Science & Tech News
March 2026
Heading to the MACUL conference? Whether it’s your first time or you're a MACUL veteran, a little planning goes a long way in making the most of this high-energy event. Here's how to stay energized and inspired:
Gear Up: Download the official conference app to build your agenda, wear your most comfortable shoes, and definitely pack a portable phone charger - you'll use your phone for the conference app, taking photos, and networking.
Strategize Your Schedule: Identify your "must-attend" sessions early, but always have a backup plan, as popular featured speakers tend to fill up fast.
Connect & Explore: Visit the Expo Hall to test-drive new tools and grab some swag, and don't be afraid to sit next to someone new; the networking is just as valuable as the sessions.
Take Notes: You'll hear a lot of ideas at the conference! Consider organizing your notes by (1) Tools to Try; (2) Ideas for your classroom; (3) Resources to share with your team.
Pace Yourself: You don't have to do everything! Take breaks to process your notes and think about one or two "tools to try" that will have the biggest impact on your students.
Don’t forget to join the MACUL Annual Reception on 3/19 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum starting at 6:30 PM for a relaxed evening of networking, food, and fun!
We had a great time last week learning about Novel Effect and all that it has to offer! An interactive literacy tool that brings stories to life by adding music, sound effects, and character voices, Novel Effect responds as you or your students read books aloud. If you missed the session, check out the recording HERE. If your school is interested in purchasing a Novel Effect subscription, be sure to use REMC Save for 15% off!
Grab your lunch and join us virtually on March 24th from 11:00–11:30 AM for our next session with National Geographic Learning! This quick "Lunch and Learn" will showcase how to bring the world into your classroom through real-world explorer narratives and inquiry-based resources designed to spark curiosity in all students. See how high-quality media can bridge the gap between standard curriculum and global citizenship, making complex topics more accessible and engaging.
Register for any of our VIRTUAL sessions (11:00 - 11:30 am):
March 24 - National Geographic Learning April 28 - School AI
Missed one of the previous sessions? You can watch the recordings!
3Dux Design Befitting You Square One Education Network Novel Effect
We’re excited to add a Byte-Sized Learning Session on March 25th from 4:00–6:00 PM at W.H. Ales in Bay City! During this session, we’ll share engaging ideas and resources gathered from the MACUL Conference.
This is a great opportunity to learn—whether you’re attending MACUL this year or not. If you are going, join us to share your learning with colleagues; if you’re not, come hear the highlights and discover ideas you can bring back to your classroom or school. Please register here if you plan to attend. We hope to see you there!
Introduce your youngest learners to the fundamentals of programming with Colby, the Code & Go Robot Mouse. This screen-free tool teaches children ages 4 and up the basics of coding through hands-on play, helping them build essential logic and problem-solving skills without the need for a tablet or computer. By using tactile buttons to program a step-by-step path toward the cheese, students learn how to sequence commands and "debug" their instructions when Colby takes an unexpected turn! A classroom set of these robots and many more maker materials are available through the REMC 6 Website.
Sharing a document shouldn't mean risking your master template or dealing with constant "Request Access" emails. Creating a "Forced Copy" link is the easiest way to share files like Docs or Sheets while ensuring the recipient gets their own personal version immediately.
How to do it:
Open your file and click Share; set permissions so that anyone with the link can view.
Copy the file’s URL from your browser’s address bar.
Highlight the word "edit" at the end of the link (include anything after it) and replace it with "copy".
Share this new URL—whenever someone clicks it, they will be prompted to "Make a copy" of your file instantly!
Secondary educators are invited to join the final cohort of the "Empowering Equity & Inquiry in Computer Science Classrooms" virtual workshop series this April. Participants will explore the CRCS framework and culturally responsive practices to create inclusive, high-impact learning environments where all students can excel in CS. By completing all three evening sessions on April 13, 20, and 28, you will earn free SCECHs and a $150 stipend provided by the MiSTEM Advisory Council. Don’t miss this last chance to collaborate with peers and gain practical tools for fostering equity through computer science! Register HERE.
Elevate your math instruction this summer with Bootstrap, a research-based program that integrates computer science and real-world data into Algebra and Expressions and Equations. These engaging workshops help educators connect mathematical modeling with applied problem-solving, providing all the ready-to-use materials needed to spark student interest. Full scholarships are available to cover all registration costs, and teachers participating in the Algebra series are even eligible for an additional stipend! Check out the sessions below to join a cohort at West Shore ESD or Macomb ISD and transform your classroom with these innovative tools.
Algebra 1 & 2 (West Shore ESD): June 29 – July 1 (In-person) & August 10–11 (Virtual)
Algebra 1 & 2 (Macomb ISD): July 27–29 (In-person) & August 10–11 (Virtual)
Expressions & Equations (Macomb ISD): July 27–29 (In-person)
CMU’s Center for Excellence in STEM Education is offering a fantastic lineup of professional development for Summer 2026, ranging from local workshops to a unique multi-day research experience on Beaver Island. These programs focus on inquiry-based learning, equity, and hands-on technology, providing educators with practical tools, classroom coaching, and tech check-out opportunities. Participants in eligible mid-Michigan counties can earn SCECHs and various stipends while collaborating with peers in inspiring settings. Whether you're interested in manufacturing skills for K-8 or field research on the Great Lakes, there is a cohort ready to support your growth! Check out more information HERE and to register.
Educator Institute (Virtual & CMU): May 7, June 17–18, and Aug 4
Problem Solved (Chippewa Nature Center): June 23–24 and Aug 5
Educators on Beaver Island: July 26–30
Registration is now open for SVSU’s SMEK Summer Camps, a 25-year tradition of hands-on STEM exploration for students ages 5 to 14. Led by certified teachers, these three-day camps immerse kids in exciting project-based activities like LEGO robotics and wetland studies, providing a perfect summer blend of fun and learning. Encourage your families to act fast—Early Bird pricing is available through March 31, and limited scholarships are open for eligible students through May 1. Email STEM@svsu.edu for additional information. Seats are limited for each session, so be sure to share these opportunities with your community soon!
SMEK Junior (Ages 7–10): July 14–16
SMEK Senior (Ages 11–14): July 21–23
SMEK Littles (Ages 5–6): July 28–30
Help your fourth graders trade the classroom for the great outdoors this spring with the Nature Awaits program! These standards-aligned field trips offer hands-on nature exploration at locations like Tahquamenon Falls, and public schools can even access up to $1,000 in transportation grants to help cover costs. Beyond the trip, every student receives a voucher for their family to visit a state park or the Michigan History Center for free, helping to strengthen family bonds through nature. You can also kick off the experience with a stress-free, DNR-led classroom pre-visit to prepare your students for their adventure with zero extra planning on your part!
Bring the wonders of agriculture and STEM directly to your school with the FARM Science Lab and Van programs. These mobile initiatives provide NGSS-aligned, hands-on lessons that connect students to essential concepts like sustainability, nutrition, and natural resources through interactive experiments. Whether you opt for the large-scale mobile lab or the flexible classroom van, your students will enjoy a high-quality field trip experience without the need for transportation logistics. It’s an engaging way to strengthen STEM skills while providing a memorable day of discovery for multiple grade levels. Costs range from $475 - $600 per day.