UNCW STEM Learning Cooperative

Happy National Ugly Sweater Day from the STEM Learning Cooperative departments (CESTEM, CAT, MarineQuest & Jr Seahawk Academy).

Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday season!

Join us tomorrow to kick off our SPOTLIGHT SERIES sessions!

We hope you will join us to develop and support STEM educators of color. This work is sponsored by Burroughs Wellcome Fund and is being conducted in response to the challenges articulated by the DRIVE initiative.

If you are interested in this work, please complete the form here by November 13. We will look for groups of educators clustered in the same geographic area to identify potential locations for this work: https://uncw.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3WOS3vkVdw3MU3I

In 2020, the North Carolina Developing a Representative and Inclusive Vision for Education (DRIVE) Task Force developed a plan to advance the state’s efforts to increase the diversity of the educator workforce so that students see themselves in their teachers. This lack of diversity is well-documented in STEM teachers. Two of the Task Force recommendations involve (1) creating pathways to recruit racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse educators, and (2) strengthening support networks for educators of color.

STEM SENC would like to provide STEM teachers of color with opportunities to connect with each other locally. Our hope is that these networks will serve as mentors to high school students (particularly those of color) who might be interested in becoming STEM teachers.

You know best what is needed in your communities. We want to hear from you and support you where you are.

We'd also like to invite you consider joining the UNCW Professional Development System Educators of Color Network, a regional network engaging in meaningful conversations around recruitment, retention, and advocacy for all educators. Click here to indicate your interest: https://uncw.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Za4wHo4bvtWD2K

Please spread the word about these initiatives!

Don't miss this opportunity to participate in one (or all) of CESTEM's engaging professional development workshops this Fall! Register now, space is limited!

For more details, visit the CESTEM website: https://uncw.edu/cestem/pd.html

Questions? Contact Michelle Hafey at [email protected].

StarLab is an engaging and fun way to introduce Astronomy! Did you know you can also make other topics come alive when they are projected on the inside of the StarLab dome? Some of the favorite cylinders are the Biological Cell, Plate Tectonics, Greek Mythology, Ocean Currents, and the Moon.

Click here to register by Wednesday, October 26, 2022: https://bit.ly/CESTEMStarLab

Virtual Reality is an engaging experience and sparks an enthusiasm for learning. K-12 educators, don’t miss out on this chance to bring the world into your classroom using CESTEM's VR System. Space is limited, register now to secure your spot!

VR Workshop 1: Operating CESTEM's VR System - https://bit.ly/VRpart1

VR Workshop 2: Creating Your Own VR Content (NEW!)* - https://bit.ly/VRpart2

Participants must attend and complete all components of the Virtual Reality Workshop 1 (offered 10/11/22 and previously on 8/2/22) in order to take the Virtual Reality Workshop 2.

CESTEM’s Fall Vernier Workshop registration deadline is quickly approaching, click link below to register now and secure your spot!

Register Here (directions at end of post): https://bit.ly/vernier2022

Don’t miss this engaging session that will introduce you to the various ways that Vernier probes and sensors can be used for data collection in your classroom. Learn to use the equipment with a variety of interfaces such as Laptops, LabQuests and LabPros. Participate in lab activities and explore ways to integrate this technology tool into your instruction. Discover the numerous Vernier resources that CESTEM has available for teachers in their Technology Loan Program. Handouts will be provided.

When: Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 5-8 PM
Where: New Hanover High School (1307 Market Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401)
Who: Teachers, grades 5-12
Credit: 0.3 CEUs
Instructor: Robert Ott
Fee: $20 per participant (non-refundable after 8/30/22)

Registration Directions:
1. Click on “Add to Cart”
2. Click on “Create New Student Profile” under New Students
3. Click “Submit” on the next page.
4. Fill in the Profile Info and click Submit (can skip pages 2 and 3)
5. Profile will complete, program will be added to cart, and you will be able to check out with a credit card.
6. You can then log back in to register directly for a workshop in the future.

