STEM Education

Whether it’s classroom teachers or challenges students themselves are facing, it’s a different environment when it comes to STEM instruction. Since the value of of these classes lies in their hands-on nature, it’s been quite a physical and mental adjustment trying to provide students with the experiences they need.

Jacie is an author, consultant, and speaker from Pittsburgh, PA who’s done a lot to contribute to the betterment of STEM education. Whether it’s been creating PD resources for teachers or designing hands-on, engaging STEM lessons for students, she’s certainly helped extend the reach and impact of various programs.

As they’re becoming an increasingly important part of 21st century schools, libraries are evolving to better serve the needs of modern students. They’re being transformed into instant information hubs, innovation centers, and makerspaces as they grow into a tool for 21st century learning—breaking away from past standards.

We’re excited to share these stories with our audience while, hopefully, introducing them to some new STEM personas to follow and learn from. To kick things off, our first feature is with Jennifer Mahin, a K-5 STEM and tech teacher in Belleville, Kansas! Keep reading to learn about how she’s used STEM to help students boost SEL, future readiness, and

Eduporium, a STEM education reseller and start-up in Newton, MA, has received capital from The Boston Foundation. Since applying for the funding about 18 months ago, the final pieces have been put in place to provide the company with additional capital after working with two advisers for a year-long period as part of the Business Equity Initiative.

Education in 21st century schools, especially when educational technology plays a role, is very much aligned with progress, growth, and the scaling of programs. Now that the summer is here, it seems appropriate to talk about some of the programs that students take part in outside of their structured school activities, including various afterschool programs and fun clubs.

There are, of course, many different pedagogical approaches that can lead to effective instruction. Some educators are fond of promoting a growth mindset, a maker mindset, or even a collaborative mindset. Whatever buzzwords we throw around, however, are only effective if the corresponding teaching techniques are incorporated purposefully.

Many students love STEM experiences in their education and many teachers love creating those opportunities. They don’t typically just fall into place, however, and, like all lesson plans, require careful design. In STEM education, lesson plan options are almost endless, which often makes it easier for teachers to find or create something that’s relevant.

Students—particularly those who love trying new, STEM-related activities—might be looking for some new things to try at home by this point in time. Well, if they do, in fact, like STEM, there’s a great tool they can try on their computer. The SpaceX crew has created a docking simulation tool that anybody can use to practice their landing skills from

Our Wonder Workshop friends revealed the new, virtual environment within which children can program the Dash Robot (available in May)! While that’s all extremely exciting, we are also very excited to be sponsoring one of the upcoming virtual PD sessions. It will be hosted by Jasmine Saab, who is a longtime fourth grade teacher, and it’s taking place on April