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

Alpena, MI – The Huron Shores Ed Tech Conference is set to return to Alpena Community College on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, bringing together educators, technology specialists, and industry leaders for a day of innovation and collaboration in educational technology. The purpose of the conference is to support educators in utilizing technology in their classrooms to enhance teaching and learning.

This year’s conference is thrilled to announce Mark Lyons as the opening keynote speaker. Mark is the Instructional Technology & STEM Integration Program Director for Saginaw ISD and serves as the Region 9 Director of the Regional Educational Media Center (REMC). Over the past two years, he has traveled the nation, delivering presentations on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in education. With a Bachelor of Science in Education from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master’s in Educational Technology from Central Michigan University, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. He spent 14 years as a Special Education teacher, holding endorsements in Autism & Emotional Impairment.

Beyond his work in instructional technology, Mark is also the co-founder of the non-profit program All Music Is Power, which promotes inclusive music education. Additionally, he is a Chapter Leader for Makers Making Change, an international initiative dedicated to achieving economic and social inclusiveness for people with disabilities.

The Huron Shores Ed Tech Conference will feature a diverse lineup of sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities designed to empower educators with the latest in technology-driven teaching strategies. A call for speakers will be announced soon, inviting passionate educators and tech innovators to share their expertise.

The conference is proudly supported by the Alpena Montmorency Alcona Educational Service District, REMC, and the MiSTEM Network.

For more information, stay tuned for updates or reach out to the conference organizers.

Contact:
Ashlie O’Connor
oconnora@amaesd.org
AMAESD

February 2025 Updates

MDE Science Listserv Archive

Receiving this information from a colleague? Sign up here to join the MDE Science List!

We just returned from the 72nd Michigan Science Teacher Association annual conference and three teachers in the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative network were award recipients!

Stephanie Dege - Dan Wolz Clean Water Education Grant
Jenny Schroeder - Special Award for Advocacy in Science Education
Luke Freeman - High School Science Teacher of the Year Award

Congratulations again to these amazing, place-based stewardship education leaders!

The Michigan DNR Salmon in the Classroom program helps hundreds of third through 12th grade classrooms across the state to raise, learn from and release young Chinook salmon in approved waterways. Over 30,000 students learn to appreciate these great natural resources each year.

Explore exciting Computer Science workshops with CSforMichigan Collaborative this summer!

This summer, CSforMichigan Collaborative is thrilled to welcome teachers to a variety of engaging Computer Science workshops. Workshops are tailored to different grade levels and content areas. Each session is designed to inspire, inform, and elevate your teaching experience. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow educators and explore innovative CS topics. Join us for an enriching summer of learning and collaboration!

Location: Bay City, MI

Dates: July 28-August 1, 2025 (SAVE THE DATE!)

Check out our TeacherCon Conference Page!

Register for Code.org Workshops

Register for Elementary Bootcamp or Bootstrap Workshops

Code.org AP CSA, AP CS Principles, or CS Discoveries

CS Workshops for High School & Middle School

The workshop is a nine-day professional learning series in Summer 2024, spanning five consecutive days in the summer and four days virtually during the school year. It supports new-to-CS and veteran CS teachers with the tools to implement MS & HS courses.

Who is Invited: 6th-12th grade educators

Workshop Dates/Locations:

• TEACHERCON- Bay City - July 28 - August 1, 2025, <or>

• Virtual - Aug 4 - 8 , 2024

What is included ($2,500-$3,000 value):

• Workshop registration, workshop materials, 5-nights lodging, breakfast/lunch meals, and swag ($750 stipend for virtual participants)

Kickstarting CS in Elementary Grades

This three day workshop series will equip educators with a fundamental computer science curriculum, connections to physical computing, and laying the groundwork to integrate computer science into core curriculum.

Who is Invited: Kdg-5th grade educators

‘Workshop Dates/Locations:

• TEACHERCON- Bay City - July 28 - 30, 2025, <or>

• Macomb ISD - Aug 4 - 6, 2025

What is included ($1,500 value):

• Workshop registration, workshop materials, 3-nights lodging, breakfast/lunch meals, and a Micro:bit

Register for Elementary Bootcamp or Bootstrap Workshops

HB 5649 has been signed! This will require all high schools in Michigan to offer a computer science course. Take a look over what MDE has released and I would suspect that we will get more information from them in time.

WHEN DO SCHOOLS HAVE TO PUT THIS IN PLACE

Beginning in the school year 2027-28. This gives districts plenty of time to plan, do curriculum reviews, and designate an instructor for the class. MiSTEM Advisory Council Grants - Computer Science Collaborative is providing no-cost-to professional learning to help instructors.

CSforMichigan Collaborative

The Collaborative is working on a one-page document that will help folks about the bill and what supports/resources are available. More to come about how the Collaborative will work with partners to communicate this out over the next year.

Join us for an inspiring three-day retreat

designed for K-12 educators who are

ready to revolutionize their teaching

practices through the power of 3P

Learning: Project-Based Learning,

Problem-Based Learning, and Place-

Based Learning. This retreat combines

professional growth with rejuvenating

outdoor experiences to help you return

to the classroom refreshed and inspired.

JUNE 17-19, 2025

THE BEST LESSONS ARE JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR- REBECCA HECKMAN

GREENWOOD FOUNDATION SANCTUARY, WOLVERINE MI

Lead by local educator BekkI Heckman from Inland Lakes Schools

Questions?

bekkiheckman@gmail.com

The Great Lakes Watershed Field Course (GLWFC) is a 4-day professional development experience for teachers throughout the Great Lakes region. Training in the course includes watershed and environmental concepts, place-based education and environmental education pedagogy, and time for curriculum development.

APPLY for this multi-day learning experience! Explore Beaver Island with CMU faculty as we focus on inquiry and UDL with a science focus. Arrive in Charlevoix on Sunday, July 27th. Depart Charlevoix on Thursday, July 31st. Meals and lodging included in this experience.

Limited space for 15 teachers | applications open for formal and informal educators

Lodgings, Meals, and $400 stipend provided for teachers who live or work in Gratiot, Isabella, Clare, Gladwin, Bay, Saginaw, Midland, or Arenac Counties

Applicant will be notified beginning in March.

Are you looking for more clarity on how to conduct place-based education (PBE) with your students? Are you a community partner trying to get your staff on board with the concepts of PBE?

Check out Michigan Learning Channel's PBE Video Playlist and learn how to consider math as an outdoor subject, how to practice intentional inquiry with young learners, and explore other skills.

The playlist of curated videos was developed by the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative.

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

Check out the latest Science & Tech News from Adrianne Cole at BAISD.

March Newsletter

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.

Local Community Foundations offer many grant opportunities for teachers and schools.

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.

launchgoing-pro.com

• 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.