Iowa STEM Programs
- STEM Best Program
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Building a culture to grow and expand workplace experiences, the STEM BEST Program encourages teachers and industry professionals to work side-by-side on curriculum and projects that give students authentic workplace experience and an understanding of the opportunities and required skills for careers in STEM fields. Each and every STEM BEST Program looks so different from one another based on the goals of schools and their community partners. Each October, applications open to be a recipient of up to a $40,000 cost share award.
- STEM Teacher Award
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The STEM Council and Kemin Industries join together to honor one teacher from each of the six Iowa STEM regions each year for their outstanding contributions in STEM education in Iowa. Each teacher receives a $3,000 award, with $1,500 of that for classroom use. Nominating of deserving teachers begins at the end of August.
- STEM Teacher Externships Program
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Each summer, educators are matched with business hosts through the STEM Teacher Externships Program, where they learn about career opportunities that use the skills students are learning in the classroom while addressing needs of local workplaces. The STEM Council will match qualified teacher applicants to local partnering workplace hosts based on the teacher’s interest and skills, as well as the partnering Host’s needs. Teacher Externs earn a stipend of up to $5,000 that includes 200-240 hours at the Host site plus two paid professional development days.
- STEM Scale-Up Program
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Building a culture to grow and expand workplace experiences, the STEM BEST Program encourages teachers and industry professionals to work side-by-side on curriculum and projects that give students authentic workplace experience and an understanding of the opportunities and required skills for careers in STEM fields. Each and every STEM BEST Program looks so different from one another based on the goals of schools and their community partners. Each October, applications open to be a recipient of up to a $40,000 cost share award.
Featured STEM Challenges
- Four Color Theorem
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Activities for the Four Color Theorem: USA Map
- STEM Bingo Challenge
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To help encourage children to explore the world around them, the North Central STEM Region created a STEM Bingo Challenge Board containing simple activities requiring few household materials and designed to inspire kids all summer long!
- Chromatography Butterfly
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- Dancing Rice
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- Exploring Fall Foliage
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Additional STEM Resources
- STEM Checkout Library
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Storytime STEM-Packs and several former STEM Scale-Up kits are now available for checkout. These packs are a great hands on, creative way for students to learn more about various STEM concepts.
Learn more about available kits Stem Pack Checkout Information
Request a kit on the Check-Out Form
- STEM Challenge Cards
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In addition to our checkout library, we have STEM Challenge Cards available by request. Each card has an easy to prepare STEM challenge for when you're looking for an activity to either supplement content or for students to do during transitional times in the classroom. In addition to the cards, some materials can be requested as well, though many are found easily at home.
- Work Based Learning Plans
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Work-based learning has proven to be an effective tool for educators to connect what is taught in the classroom to what is needed to thrive as employees and citizens. It helps to develop technical skills and employability skills, such as problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking and punctuality.
The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Business Council collaborated on the Request for Proposals to school-business partnerships involved in the STEM BEST (Business Engaging Students and Teachers) Program. Recipients received support to design relevant, engaging K-12 work-based learning plans or to improve upon existing plans, that would serve as models for other schools across the state.
- Computer Science is Elementary
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The STEM Council partnered with the Iowa Department of Education to support 12 high-poverty elementary schools with $50,000 grants each to transform into models of innovative computer science instruction through the Computer Science is Elementary project. At least one Computer Science is Elementary school is located in each of the six STEM regions.
- Computer Science Education Week
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Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is held the first week in December each year. While this is a global celebration of computer science, organizations in Iowa have come together to bring events and resources to educators, youth and their families that can be utilized all year long!
- STEM Festivals and Events
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STEM Festivals are a great way to engage students, their families and community partners in activities and career exploration. These events can take the shape and form that works best for your community or even have a theme! The regional manager, Mauree Haage, can help you not only plan for a festival, but can also support your efforts in various ways or even have a hands-on activity.
- Meetings, Professional Development, and Speaking Events
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The North Central STEM Region Manager, Mauree Haage is also happy to speak more about the offerings of the Iowa STEM Council at administration meetings, professional development days, or during other times. As a former science and computer science teacher of 10 years, she has knowledge on the programs from an educator's perspective as well.
North Central Region Camp Opportunities
- Design Camp and other summer programs with ISU Extension and Outreach: Story County - The College of Design at Iowa State University offers an immersive, on-campus experience that provide youth with a sense of what it is like to be a student in the college. Learn More
- Go Further Girls STEM Conference - Go Further Girls STEM Conference is a one-day conference on the Iowa State campus for middle school and high school girls to learn about STEM fields and how to infuse their passions within a career. Learn More
- NIACC Summer Camps - Learn More
STEM Teachable Moment
In response to the sudden shift from classroom learning to at home learning, the STEM Council has launched Teachable Moment - a collection of lessons and activities that are right at your fingertips and easy to implement at home. Students, parents and educators will find free access to resources from STEM Scale-Up Program providers, direct links to our Pinterest boards and some of our favorite pinned activities, lessons from partners and much more. Check out Teachable Moment