Healthy Kids

Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative


 
 


Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education

100 W. 10th Street, Suite 612 

Wilmington, DE 19801 

Tel: 302.397.0034 | Fax: 302.397.0036 

Email: anne.dfsme@gmail.com


www.dfsme.org

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©2023 Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education

501(c)(3) Education nonprofit dealing with K-16 STEM education in Delaware schools.