inspirED

Timely Tips and Tools for Your Classroom

March 2013

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Upcoming Events

Print in 3D - Open House

Wednesday March 27, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM CDT

3D printing has proven to yield long-term strategic value by enhancing design-to manufacturing capabilities and speeding time to market. Today, 3D printing technologies have allowed an ever growing number of creators to unleash and multiply the benefits of rapid in-house 3D printing across the entire creation process. Learn more March 27th.

Moss Conference Center

 

 

 

 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
"The system has proven time and time again that you are reaching students in all areas of interest and abilities. No matter what the learning style of the student, this program addresses them all and provides the medium for the student to achieve and go far beyond."
- CTE Coordinator James Hardin about Pitsco's STEM program

 

 

 

 

 

Need a place to hold your next conference or meeting?

  Consider the Moss Conference Room, at our new location:

Moss

9211 Northpark Drive

Johnston, IA 50131

 

 

(800) 822-4048

www.mossent.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reminder:

  • Order Pitsco Lab consumables through your Education Specialist or by calling 800-822-4048
  • Check your 3D Printing supplies - now is the perfect time to re-order

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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"What does a STEM classroom look like?"

We recently attended the Iowa STEM Summit, and this question was posed again and again. Everyone had a suggestion, but thoughts were pretty vague. STEM is such a broad topic, it can be hard to define - and even harder to visualize. Because the topic is so ambiguous, we wanted to ask you to help us define it. We have developed a three minute survey in the hopes you will share  your thoughts. Bonus: survey respondents will receive a special sneak peek at the results before everyone else. See the "Survey" section below for more details!

In our quest to provide you with the best tools for your classroom, we are excited to announce that Moss now partners with Energy Concepts, Inc. ECI is known for robust STEM and physics education, as well as applied sciences, engineering, industrial automation and much more. ECI has curriculum and equipment for both high school and the post-secondary level. See below for more information.

Finally, you are invited to check out our line of 3D printers in action on March 27. Moss will be hosting an open house, Print in 3D. You are invited to attend - register with the link in the left hand column. Students who have used a 3D printer have reported a strategic advantage when they enter the workforce - give your students that advantage by adding a 3D printer to arts or CAD programs.

Julie 

inspirED Editor in Chief

Julie@mossent.com

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Survey Opportunity
STEM - Perceptions

You tackle STEM education every day. We want to hear your thoughts on what should go into a STEM classroom, and what impact STEM is having on the local economy. Whether you teach in middle school or high school, or are teaching at the post-secondary level, this survey is designed for you! No sales pitch - we are just looking for honest feedback. STEM logo

 

The survey will take 3 minutes to complete, and will uncover your thoughts about STEM education in your state or region.

 

Respondents will be the first to see the results in a special preview! Want to participate? It's easy! Click here to take the survey:

 

STEM Survey

Skills Training
Energy Concepts, Inc.   

Energy Concepts is the premier producer of high-quality educational systems for contextual science, electronics and industrial controls training systems. We take pride in providing real-world, hands-on training systems, that prepare students for technology-related careers and the actual work environment.

 

For over 50 years, our success has come from the unmatched quality of our systems, components, the reliability of our equipment, and the effectiveness of our curriculum. All of our systems are designed to satisfy the most rigorous academic requirements as well as have the ability to accommodate future technological innovations. Our professional training team is highly skilled in both academic and industrial backgrounds. Whatever your field of interest may be, we can provide specialized assistance for the type of training program you need.

Energy Concepts is committed to excellence in contextual science and technical training and will provide you with a comprehensive solution to fit all your needs. To learn more, contact your Moss Education Specialist at (800) 822-4048, or via email.

Tips and Tools 
K-12 Education

Top 5 Uses of Lasers in Education

  • Create precise models: the laser can cut completely through material along the designated path, creating polished, high quality edges
  • STEM: demonstrate concepts in physics, mathematics, engineering, design, and more
  • Fundraising: a laser can apply your school's logo to fabric, wood, plastic, marble, metal and glass
  • Visual Arts: the laser beam modifies the material, producing permanent photographic images on a variety of materials.
  • Marking: Use a laser to engrave 1:1 technology to track your investment.

Laser engravers can enhance educational programs of all types. Contact your Moss Education Specialist for more information at (800) 822-4048, or click here to learn more.

Post-Secondary Education
Renewable Energy

Did you know that the Heliocentris Professional and Clean Energy Trainer are appropriate for many introductory courses by most colleges and universities?  Especially in Chemical Engineering and Introductions to Renewable Energy Systems. What does a Renewable Energy Engineering Curriculum include?  Take a look at the Oregon Institute of Technology Renewable Energy Engineering Courses

  
Are your Students Prepared for the Rigor of College Math Classes? Many students entering their first year of college arrive unprepared in mathematics and need to further develop their math literacy before taking required advanced mathematics. Students who lack a suitable understanding of basic math and algebra concepts too often fail in their first attempt at college mathematics, causing many of them to abandon their hopes of getting a college degree. Pitsco Education's Developmental Math and Introductory Algebra curriculum builds success in math and keeps students on track to earning their degree.
  • Builds mastery of basic math and algebraic concepts
  • Includes small-group hands-on learning
  • Offers individualized, prescribed instruction
  • Integrates diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments
  • Includes practice and mastery tests

Interested in serving as a Math Pilot program? To learn more about our college math solutions, contact a Moss Education consultant today or call 800-822-4048.

In the News....
The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. ~Sydney J. Harris
Should computer science be part of the math, science curriculum? 
Computer science could be considered a legitimate course to help meet a student's math or science requirements for graduation, however, it is often taken as an elective, blogger Susan Hall writes in this post. With mounting requirements in the core subjects, many students may find it harder to fit computer science into their schedules, she notes. A bill under consideration in Washington state -- reportedly supported by a majority of voters -- would make that state the 10th in the country to allow computer science courses to fulfill math or science requirements, Hall adds.

 

How the job of K-12 chief technology officer has changed 
 
It is increasingly important for chief technology officers for K-12 schools to act as educators and administrators -- focused always on improving teaching and learning -- says Consortium for School Networking CEO Keith Krueger. Krueger made the remarks ahead of the group's annual conference next week and the release of the group's first national leadership survey of school chief technology officers, expected to be available Tuesday.

  

Technical training finds a new home in high school
 
While traditional high-school shop classes may be a thing of the past, schools are bringing back hands-on, vocational education in new ways -- with tech classes on campus, as well as opportunities for internships and apprenticeships with local industries. "We're hearing policy makers talk about it more often. Certain districts are looking at career and technical education as a way to reform schools," Stephen DeWitt, senior director of public policy for the Association for Career and Technical Education. "The focus on project-based learning, how to get students engaged more, is something that's caught on."

Grant and Funding Opportunities 
Sometimes the best resources are out of reach if you don't have the proper funding in place - we can help! The following are just a few of the grants available to your school. Contact Moss for more information or grant writing assistance.

Vulcan Materials Company Foundation - This foundation will consider proposals that provide public education authorities with the tools necessary to help all students. Click here for more information.

Duke Energy Foundation Annual Grants - Duke Energy supports K-12 education focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Click here for more information.

American Honda Foundation - Help meet the needs of American society in the areas of youth and scientific education by awarding grants to nonprofits, while strategically assisting communities in deriving long-term benefits. Click here for more information.

Founded in 1969, Moss is the largest, most progressive technology education supplier in the Upper Midwest.We supply technical educational equipment, curriculum materials, technical support and staff development services to teachers and administrators. Please visit www.Mossent.com, or call 800-822-4048 to speak with an Education Specialist in your area.