February CEM@T Newsletter
Common Sense Education
Help learners celebrate Black history with these videos, lessons, podcasts, and more. LINK HERE
Katherine Johnson the Human Robot
Take a look at the accomplishments of Katherine Johnson, one of the first black women to become a NASA mathematician. LINK HERE
40 Black History Month Activities for February and Beyond
We Are Teachers gives us 40 great lessons to embed into your classroom experiences year-round.
Sweet Dream Sarah
Sarah E. Goode was one of the first African-American women to get a US patent. Working in her furniture store, she recognized a need for a multi-use bed and through hard work, ingenuity, and determination, invented her unique cupboard bed. She built more than a piece of furniture. She built a life far away from slavery, a life where her sweet dreams could come true. Lesson HERE
Ticktock Banneker’s Clock
At a time when most African Americans were slaves, Benjamin Banneker was born free in 1731. Known and admired for his work in science, mathematics, and astronomy, he built a strike clock based on his own drawings and using a pocket-knife at the age of 22. Lesson HERE
Whoosh!
Lonnie Johnson tried to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, but instead created the mechanics for one of the top twenty toys of all time, the Super Soaker. From childhood to adulthood, Lonnie had a love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity. He was driven toward innovation through his persistence and passion for problem solving, tinkering, and building. These traits served him well as we went on to work for NASA as an engineer. Lesson HERE
17 Black Scientists, Engineers, & Leaders in STEM to Honor During Black History Month
February is Black History Month, an important time to recognize the challenges and injustices Black people have faced throughout history and into today, and a welcome time to expand Black history into your curriculum. It’s also a time to celebrate and honor the many notable Changemakers of color, especially those of which we can thank for pioneering the way through influential discoveries in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). LINK HERE
Don’t let the long winter get you down, register for a REMC Course and learn new tech skills, connect with other educators and explore ways to increase student engagement. All REMC courses offer 10 FREE SCECHs and can be taken from the convenience of your home and when the time is right for you.
Registration deadline is Thursday, February 29th, each course begins on Monday, March 4th. Through the support of REMC SAVE’s vendor partners, all courses are FREE and there are no SCECH fees. Don’t miss out, register today!
Check out March 2024 courses here:
Register by Thursday, February 29th. You will receive a welcome email with the course information prior to the course start date. If you have questions or need further assistance with your course registration, please click here.
If you are looking to enhance your technology integration skills, explore new instructional delivery methods or learn tips and tricks from Michigan educational practitioners - the REMC Association has something for you!
To help with your professional learning planning, we are excited to share our REMC Course schedule through June 2024.
Take a look at all course offerings and register today! Earn 10 FREE SCECHs upon completion. Simply visit www.remc.org/remc-all-events/.
MACUL Volunteers Needed
Being a volunteer at #macul24 is not just about giving back; it's an opportunity to connect with fellow educators from across the state, share experiences, and contribute to the success of this significant event. Sign up to register here: https://forms.gle/ZnDUFnb6KUDtrAqHA
MACUL 2024 Registration Open!
Learning environments are technology driven now more than ever and with the advent of new technologies, such as AI and Cybersecurity Threats, now is the time be on top of your tech game. MACUL’s Annual Conference has been recognized for over 45 years as the premier opportunity to experience leading educational technology tools, strategies and content that impact the classroom and as a result participation in the conference can directly support student achievement.
Visit MACUL 2024 for more information!
MACUL 2024 Virtual Track
We know that there are many challenges that may prevent you from participating in person in Grand Rapids, so we are once again offering a virtual conference option! Reserve your spot today! https://maculconference.org
Ann Smart - Educational Technology Consultant
I am passionate about educational innovation, maker-centered learning, STEAM educations, student-centered learning, and of course technology integration. I believe that every child should have the chance to inquire, create, innovate, and play every day.
How can I support you or your district:
Consulting and Resources- Provide an opportunity for a brainstorming session to bounce ideas off of one another. Hunt for resources and activities to match the needs of your school or classroom.
Team Teaching Experience-After planning cooperatively, teach a lesson together involving an innovative idea, technology, STEAM, or makerspace.
Co-planning-Collaboratively plan a lesson or series of lessons that use technology, innovative idea, STEAM or makerspaces, and meets best practice.
Demonstration Lesson-Demonstrate a makerspace or STEAM activity, or a piece of technology in your classroom while you observe.
Classroom Engagement and Customization Support-Help design and implement engagement activities and design technology choice assignments or tiered activities.
New Teacher Support- Assist new teachers in topics such as classroom management, classroom engagement, innovative teaching ideas, understanding and handling student behaviors, how to manage stress, mentor/mentee relationships, curriculum expectations, and network support.
Email: ann.smart@lisd.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/lenaweeschools.us/litt/home
Phone: (517)920-1714
Facebook: facebook.com/LISDPDCenter
Twitter: @AnnSmart17
