March Newsletter
An Exciting Month Ahead!
Congratulations! We have made it through the statistically most difficult time for teachers - the late winter blues. That's all past us! Now, we have spring breaks, the solar eclipse and beautiful warmer weather that tends to get us "sick" on some select Fridays and Mondays! It's a great time of year!
Our team has been doing some great things getting ready for the eclipse and a revamped STOM conference scheduled for November 2 in Columbia. This conference will have more opportunities, more freebies, more booths, and more fun. We are already excited!
I could write more but remember that I promised to respect your time. The less words the better and let's be honest, nobody wants to read this kind of stuff - let's get right to the important news and freebies! Thanks for making science exciting and engaging!
Mike Szydlowski
STOM President
NEW Solar Eclipse Literacy Resources
Our President, Mike Szydlowski has created seven new solar eclipse resources that focus on science, history, and literacy. There are some fascinating historical eclipse stories, a timeline activity, historical eclipse figures posters, a projectable kids book, art, math, and more. All FREE for STOM members, of course. DOWNLOAD HERE
Elementary Solar Eclipse with the Peanuts Gang!
So many solar eclipse resources are for the older kids and teachers but here are some great ready to go free resources for our elementary teachers! Prepare your students for the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, with activities from Peanuts Worldwide and NASA that explore the science behind a solar eclipse and the safe way to experience its “magic.” Students and families can even become citizen scientists! DOWNLOAD HERE
Culturally Relevant Teaching and Equity in Science Book List
Tasha Jorden, a STOM Board member has created a list of books that encompass culturally relevant teaching and equity in science education below.
- Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
- Teaching Science to Every Child: Using Culture as a Starting Point
- Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Curriculum and Instruction
- Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy
- Reimagining the Culture of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Stem, Steam, Make, Dream
FREE Stories of Women in STEM
Stories of Women in STEM: Biotechnology features biographies of trailblazing women who made history through their scientific discoveries and innovation in biotechnology. From biochemist and Nobel Prize winner Dr. Jennifer Doudna to Kenyan crop researcher Dr. Felister Makini, learn how women have defied gender and racial stereotypes and overcome structural barriers to advance the science, technology, engineering, and math industry. CLICK HERE
STOM Teacher Awards
Know an outstanding science advocate or teacher? STOM is looking for nominees! Awards will be presented at the STOM Conference in November, in Columbia, MO.
Carrie Launius, our executive director will open up applications in April and are due by September 15, 2024.
The awards are:
Excellence in K-12 Science Teaching – Recognizes a teacher who teaches either elementary and secondary science (2 awards) that exhibits exemplary science teaching using three-dimensional science. Teachers will be asked to fill out an application and
submit evidence of their work including a lesson plan and assessment.
Robin Kyles Trail Blazer Award – Recognizes a teacher who promotes a love of science by working with underrepresented populations.
The Science Cultivator Award – Recognizes a teacher who exemplifies excellence in agricultural studies.
Other awards that will be given are nominated by the board and committee. These awards are:
Champion of Science – Recognizes an individual, business, or organization that promotes and supports science education.
Charles R. Granger Legacy Award – Recognizes someone who has a history of promoting science education throughout their career and has made substantial contributions to the science education community.
Science with Kung Fu Panda!
In celebration of the new chapter of the beloved action-comedy franchise Kung Fu Panda 4, World Wildlife Fund and DreamWorks Animation have teamed up to raise awareness about the plight of the real wildlife depicted in the film. CLICK HERE
Experience the importance of STEM through the sport of racing!
Join our parent organization, NSTA while you immerse K-8 students in real-life applications of STEM—and teach key science concepts at the same time—with lessons about a sport that many students enjoy. Check out these fun and engaging NASCAR-themed lessons and resources, free of charge to educators nationwide! CLICK HERE
NSTA - Our Great Partner in Science Education!
You can't be a science teacher and not check out the incredible resources from NSTA! Give them a look at consider joining them. You won't regret it. And if you really want a treat, consider attending their national conference in Denver March 20-23. If you want to start with a quick resource, check out their Daily Dos for great quick ways to improve student sensemaking in science. CLICK HERE
