A greenhouse has become a new powerful learning space in some schools across Iowa with the assistance of the STEM BEST® Program.
The Metro Academy High School in Cedar Rapids recently hosted an open house for the community. Citizens were able to plant the first seedlings in this innovative space that will incorporate many STEM learning opportunities. The planning, building and collaborative effort involved student participation along the way with many community partners lending time and expertise as well. A multi-year commitment has paid dividends when former students turned up to see the results of their efforts.
Glenwood Community School District constructed a customized greenhouse with plans to engage students in the 2024-2025 school year. Glenwood, East Mills and Fremont Mills each received a STEM BEST Program award as a consortium to explore and build a collaborative regional center as an additional work-based learning opportunity for students.
Iowa’s agricultural heritage comes alive through greenhouse STEM education. The seeds planted become essential skills such as creativity, problem solving and communication that at harvest time produce the next generation of Iowa innovators.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 STEM BEST Program funding period. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Please see www.IowaSTEM.org/STEMBEST for more information.