Applications open for NC STEM teachers - Career Awards for STEM Teachers provide $175k over 5 years and available to NC teachers who have an outstanding performance record in education and demonstrate a solid knowledge of STEM content. https://buff.ly/3zhjvee

Be a part of National Science Foundation (NSF)'s “Science Happens Here” campaign and help them showcase the impact of partnerships across all sectors to create new knowledge, drive innovation and empower U.S. talent!

Check out their campaign toolkit to learn more about how you can share your NSF-powered stories: https://bit.ly/3Ptq3xg

'Science Happens Here' – share your NSF-powered stories Secure .gov websites use HTTPS. A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Registration deadlines are quickly approaching, register now to secure your spot!

Don't miss this opportunity to participate in one (or all) of CESTEM's engaging professional development workshops this summer!

For more details, visit the CESTEM website: https://uncw.edu/cestem/pd.html

Questions? Contact Michelle Hafey at [email protected]

Due to popular demand, we have added a second session of our Virtual Reality Workshop on August 2nd. If you were unable to register for the morning session, we hope you can join us from 1:30 - 4:30!

Session 1 Waitlist: https://bit.ly/CESTEMVR
Session 2 Registration: https://bit.ly/CESTEMVR2

K-12 educators, don’t miss out on the chance to bring the world into your classroom and engage your students. Through virtual reality (VR), your students can explore learning with enthusiasm. Join us for this three-hour workshop and get ready to go places. Click here to register now, space is limited!

The Watson College was pleased to welcome 14 students to the 2022 Junior Seahawk Summer Academy. Led by Angie Reid-Griffin and a host of wonderful volunteers, Jr. Seahawk has provided project-based STEM learning opportunities for middle grades students since 2005!

The NC Science and Engineering Fair Management Team invites you to the upcoming webinar which looks at Research Safety and the documentations required for NC regional and state science and engineering fairs. In particular, they will discuss why safety reviews are important for both you as well your students.

This webinar is great for teachers, administrators, community leaders and anyone that has an interest in taking part in this year's fair competitions.

NC Science and Engineering Fair: Protect Yourself & Your Students
July 19, 2022 | 9:30AM - 10:45AM | Online/Zoom
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OIrH6jRBDnpfN8Kq1sRi8PkHmdmEJw0EXVRgGDDZ6wE/viewform?edit_requested=true
Once you register, you will be emailed the workshop online details.

Hurry! Don't miss this opportunity to participate in one (or all) of CESTEM's engaging professional development workshops this summer! Register now, space is limited!

For more details, visit the CESTEM website: https://uncw.edu/cestem/pd.html

Questions? Contact Michelle Hafey at [email protected].

Yesterday, CESTEM hosted a Breakout Box Workshop for the teachers at DC Virgo Preparatory Academy. Michelle Hafey, CESTEM Program Associate, lead the group in team building exercises and engaging critical thinking tasks. The teachers learned ways to use the breakout boxes in their classrooms all while having fun together!

Interested in a Breakout Box Workshop? Stay tuned to CESTEM's social media and listserv for updates.

DCVPA UNCW Watson College of Education

Don't miss this opportunity to participate in one (or all) of CESTEM's engaging professional development workshops this summer! Register now, space is limited!

For more details, visit the CESTEM website: https://uncw.edu/cestem/pd.html

Questions? Contact Michelle Hafey at [email protected].

Home - Power of Us Workforce Survey Millions of professionals and volunteers work with young people every day in the many settings where youth play, learn, and grow outside of the school day. Yet, we have little collective information about this essential workforce.

***Vernier Workshop - New Date***

The Vernier Workshop previously scheduled for June 20th has been postponed to September 13th from 5-8 PM.

Click here to register by Tuesday, August 30, 2022: https://bit.ly/vernier2022

This engaging session will introduce you to the various ways that Vernier probes and sensors can be used for data collection in your classroom. Learn to use the equipment with a variety of interfaces such as Laptops, LabQuests and LabPros. Participate in lab activities and explore ways to integrate this technology tool into your instruction. Discover the numerous Vernier resources that CESTEM has available for teachers in their Technology Loan Program. Handouts will be provided.

