Northeast MiSTEM Updates
November 2024
MiSTEM Region 12
MiSTEM Collaboratives
MiSTEM Collaborative landing page
CS for Michigan - Expand access to, and highlight the importance of, high-quality Computer Science experiences
Michigan M in STEM - Elevating Math as the language of STEM, and as a tool for STEM exploration
Science & Engineering for Michigan - Ensure that students have Science and Engineering Literacy as a 21st century skill
CELEBRATIONS!
The EcoCareers Expo: Inspiring the Next Generation of Natural Resource Professionals
The EcoCareers Expo was created with one goal in mind: to introduce students to careers they may not typically encounter at a traditional job fair, all with a connection to natural resources. From forestry and wildlife management to environmental engineering and conservation, the exhibitors provided a hands-on look at how their work impacts our environment and community.
The response from students was incredible! Their energy, curiosity, and engagement with exhibitors were inspiring. This year’s event brought together:
- 566 8th graders
- 15 different schools
- 27 exhibitors
- 8 counties across Northeast Michigan
The EcoCareers Expo is more than just a career fair—it’s a chance for students to discover exciting career paths while learning about the critical importance of protecting and managing our natural resources. We are so proud of the students, exhibitors, and schools for making this event a huge success! Thanks Northeast MI Great Lakes Steward Initiative!!!!
MATE World Competition coming to Alpena June 2025!
The World of ROV comes to TBNMS in 2025!
SAVE THE DATES:
Great Lakes Regional MATE ROV CompetitionSaturday, May 17, 2025
Small Town, Big Heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESYaRWyS208&t=24s
Stories from the Blue: GL MATE ROV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcF9V_KClKA
2014 MATE ROV Competition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnqhTb08wwM&t=10s
Science
Cereal City Science Training for Middle School - Winter 2025
Why Cereal City Science? We believe tomorrow’s leaders can be found in math and science classrooms all over the country. By challenging students to take on the roles of scientists and engineers, we help them to develop the creative, critical, and analytical thinking skills that will open a world of opportunity. This is an application process - applications are due September 16, 2024. Sessions are limited to 20 participants per session. Applicants will be notified by September 23, 2024, if their application has been accepted and will receive final registration instructions/Zoom link. SCECHs will be available. Through a MiSTEM Advisory Council Grant, we are offering a series of grant-funded Professional Learning Sessions for educators of grades 6 - 8. Sessions include:
- Forces: Contact and Non-Contact: January 14 and January 28, 2025
- Particles of Matter and Chemical Reactions: January 16 and January 30, 2025
- Energy and the Electromagnetic Spectrum: January 10 and January 24, 2025
These are two day, online trainings; each session runs from 8:30am - 3:00 pm
Elementary Science Learning Series: Reviewing and Evaluating High Quality Instructional Resources
Join the Michigan Science Education Leadership Association in Answering the Call after the May Elementary Science Conference: A Call to Action.
Episode 2: Reviewing and Evaluating High Quality Instructional Resources
January 30: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Elizabeth Reinhold, Macomb ISD, and Linnea Gibson, NMLC
This series is free for MSELA members and $10 for non-members
MSTA Conference Registration is now open!
Discover innovative teaching strategies, network with like-minded professionals, and recharge your passion for science education at the 2025 MSTA Annual Conference! The conference takes place March 7 - 8, 2025 in Lansing and will feature keynote speakers and interactive workshops.
EDUCATORS, JOIN THE 2024-25 TEACHING GREAT LAKES LITERACY COHORT!
Educators in the Lake Michigan watershed, apply for the 2024-25 Teaching Great Lakes Literacy (TGLL) program! TGLL is a paid opportunity that connects math, science, and other educators with researchers to create and pilot lessons about Great Lakes-focused topics.
Teacher at Sea Program
NOAA’s Teacher at Sea Program offers educators a unique opportunity to join NOAA scientists aboard an ocean research vessel as a member of the science team. Since 1990, more than 850 teachers have sailed on NOAA surveys monitoring our nation’s fisheries, measuring physical and chemical ocean trends, and charting unknown regions of the seafloor.
