Science & Tech News

As the fall semester settles into its rhythm, we are thrilled to share a month packed with collaborative learning opportunities and fresh resources for your classroom. We are excited to be kicking off our REMC 6 meetings, Byte-Sized Learning sessions, and the K-12 Science Collaborative Network during October. And it's not too late to register for any of them in SCHED!

You are also invited to join us next Tuesday, October 6th, for the Community Connections Expo at the BAISD Educational Service Center. Designed for K–12 educators, counselors, and district staff, this event directly connects schools with local partners across STEM, arts, industry, and youth services—including the Chippewa Nature Center, Delta College Planetarium, Consumers Energy, MiSTEM Region 10, and more. Discover valuable field trip opportunities, classroom grants, and family support resources through either a structured rotation session (12:30 PM–2:30 PM) or an open-house format (2:30 PM–4:00 PM). RSVP today!

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Join us for relaxed evening professional development sessions in a flexible, low-stress environment where you can connect with other educators, share real-world experiences, and explore new digital tools. It’s the perfect, informal way to spice up your educational technology toolkit and gather practical strategies at a pace that works for you. Register on SCHED to attend any or all sessions - snacks and SCECHs provided. All events are from 4 - 6 pm.

October 21 - Promoting STEM Through Literature at W.H. Ales (Bay City) - all attendees receive a one year subscription to Novel Effect.

November 2 -Promoting STEM Through Literature at Huron Breeze Golf Course (Au Gres) - all attendees receive a one year subscription to Novel Effect.

February 18 - Explore Critical Thinking through Tabletop Games at W.H. Ales (Bay City) - all attendees receive up to $75 worth of games for their classroom/school.

March 25 - MACUL Roundtable at at W.H. Ales (Bay City)

April 13 - Explore Critical Thinking through Tabletop Games at Huron Breeze Golf Course (Au Gres) - all attendees receive up to $75 worth of games for their classroom/school.

May 3 - Tech Tools You Should Know at W.H. Ales (Bay City)

The REMC 6 Innovation Grants is once again providing grants up to $500 each for educators to create engaging learning opportunities for students and/or families. These grants support a wide range of events—whether focused on technology, accessibility, creativity, or collaboration—that align with the REMC mission to improve teaching, learning, and equity across Michigan. Click HERE for additional information, grant requirements, and selection criteria. Apply Today! Grant applications are due by Nov 6th.

Interested in presenting at MACUL? Proposals accepted through October 6th. Check out their website for more information on how to apply. Conference registration opens in early November.

Inclusive Tech Together (ITT) is a dynamic, three-part professional development experience. Aimed at K–12 educators and specialists, this statewide initiative addresses the critical need for intentional collaboration between assistive and instructional technology teams to ensure all students have equitable access to learning. This FREE experience is structured as a year-long coaching-style journey, with a combination of virtual and in-person sessions. Click HERE for more information and to register.

Mark your calendars for Digital Citizenship Week, taking place October 19–23, 2026! This year’s focus centers on helping students develop critical thinking and essential human skills to navigate an increasingly online, AI-driven world. Educators can start planning early with preview activities from Common Sense Media's newly updated K–12 Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum, which features brand-new high school (9–12) lesson pathways for financial literacy, health and wellness, and "Freshman Foundations."

Great educators leave an impact that reaches far beyond their own classrooms. The Frank Miracola 21st Century Educational Excellence Award honors that kind of impact - celebrating Frank’s legacy by recognizing Michigan K–12 educators who share his passion for innovation, technology, and creating meaningful learning experiences for students. Each year, REMC, MACUL, and Michigan Virtual come together to recognize an educator who is thoughtfully using educational technology to inspire students, and strengthen learning. Know an educator who embodies that spirit? Nominate them - or apply yourself - by November 1, 2026.

MiSTEM invites educators who have experienced 3P Learning to join a cohort focused on designing and implementing authentic learning experiences. Participants receive peer feedback, guidance across five virtual sessions (Nov. 11, Dec 16, Jan. 27, March 3, and April 21), and a $375 stipend upon completion. No pre-developed project is required; check out the 3P Learning Network Application page to get started!

Join educational leaders and researchers at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, MI, on November 23–24 for the MERA Fall 2026 Conference. Day 1 features an in-depth Michigan Virtual workshop focused on the practical, ethical, and strategic use of AI in education, while Day 2 covers responsible AI leadership, Michigan’s K–12 Reading Law, MI School Data, state legislative updates, and OEAA assessment insights. Special group lodging rates are available using booking code 1449WJ—note that buyers can adjust the new registration system's optional donation field to $0 prior to checkout. Reserve your spot today on the MERA Fall Conference Registration page.

Join science educators from across the state for the 74th MSTA Annual Conference at the Radisson in Downtown Kalamazoo on March 5–6, 2027. Centered around the theme "Every reaction needs a catalyst. Every classroom needs a community," the event features hands-on labs, grade-level sessions, and practical tools for implementing new standards and educational technology. Educators can also earn SCECH credits, attend the annual awards dinner, and connect with peers across all science disciplines. Registration and speaker proposal submissions are now open on the MSTA Annual Conference page.

Scholarships are available for classroom and pre-service teachers to cover up to two days of conference registration plus a one-year MSTA membership. Submit your application by December 4, 2026, via the MSTA Scholarship Application Link.

The MACUL/AT&T Student Technology Showcase invites Michigan schools to bring a team of four students and one adult mentor to the State Capitol on December 2, 2026 to demonstrate innovative uses of educational technology directly to state legislators and policymakers. Students build leadership and communication skills while highlighting the positive impact of classroom technology. Every participating team receives a $1,000 stipend to offset travel and attendance costs. Visit the MACUL STS Event Page to apply by October 26th.

Calling all student podcasters! The REMC Podcast Challenge is open to students in grades 5–12! Students can work individually or in groups to create an original 2–5 minute podcast for the chance to win podcasting hardware! Teachers can submit as many student podcasts as they’d like through October 31, 2026. Winners will be announced at the 2027 MACUL Conference in Detroit! Ready to get recording? Click HERE to learn more and submit your students’ podcasts today!

Hosted by the Women of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (WAIAM), the Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge is a free STEM competition for students in grades 4–8. The program encourages young learners to collaborate and apply their classroom knowledge to solve real-world aerospace and aviation problems. It offers an excellent way to ignite student interest in engineering and space science while connecting standards-aligned concepts to exciting career pathways. Explore program details, download informational flyers, and access family registration at aiamnow.com/myffc.