Microgrant applications, CS Ed Week is Coming Soon!
If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online.
🍂 Happy November!
Hello, {{Constituent First Name}}, Please see this month's updates from the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub.
STEM Hub News and Updates
🌟 2024-2025 Microgrant Applications Are Now Open! PreK-college teachers, administrators, and out-of-school educators from Gilliam, Hood River, Wasco, Wheeler, and Sherman counties are invited to apply for one-time funding of up to $1,000. This funding aims to support a STEM project or initiative that will create a lasting impact on STEM education in the Gorge.
🌟Application Deadline: THIS Friday, November 15, 2024
👉For questions, please contact STEM Hub Director Julie Cucuel at jcucuel@cgesd.k12.or.us.
👨💻K-12 Educators: Math-Ish Book Study - Join Us Starting in January!
Join the STEM Hub in the Math-ish Book Study, supported by funding from OR Math Project! Take a deep dive into Jo Boaler’s latest text, Math-ish! Explore the power of mindset on learning, the benefits of a visual approach to math, the value of the “-ish” perspective and the importance of flexible knowledge!
Participating K-12 educators will receive: up to a $300 stipend and a copy of Jo Boaler's text!
📍Thursdays in January from 5-6:30pm via Zoom: January 9, 16, 23 & 30
👩💻K-12 Educators: Computer Science Education Week is Coming!
Celebrate Computer Science Education Week with us, December 9-13, focusing on Artificial Intelligence! Elementary, middle, and high school educators are invited to explore new resources and take advantage of the STEM Hub’s open office hours to support your students’ exploration of AI.
👨💻Pre-K & Kinder Teachers: Join us for Exploring Math Through Play
Preschool and Kindergarten teachers are invited to join us in unpacking mathematical concepts in early learning environments. Together, we will explore ways to increase playful math learning in every area of our classrooms!
📍This virtual workshop will have two sessions; Wednesday, January 15th and Wednesday, January 22nd. Please plan to attend both days from 6:00-8:30pm.
Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers from Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco and Wheeler counties qualify for a $160 stipend for attendance.
⭐Educator Spotlight: OSTA Outstanding Classroom Teacher Awards⭐
Congratulations to two local educators, Sally Anderson and David Scharfenberg from the Hood River County School District, who received 2024 Outstanding Science Educator awards from the Oregon Science Teachers Association. The STEM Hub is excited to honor these dedicated educators who have been longtime supporters of STEM Education in the Gorge!
Have an educator you would like to nominate for our monthly spotlight?
Let us know! Email Nicole at ntolmie@cgesd.k12.or.us
🔬9-12th Grade Educators: High School Science for All "Patterns" PD
The Portland Metro STEM Partnership (PMSP) and Greater Oregon STEM Hub (GO STEM) will be holding numerous professional learning opportunities for the High School Science for All "Patterns" Physics, Chemistry, and Biology courses. Stipends are offered to each Oregon high school science teacher participant thanks to the WRAP (Well-Rounded Access Program) grant and there is no cost to register.
🧔After-School or Out-of-School Educators: Oregon ASK Workshops
Asking Purposeful Questions Workshop Series:Begins in November | Live Online (Free - hosted by ACRES) - a VERY impactful workshop series for afterschool staff doing STEM activities in their programs!
👩🌾After-School Educators: Developing Program Infrastructure for a New or Evolving Afterschool Program [Online PD]
Building a new program from the ground up? Overhauling your existing program? This training is for you. In this training, participants will examine afterschool program schedules and staffing structures, develop a program schedule and a staffing plan for their program, and practice developing program policies. This elearning course is $30 with Set TWO Oregon Registry credit
👨💻K-12 Educators: White-Reinhardt Scholarship - Apply by December 2nd
K-12 educators and volunteers are invited to apply for the White-Reinhardt Scholarship to attend the 2025 National Agriculture in the Classroom conference in Minneapolis, MN. This scholarship covers travel and registration costs for those actively promoting agricultural literacy in their classrooms.
