CS Ed Week (Last Call), Lots of PD, Volunteer Opportunities
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❄️ Happy December!
Hello, {{Constituent First Name}}, Please see this month's updates from the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub.
STEM Hub News and Updates
⭐Educator Spotlight: Teresa Nelson from Sherman County School District⭐
Congratulations to Teresa Nelson from Sherman County School District.Teresa was one of the winners of Oregon STEM’s National STEM Day contest! Winning educators each received a $50 Amazon e-gift card. Many thanks to Heidi Bates (South Metro Salem STEM Partnership & Oregon Institute of Technology) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers members, for sponsoring the winning educators across the state. Much thanks to Oregon STEM for spearheading a statewide celebration for National STEM Day. To learn more about Oregon STEM visit their website, OregonSTEM.org
Have an educator you would like to nominate for our monthly spotlight?
Let us know! Email Nicole at ntolmie@cgesd.k12.or.us
2nd Annual Rube-a-Thon Inspires STEM Creativity with “Feed a Pet” Challenge
The spirit of innovation and teamwork was on full display at the Second Annual Regional Rube-a-Thon, held at Columbia Gorge Community College’s Campus in The Dalles on October 25th. Read More
STEM Hub and GTA Collaborate to Support Robotics in the Gorge
The Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA) and the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, who share the mission of ensuring equitable access to quality STEM experiences for all students, are again collaborating to sponsor competitive robotics by providing much-needed grant funds to our region’s competitive robotics teams.
👩💻K-12 Educators: It’s Not Too Late to Join CS Ed Week! (Dec 9-13)
Computer Science Education Week is just around the corner (Dec 9-13), and there’s still time to join in! For our K-5 classrooms, we’ve created five ready-to-go AI modules that require no student devices, are easy to prep, and take just 30-60 minutes to complete. Each module includes a Loom video to guide you, and office hours are available for any questions. Aligned with ISTE, AI4K12, and Common Sense standards, these lessons are a perfect way to introduce younger students to AI concepts.
For middle and high school students, we’re offering online AI curriculum tailored to older learners, providing a deeper dive into this exciting field.
Let’s inspire our students with the possibilities of AI during CS Ed Week!
👨💻Pre-K & Kinder Educators: 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! Register Here
Educator Opportunities
🌟PreK-Grade 12 Educators: Two Scholarships close by December 15th!
Scholarships will cover registration and lodging for the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference from June 23-26 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Apply Here
🌧HS Science Teachers: Virtual Book Study - "Teaching Climate Change"
Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 4-5 pm (Jan-May) via Zoom
Focus: Oregon HS science teachers, especially in NGSS areas (physics, chemistry, biology, earth/space science, engineering)
Earn up to 5 PDUs, with an option to apply for summer institute PDUs
Visit the launch of the updated Oregon Math Project: Mathways Grants Website—a hub filled with opportunities for meaningful professional growth: Paid PD Opportunities, District HS Math Pathways Support, Professional Learning Communities & Book Studies, Student Tools & Tutoring
🎢HS Educators:The Rube Goldberg Institute & Miracle Recreation Playground Contest
Juniors and Seniors can submit ideas for a Rube Goldberg Playground and the chance to win cash prizes, social media coverage and the opportunity to have your playground vision brought to life!
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: A New Reservation Window is Open (January-February)
The STEM Hub offers STEM educational items to any educator in our 5 Oregon counties (Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler) as well as educators in Klicktat & Skamania counties in Washington. Items are available for use at no-charge to educators and include delivery to/from your school.
🌳Oregon Agriculture In the Classroom: Agriculture in the Classroom is a nationwide educational program designed to help students develop an awareness and understanding that agriculture is the source of our food, clothing, shelter and other essentials. Explore just some of their great resources!
💻The State of Computer Science Report has been released
According to the latest report, 60% of U.S. public high schools offer foundational computer science courses, yet only around 6% of high school students are enrolled.
These Professional Learning Community sessions are geared toward 4th-12th grade educators who are passionate about deepening their understanding of manufacturing skills and technologies. Participants will engage in hands-on exploration of key manufacturing concepts, learn about the latest industry advancements, and collaborate with college faculty and fellow educators. The focus will be on integrating these skills into the classroom through collaborative lesson planning.
4:00-6:00 pm at CGCC Skills Center on January 31 & April 25, 2025
Stipends available to participants
Complete this formto provide input on topics of focus & to confirm participation.
🎓CGCC Campus Tours & Visits - Schedule a Tour Today!
Studies suggest that campus visits are a strong predictor of postsecondary enrollment, especially for first generation students, and those from low-income families or rural backgrounds.
If you’d like to bring your students to CGCC’s campus, you can schedule a group tour at this link and their staff will reach out to coordinate your visit.
Or, does your school host a college day, or would you like CGCC to visit your classroom? Contact soar@cgcc.edu.
👷♀️2025 College & Career Expo: April 18, 2025 - Early Registration is Open!
Early registration is open for the College & Career Expo 2025! The event will be held at the Columbia Gorge Readiness Center, Building 10, CGCC’s The Dalles Campus, 400 East Scenic Drive. The event will be held in two sessions: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for K-12 educators and students, and 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM for job seekers. The student session includes a keynote speaker, a vendor floor with representatives from businesses, industries, and college programs, and breakout workshops.
For questions, contact Jessica Griffin Conner at jconner@cgcc.edu
Youth & Community Opportunities
Volunteers Needed for FLL Qualifying Tournament on 12/15 The AO5 Annex Robotics team is hosting the FLL Tournament at Hood River Valley High School on Sunday, December 15th, 7 AM - 5 PM. With 19 teams, they need volunteers for judging (12 adults) and other roles (8 adults). Interested? Email corindamh@yahoo.com or A05annexrobotics@gmail.com
Volunteers Needed for VEX IQ Robotics Tournament 12/14
Dufur School is hosting a VEX IQ Robotics Tournament (Grades 4-8) on Saturday, December 14th from 8 am - 3:30 pm with set-up the night before. Volunteers are needed including: welcomers/team queuing, judges, referees, scorers, skills field managers, and concessions. For questions, contact Jody Weaver at jody.weaver@dufur.k12.or.us or call 541-467-2509 ext 244.
👨💻HS Seniors: Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship - Apply by December 19th
HS Seniors in the U.S. who are currently enrolled in or who have completed a high school or college dual degree course where computer science or engineering is the subject can receive a scholarship of up to $40,000 (up to $10,000/year) towards an undergraduate degree in engineering or computer science and an offer to complete a summer internship at Amazon! Applications are due by Dec. 19, 2024 at 4:00 PM EST
Inspire your imagination and develop your STEM skills with these FREE events. Build and explore using LEGO® bricks, blocks, boxes, or other fun materials.
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