Winter 25-26 STEM UPDATES & SUPPORT

The 2nd Annual HELP (Healthcare Education and Learning Pathways) event for students in grades 10-12 interested in health related fields is scheduled for February 23, 2026. Students will have an opportunity to get hands-on with various health care professionals of their choice. STEM subject area teachers are encouraged to chaperone for an opportunity to learn as well.

Register your school: bit.ly/4svZwDg

https://superhumanbodyfilm.com/pa/

Meet Your Neighbors is a new way for members of the Remake Learning network to open their doors and welcome others in. These gatherings build community by showcasing incredible work happening across our region—and by creating space for authentic connection and shared learning.

Jan 14 @ CodeJoy

Explore CodeJoy’s studio environment, see learning in action, participate in a hands-on guided activity, and connect over a shared meal.

RSVP to attend.

Are you an ABC CREATE school?

ABC CREATE teachers already know what good teaching looks like. The rapid evolution of AI requires us to explore the next vision: What does creative, high-impact instruction look like with AI? This initiative is for educators interested in actively shaping how AI enters our schools—not merely as a teacher efficiency tool or data management system, but as a catalyst for creative thinking and deeper learning across core content areas like Math, Science, and ELA. We will use the tool Google Teachable Machine as an "object-to-think-with" as we consider the role of creative AI in classroom pedagogy.

We are seeking a core group of up to 20 forward-thinking SW PA teachers, K-12, all subjects to join the AI Content Collaborative. Over the course of 4 (four) synchronous sessions (1 in person, 3 virtual) you will help develop and pilot 3 (three) content-connected AI student activities that genuinely integrate creative AI into core subject areas. This is your chance to directly influence the content and structure of professional development for the wider ABC CREATE network and beyond!

Click here to register.

Monday, January 19, 2026 | Fox Chapel Area School District

Three Rivers Educational Technology Conference (TRETC) is an exciting professional development opportunity to advance the integration of educational technology for teachers, K-12 administrators, industry experts, and higher education decision makers in Southwestern PA.

CodeJoy has partnered with Pittcon and the PA Intermediate Unit system to offer "Tech in the Wild"—a massive, state-wide initiative designed to give PA educators everything needed to confidently implement the new STEELS Standards, especially Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (ELS). This complete, cost-free package includes:

• FREE BBC micro:bit hardware for participants,

• FREE Act 48 Professional Development (virtual and interactive), and

• FREE live Student Shows to kick off learning in your classroom.

Don't miss this opportunity to bridge the gap between technology and the new STEELS framework. Registration closes January 31st! Learn more and sign up today: https://go.codejoy.org/pittcon25

Save the dates for the following Western PA Summits:

June 11 - 2026 Western PA Environmental Education Summit - The Learning Landscape

Join us at Grove City College for a day to empower educators with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration they need to integrate environmental literacy and sustainability into their curricula and teaching practices.

June 17 - Western PA Student Centered Learning Summit

Join us at Indiana University of Pennsylvania on June 17, 2026 for a day of learning at the Western PA Student Centered Learning Summit, where educators will focus on strategies and discussions that put students at the center of learning.

Remake Learning Days returns May 1–23, 2026, and we’re looking for schools and community partners in Armstrong and Indiana Counties to host hands-on, family-friendly learning events. Events can highlight STEM, arts, making, outdoor learning, career exploration, or student voice—and can be as simple as showcasing work you’re already doing. Events are free or low-cost, flexible in format, and mini-grants of up to $500 are available to support supplies. Learn more and register as an event host at remakelearningdays.org/event-hosts (select Northwestern PA as your region).

When you're ready to register your event, click the links below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://remakelearningdays.org/event-hosts/

ARIN IU28 and WIU7 have teamed up with Fluxspace to offer special pricing on Flex Farm Hydroponics Units.

These units can produce 25+ lbs every 28 days, have a small footprint, and are a great way to incorporate many of the EL&S standards.

Click the flyer below for more information and contact Erin Whitaker, Education Innovation Specialist, erin@fluxspace.io, for more information.

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.
• Application Deadline: February 16, 2026.

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

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!

We want to invite you to bring students to our 2nd Annual Luke Trotz College and Career tournament at St. Francis University on April 1st.

The event is completely free for schools to attend, and lunch will be provided thanks to Saint Francis.

Attached you'll find the flyer for the event which contains links to register for the event AND the tournament.

Registration for the game (linked) portion of the tournament closes on February 5th.

Registration to attend the event (linked) itself closes on March 11th.

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

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

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.

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.

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 (Virtual) - submission deadline - April 1, 2026
• State Competition - TBA (May 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.