🍎Become a Certified Agricultural Literacy Educator through NCAL
The Agricultural Literacy Certification (ALC) course, offered through the National Center for Agricultural Literacy, helps K-12 educators incorporate agriculture into their teaching. The course covers topics like plant science, global trade, and food safety, providing educators with resources to integrate agricultural examples across subjects. The cost of the course is $30.
📩Nominations for the GTA's 2024 Annual Awards - Nominate By Nov. 25th!
The GTA is now accepting nominations for STEM Education Leader of the Year! Nominations must be submitted by November 25th, by 5:00 p.m. Winners will be announced at the GTA’s Winter Party and Awards Ceremony on December 10th.
STEM Education Leader of the Year recognizes an individual for outstanding contributions to STEM (science, tech, engineering, and math) education in the Columbia River Gorge in the past year. Nominations should describe why (with specifics) the person is being nominated for such recognition. The winner of this award receives $1,000 to support their work!
More Educator PD Opportunities from the STEM Hub! Be sure to see all of our professional development opportunites on our Websiteand Facebookpage!
Educator Resources
Lending Library - Featured Item: Microscope sets!
Middle and high school classrooms can enhance biology and science topics through the STEM Hub's set of 15 microscopes, complete with prepared slides and lesson plans! Reserve yours today!
Navigating AI in Education: Legal Insights for Teachers and Parents Time: Thursday, November 14, 2024, 6:00-6:45 PM ET / 3:00-3:45 PM PT Presenters: Brittany Walter, Associate Attorney Susan Brooks-Young, ISTE-GM Host 👉Learn More & Register Here
Using Gen AI to Understand Shakespeare Time: Thursday, December 3, 2024, 6:00-6:45 PM ET / 3:00-3:45 PM PT Presenters: Pam Amendola, High School ELA Teacher, Yearbook , Susan Brooks-Young, ISTE-GM Host 👉Learn More & Register Here
⚙Invention Convention: Independent Inventor Program
The Independent Inventor Program for Invention Convention in Oregon is open for interested students, staff, classrooms, and schools. Invention Convention Worldwide teaches students how they can solve problems through hands-on, real-world, project-based learning.
Here are the options for Oregon participation:
In-School Pathway: Classroom teachers can participate to lead this for their students in class, during school time.
Out-of-School Pathway: If you are an educator who is willing to facilitate this for students during out-of-school time for at least 6 sessions, please apply for this mini-grant from Oregon Ask to be compensated for your time.
👩🏭Connect with STEM Professionals Anytime, Anywhere!
Dive into the world of STEM with the EXPLR and National STEM Festival, where students and classrooms gain access to the exciting careers of diverse STEM professionals. Enjoy virtual Q&A sessions available year-round and on-demand programming via EXPLR, allowing you to watch anytime!
📣Sense of Place: Speaker's Series Continue Through March
Monthly Speaker Series on Gorge topics continue with the next speaker presenting on November 13th, "Geology Alive: Understanding Geologic Hazards in the Gorge" with with Richard (Dick) Iverson, USGS scientist emeritus.
📔HS Seniors: US Junior Chamber International Senate Foundation Scholarships Each year, the U.S. Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate Foundation grants $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plan to continue their education at an accredited postsecondary college or university; scholarships of $1,000 will be available to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited vocational or industrial school. (Additional eligibility requirements apply.) Deadline to apply is January 17, 2025.
The 4th Annual Math Day field trip for 6th-12th grade students in the Gorge will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 9am-1pm at Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles. The theme will be the 4th Dimension! Registration will open on April 1st.
For questions, email Pam (Morse) Koop, CGCC Math Department Chair, at pkoop@cgcc.edu
Inspire your imagination and develop your STEM skills with these FREE events. Build and explore using LEGO® bricks, blocks, boxes, or other fun materials.