Participants return to their classrooms with first-hand accounts of what it’s like to live and work at sea, illustrated by photos, blogs, and lesson plans. Their personal connections to NOAA’s science and stewardship help Teachers at Sea communicate the importance of NOAA’s mission to communities across the nation.
Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom!
A engaging opportunity from Far Bureau!
Below is an introduction to our FARM Science Programs and you can check our website for additional programming and resources.
The FARM Science Lab is currently taking reservations for the 2024-2025 school year. It is a 2-day minimum book. In regards to grants and scholarships, I would recommend that the school or partnership contact their local Farm Bureau or Farm Bureau Insurance agent for support.
The FARM Science Van program launched this fall and is a 1-day minimum and the educator goes into the classroom and presents the same lessons that are offered through our FARM Science Lab program. We do still have availability for spring 2024. HERE is a promo video of the program.
Computer Science
SAVE THE DATE!
TeacherCon 2025
Bay City, Michigan
July 28–August 1, 2025
99b CS Grant - coming soon!
99b CS Grant - What to Expect
Open in the next few weeks (quick turnaround)
$500,000 total reward (Districts shoot for $50,000)
Focus on new-to-CS school districts
Perfect for districts to implement SCRIPT visioning workshops (required by the grant)
Professional Learning focus (CSforMichigan will be providing support documentation)
Advancing AI in Education Summit - registration now open!
The 2nd annual AI Summit is on December 17th at the Lansing Center. The keynote speaker is Ethan Mollick, Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Generative AI Lab at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he studies the effects of artificial intelligence on work and education. In addition to his research and teaching, Ethan is the Co-Director of the Generative AI Lab at Wharton, which builds prototypes and conducts research to discover how AI can help humans thrive while mitigating risks. Click here for more information.
Amazon Future Engineers
We're thrilled to invite you and your students to join us for a week of fun and discovery
during Computer Science Education Week,
December 9th—13th! Early Registration is now open! Don't miss out on being part of the largest global event for Computer Science
Amazon Music Lab!
Why Participate in Hour of Code? Hour of Code is a global movement dedicated to inspiring students to explore the world of computer science. It's an opportunity to introduce your students to coding, engage them in creative problem-solving, and show them that anyone can code -- regardless of their experience
3P Learning
STEM - Professional Learning Opportunities
Maker Playground Professional Learning Opportunity
This is an opportunity to get hands on experiences with the
resources available for checkout from REMC 3.Engage in design challenges while enjoying dinner and the company of other educators (K-12).
The event will take place at COPESD on December
4, 2024 from 4:30-6:30. Register HERE!
Questions? Reach out to Heather Kowalski at kowalskih@copesd.org
STEM Catalyst - Sign up Now!
Join this network of educators engaging students in STEM thinking and learning. Innovator's Mindset Book Study.
9/25 Dinner 5:00-7:30 in Grayling.
Materials and give-aways we will use through the year!
Virtual... 4:00-5:30 Zoom.
Thursday 12/5
Wednesday 2/26
Thursday 4/24
eSports In Education Webinar
Are you ready to level up your school's programs? Join us for an exciting webinar on Esports in Education!
Taught by our local expert, Ashlie O'Conner, Instructional Tech Data Specialist at AMA ESD
3 OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTEND
- 11/12/24
- 1/08/24
ALL WEBINARS WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY FROM 3:30-5:30
SCECH available
AI Literacy Course
Taught by Instructional Technology Data Specialist at AMA ESD, Ashlie O'Connor
Asynchronous Google Classroom
Topics include:
Introduction to AK
AI in Education
Ethics and Data in AI
Magic School AI
AI & Personalized Learning
AL in Curriculum
Future of AI in Education
SCECH available
Student Opportunities
STUDENT SHORTS FILM COMPETITION
Mark your planners and spread the word!
This is a great opportunity for students to express what they know and feel about the Great Lakes and communicate about their ongoing stewardship projects! In years past, teachers have made it part of a class assignment too.
You can learn more and get a listing of the rules, prizes and judging criteria at the button below.
The Infinite at the Midland Center for the Arts.
You are only a few small steps away from liftoff!
