Learn more about what’s next in informal STEM. We will continue to feature new and creative research and programs, exciting stories, big picture thinking, news, and STEM systems.
Public Libraries in the STEM Ecosystem
Read moreBringing science-themed workshops to families in rural Appalachia, giving students and families in a summer meal program a chance to build robots, and letting parents see their children apply early math skills to everyday life are a few examples of how public libraries are making STEM learning experiences more accessible to families. Through interviews with library leaders in six states — Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin — Global Family Research Project learned that librarians and other library staff members are true innovators, often stretching beyond their typical program models to create more — and better — STEM…
Introduce a Girl (and Her Family) to Engineering Day
Read moreFebruary 21, 2019 is Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. This special day during National Engineers Week helps girls understand they have a place in engineering a better world. Engineers Week raises awareness of engineers’ contributions to our quality of life and increases interest in engineering careers. In her recent blog, Dr. Kekelis shares a list of five ideas to spark inspiration and empower parents to Introduce Their Girl to Engineering Day and the days and weeks after.
Science Chapter Books: Launchpads for Middle Schoolers
Read moreSharing a few chapter book gems with parents and caregivers can be a brief but highly productive part of family night at a school, or open house at a library.
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STEM Next Opportunity Fund and the US Department of Education Announces New Robert Noyce/Ellen Lettvin Informal STEM Education Fellow
Read moreSTEM Next Opportunity Fund and the US Department of Education Announce Patti Curtis as the new Robert Noyce/Ellen Lettvin Informal STEM Education FellowJanuary 31, 2019The STEM Next Opportunity Fund, in collaboration with the US Department of Education, is pleased to announce the appointment of Patti Curtis as the new Robert Noyce/Ellen Lettvin Informal STEM Education Fellow. Curtis, who has led policy efforts for the Museum of Science, Boston for more than a decade, is a recognized leader and thoughtful collaborator in the STEM community. Her accomplishments include: Working with Congress to design several bills in support of K-12 engineering…
Five Ideas to Inspire Every Girl in STEM
Read moreGirls have the potential for greatness as inventors and creative forces in their communities. They just need the opportunity to discover their inner engineer, math mindset, or passion for coding. In her recent blog, Dr. Kekelis, shares a list of five ideas that inspire and encourage girls to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in 2019.
Set a Place at the STEM Table for Youth with Disabilities and their Families
Read moreHow can we make sure that kids who are deaf, visually impaired, or physically disabled have the chance to imagine and create a bright future with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? In this case study Dr. Kekelis shares how STEM can empower and the programs, such as Deaf Kids Code, that are engaging youth and their families to make STEM learning opportunities accessible and successful.
From Niche to Necessary: Scale and Sustainability Lessons from the FUSE Initiative
Read moreThe Noyce Foundation and now, STEM Next Opportunity Fund, champion and support effective practices, cross-sector partnerships, and measuring the impact of STEM learning. We are excited to share the latest paper commissioned by the STEM Next Opportunity Fund that highlights these strategies: From Niche to Necessary: Scale and Sustainability Lessons from the Frontiers in Urban Science Education (FUSE) Initiative.This report is intended to share lessons learned from FUSE, led by Every Hour Counts, a national network of expanded-learning organizations, and ExpandED Schools, with key stakeholders across the country focused on increasing young people’s access to high-quality STEM learning.In short, we’ve learned…
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New (free!) Learning Resources from National Geographic and Mott Foundation
Read moreReal-world problems call for critical thinking and real-world solutions and afterschool programs are a great place for kids to learn, collaborate, and figure out how to make their communities better. The Mott Foundation and National Geographic want to help afterschool programs open the world to young people. National Geographic has been pushing the boundaries of knowledge, exploring the planet from its highest peaks to its deepest depths for more than 130 years. Now you can bring this spirit of exploration to your afterschool program!
Flipping the Engagement Model on Its Head: Bringing STEM Home to Families
Read moreSTEM programs often approach family engagement in a similar way—with a one-time, end-of-program celebration in which youth show-and-tell STEM projects to their parents. Notably, we ask parents to change their schedules, step out of their familiar routines, and make special arrangements to come to the program’s physical space. As founder and previous CEO of Techbridge Girls, I attended 100+ STEM family nights like this. I witnessed the rewards that come with families making extraordinary effort to show up for STEM showcases. Youth feel pride in presenting their work and parents appreciate learning about the skills behind STEM projects. I…
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North America Scholastic Esports Federation Launches Second Season
Read moreThe North America Scholastic Esports Federation is launching its second season. The Federation is working to ensure that all students possess the knowledge and skills needed to be society’s game changers. NASEF is on a mission to provide opportunities for students to use esports as a platform to acquire critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life. Join NASEF for a free webinar to learn about the launch of esports clubs, competition, coaches and much more. The webinar is designed for educators, teachers, administrators, directors, IT leads of high schools and community-based organizations across the United…
