Fall 2025 STEM UPDATES & SUPPORT

Calling All K-5 Teachers in NJ, PA, and WV! Become a STEM Pioneer!
Are you passionate about shaping the future of STEM education? Join our National STEM Teacher Corps Regional Alliance Pilot Program and lead the charge in enhancing elementary STEM learning across the Mid-Atlantic!

Why Apply?

• $12,000 Annual Stipend (paid in three installments)
• Extensive Professional Development in STEM curriculum and leadership
• Membership in a Community of Practice focused on K-5 STEM education
• Paid Travel to summer professional development sessions
• Materials Provided for implementing the STEM curriculum in your classroom
• Networking Opportunities with award-winning teachers and STEM professionals
• Paid Membership to state science teachers’ associations and NSTA
• Support for Hosting Workshops to share knowledge with other educators
• Limited spots available! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to empower yourself and your students in STEM education.

Questions? Contact Jeff Remington <jeff_remington@psu.edu>

Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | IUP Kovalchick Complex

Although this is a medical conference, educators are invited to attend and discover how rural health challenges and innovations can inspire real-world, project-based learning in K–12 classrooms. A dedicated educator session will highlight connections between healthcare and STEM education.

💡 What You’ll Gain

• Learn directly from healthcare professionals and state leaders

• Network with rural health experts and IU colleagues

• Explore ways to connect rural health topics to classroom instruction

• Earn Act 48 hours

• Receive a $100 stipend (first 40 full-day attendees)

• Substitute reimbursement available for districts

📝 How to Register (2 Steps)

1. Register with ARIN IU28 for Act 48 credit — [ARIN Registration Link]

2. Register with IUP for the official conference count — [IUP Registration Link] (use promo code rhcvip to waive the $75 fee)

🎯 Conference Highlights

• Keynotes and panels with state and rural health leaders

• Sessions on rural health innovation, funding, and workforce development

• Educator-focused workshop linking rural health to K–12 learning

📧 Questions?
Contact Stacie Isenberg (sisenberg@iu28.org) or Susan Griffith (sgriffith@iu28.org).

Join us to explore how healthcare and education can work together to strengthen rural communities and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The PSEL Minecraft Build Challenge is now live for K‑12 students across Pennsylvania!

This exciting competition invites teams of 2-5 students to design creative builds in Minecraft that highlight innovation and sustainability while connecting to Pennsylvania’s future.

All important details — including eligibility, code of conduct, key dates, submission instructions, and challenge guidelines — are available in the Team Guide here. We encourage you to review the guide and register your teams to participate in this free, asynchronous challenge.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in STEM learning, practice collaboration, and represent their schools and communities in a fun, meaningful way.

For any questions, please contact esports@cciu.org.

We look forward to seeing teams from across the state bring their ideas to life in Minecraft!

A premier 5-week STEM residency for rising high school seniors

Spend your summer at Carnegie Mellon University, diving deep into biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics through hands-on labs, lectures, and research alongside university professors and industry experts.

💡 Program Highlights

• Admittance based on merit — at least one qualified student from each IU accepted

• Students from underrepresented minority communities are encouraged to apply

• Program expenses are fully funded (housing, meals, and tuition)

• Students live and study on the beautiful Carnegie Mellon University campus

🏫 Academic & Social Experience
Students participate in team research projects, present their findings at a scientific symposium, and enjoy memorable social events such as the No-Talent Show and a Pirates vs. Phillies game.

📅 Application Deadline: February 1
🔗 Apply Here

ARIN Intermediate Unit 28 is gathering information about the innovative technology and STEM programs running in our member districts. Your responses will help us understand the landscape of programs like esports, competitive robotics, and drone certifications, allowing us to tailor our support, facilitate collaboration, and connect you with valuable resources. Please forward this form to the person or people in your district best equipped to answer these questions. Thank you for your time and input!

If your school is new to ESports or looking to change leagues, please consider PSEL - Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League.

The Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League (PSEL) is an organization led by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). It was founded through a collaborative vision with the North American Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) to ensure that all learners have access to opportunities within scholastic esports.

