SciMathMN

SciMathMN hosts series of Twitter chats on STEM issues

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Looking to further engage the Minnesota STEM ecosystem SciMathMN will be hosting, with our partners in Project Lead the Way, a series of Twitter chats on key issues in the field today. All chats will be hosted at the hashtag #mnstemchat.

The series kicks off Thursday, February 18, 7:00 p.m., with a discussion of the place of STEM        in Career and Technical education.  February is national CTE Month. The pandemic has challenged hands-on STERM education across all academic areas but has also illustrated the importance of CTE opportunities for students and the need for those skills in our workforce.

The series picks up again Thursday, March 11, 7:00 p.m., with an important celebration of women in STEM.  How can we inspire and empower our next generation of Minnesota STEM leaders?  Bring your best ideas to #mnstemchats.

The series concludes April 2oth at 7:00 p.m. during Mathematics and Stats Month engaging on inclusive (K-12) Computer Science Education. The discussion will focus on 0cnnecting Math through CSED to our everyday lives, the essentials of computer science skills between the industry needs and the what students are learning in the classroom to prepare them for the high-tech demands, and other broader resources and connections.

Earth Science Standards Changes Brings New Professional Development Opportunities

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As Minnesota teachers’ phase in the new academic standards in science some of the most significant changes are about what and at which grade level Minnesota teaches earth science.  To support those teachers looking to strengthen their practice and use more place-based approaches the Minnesota Science Teachers Association is offering the Earth Science Professional Development Program (ESTEP).  The program is open to currently licensed teachers as well as educational assistants who are working towards licensure.  The program is committed to reflecting the diversity of Minnesota educators including BIPOC staff and other underrepresented groups.

 

The 6th grade program will be a one-week bootcamp style workshop focused on both earth science content and supporting the development of three-dimensional academic units.  After the one week intensive there will be the opportunity for ongoing support including regional cohorts.

The goal will be to offer at least one 6th grade workshop summer 2021 and possibly as many as 11 over the next three years depending on funding.

For those high school teachers looking to add graduate level course opportunities starting in the summer of 2022, followed by online course work over the school year and concluding with another two-week session summer 2023.

More information is available at the MnSTA website.

2020 Election Preview

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The Election is just around the corner, November 3rd and a lot of choices are on the ballots of Minnesotans.  The absentee ballot process in Minnesota has been expanded due to COVID and already over 1 million Minnesotans have cast their ballot.  There are significant races both at the State and … [Continue reading...]

A Very Minnesota ACT Report

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ACT released their report on the performance of the 2020 graduating class today. Minnesota received a very Minnesota report. The good news? Minnesota continues to lead the nation in ACT scores among states that like us test high percentage of students. The bad news? While Students of Color and … [Continue reading...]