Central PA STEM Ecosystem

Amanda Smith, PSU Peney Wright, TIU 11STEM Outreach & Engagement Liaison, CSATS STEM/STEAM Curriculum & Instruction Specialist ajs398@psu.edu pwright@tiu11.org

#CentralPASTEM

STEM Vision in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is an integrated, interdisciplinary, and student - centered approach to learning that encourages curiosity, creativity, artistic expression, collaboration, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and design thinking.

STEM education in Pennsylvania is built on the following foundational beliefs:

• All students are capable of STEM literacy.• Iteration and reflection are an important part of the STEM learning process.• STEM education transcends the classroom walls, integrating into the community.• STEM education success depends upon the partnership between educators, students, families, postsecondary providers, legislators, business, and industry.

What is a STEM Ecosystem?

Shared Vision:

The Central PA STEM Ecosystem is a collaborative network elevating and cultivating cross- sector partnerships. Our

network builds community of lifelong learners that promotes equitable access to meaningful trans- disciplinary experiences. We strive to empower youth living and working in our region to be innovative problem- solvers, ready to succeed in careers of

tomorrow.

• Educate the community about the STEM mindset as defined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

• Increase the number of cross- sector partnerships.• Support cross- sector partnerships that develop

innovative, relevant, meaningful projects and activities.

• Elevate ecosystem organizations’ trans- disciplinary opportunities, resources, and events that align with the Ecosystem Vision.

• Increase the number of career- ready, well- informed citizens to meet the demands of our future STEM workforce and community needs.

Goals:

STEM MINDSET

Everyone has a role –universal participation & community engagement

Flexible & Adaptable

Fostering life- long learning

Democratic –student, parent, teacher voicecollaborative

Career readiness, work oriented

Developing Solution Seekers

Embrace failureCritical thinkingcreative

Shifting rural and urban problems to opportunities

Community/Family Engagement

Fostering innovation

Accessible & Equitable

Reforms in Science Education, 2013Next Generation Science StandardsStudents should learn STEM content by engagingin the practices of scientists and engineers.

Science and Engineering Research

Asking Questions and Defining Problems Planning and Carrying Out Investigations Using Mathematical and Computational Thinking

Developing and Using Models Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions Engaging in Argument from Evidence Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Phenomenon or Problem is the Context

INVESTIGATINGPRACTICES

SENSE-MAKINGPRACTICES

CRITIQUINGPRACTICES

Science and Engineering ResearchHigher Level Thinking Skills Integrated Inter-disciplinarily

Real-World Connections

Classroom Explosion

Rocketry Volcanism

Deep Sea Fish

Nuclear Fission

Supernova

• Opportunities to get involved• Sign up to join our email list or seek out your

local STEM Ecosystem• Include all ages: Cubs through Scouts and

Exploring/Venture• Networking with troop state-wide• Networking with local businesses• Connect with your local Intermediate Unit• TIU 11 Makerspace STEM Tools

Ways to work together

FIRST Lego League Challenge Regional Competition DateSaturday, January 12th, 2019

TIU 11 Regional Pennsylvania Governor's STEM CompetitionTuesday, March 5th, 2019

TIU 11 Regional 4th-5th Grade K'Nex Challenge (Details to be released next week.)Monday, March 25th, 2019

TIU 11 Regional 6th-8th Grade K'Nex Challenge (Details to be released next week.)Tuesday, March 26th, 2019

~~~~~~~~~~Dash & Dot Wonder League RoboticsAges/Grades: ages 6-8 & 9-12August 2018 - March 2019https://education.makewonder.com/robotics-competition

STEM Challenges/Competitions

STEM Challenges/CompetitionsRube Goldberg Machine ContestAges 8 – 18+September 2018 – March 2019https://www.rubegoldberg.com/

Future CityAges/Grades: 6th – 8thAugust-JanuaryJanuary: Regional CompetitionsFebruary: National Competition in Washington DC(Finalists receive round trip transportation & lodging accommodations)Grand Prize: Week at Space Camp!Other prizes include: 2nd $5,000.00, 3rd $2,000.00, 4th $750.00 & 5th $750.00https://futurecity.org/

STEM Challenges/CompetitionsPA Media and Design CompetitionUNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY! 3D Design, Animation, Digital Movie, Logo and Graphic Design, Programming and Webpage DesignRegistration Open Through December 31st, 2018 http://mediadesigncompetition.org/

PENN DOT Innovations ChallengeThe PENN DOT Innovations Challenge is a statewide competition that challenges teams of students in 9th through 12th grade to use their problem-solving, creative, and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges. Regional winners will be selected from PennDOT's Engineering Districts. Those winners will move on to a statewide competition in Harrisburg where an overall winner will be selected.

2018-2019 ChallengeEvery day, construction workers on Pennsylvania roadways face a dangerous threat in work zones. Despite increased enforcement efforts, work zone signage placed miles in advance, and smartphone alerts, drivers continue to commit traffic violations in work zones, which sometimes lead to crashes and other dangerous, life-threatening situations, or tragically someone being killed.Your Challenge: Aside from laws and educational campaigns, what cost-effective, innovative solution can be developed in the next five to 10 years to get drivers to slow down in work zones?https://www.penndot.gov/about-us/PennDOT2020/Pages/Innovations-Challenge.aspx

STEM Challenges/CompetitionsThe Alice ChallengeThe Alice Challenge invites MS & HS students to create 3D animations, engaging games, or immersive experiences using the Alice programming environment. Alice helps students develop technical skills & encourages them to explore their creativity.

The Alice Challenge helps students try and apply a variety of STEAM skills, all while making something meaningful. Entries will be judged by real game designers and industry experts.

TimelineThe Alice Challenge occurs over the 2018-2019 academic year.October 2018 - March 2019: Training for teachers and out-of-school educatorsFebruary 2019: The submission period opens. Educators will be provided with kits of materials to support students preparing entries for submissionMarch 2019: All participants invited to full-day Alice Bootcamp where they can learn about game development, social impact design, and receive coaching on their Alice Challenge projectsMay 2019 Submissions deadline May 1 - 31, 2019: Judging periodhttp://www.alice.org/alicechallenge/?utm_source=February+2018&utm_campaign=February+2018&utm_medium=email

STEM Challenges/CompetitionsScience OlympiadAges/Grades: Elementary, MS & HSSeptember – MayMay 18th – 19th, 2018National TournamentColorado State Universityhttps://www.soinc.org/

PA Junior Academy of Science STEM CompetitionSTEM Competition Grades 6-12PA Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair (PRSEF)

The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide organization of junior and senior high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations.

The 85th annual PJAS State Competition will occur on May 21, 22, & 23, 2019 at The Penn State University in University Park. TIU 11 counties fall in Regions #4 and #6.

http://www.pjas.net/86-announcements/242-pjas-state-competition

Stop by our table for more information.

If you are in one of our county regions, sign up for the Central PA STEM Ecosystem’s email list.

Contact your local STEM Ecosystem if you are from a neighboring county.

http://stemecosystems.org/