Introducing an extraordinary interactive theatrical experience headed exclusively to the Midland Center for the Arts opening JAN 25, 2025 for four weeks only. Midland, Michigan is the ONLY city in the entire midwest featuring this experience throughout 2025.
Featuring stunning footage captured using 360-degree cameras installed by astronauts on the International Space Station, Space Explorers: THE INFINITE puts you on the ISS to witness breathtaking views of Earth and gain a new perspective into the daily life of the crew on board.
Enjoy an awe-inspiring perspective of Earth with a rare, astronaut-like view that has been seen by very few... until now. Tickets are available NOW for timed entry from JAN 25 - FEB 23, 2025. Please check specific dates for available launch times.
REMC 3
Please enjoy the November Edition of the Instructional Technology Newsletter from REMC 3.
Grant Opportunities
2024-25 99h - Robotics Competition Grant
We are excited to announce that the 99h - Robotics Competition Grant for the 2024-2025 fiscal year will open for applications on October 1, 2024. This grant program, funded with a total of $5,323,200, aims to enhance educational opportunities in STEM fields for students in grades pre-K to 12 by supporting their participation in robotics competitions. Eligible applicants, including local education agencies, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and registered nonpublic schools, will have the chance to secure funding for coaching stipends, event registrations, and other essential expenses. We encourage all interested institutions to prepare their applications and take advantage of this opportunity to foster student engagement and skill development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Mailing List
The Office of Systems, Evaluation, and Technology now has a mailing list specifically for 99h grant recipients. By joining, you’ll stay informed about important updates related to your grant!
Please complete the linked form if you wish to join the 2024-25 99h Robotics Mailing List. Note that each individual requesting to be added must submit a separate form.
Timeline
- October 1, 2024: Applications Open in NexSys & the Grant Requirements are Announced
- October 7, 2024: Technical Assistance Webinar
- December 2, 2024: Applications due by 12 p.m.
Internal application review
- February 3, 2025: Grant Awards Announced
- February - March 2025: Awards made via SAMS and SIGMA
*All dates are subject to change at MDE's discretion.
Important Links
Grant Requirements (RFP)
FAQ
MiLogin for Business (NexSys can be accessed from MiLogin)
Please contact our office at, MDE-EdTech@michigan.gov, with any further questions.
Funding to Host a Summer Manufacturing Camp
Boost enrollment in your school’s manufacturing program, promote a positive image of your school in the community, build relationships with local manufacturers, and help 12- to 16-year-old students discover prosperous manufacturing careers by hosting a Summer Manufacturing Camp with grant funding from Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT), the foundation of FMA, in 2025.
The funding structure includes a grant award of $2,000 for every qualified manufacturing camp program your school hosts over the summer months. In addition to the funding, host organizations also receive an entrepreneurship curriculum, customized camp T-shirts, SolidWorks CAD software licenses for students, and much more.
Apply for 2025 grant funding by Dec. 1, 2024 and help inspire tomorrow’s manufacturing workforce!
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.
STEM Grant and Funding Finder
Use this free tool to help you locate STEM grant opportunities available in your community! Funds may be used for a variety of learning activities, including technology, science and engineering kits, and makerspaces - anything that expands STEM education. Grants are supported by federal, state, and local foundations/corporations.
Don't forget your Local Community Foundations!
Local Community Foundations offer many grant opportunities for teachers and schools.
Career Resources
GOING PRO-Professional Trades
Going PRO with Professional Trades Careers in Michigan
Discover how Michigan is Going PRO with professional trades. Find rewarding careers with competitive salaries and less schooling in a variety of emerging industries. Learn how you can get started on a Professional Trades career path today.
Career Zones
Career Zones
- ARTS AND COMMUNICATIONS Careers related to the humanities and to the performing, visual, literary and media arts.
- BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND TECHNOLOGY Careers related to all aspects of business including accounting, business administration, finance, information processing, and marketing.
- ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY Careers related to the technologies necessary to design, develop, install, or maintain physical systems.
- HEALTH SCIENCES Careers related to the promotion of health as well as the treatment of injuries, conditions, and disease.
- HUMAN SERVICES Careers in early childhood, civil service, education, hospitality, and the social services.
- NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRISCIENCE Careers related to natural resources, agriculture, and the environment.