When: Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 5-8 PM
Where: New Hanover High School (1307 Market Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401)
Who: Teachers, grades 5-12
Credit: 0.3 CEUs
Instructor: Robert Ott
Fee: $20 per participant (non-refundable after 8/30/22)

Join CESTEM for one or all of the engaging professional development workshops we are offering this summer!

For more details, visit the CESTEM website: https://uncw.edu/cestem/pd.html

Questions? Contact Michelle Hafey at [email protected].

*NEW* CESTEM Workshop! - Science Notebooking

Register here by 7/31: https://bit.ly/CESTEMnotebooking

Effective notebooking helps to improve students' vocabulary and their ability to read and write. Most importantly, it encourages students to think and learn! The information that students write in their notebooks gives teachers an opportunity to analyze student thinking to see if they understand. The analysis also uncovers student misconceptions and helps the teacher know how to make instruction more effective.

Science notebooking gives students a chance to observe, describe, explain, make inferences, hypothesize, control variables, design experiments, use data for a variety of purposes, draw conclusions and defend their findings. It will also increase their eagerness to write and share ideas with each other and make learning about science more exciting.

Date: August 10, 2022
Time: 12:30 PM – 5 PM
Registration Fee: $10 per participant
Registration Deadline: July 31, 2022 @ 11:59 PM
Cancellation/Refund Policy: No refunds for cancellations received after 7/31/22.
Location: UNCW Watson College of Education, Room 162
Instructor: Manley Midgett
Credit: 0.5 CEUs
Audience: 3rd – 8th grade science teachers*

*while this workshop is designed for 3rd-8th grade science teachers, it may also be appropriate for 3rd-8th grade social studies teachers and/or high school science teachers.

Please contact Michelle Hafey with questions at [email protected]

NC Computer Science Standards Workshop

In this three-day CESTEM workshop, K-8 teachers will learn about the North Carolina Computer Science standards and reflect on what they look like in the classroom. Participants will engage in computational thinking through cross-curricular, computer-based, and non-computer based classroom tested activities, with an emphasis on mathematics standards.

Click here to register now, space is limited: https://bit.ly/CESTEMcomputersci

****New CESTEM Workshop Alert****

K-12 educators, don’t miss out on the chance to bring the world into your classroom and engage your students. Through virtual reality (VR), your students can explore learning with enthusiasm. Join us for this three-hour VR workshop and get ready to go places!

Click here to register now, space is limited: https://bit.ly/CESTEMVR

Please join us in congratulating Heddy Clark, STEM Learning Cooperative Director, Interim CESTEM Director, and Executive Director of STEM SENC! She was nominated for the 2022 UNCW Staff Award for Excellence for her excellent public service.

Those nominated in the public service category are recognized for making outstanding contributions by participating in or implementing community and public service projects.

Click here to read the full program: https://www.flipsnack.com/7FB56C5569B/2022-uncw-staff-award-for-excellence-program.html

***NEW CESTEM 3D PRINTER WORKSHOP***

CESTEM has a New Mobile 3D Printer. Training is required to checkout this item from CESTEM’s Technology Loan Program. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be one of the first teachers to use this equipment!

Click here to register by June 24 (space is limited to 10 participants): https://bit.ly/CESTEM3Dprinter

Are you interested in your students using a 3D printer to design solutions for problems? Consider joining CESTEM for this 3-day workshop and learn how to design and print 3D objects using the Prusa i3MK3S+ 3D printer.

In this workshop, participants will:
-learn 3D Modeling using TinkerCAD
-receive in depth instruction for the 3D Printing Process and Hardware with an emphasis on troubleshooting
- explore Slicing Software
- create an implementation plan to integrate 3D printing with other curriculum standards
-practice unpacking and setting up CESTEM’s Mobile 3D Printer

Primary Instructor: Alyssa Wharton, UNCW Randall Library Digital Makerspace Coordinator
Dates: June 28, 29, & 30*
Time: 8:30am – 3:00pm
Registration Fee: $30
Locations: CESTEM (626 MacMillan Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403) & UNCW Randall Library Digital Makerspace (5162 Randall Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403)

*Participants must attend all sessions and complete all components of the workshop to borrow CESTEM’s Mobile 3D Printer and earn 1.5 CEU.

