News

STEM Re-alignment Update from the Executive Director

The lead story in January’s STEM newsletter was about the prospect of integrating Iowa’s STEM organization with the Iowa Department of Education on July 1. The amazing accomplishments of this organization thanks to you and thousands more advocates were re-accounted as backdrop for the bright horizons of our new home.

Teachers Answer "Why do a Summer Externship?"

It is quite a commitment for an Iowa teacher to block six weeks to experience a workplace that uses the skills and knowledge of the class they teach. Typically, teachers use summer to revise or create new courses, or to further their education, or to teach summer school or coach at a camp. So what attracts dozens of teachers to STEM externships each year?

Thank You for Advancing the T in STEM, Ann

The Microsoft Imagine Academy has bridged Iowa classrooms to the world of work through Microsoft Office training and certification opportunities. The Imagine Academy, led by Ann Watts on behalf of the STEM Council, has reached nearly 40,000 students through curriculum, exams and certifications since 2014.

Two Programs Earn STEM Seal of Approval

From robotics clubs and engineering events to coding programs and ballet performances, STEM can happen almost anywhere. The STEM Council established the STEM Seal of Approval to recognize and support non-Council programs and events that significantly advance STEM in Iowa.

Two programs recently received the Seal of Approval for their ingenuity and innovation in STEM:

What Do You Get From 70 STEM Leaders in a Room?

Inspiration. Evidence. Ideas. Future vision. Those were the outcomes of the 25th meeting of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council held in Ankeny on April 20. The setting, a global precision micro-molding manufacturer, Accumold, symbolized the economic opportunities and fulfilling careers ahead for students of STEM.

Keokuk Students Grow with Computer Science

Each year, STEM Scale-Up Program evaluation data indicates positive impact in students’ test scores, in interest in STEM subjects and in pursuing STEM careers.

Battle of the Bridges Stamped with Seal of Approval

Another Iowa program earned the STEM Council Seal of Approval for their effort to enculturate, sustain and spread STEM thinking across the state. The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) Battle of the Bridges is an annual event held at the Putnam Museum in Davenport where teams compete to build the most efficient bridge.

STEM Council Programming Extended Thanks to Private Investments

The 2022-2023 year has proven to be one of outstanding demand and need for the Iowa STEM Council’s programming and resources to educators and students across Iowa. Even with the generous bi-partisan legislative support provided for this fiscal year, the demand for ALL of our STEM educational programs has far exceeded the resources available.

STEM BEST Students Turn Podcasters

STEM education goes beyond science, technology, engineering and mathematics; it provides durable skills for the future and curiosity for life. What started as curiosity in technology and human connection led to the launch of a successful podcast for students from Boone High School.

Six Teachers Recognized for Inspiring Students in STEM

The STEM Council is pleased to recognize the recipients of the 2023 Iowa STEM Teacher Award: