January 2026 STEM Newsletter

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Texas Lone Start STEM

January 2026

PK–12 STEM Newsletter

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Texas STEM Announcements

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Texas Mobile STEM Lab Service Area Program Grants 

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is providing eight competitive grants to oversee the operation of Texas Mobile STEM Laboratories across the state. Each grantee will appoint a Service Area Manager to oversee lab operations, hire instructors, and coordinate directly with TEA leadership. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, public higher education institutions, and education service centers.

For full details, visit the TEA Grant Opportunity page. The application deadline is January 13, 2026.

Texas EcosySTEM

Teacher Badges

Texas EcosySTEM  Professional Development

 

Statewide STEM Teacher Training (A TEALearn Badge can be earned for this training.)

This professional development prepares teachers for successful implementation of STEM instruction in their classrooms by immersing teachers directly in the role of STEM learner, engaging first-hand in high-impact STEM practices such as project-based learning, design-based challenges, and computational thinking.

Leadership Badge

Statewide STEM Leadership Training (A TEALearn Badge can be earned for this training.)

This immersive professional development prepares campus administrators to shape, support, and sustain STEM initiatives within their district or campus. Participants will learn by doing, engaging directly in the instructional approaches most critical to the STEM endeavor: project-based learning, design-based challenges, and computational thinking.

Region 4: Jan. 7–8, 2026 Registration

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Technology Applications TEKS Training at Regional Service Centers

Launch_K5 CS is a dynamic three day hybrid workshop designed for K–5 educators, crafted to align seamlessly with the new K–5 technology applications TEKS set to be implemented in the 2024–2025 school year. Each workshop spans two or three in-person days and an asynchronous course, providing all necessary resources and materials to help teachers successfully train students in these essential 21st-century skills (including up to $200 worth of physical computing kits). These workshops are free of charge and open to any interested Texas educator. 

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

Upcoming Events

Texas Mobile STEM Lab January Visits

ESC STEM Conferences:

Region 10: Texas EcosySTEM Exchange Feb. 24, 2026  Registration

Region 13: South Texas STEM Conference Feb. 12–13, 2026  Registration

 

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 to Pre-K–12 STEM via this link: Newsletter Subscription.

Other newsletters you may be interested in are Science List, Mathematics, and Technology Applications.


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Garrett

The Texas Mobile STEM Labs were busy traveling the state during November, serving 25 campuses. Some of our campus administrators reached out to share their experiences with the state.

“This was an amazing experience for our students. The hands-on STEM activities not only sparked their curiosity but also gave them an incredible opportunity to explore, create, and learn in meaningful ways.” — Jasmine P. Bell, Garret Elementary Principal 

"The students and parents from Goodwater Montessori thoroughly enjoyed the Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory being on the campus." — Beverly Altabatabaie, Goodwater Montessori Principal


instructors

Texas Mobile STEM Lab January Visits:

Region 1 Education Service Area: Lasara ISD

Region 2 Education Service Area: Calallen ISD, Tuloso-Midway ISD

Region 4 Education Service Area: Cleveland ISD, Beta Academy

Region 5 Education Service Area: Colmesneil ISD, Chester ISD

Region 6 Education Service Area: New Caney ISD, Livingston ISD, Arrow Academy, 

Region 8 Education Service Area: Daingerfield-Lonestar ISD, Hughes Springs ISD

Region 10 Education Service Area: Manara Academy Charter, KIPP Charter School

Region 11 Education Service Area: Hurst Euless Bedford ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Keller ISD

Region 12 Education Service Area: Connally ISD, Corsicana ISD, Dew ISD, Kerens ISD

Region 13 Education Service Area: The Texas Girls School, KIPP Charter School

Region 15 Education Service Area: Panther Creek CISD, Bangs ISD, Brownwood ISD

Region 16 Education Service Area: Borger ISD, Hereford ISD, Happy ISD, Tulia ISD

Region 17 Education Service Area: Olton ISD

Region 19 Education Service Area: Socorro ISD

Region 20 Education Service Area: Northside ISD, New Braunfels ISD


Texas STEM News HeaderBennett Elementary

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Region 17's Frenship ISD 

Before the Thanksgiving break, Bennett Elementary students had the chance to learn in a new and exciting way. The TEA Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory spent the week parked behind the school, welcoming all first-through-fifth-grade classes for engaging, hands-on STEM lessons. 

Once the lab arrived, students dove into the curriculum designed by the program, who create a wide range of hands-on lessons tailored to different grade levels. Throughout the week, Bennett students took on creative challenges—from building a catapult to deliver a care package and designing a beanstalk strong enough to hold Jack through a windstorm, to experimenting with circuits and constructing a house sturdy enough to hide one of the little pigs from the Big Bad Wolf. 

Rodgers said these activities sparked curiosity and confidence among students. Each lesson challenged the students and allowed them to flex their engineering skills.  

“Students learned a lot about engineering and that anyone can be an engineer,” said Rodgers. “They had to plan, decide what materials they needed, use their resources, and think outside the box to solve problems together. There was a buzz of excitement in the room!”  

In addition to the week of engaging STEM lessons, all Bennett students and families were invited to Family STEM night hosted by the Learning Undefeated team. Around 25 families attended to take part in a Goldilocks and the Three Bears–themed challenge. Families worked together to design and build a chair strong enough to hold a visiting “guest bear,” budget materials, and test their design. 

Rodgers explained that the Family STEM Night encourages parents and students to work collaboratively in an interactive and creative space.  

"It was incredible to see all the interactions and students learning from their parents,” said Rodgers. “We wanted to give families time to connect away from the norm.  The students were so excited to show their parents what they had been doing at school.  It was an outstanding evening.” 

The weeklong visit from the Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory left a lasting impression on the Bennett Elementary community. Through hands-on experimentation, creative problem-solving, and family collaboration, students experienced STEM learning in a meaningful and memorable way. 

 


STEM Program Highlights

School systems are invited to submit STEM events or programs for inclusion in the STEM newsletter. To be considered for publication, please send a brief description along with a photo to michelle.sedberry@tea.texas.gov.

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