Valley High School freshmen in Mrs. Goradia's NM History classes have met virtually with some outstanding STEM professionals over the last few weeks. Thank you to the outstanding professionals who took time to present to our students!

Dr. Virginia McLemore from the NM Bureau of Geology is the Principal Senior Economic Geologist and Minerals Outreach Liaison for the Bureau. She discussed the role of an economic geologist, a scientist who studies earth materials or minerals that can be used for economic and/or industrial purposes and some of the topics an economic geologist examines such as: how these minerals form, where are these natural resources found (i.e. inventory of these minerals, completing mineral-resource assessments), the history of mining, exploration for new economic localities of these minerals, how to mine these resources, and how to reclaim these sites after mining.

Students also had a visit from Dr. William X Chavez Jr, a professor in mineral engineering from NM Tech University in Socorro. He shared information with students about Exploration and Field Mapping, Mineral Deposits, Mineral Economics, Mineral Exploration, Ore Petrography, and Mine Waste Management and Control. Plans are being developed for next year's freshmen to take a field trip to visit Dr. Chavez and have a hands on experience in the field!

Garfield and Valley students were presented with a unique opportunity to visit with TECHNOLOchicas ambassadors, STEM professionals from AT&T, Microsoft, Hacemos, and the Nuevo Foundation! Presenters shared information about pathways to STEM careers, ethical hacking, cyber security, and breaking barriers. The girls then went into breakout rooms to complete a project. It was amazing experience for our students!

ETF is offering summer PD options

Please take a moment and fill out the Google PD form by March 29th. EtF staff have the opportunity take advantage of various conferences and trainings offered for summer PD!

Explora is offering workshops virtually Most include a kit of materials! Pre-registration is required.

Click on the name below to register

• Creative Coding: Bring the making mindset to your coding projects and make computer science accessible, creative, and fun! In this workshop, you will learn to use simple, common materials with micro:bit microcontrollers in creative ways. Learn strategies for teaching both in-person or virtually. No prior coding experience required! April 6 from 3:30-5:30pm
• Art with a Spark: An electrifying workshop that brings together the making mindset and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math). You’ll learn the basics of circuits and explore the unconventional possibilities of circuitry using simple, common materials. April 10 from 3:30-5:30pm.

STEM CON AND BEYOND

Don't forget Stem Con and Beyond is coming up April 16-19. Many teachers from Mission are attending! Mark your calendars!

The New Mexico Digital Learning Conference 2021

The conference has been postponed due to student re-entry timeline. Stay tuned.

Free Virtual STEM Nights for the entire family

Mondays from 6-6:30pm

• March 22: New Mexico Spaceport Authority
• March 29: Twirl, A Play and Discovery Space Inc., Unmasking The Mask event