Northeast MiSTEM Updates

Give your students a powerful start to 2026 with NSTA’s NCCSTS Case Collection —featuring 1,000+ case studies that connect science concepts to real-world events. From disease outbreaks to space travel, these ready-to-use stories promote critical thinking, collaboration, and deeper learning across all science disciplines. Perfect for high school educators and college professors. For more MDE Science Updates, click HERE.

Sinkhole Science: Engaging Place & Problem Based Lessons

Workshop for teachers * Saturday, May 2, 2026 * Alpena, Michigan

Catch student interest with lessons related to Michigan sinkholes.

During this workshop you will tour a sinkhole, participate in a problem-based engineering

activity, and take away activities to address a number of Michigan educational standards.

Included will be demonstrations of ground penetrating radar, models of groundwater and

sinkholes, differences in rock properties, and a variety of educational resources.

Watch for registration information on the web site of the Michigan Earth Science Teachers

Association:

https://mesta.wildapricot.org/

This is a joint project of the Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association and the

Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative.

Additional support from the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary, Lake Superior State University

Geology Department, the Michigan Karst Conservancy, the American Cave Conservation

Association, and the Michigan Geological Repository for Research & Education.

We believe that every child deserves the chance to explore nature. That's why every fourth grade class in Michigan is invited to take part in a hands-on field trip to select Michigan state parks through our Nature Awaits program.

Each field trip is a free, 90-minute educational adventure that includes additional lesson plans and resources for students, teachers and families. Plus, up to $1,000 in transportation grants are also available to help cover transportation costs for public schools.

Registration is open for winter and spring field trips, with an optional pre-field trip classroom visit also available. Of participating teachers, 99% said they would recommend this program, so be sure to reserve your trip today!

Questions? Email DNR-NatureAwaits@Michigan.gov.

Looking for some outdoor education resources for yourself, your classroom or your students? We have you covered!

• Our 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. Find out more about the program and apply for the 2026-2027 school year at Michigan.gov/SIC.

• Designed for students in grades six through 12, each Nature Glance features a brief article, discussion questions and various hands-on activities. Our latest lesson focuses on the reintroduction of the Arctic grayling to Michigan, but you can find additional lessons online.
• Who doesn't love a free coloring page? Check out our state symbol collection, with pages about white-tailed deer and brook trout.
• Explore Michigan with our curated collection of free nature books and field guides. Topics range from local wildlife to native plants and outdoor adventures!
• The Michigan Activity Pass program allows you to use your public library card to "check out" free or discounted passes to hundreds of cultural destinations, parks, campgrounds and recreation areas.
• The Michigan Student Sustainability Summit is an opportunity for middle and high school students across Michigan to connect with peers, learn about the state’s environmental sustainability efforts, network with state leaders and community partners, and celebrate the impact of youth-led stewardship projects. Through interactive breakout sessions, field experiences and exhibits, participants will explore environmental career pathways, develop place-based projects and engage with experts on Michigan’s air, water, land, energy and ecosystem services. Space is limited and registration opens Jan. 19, 2026.
• The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy invites students in kindergarten through 5th grade to enter the annual Michigan Earth Day Poster Contest! Prizes are awarded for first and second place winners in each grade. Use the online submission form to submit posters by March 16, 2026.

One of the most popular summer teacher courses takes place aboard the EPA research vessel Lake Guardian. Each year, educators spend a week aboard, working alongside scientists during the Shipboard Science Immersion—an unforgettable, hands-on experience focused on Great Lakes science, stewardship, and experiential learning. Take a moment to read this blog about the 2025 sail, and be sure to save the date for the 2026 Lake Superior experience!

The 2025-2026 MI Green Schools online application is now LIVE on the hub site and we're already seeing a steady stream of submissions! I'm excited to see engagement early in the application cycle and would love your help in promoting the program within your networks to the extent you’re able.

To make it easy, I’ve prepared a few materials -

• A folder of informational resources "MI Green Schools Shareables Folder" containing outreach materials such as:

• Program overview slide

• Justification document

• 50+ Ways partners can support schools flyer

  
  

• Promotional Blurb:

MI Green Schools Application Period is Open!

Schools across Michigan can now apply to become a certified MI Green School for the 2025–2026 school year. MI Green Schools supports and celebrates the achievements of PreK-12 schools in protecting the state's air, land, water, and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions.

Schools engaging in this work empower students with hands-on STEM experiences and meaningful community involvement, building skills that last a lifetime.

Start Your Journey Today!

