September 2017

Schools can soon apply for "STEAM" designation The Ohio General Assembly recently passed legislation providing for designation of STEAM schools, a type of STEM school with emphasis in the arts. The application for STEM designation will be updated to reflect this change, and will be available in late November. More information will be available on the department's website later this fall.

Quality Metric for STEM schools and programs

The Office of Innovation has enlisted the assistance of a STEM Innovation Working Group, which provides feedback to the department regarding next steps in STEM for Ohio. One product of the working group is a quality metric for innovative STEM and STEAM schools and programs. Schools and districts can use this tool for self-evaluation in gauging readiness for innovation and in guiding implementation of a high quality program. The department will use the quality metric to inform updates to the application for designation. A draft will be available for review in October.

Calling all design thinkers!

Ohio STEM Learning Network Statewide Design Challenge

Last year, Battelle and State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria challenged schools across the state to plan and implement design challenges on understanding and eliminating Ohio’s opioid crisis. A new topic is coming for the 2017-2018 school year. Stay tuned to the OSLN website on October 18th for the big reveal! 

National Day of Design Virtual Event October 6

Celebrate National Manufacturing Day by participating in the first national Day of Design, sponsored by STEM Connector. Participate simultaneously in a live design event with students all over the country!  More information is available here.

Cool Design Thinking Resources

DiscoverDesign from the Chicago Architecture Foundation

Free resource for design education, including badges for students and design projects from large to small, on a variety of topics.  

The Design to Improve Life Compass

Free online interactive tool designed to help teachers and students stay on track during the design process. 

For school superintendents, principals and treasurers

Computer Science for Administrators

Learn about defining Computer Science and how to prepare your staff to teach middle school and high school level Computer Science classes in this workshop, organized by Battelle with support from Code.org. Sessions are designed for building level administrators, including principals and school counselors. More information is available here.

Innovative Leaders Institute

Applications are now open for the Innovative Leaders Institute, which provides one of the few specialized programs where leaders of innovative schools can learn from veteran STEM school principals. Through a year-long cohort program, the Innovative Leaders Institute moves school leader preparation into real school settings. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit or university credit is available. More information is available here.

For innovation directors and teachers

Students can compete for their school through MakerMinded!

MakerMinded is a competition-based program devoted to closing the skills gap and empowering more students to take on STEM. Schools can sign up now to be included at oh.makerminded.com. At the end of the school year, MakerMinded Ohio will award prizes, such as a Virtual Reality system, to schools who earn the most points. MakerMinded Ohio is supported by Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow and is managed by Battelle. 

Deadlines and dates

Approaching deadlines or important dates.

• 9/29 | STEM Committee meeting 
• 10/6 | National Day of Design
• 10/18 | OSLN Design Challenge Announced
• 11/28 | New STEM and STEAM Designation Application available

For additional information, contact Holly Lavender in the Office of Innovation at holly.lavender@education.ohio.gov.