We had an incredible time at our REMC 6 meeting last month! We explored Maker Materials, including Micro:bits, Makey Makey (and backpacks), Chomp Saw & Makedos, Sphero Indis, Bolts, & RVRs, and so much more! We also learned about opportunities for students and teachers through the Square One Education Network. And a HUGE shoutout to Melissa Burkey and Crystal Painter from BCPS Washington Elementary for sharing their expertise in planning amazing STEM nights at their school. In the afternoon, we partnered with the Assistive Technology Team in a “Tech for All” professional learning centered around Book Creator and led by our friends at REMC 20. Our last REMC 6 meeting for the year will be held on May 8th. If you are interested in attending, please register HERE.
We also have one more Byte-Sized Learning opportunity on April 15th from 4-6 pm at W.H. Ales. Come and learn about all the Tech Tools YOU Should Know! Be sure to register ahead of time HERE.
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It won’t be long and schools will be placing supply orders for the 2025-26 school year. Get more for your money by utilizing REMC Save on a wide variety of items, including copy paper, pencils, batteries, furniture, technology, and so much more! For more information, visit www.remcsave.org
The Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center was awarded a grant from the CS for Michigan Collaborative to implement a Computer Science Externship program for middle/high school educators. We are looking for educators who teach courses in programming, cybersecurity, electronics, engineering, drafting, and machining to participate in the externship. We anticipate a teacher stipend of approximately $250 for their participation, which will include developing and sharing activities and participating in a showcase event. There is a supply budget for materials related to activities developed during the grant period and we will cover sub costs for 2 days for the educators, as well as provide lunch and SCECHs each day.
Interested educators should complete the APPLICATION ASAP. Please contact Adrianne Cole (colea@baisd.net) or Kathy Dardas (dardask@baisd.net) with any questions.
Key activities include:
- 1 day visit to SK Siltron on April 24, 2025 from 9 am - 3 pm
- 1 day professional learning, on May 1, 2025 from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm at the BAISD Career Center
- Development of Classroom activities in May & In-person Showcase event (TBD)
Join Essexville-Hampton Public Schools for their Third Annual Community STEM Night on Tuesday, April 29th, from 5-8 PM! This exciting event will feature hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and fun demonstrations that highlight the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and math. Perfect for all ages, STEM Night is a fantastic way to explore new ideas and spark curiosity in a supportive community setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired! Doors open at 5 PM at Garber High School located at 213 Pine St, Essexville, MI 48732.
The MI Green Schools program supports and celebrates the achievements of PreK-12 schools in protecting the state's air, land, water, and ecosystems through commitment to environmental education and stewardship actions. County coordinators work with schools during the certification process and share resources throughout their community. Current county coordinators include MiSTEM regional directors, local government officials, school ISD/RESA representatives, and MSU Extension educators. If you are interested in becoming a county coordinator, please contact Samantha Lichtenwald at LichtenwaldS@michigan.gov
Almost 20,000 fourth grade students joined the Michigan DNR last year for a free field trip to a state park, and they want your class to join in on the fun this year! Transportation costs reimbursed for public schools; trips run April through early June. Learn more and register for your classroom visit or field trip by visiting Michigan.gov/NatureAwaits.
Looking for other Science Updates from MDE? Check them all out here, including grant opportunities for teachers.
Join the MERA Spring Conference for a day of learning and networking with Michigan’s top educational researchers. This year’s conference will take place on May 6th at Lansing Community College and is focused on: AI in School Data Analysis; Unlocking MI School Data; MDE Updates; School Accountability Updates. Register today!
Inspire the next generation of forensic investigators with tools and strategies aligned to Common Core and Michigan NGSS, learn how to integrate lessons and promote science careers, and receive a hands-on lab experience science kit at the CSI Davenport: Where Forensic Science Meets Classroom Innovation teacher camp. The camp will take place at the BASID on June 9 - 11th. Space is limited so register today!
Join Mi-STEM Regions 10 & 11 for a three-day workshop diving into the principles of Project-Based Learning. Collaborate with others to deepen your understanding of PBL and the impact it can have on student learning and engagement. Workshop will take place at the Bavarian Inn (Frankenmuth) on June 30 - July 2, 2025. Lodging and stipends are available for participants. For more information and to apply, click HERE.
The CSforMichigan Collaborative is thrilled to welcome teachers to Bay City again this summer for a variety of engaging Computer Science workshops July 28 - August 1. Each session is designed to inspire, inform, and elevate your teaching experience! CS Workshops for High School and Middle School include AP CSA, AP CS Principles, or CS Discoveries. Integrate math and computer science in middle and high school with Bootstrap Algebra I, Bootstrap Algebra II, or Bootstrap Data Science workshops. The Kickstarting CS in Elementary Grades workshop equips K-5 educators with fundamental CS curriculum and lays the foundation to integrate computer science into core curriculum.
If selected, all workshop participants will receive workshop registration, materials, lodging, breakfast/lunch, and swag items, as well as a stipend for any additional virtual dates. For more information or to apply, check out the TeacherCon Conference Page!
The Midland ACS is thrilled to announce that they are offering 12 in-person and 2 virtual openings for summer research opportunities through Project SEED. This is a fantastic chance for your students to gain valuable experience and insights into the world of scientific research. Application deadline is April 7th; students should apply early to secure their spot. For more information and to apply, please visit ACS Project SEED Program - American Chemical Society
STEM@SVSU and the GLBR East Chief Science Officers are excited to offer a FREE Teen Science Café on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Teen Science Café events allow teens and STEM professionals to engage in meaningful conversations and explore advances in science and technology. This event is open to any student in 6th - 12th grade in the Great Lakes Bay Region (Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw counties), as well as Huron and Tuscola counties. Topic for April is Engineering (E in STEM) and the event will take place at SVSU in Gilbertson Hall. Teen Science Cafés are always Free, Fun, and have Food! Space is limited so RSVP today!
The Science and Mathematics Extravaganza for Kids (SMEKplus) summer camps involve area students in engaging, age-appropriate STEM enrichment activities. Various camps are available throughout the month of July for students ages 5 - 18. Limited scholarships are available to assist with cost of attendance; email STEM@svsu.edu for additional information. Save $5 with Early Bird Registration through March 31. Registration deadline is June 7; seats are limited, so register early!
Michigan Tech’s Summer Youth Programs office is partnering with Hemlock Semiconductor to offer scholarships for students from Midland, Gratiot, Bay, and Saginaw counties to attend an engineering summer camp! The scholarship will cover all costs (including transportation) required to attend the Engineering Scholars Program (ESP) June 22-27, 2025. ESP is a weeklong investigation of engineering careers featuring special topics, group projects, and lab tours. Preference will be given to current juniors; however, any student in grades 9-11 is encouraged to apply. More information is available under the “Engineering Scholars Program” HERE.