March 2024 STEM Newsletter

Texas Education Agency sent this bulletin at 03/01/2024 08:26 AM CST

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Texas Lone Start STEM

March 2024

PK-12 Stem Newsletter
STEM Night

Texas STEM Announcements

Texas STEM Toolkit

The Texas Education Agency has developed tools to support districts in developing a local STEM program that is aligned to the high-quality indicators identified by the state. The STEM tools are designed to support a district in planning and implementing a PK-12 STEM program aligned to the Texas STEM Framework.

The STEM Toolkit has resources to support planning, implementation, and communicating STEM programming with stakeholders from all areas. This month we are highlighting tools aligned with community engagement.

STEM Family Companion Guide (PDF)

La Guía Familiar STEM (Ciencas, Technología, Ingeniería y Matematicás) para el Proveedor de Cuidados (PDF)

Family Engagement Ideas (PDF)

Ecosystem Engagement Checklist (PDF)

Sample PK-20 STEM Experience Continuum (PDF)

Texas EcosySTEM

Texas EcosySTEM Conferences and Events The Texas EcosySTEM is thriving, and we have many organizations preparing for their upcoming spring STEM conferences or events. Take a look at events near you.

See our STEM Web Page to get connected to the STEM Lead at your Education Service Center.
TEA STEM Web Page

Regional STEM Google Groups

As a courtesy to our readers, the following information has been provided from the Greater Austin Area Ecosystem.

The regional STEM Google Groups are open to companies, organizations, schools, universities, individuals and others engaged in K-12 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) outreach. The purpose of the regional Google Groups is to provide connections, resources and a sense of community across all engaged in K-12 STEM outreach in the region. Regional groups include:

Anyone subscribed to one or more of the regional Texas STEM Google Groups may send messages to the group(s) to which they are subscribed. The Google Groups, launched by the Texas Girls Collaborative Project (TxGCP) in 2010, are open to companies, organizations, schools, universities, individuals, and others engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) outreach and education. The list of Google Groups and links to subscribe can be found at https://www.txgcp.org/k-12-stem-outreach-google-group  -share in your networks so the lists continue to be vibrant, active, and far-reaching!

Upcoming Events

March Mobile STEM Lab Visits:

Region 13

Dime Box ISD

San Marcos ISD

Region 4

Columbia-Brazoria ISD 

April Mobile STEM Lab Visits:

Region 2

Riviera ISD 

Kingsville ISD

Region 3

Austwell-Tivoli ISD  

Bloomington ISD 

Region 4

Galena Park ISD

Save the Date: 2024-2025 Texas Mobile STEM Lab Application Window Opens Apr. 1, 2024.

(More information below)
Michelle Sedberry

Contact Information

Michelle Sedberry Statewide STEM Coordinator Texas Education Agency

Texas EcosySTEM STEM Leads, Education Service Centers 

STEM Lead Contact Information

 

Texas Education Agency Curriculum Standards and Student Support For general curriculum questions or additional information, please submit a Curriculum Request Form through the TEA Help Desk.                

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STEM Newsletter Subscription

If you would like to receive this newsletter monthly, please subscribe via this link: STEM Newsletter Subscription
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Design Testing

San Elizario ISD in Region 19

The Texas Mobile STEM Lab recently made a visit to ESC Region 19, where the Learning Undefeated staff introduced 244 students from kindergarten to grade 2 to the world of engineering through two engaging design challenges. These challenges were inspired by the timeless tales of Jack and the Beanstalk and the True Story of the Three Little Pigs. The students applied their critical thinking skills and creativity to solve problems and create innovative solutions to the problems faced by characters in the stories.

The principal at the campus said, "The students at Sambrano truly enjoyed the STEM mobile lab throughout the week.  Upon entering the mobile unit, our students were motivated and excited as they collaborated and worked together on the challenges presented to them.  As I asked them questions, their excitement was on full display and  they readily answered the questions I had for them."

Sambrano's Family STEM Night

"Our parents truly enjoyed STEM Parent Night as they would tell me how much their children and [they] were enjoying the showcase. The parents were engaged with their children and very present with them as they worked together on their challenge.  It was truly [an] exceptional week, and we all hope we can have the STEM Mobile Lab next school year.  Thank you for everything you did for our students."  Ernesto Seigel, principal of Josefa L.Sambrano Elementary

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Mobile STEM Lab

Save the Date: Texas Mobile STEM Lab Application Window 

The Texas Mobile STEM Lab is thrilled to announce its expansion for the Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory program. During the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, it is expected that two new mobile lab units will be added to the fleet. The TEA anticipates that a total of nine mobile labs will be fully operational in the 2025-2026 school year. The Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory expansion is an exciting development that will allow us to bring hands-on STEM education to more students across Texas. Save the date! The application window for the 2024-2025 school year will be open from April 1 to May 31, 2024. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance STEM learning in your school community. The application will be located on the TEA Texas Mobile STEM Lab webpage.
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Engineering Design Challenge Facilitator Opportunity

NASA’s Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) is offering engineering design challenges this spring! These challenges allow scholars to form connections, strengthen teamwork, and establish STEM ecosystems. The HAS program is seeking formal and informal educators to be HAS Design Challenge Facilitators (DCF) to host virtual and face-to-face challenge events on select Saturdays this spring. HAS is eager to enlist a team of educators to host a face-to-face solar eclipse-themed challenge for the HAS students and community members in local areas on Saturday, April 6. A stipend is offered to each educator selected for DCF positions. Selected educators will need to do the following: 

  1. Secure a venue to host the event;
  2. Invite a target audience of students from grades 8-12 (including local HAS scholars) and other community members;
  3. Facilitate the design challenge activity. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 15, 2024.

 Apply in NASA STEM Gateway

 

STEM Program Highlights

If you have a STEM event or program you would like to feature in the STEM newsletter please send your information and picture to michelle.sedberry@tea.texas.gov. 

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