This league is organized into 8 regions across Pennsylvania. Each region will be led by a dedicated Regional Lead who will:

• Provide technical assistance to schools and programs
• Host scholastic esports events tailored to their region
• Organize networking meetings to build local connections
• Serve as a go-to resource for all things PSEL in their area

Your regional lead is: Sarah Cox, Appalachia Intermediate Unit, scox@tiu11.org

To join this league, and for more information, please visit: pselesports.org

Are you ready for an esports program but don’t know where to start? Do you want to give it a try but can’t commit to a full season? Good news! We are offering a Minecraft EDU challenge this year with coaches training to help get started!

Please join us on October 15th at St Francis University for a one-day coaches training on Minecraft Edu. (Act 48 provided). If you are a new coach, this would be a great opportunity to network with seasoned coaches.

We will provide all the resources needed to get your students ready for the Minecraft EDU challenge. Minecraft EDU is a great option for K-12. Feel free to share with others who may be interested in offering an esports option.

• Date: October 15, 2025
• Location: JFK Lounge, St. Francis University
• Time: 9:00-2:00 (lunch provided)
• Registration: Minecraft EDU (linked)*

*We use Frontline for our registration system, you will need to create a log in if you do not already have one in the IU8 system. We also have a coaches meeting scheduled for September 30,(linked). Please join us!

Please reach out with any questions or concerns: Tracy Rains, trains@iu08.org, eSports Regional Lead (IU7, IU8, and IU28)

We’re excited to share three programs designed to help support you in your drone journey:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Professional Learning Pathway – Self-paced, virtual learning with expert guidance to help you earn your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. (Cohort 1 registration open now through Sept. 8, 2025)

• Drone Educators Network Group – An in-person professional learning community where educators at all stages of their drone journey connect, share strategies, and exchange resources. (Sept. 25, 2025 • Jan. 28, 2026 • May 26, 2026)

• Build, Fly, Code, Compete Program – A hands-on, in-person series with curriculum resources and student competitions, suitable for beginners through experienced educators. (Oct. 7, 2025 • Jan. 6, 2026 • Mar. 26, 2026) Learn More

Whether you’re seeking certification, curriculum, or collaboration, these offerings will help you bring drones to life in your classroom.

Title: The Power of the Portrait - Coding PD with CodeJoy

Registration Link: click here

Date/Time: Saturday, Oct. 25th, 10am-1pm

Location: Virtual (Zoom) - join from anywhere!

Description:
Ready to bring art and technology together in your classroom? Join Kelsey from CodeJoy for a hands-on professional development workshop focused on a Code/Art lesson that teaches students how to create a digital self-portrait using simple JavaScript.

This workshop is designed to help you engage and inspire students of all genders, with a special focus on encouraging girls in STEM. You'll learn how to guide your students through this creative project and discover more about Code/Art's mission to increase the number of girls studying computer science.

As a bonus, we'll also cover how to get your students involved in the Code/Art Fest! This annual celebration in Miami brings together thousands of students, but the competition is open to everyone, no matter where you are.

This session is open to all Southwestern PA teachers (in school and OOST) and is sponsored by PPG. Don't miss this opportunity to add a unique, creative coding lesson to your toolkit! Participating teachers will also receive Act 48 credit hours!

New Cohort: Cybersecurity Pathway for 7–12/CTE

Are you ready to empower your students with the skills they need to thrive in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity? We’re excited to invite you to join Cohort 2 of the 7–12/CTE Cybersecurity Education Pathway, a fully online professional development program designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and resources to implement a cutting-edge cybersecurity curriculum in your school.

Program Highlights:

• Flexible Learning: Attend one online check in session and complete one asynchronous module per month on your own pace.

• Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Align instruction with key standards and frameworks such as CSTA, NIST, and CIS.

• Hands-On Labs: Explore practical cybersecurity tools and techniques through interactive online labs.

• Capstone Project: Design and submit a cybersecurity unit map or lesson plan to showcase your learning.

• Stipend Provided: Participants who complete the pathway and capstone project will receive a $350 stipend.

Modules run October 2025 – May 2026, with a live virtual kickoff on October 16.

Register Here and join this exciting pathway to strengthen cybersecurity education in your classroom!

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Cybersecurity Education Through Capture the Flag Challenges (CTF) Workshops.

October of 2025: Revolutionary CTF Professional Development!

Join Pennsylvania educators for an intensive 2-day workshop that will transform how you teach cybersecurity through hands-on Capture the Flag challenges. The Professional Development will be offered at PaTTAN’s three convenient locations with no experience required!

