Scale Up Program Defined STEM is funded for Regional Implementation in the North Central STEM Region
Defined STEM combines a unique set of real-world themed resources to create a 21st century learning platform. Common core standards are aligned to performance tasks, literacy tasks, and real-world video that enable students to see the relevance of K-12 topics through real-world careers and themes. Each resource allows students to apply concepts in simulated real-world scenarios, increase student performance, and prepares them for college and 21st century careers. Defined STEM is developed based on the Understanding by Design Framework (UbD), This resource can be used by all disciplines to support existing initiatives in schools such as Professional Learning Communities (PLC) and Authentic Intellectual Work (AIW).
The following list represents educators eligible to implement this resource:
- All public and private schools (Grades 3-12)
- Higher education faculty and staff (communities colleges, colleges and universities)
- Public Libraries
- Club programs such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4H, and others TBD
- Extension and Outreach personnel (all Regions in Iowa)
- Home School educators (across Iowa)
The first training for Defined STEM scheduled in the North Central STEM Region will be held on September 5th at the Marshalltown Public Library. Two sessions are scheduled: 1-4 PM and 5-8 PM. All potential implementers are welcome to attend, but because of limited space, please respond and specify which session you plan to attend.
RSVP to:
Gabrielle Caruso of Defined STEM at [email protected] or Lynne Campbell, North Central STEM Hub Manager at [email protected]
Additional training sessions will be scheduled in the Fort Dodge and Mason City areas later this fall. For more information please call Lynne at 515-710-1381.
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NC Iowa State Fair STEM Festival
The NC STEM Region represented the Iowa Governor's STEM Initiative at the Iowa State Fair on August 16. A mini-STEM Festival took place immediately inside the north doorway of the 4H building. The festival was a vehicle to spread the word about STEM and its importance to Iowans while engaging children and their families in meaningful STEM activities. The activities represented some of the 2012-13 Scale-Up Programs and were led by teachers and students that participated in the Scale-Up Programs during the past school year. We want to thank the volunteers who helped make this festival possible.
Cara Rinehart and students
from Gilbert demonstrate KidWind and FREE. They explain how science and engineering work with turbines and solar cars
Lisa Chizek and volunteers from North Tama demonstrated FREE (Fabulous Resources in Energy Education) Scale- Up. They showed how solar and wind energy work.
Brad Taylor and local FFA officers from Roland Story demonstrate DNA extraction from the CASE (Curriculum for Agriscience Education) Scale-Up
James Mills, Mason City shares FTC (First Technology Challenge) how to solve real-world problems using robotics and STEM concepts. Monica Post demonstrates how to model frog eggs for the Camp in a Can Scale-Up program. Favorite part of the day: The littlest engineer! |
Advisory Board Member Spotlight: Rich Wrage
Rich Wrage is the Regional Director selected for the Advisory Board. Rich believes in lifelong learning. He partners with regional and community leaders and ISU Extension staff to identify local needs and priorities and to deliver research-based educational programs and services. He serves Iowans in Region 8, which includes Boone, Hardin, Marshall and Story counties. Rich provides leadership to locally elected Extension councils in this region - helping members identify opportunities for collaboration and program and volunteer development. He also assists councils with grant and contract management to support local initiatives. His work reaches diverse audiences: youth, families, farmers, communities and businesses. By being involved and in touch, Rich's work promotes healthy lifestyles, advances healthy environments, and supports healthy economies - improving the quality of life for those in Region 8. |