1. Explore the requirements for certification
2. Plan your application using the draft application

3. Submit your application through the online form

The application period is open now through March 8, 2026. Reach out to your local County Coordinator for more information.

If you have the opportunity, please consider:

• Adding a MI Green Schools info slide to an existing presentation

• Sharing the program overview with schools in your area

• Helping a school with their application

Every effort helps us reach more schools and advance environmental education across Michigan. Thank you for your continued support of the program and of schools working to deliver meaningful learning experiences that inspire students to care for their communities and Michigan's environment.

Thank You,

Exciting Computer Science Workshops for All

The CSforMichigan Collaborative invites educators to participate in engaging Code.org professional learning workshops this summer. Designed for a range of grade levels and interests, these sessions support teachers in building confidence, expanding skills, and exploring innovative computer science topics. Join fellow educators for a collaborative learning experience focused on bringing high-quality computer science instruction into the classrooms.

Virtual Workshops for Educators

These virtual workshops are designed for educators at all levels of computer science experience and can support meeting the Michigan high school computer science requirement. The curricula are free and include all instructional resources needed to begin empowering students with computer science right away.

AI Foundations - Virtual (9th - 12th grade)

Date: July 27 - 31, 2026

Time: 9:00a - 4:30p ET

Cost: $1,000

Location: Virtual

Register Here

For financial assistance information complete this LINK

AI Foundations(AIF) by Code.org is a free, flexible curriculum that introduces students to the core principles and real-world applications of computer science. Discover adaptable units that combine foundational computer science concepts with hands-on AI projects to inspire students with real-world problem-solving. Flexible modules allow you to build and embed CS and AI literacy content that fits your needs. Use as a stand-alone course or embed into existing curriculum.

Mi-coding.com for more information

CS Principles (9th - 12th grade)

Date: July 13 - 16, 2026

Time: 9:00a - 4:30p ET

Cost: $800

Location: Virtual

Register Here

For financial assistance information complete this LINK

AP CS Principles (AP CSP) by Code.org is a free, year-long, college-level course introducing programming, data, the internet, and the societal impact of computing, fostering creativity and problem-solving. Use as an approved College Board AP curriculum, or as a non-AP class. A multi-day, professional learning series in Summer 2026 equips new and veteran to CS educators to teach a course that meets the Michigan HS CS requirement.

Mi-coding.com for more information

The CSforMichigan Collaborative is excited to offer Code.org workshops in:

• CS Fundamentals (K–5)
• CS Connections & Maker Micro:bits (K–8)

These virtual workshops are free for all Michigan educators and are funded through MiSTEM Advisory Council grants.

No prior computer science experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and readiness to learn!

Register today to gain access to high-quality professional learning in computer science.

Code.org: CS Fundamentals Intro Workshop (Kdg-5 & MS)

Computer Science Fundamentals is a Code.org curriculum designed for students in kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5). Each grade-level unit is between 12-20 lessons long and is built for flexible implementation. During the workshop, participants will learn from certified Code.org facilitators, participate in a model lesson, learn the management system, and dive into the lessons. Middle School teachers can also use this curriculum for students that have no prior experience with CS.

New Series: CS Connections & Maker(Micro:bits): (3-8)

The CS Connections Online workshops is a three-part virtual series that supports educators implementing CS into their elementary classrooms. Facilitators will model skilled-based lessons so teachers can integrate them into their core instructional time. The educators will also be able to plan, reflect, and modify lessons. Educators can attend any one of the four workshops or they can attend all four workshops.

Sign up today for a series that works best with your schedule and share this information with your colleagues.

Dates: See Registration Flyer for date options and registration links

Times: 4:30pm - 6:30pm ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Registration Covered by MiSTEM Network Advisory Council Grants

What is Provided: Teaching Resources, SCECHs and a stipend

For more information about CS Fundamentals Workshops, check out website: https://www.mi-coding.com/cs-fundamentals.html

Workshop Goals

At the end of the workshop, teachers will know:

• The importance of CS for all students, and the teachers’ role in creating an environment where all students can learn equitably.
• How CS can be used as an avenue for getting CS to all students.
• What CS courses look like (lesson plans, online activities, unplugged activities).
• Which courses and lessons of CS are most appropriate for their students.

At the end of the workshop, teachers will have:

• A plan of action for starting to teach CS and integrate CS Connections into their classroom
• Long(er) term goals about how deep into the course they would like to go with students.
• Strategies for teaching CS lessons.
• A connection to the community of CS teachers.

