Northeast MiSTEM Updates
January 2025
Celebrating Local Author and Educator Bekki Heckman!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news about Bekki Heckman, a longtime educator at Inland Lakes Schools and a passionate advocate for place-based education (PBE). Bekki has recently published her first book, Learning in Context: A Guide to Embracing Place-Based Education as an Educator.
This inspiring guide is perfect for educators looking to deepen their teaching practice by connecting students with the rich resources of their local communities. Bekki draws on over 20 years of experience as a teacher and place-based education practitioner to provide practical strategies for fostering meaningful, hands-on learning.
Whether you're new to PBE or looking to enhance your approach, Learning in Context offers valuable insights into how place-based education can transform classrooms and inspire students.
Congratulations, Bekki, on this incredible accomplishment! We’re proud to have such a dedicated and innovative educator in our community.
Learn more about Bekki's book and join us in celebrating her success!
Michigan Green Schools Program
Take a pledge of sustainability and become a Michigan Green School! The application process is now open through March 9th.
The Michigan Green Schools Program supports and celebrates the achievements of PreK-12 schools in protecting the state's air, land, water, and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions.
Applications are accepted from January 1st through early March of each year. Visit the portal for activity ideas and to view a sample application.
Winter Canva Wonderland PD ENROLL NOW!
Curious about Canva? Join us for 5 asynchronous mini-sessions about Canva! In this course, you will learn several topics that you can utilize in your classroom: creating a free teacher account, using templates, presentations, posters, email signatures, and more!
2025 Brick Build Competition is here!!!
Let’s Build Something Together
February 22, 2025
Visit STARBASEALPENA.ORG for details and to sign up!
We’re thrilled to host another brick-building competition! School-age students can participate in the original competition by building their projects at home and dropping them off for judging. For those who prefer a live challenge,
teams of 3-5 people can compete in the
LIVE brick build, showcasing their skills in front of an audience!
The competition returns to the incredible Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center! For full details and deadlines, visit the STARBASE website.
K-12 Teacher Incentive Program
Are you a K-12 Teacher looking for funding to attend a conference or workshop?
The K-12 Educator Incentive Program of the Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) is designed to:
- Encourage teachers to engage in STEAM educational enhancement activities, such as conferences and workshops, related to mathematics, science, and technology.
- Purchase materials and supplies for innovative instructional initiatives.
Preference is given to activities directly related to NASA strategic interests, including aerospace, space science, and Earth system science. Activities in other related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) fields, including educational research topics in STEAM, are also eligible for consideration.
Details at a Glance:
- Awards $400.00 maximum for conferences and workshops $200.00 maximum for materials and supplies
- Funding period: Available throughout the year.
- Award disbursement: Approximately one month after submission of application
- Eligibility: This program is open to participation from K-12 educators throughout the state who are currently teaching in a traditional classroom. Women, under-represented minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