Please contact Michelle Hafey ([email protected]) with questions.

Join CESTEM for a 3-hour (in-person) Vernier Workshop on Tuesday, June 21st!

This engaging session will introduce you to the various ways that Vernier probes and sensors can be used for data collection in your classroom. Learn to use the equipment with a variety of interfaces such as Laptops, LabQuests and LabPros. Participate in lab activities and explore ways to integrate this technology tool into your instruction. Discover the numerous Vernier resources that CESTEM has available for teachers in their Technology Loan Program. Handouts will be provided.

Register here by Monday, June 20, 2022: https://bit.ly/vernier2022

Add these Cinco de Mayo STEM activities to your classroom to learn more about the history of Mexico, the Cinco de Mayo holiday, and Mexican culture: https://www.steamsational.com/cinco-de-mayo-activities/

Registration is open for the 2022 Junior Seahawk Academy!***

The 2022 Jr. Seahawk Academy Virtual camp is a hybrid program designed specifically for middle-grade students (ages 10-14). The Junior Seahawk Academy is open to all students with a focus on youth from economically-disadvantaged and underrepresented populations. We promote learning with engaging, fun, hands-on activities to help youth develop interests in STEM, health, and education careers. To allow for guidance with current health crisis only 25 students will be permitted to participate in the in person campus sessions. Other students will participate virtually using the UNCW tools.

Registration Link: https://uncw.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassListing.ClassListingDisplay&int_category_id=7&int_sub_category_id=36&int_catalog_id

STEM is an all-encompassing term that describes fields covering science, technology, engineering and math.

Are you at “STEMist” and do you also want to be on TV?
Then you can appear on North Carolina STEM Explorers, a brand-new show that will air right here on WWAY this fall.

Middle-school aged students are needed to be hosts on this show as they explore STEM topics all across the state.

If you know someone who fits these criteria and wants to audition, simply stop by WWAY-TV’s Event Center on Saturday, May 21st.
Auditions will be held from 3pm to 6pm. Or you can send a short audition video to the following email address:
[email protected]

https://www.wwaytv3.com/stem-explorers/

CESTEM is Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with an Open House!

Throughout the year, UNCW’s Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CESTEM) provides STEM support for teachers in the region through the Technology Loan Program (TLP) and Professional Learning Opportunities. If you are unfamiliar with CESTEM, or even if you are a long-time borrower, plan to join us for an Open House and take a tour of CESTEM’s storeroom to see all the wonderful things we have to offer K-12 teachers.

Although this school year is almost over, it is not too early to begin thinking about ways to integrate the use of technology and hands-on engagement with your students for next year. Whether you teach primary or secondary students, you will find resources for all ages. Drop in at a time that is convenient for you between 4:00pm – 8:00pm on Monday, May 2, 2022. There will be items set up for you to explore and don’t forget to sign up for a door prize before you leave. Browse for a while and consider the possibilities for integrating the student use of technology into your instruction.

Happy Earth Day 2022! 🌍🌻🌱

Resources for classroom, at-home and community learning: https://www.earthday.org/education-resource-library/

Earth Day 2022 - "Invest in our Planet" Live Events - https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2022/

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻-𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝘅 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟱:𝟯𝟬 - 𝟳:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠!

Register Here: https://bit.ly/breakoutboxcestem

Thank you Friends of UNCW for the 2022-23 award!

CESTEM has partnered with UNCW-Randall Library to support the installation and use of a Farmbot at DC Virgo Preparatory Academy (DCVPA) to increase curriculum connections and engage more students in plant science, sustainable farming, and coding.

With this additional funding, we will add a weather station, complete with data collection tools to allow students to view real-time data on their campus. In keeping with the mission of sustainability, we will install a self-watering system for the FarmBot to use rainwater thus conserving a natural resource. Also, in line with DCVPA’s goal of conservation and sustainability, we will install equipment allowing students to monitor water consumption and electricity usage over time. This data can be used in math classes to provide real, relevant examples to engage students about issues that affect them directly. The infrared camera will allow students to monitor the area near the gardens for wildlife.

CESTEM is also excited to provide professional learning opportunities for DC Virgo faculty and staff.

𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0849A4A728ABF49-wilmington

Get ready to be amazed! Saturday, March 12th middle and high school Science Olympiad teams in our region will be testing their Bottle Rockets, Catapults, Bridges, and Planes in person on the UNCW campus. Volunteers are needed for this event to check-in participants at each station, measure devices and distances, and keep time. Even if you have never helped with Science Olympiad, our leaders can train you for the event of your choice. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers.

If you have questions, please contact Michelle Hafey at [email protected] or (910) 962-3168

𝑻𝒐 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉, 𝑪𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑴 𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑴 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 (𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔) 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔.

Today we are recognizing 𝗜𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀, Branch Manager of the Sneads Ferry Library within the Onslow County Public Library System. Ms. Seales is making a positive impact on her community providing opportunities for patrons of all abilities to develop 21st Century Skills and become critical thinkers. Her philosophy includes creating the library to be a safe, comfortable, physical place where individuals not only develop habits to become lifelong readers, but they gain the skills to ethically use information while researching and applying these skills as they explore, design and create information to present. Since Ms. Seales lived abroad as a U.S. Marine Corps dependent, she views libraries as her home away from home.

Ms. Seales received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from UNC Charlotte and a Master of Library Science from East Carolina University. Prior to her current assignment with Onslow County Public Library System, she was a school librarian for both New Hanover and Onslow County School Districts. She has over a decade of experience teaching K-12 students library, technology, information, inquiry, and digital citizenship skills through the integration with ELA, Science, Social Studies, and Arts standards. Beyond the school day she extended her programs to include Family Code Night to introduce basic coding skills in a fun way that creates interest in STEM for all ages.

Ieashea Seales has taken this same creative energy focused on inclusion into her programs with the Sneads Ferry Branch Library. To provide funding for projects to benefit her community initiatives, Ms. Seales secured a $33,000 State Library of NC Adapts Grant to allow for the purchase of iPads, hotspots, and digital learning equipment for the Sneads Ferry Library. This grant, “Creating Opportunities, Connecting Communities: Establishing a Thriving & Career Ready Workforce in Sneads Ferry, Onslow County”, is also providing funds for digital learning programming for both student and adult learners. Programs that she has offered recently include: Intro to 3-D Printing, Intermediate CAD, Family Code Night, Game ON! (a teen and young adult board and computer game club), and Tech Tuesdays and Resume Refresh. Ms. Seales likes to facilitate programs where participants get hands-on experience and walk away empowered to do more. Ms. Seales says “My entire career has been focused on bringing emerging strategies and technologies into the libraries for which I’ve worked. I find inspiration by staying abreast of trends and new digital tools.”

Ms. Seales' impact stretches beyond her local community. She is a member of the NC Library Association Executive Board (Dec. 2021 -2023). She will be presenting at the American Library Association’s Annual Conference in June 2022 in Washington, DC. Her session title is Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion using Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners and Honor Titles. She hopes that this session will provide other librarians with resources to conduct a diversity audit at their own facilities. Ms. Seales is an advocate for developing an equitable, inclusive, and diverse collection so that patrons can see multiple possibilities for themselves and others through the inclusion of culturally responsive, diverse books.

Ms. Seales has recently been trained to offer Leap into Science Workshops. Leap into Science is a national program through the Franklin Institute and the Girls National Collaborative Program that integrates open-ended science activities with children’s books for young children and their families. This program combines everything that Ms. Seales loves, books and science. There are some upcoming Leap into Science workshops scheduled at the Sneads Ferry Branch Library in April on Wind which coincides with National Tornado Awareness Month.

Although her career took a few turns before her dream was actualized, Ieashea Seales truly loves being a librarian and enjoys her work. Ms. Seales recalls “ For one full week in 2015, in the middle of summer vacation, I immersed approximately thirty Pre-K through 5th Grade students into computer coding, robotics, graphic design, designing CAD files, and 3-D printing, programming and flying drones, and of course book talks. I knew I was in the right profession as a librarian.” It is her passion and commitment, evident in her work, that is introducing her community to activities that strengthen critical thinking skills and help shape the future with possibilities.