The STEM COLLECTIVE
PD Opportunity
An Opportunity to Enter the Math-o-Sphero: Join the KCS STEM and Math Departments to learn how to use the Engineering Design Process and STEM tools/resources to teach specific math standards on June 13-14. Participants will walk away with Spheros for their classrooms! For more information, see the flyer below.
Mission 13: To the ISS!
Student Challenges
- Paradigm Challenge: This challenge is meant to inspire students to use STEM skills to make a difference in the world by generating new ideas to reduce waste in homes, schools, and communities. Students can submit posters, videos, inventions, apps, and many other things that explain their product. Students will win a monetary prize. May 1 is the entry deadline.
- Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge: Students in 5th-8th grades create a one to two minute video that offers a unique solution to everyday problems. The overall winner receives a 3M mentorship and $25,000. Deadline is April 19.
Help Wanted
From Theresa Nixon: The state of Tennessee has now written computer science standards (aligned with Digital Readiness). There were K-12 teachers involved in the writing of the standards and we are now in the feedback time period (through April 13) for you to give your input. We welcome all to submit their feedback. Standards are only K-8 as there are specific high school courses designated for Computer Science. Thanks in advance for taking the time to give your input.
"Seeking Feedback on K-8 Computer Science Standards
The State Board of Education is seeking feedback on the draft K-8 Computer Science standards, which were proposed by a committee of Tennessee computer science educators, who worked together this fall to write them. All K-8 educators, instructional coaches, school administrators, and central office supervisors are encouraged to review the standards and send any feedback to Melissa.Haun@tn.gov by April 13. A draft of the standards can be found here. "
Resources
- MAD Learn: This is a web-based curriculum program for K-12 students that explores Mobile Application Development (MAD). This free program allows students to create and share mobile apps they have created.
- Catchy Words: This interactive augmented reality word game has students create specific words with 3D letters that float around the room! Students walk around and catch the letters to solve the word puzzle with their apple device. And it's free!
- Variant: Limits: Have your calculus students put their knowledge to use with this immersive 3D game of calculus principles and theories. Teachers can monitor student engagement as well.
Coding for Girls
Grant Opportunities
- Toshiba Grants: Toshiba has grant opportunities running throughout the year, with a few deadlines coming up in May and June. Check them out!
- Possibility Grant Sweepstakes: Schools can enter daily for a chance to win $10,000 for a science lab makeover through Siemens STEM Day.
- eCYBERMISSION Mini-Grant: The United States Army Educational Outreach Program is offering this grant to support teachers and program leaders as they implement the eCYBERMISSION program in the 2018-2019 school year. For educators of grades 6-9. Deadline is October 17.
- If you ever need help with grants, please consider contacting the STEM Facilitator if you need ideas on what to get with grants, or Dr. Laura Denton, the Grants Development Manager, for help writing it up. Dr. Denton is a wordsmith, and very willing to help you achieve your goals! Her email is laura.denton@knoxschools.org.
- Please let me know if you choose to pursue a grant, to help me know which items are of most interest to you all: brianna.fisher@knoxschools.org.
Technology for Rent
STEM "Enrichment" Opportunities
- Apr 7 - Big Orange STEM Saturday (BOSS) at UT
- Apr 21 - Codestock Academy for high school students, 9 am - 4 pm
- Apr 30 - East Tennessee STEM Hub Regional Meeting at ORAU @ 4:30 pm
- May 8-9 - Tennessee STEM Innovation Summit
STEM Handbook
KCS STEM
Email: brianna.fisher@knoxschools.org
Website: http://knoxschools.org/stem
Location: 912 South Gay Street, 10th Floor, Knoxville, TN, USA
Phone: 865-594-1576
Facebook: facebook.com/Office-of-Innovation-492221904512761/
Twitter: @kcs_stem