 Calling All STEM Reviewers!
Your Support is Greatly Appreciated
The 2025-2026 North Carolina STEM Schools of Distinction Recognition Program is underway. With over 40 schools across the state having communicated their Intent to be recognized as a leading STEM program in North Carolina, we are asking for STEM educational leaders, who have familiarity with the STEM Schools of Distinction process, to assist with the Peer Review of this year's applications.
Individuals presently leading within a NC recognized STEM school, or any individuals who have served as past SSoD reviewers, are asked to provide updated contact information by completing this Reviewer Application by December 20th.
All reviewers participate in an online training module prior to assignment. More information on this training will be available soon. This year's application submissions will be shared mid-January and reviewers will have two weeks to complete their individual review and share feedback. The number of reviewers assigned will be dependent upon the final number of schools submitting applications.
Thank you for continuing to support high-quality STEM education in North Carolina!
If you’ve ever wanted your students to try an invention challenge that feels creative, doable, and actually fun to run, this is the one. Registration for the Thomas Edison Pitch Contest is now open!
Teams create an invention that solves a real problem, submit a short idea video in January, and compete for awards that celebrate creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving.
This year’s contest is built to be easier to start and more exciting to finish. You can choose the build path that fits your students and compete for new awards that recognize creativity at every level. It’s the most flexible version of the contest we’ve ever run.
If you want something engaging that fits into a busy classroom and gives students a real shot at being inventive, this is your moment.
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Journaling the Journey: Helping Students Find Wonder in Nature
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What happens when students take their learning beyond the classroom and into the natural world? At Martin Innovative Middle School, DNCR Teacher Ambassador Landon Leggett discovered that the North Carolina Kids’ Exploration Journal, a free DNCR resource, sparked student curiosity and transformed everyday outdoor moments into powerful learning experiences.
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Save the Date: 2026 Science for All Summit
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Mark your calendars for the 2026 Science for All Summit, happening February 19–20, 2026, at the Friday Conference Center in Chapel Hill, NC. Hosted by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, this statewide convening brings together educators, researchers, and STEM leaders to advance access and opportunity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for all learners.
The Summit will feature keynote speakers, workshops, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities focused on equity, innovation, and inclusive practices in STEM education.
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Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund
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The Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund reimburses public and public charter schools for field trips to 100+ DNCR locations across North Carolina! The fund can cover costs such as:
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Transportation costs (including charter buses when needed)
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Admission or special activity fees (although many DNCR sites are free!)
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Substitute reimbursement (when necessary for the trip to take place)
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Meals for students who can’t afford them.
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Students from Lakewood Montessori Middle School in Durham County used their funds to visit Pilot Mountain and explore geology, observe hawk migration, and engage in nature journaling. Photos courtesy of Sarah Walls.
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Impacts of the Fund So Far:
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Counties Served
Counties shaded in green have already applied for and received funding. The Fund Committee is committed to reaching all 100 counties!
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With an acceptance rate for first-time applicants of 98% and almost $400,000 remaining to award, what are you waiting for? Create lasting memories for your students with the Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund. Our staff is available to assist with trip recommendations and the application process.
Need some inspiration? Search #NCLearningHappensHere on Instagram or Facebook to see lots of trips in action!
NC DPI STEM Consultant
Howard Ginsburg
howard.ginsburg@dpi.nc.gov
If you are currently not subscribed and would like to receive future releases of STEMtastic News, please visit the NCDPI Subscriptions webpage and register for the NCDPI STEM newsletter. You will first be prompted to enter your email to create an account. Once your account is created, return to the NCDPI Subscriptions webpage to choose your interests.
Disclaimer Statement
Because North Carolina is a local-control state, all curricular decisions are approved at the local level. Prior to implementing any of the materials, teachers should follow appropriate policies and procedures to have content vetted and approved by their school and district leaders.
The links on this resource could bring you to third-party websites, owned and operated by independent parties over which NCDPI has no control. Any link you make to or from these third-party websites will be at your own risk. Any use of these third-party websites and any information you provide will be subject to and governed by the terms of the third-party websites, including those relating to confidentiality, data privacy, and security.
Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, NCDPI is not in any way associated with the owner or operator of any of the third-party websites or responsible or liable for the goods and services offered by them or for anything in connection with such third-party websites. NCDPI does not endorse and makes no warranties, representations, or undertakings relating to the content of any third-party websites.
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