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New STEM BEST Opportunity to Expand Career-Linked Learning

Re-envisioning recyclable materials into usable products, developing entrepreneurial skills through student-run storefronts, taking on leadership roles at community and live events, simulating advanced manufacturing and healthcare experience through school business partnerships. These are a few of the many career-linked opportunities the STEM BEST Program is creating in Iowa.

Educators and students participated in STEM Day at the Capitol on February 9.

Exciting Innovations in Education Exhibited at STEM Day at the Capitol

STEM Council programming drives an interdisciplinary approach to STEM education that helps students develop technical and intellectual skills to make connections from the classroom to the world of work. STEM careers with Iowa business and industry make this core discipline a vital economic development driver.

Students and families can take part in exciting STEM activities throughout summer.

Enjoy Summertime with STEM

There are many STEM opportunities available this summer to engage minds in learning while having fun. The STEM Council Network Team offers a variety of virtual and in-person, hands-on learning opportunities, including the upcoming events below:

Roger Hargens, former STEM Council co-chair, provides remarks at the 2019 STEM Day at the State Fair.

Save the Date for Upcoming STEM Events

Every year, the STEM Council hosts various events that engage Iowans and advance STEM initiatives across the state. Last year, in-person events were reimagined out of caution and safety measures.

Grab a pencil and mark your calendars! Exciting STEM events are on the horizon to be held safely in person once again. Check out the upcoming events below:

STEM Council team members were in the Capitol Rotunda sharing STEM’s return on investment as part of STEM Day at the Capitol.

Sharing Impact at STEM Day at the Capitol

A scaled-back, health-secured STEM Day at the Capitol was held on February 17.

Virtual webinar to check in with participants of the Fostering Equity in the STEM Classroom Workshop.

Webinar Supports Council Equity Priority

Following the Fostering Equity in the STEM Classroom Workshop in June, the first of three follow-up webinars was held in mid-September.

Iowa STEM Teacher Awardee Rhonda McCarthy shared a lesson about growing plants in space for STEM Day at the Fair.

Nothing Compares to Virtual STEM Day at the Fair

Earlier this summer, the Iowa State Fair Board voted to postpone the 2020 Iowa State Fair until August 12-22, 2021. In order to protect the health and safety of nearly one million expected fair goers, the Iowa State Fair was entirely virtual this year. Each day embraced a new theme with sponsors, activities, photos, videos or contests.

Fostering Equity in the STEM Classroom Workshop

Improving Equity in STEM Teaching and Learning

The year 2020 has offered many opportunities for reflection, learning and growth. In June, the STEM Council was honored to host a virtual workshop on Equity in the STEM Classroom, facilitated by Aris Winger, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Mathematics Enrichment for Diversity and Learning (MEDAL).

Dr. Aris Winger facilitated a virtual workshop focused on equity, diversity and inclusion in Iowa STEM classrooms.

Iowa STEM teachers immerse in Equity

One hundred K-to-college educators recently virtually convened to participate in the Fostering Equity in the STEM Classroom professional development presented by the Governor’s Advisory STEM Council.

Educators, employers, students, parents, legislators and guests assembled at the State Capitol for STEM Day at the Capitol 2020.

Hundreds Celebrate STEM Day at State Capitol

STEM exhibits, featuring nearly 200 Iowans, lined the Capitol Rotunda on February 19 for STEM Day at the Capitol. A total of 23 in and out of school displays were present, featuring students who demonstrated the impact of STEM programming in their lives.

2019 STEM Education + Workplace Partnerships Summit

The STEM Education + Workplace Partnerships: Governor's 2019 Future Ready Iowa Summit brought together leaders from across the state to discuss innovative education-workplace partnerships emerging across Iowa.