The skills used in CTF competitions are the same hands-on methodology used by cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

More information will be provided soon on dates and times. If you are interested in this unique opportunity please fill out this interest form attached to this SMORE flyer.

Fully-Funded PK–12 Engineering byDesign (EbD) Curricular Resource

To support the implementation of the STEELS Technology & Engineering standards, Pennsylvania educators are being offered free access to the ITEEA Engineering byDesign (EbD) Essential Learning Edition, valued at up to $3,400 per year. This STEELS Technology & Engineering standards-aligned, project-based resource offers a comprehensive PK–12 program grounded in authentic problem-solving requiring critical thinking.

How to Request Access – Quick Steps

1. Log in to your ITEEA account (or create a free one if you don’t have one yet)

2. Complete the EbD Essential Learning Edition Access Form by clicking HERE

3. Upon approval, you'll receive confirmation and gain access via Google Drive

4. Explore the full curriculum and start integrating EbD into your classroom!

Participation in the ARIN Lending Library offers you access to over 100 STEM tools. Sign up for an account, search our inventory, request materials, and have them delivered to your school. Our library includes robotics kits for all ages, drones, virtual field trip kits, and more! Click here for more information.

Please note, districts are charged a participation fee of $175/year to help offset the cost of suppliies and replacements for the Lending Library.

📣 Check out the link below for information on Assistive Technology services provided by ARIN.

ARIN supports the implementation of the Pennsylvania Integrated Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (PA STEELS Standards) by providing assistance for building curriculum, instruction, and assessment capacity.

Please click here for details on 25-26 trainings and supports for the STEELS Standards.

These sessions are appropriate for any teacher, K-12 who will address the Technology & Engineering standards from STEELS. If you are a STEM teacher or any teacher interested in addressing the T&E standards, this network is for you!

STEM Networking sessions are free and will be in collaboration with Westmoreland County IU7. Click here to register.

• September 23, 2024
• November 19, 2024
• February 3, 2025
• April 30, 2025

25-26 Dates:

September 26, 2025

November 10, 2025

February 9, 2026

April 9, 2026

ARIN supports the development and implementation of local, regional, and state STEM and Computer Science related competitions. Look for the following competitions for the upcoming school year.

The Keystone Competition 🚨NEW FOR 25-26🚨

This exciting, single-day event invites students in three grade bands; 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12, to collaborate, innovate, and problem-solve in a dynamic, hands-on environment styled after a hack-a-thon. The current plans for this event will take place at participating IUs and will launch synchronously on October 14, 2025. We see this as an exciting opportunity to engage students, advisors, and our STEM Ecosystem partners around designing solutions to real-world challenges while preparing them to further participate in a host of other STEM and design competitions throughout the year.

PA Invention Convention -

• 25-26 ARIN Regional Competition - December 16, 2025
• State Competition - February 2026, PETE&C

STEM Design Challenge -

• 25-26 ARIN Regional Competition - March 10, 2026
• State Competition - Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg on Friday, May 9, 2025

Media and Design Competition (MadCom)

• 25-26 ARIN Regional Competition - March 16, 2026

24 Math Challenge

• 25-26 ARIN Regional Competition - May 7, 2026

ARIN supports the growth and implementation of K-12 Computer Science Education, Artificial Intelligence Professional Learning, and Computational Thinking.

Computer Science

CS4ALL SCRIPT Workshops - CS alignment for districts

CSinPA Newsletters

Artificial Intelligence

ARIN IU 28 is helping educators lead the way in understanding and integrating AI. Through hands-on AI for Educators workshops delivered at districts and the IU, we’ve supported teachers and administrators in exploring both the use of AI and how to teach about it. We continue to build our own capacity and embed AI discussions across all of our professional networks—offering ongoing, in-district and IU-based support to help schools stay ahead of the curve.

CS Standards & STEELS Standards Crosswalks

The CS Standards & STEELS Standards Crosswalks created by PaTTAN is now hosted in two filterable databases, allowing you to filter by STEELS discipline, CS concepts, and grade levels.

The database now also incorporates the Science (3.1-3.3) STEELS standards crosswalks.

Click the crosswalks to learn more about the updates and how to integrate STEELS and CS standards into your instruction.