SCECHs & Stipends

Participants will receive SCECHs at no cost along with a stipend at the completion of the workshop series. Stipends are provided by the MiSTEM Network through the MiSTEM Network Advisory Council grant awarded to Grand Valley State University (GVSU). Stipends are paid out through GVSU.

Learn how 3-P engages students in authentic and rigorous learning, improves engagement and motivation, and increases achievement.

Build your own 3-P unit with support from our facilitators and collaboration with other educators Become an Expert

Learn how to facilitate exceptional 3- PL in your school.

Receive support and feedback, collaborate with colleagues, and leave with a plan.

Are you interested in designing engaging, place‑based learning experiences that connect students with local sustainability issues? The Sustainability Teacher Fellowship invites K–12 educators from Arenac, Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, and surrounding counties to apply for the 2026–27 cohort. Fellows participate in professional development, collaborate with community partners, design multi‑week projects tied to real‑world problems, and engage students in meaningful outdoor and action‑oriented learning—while receiving a stipend, professional support, and SCECHs. Applications are open Dec. 12, 2025 – April 7, 2026. Get full details and apply HERE.

Start Engineering. We publish a student-friendly suite of career exploration resources that help students connect STEM coursework to real opportunities in today’s fastest-growing fields — biotechnology, cybersecurity, AI, data science, and engineering. Making that connection between STEM coursework and STEM careers is vital.

Our materials are used in a range of settings—camps, high school and CTE classrooms, career fairs, summer programs, STEM nights, science festivals, and other outreach—because they’re designed to be engaging, easy to browse, and grounded in real-world examples.

Our current titles include:

· Join the Biotech Revolution (with a free interactive Student Workbook PDF)

· Cybersecurity Career Guide (with a free interactive Student Workbook PDF)

· Outsmart Cyberthreats for middle school/intro use

· Engineering Career Guide (with a free interactive Student Workbook PDF)

· Explore Careers in Data Science (with a free interactive Student Workbook PDF)

· AI and Your Career (with a free interactive Student Workbook PDF)

The Biotechnology Career Guide, for example, introduces what biotechnology is and why it matters, explains education pathways (industry credentials/certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s programs, and beyond), and highlights roles across R&D, biomanufacturing, quality, regulatory, data, and more. The accompanying workbook provides a simple way to reinforce and assess what students learned, with classroom-ready questions and activities that also work well for outreach events.

Our work to create the biotech guide was supported by DoD STEM, and it’s now used by educators and programs across the country (including a custom statewide edition for Oregon).

If you’d like, I can send digital review copies of our materials so you can see what might fit your needs. Just tell me what’s most relevant, and I’ll send the right files.

Integrating tabletop games into the classroom can help provide diverse methodologies to create high-quality, engaging learning environments for Michigan's preK-12 students. The game strategies help build critical thinking and collaboration skills essential to college and career readiness. Most importantly, your students will have fun while learning! REMC has also created "game cards" that include 21st-century skills learned/reinforced, number of players, recommended age, and more. Explore what games are available HERE.

Please join us May 19 -21 at Lake Superior State University for an exciting few days of innovation!

Student teams will be competing in five of Square One’s IVD Challenges; Autonomous, Full

Scale, Mini RC, Drones and V2X. Square One’s “Signature Series” of projects enable elementary through high school students to incorporate innovation and engineering into the design of a wide variety of complex vehicles.

Grant funding from the State of Michigan is available, through the 99h grant program.

Exact competition dates for each program will depend on team counts, and will be announced by Jan 31st, 2026.

If you would like to register a team or learn more about the IVD programs, please visit

www.ivdinfo.org or contact Jason Beatty, Program Director at jason@squareonenetwork.org

Note: Upper Peninsula Underwater IVD teams will compete in Gaylord, as in 2025

• Wow, how did February get here so quickly?! Please enjoy the February Edition of the Instructional Technology Newsletter from REMC 3. This edition includes:

  
  

  • Experience CS-free curriculum from the Raspberry Pi Foundation
  • National Clean Out Your Computer Day-tips for cleaning up your computer
  • AI Innovator (fill out the form by Feb. 12th if you are interested!)
  • Podcast Challenge
  • MACUL registration
  • Learning Opportunities

  
  

February newsletter is filled with exciting updates to brighten up these cold days, including a vendor chat with Novel Effect, a spotlight on the Sphero RVR, and a preview of our March Byte-Sized Learning session. We’ve also rounded up several unique opportunities for you and your students, ranging from Rural AI Strategy labs and Code.org workshops to engineering camp scholarships at MTU. So grab a warm drink and dive into the rest of this month’s updates below to find some fresh inspiration for your classroom!

The American Exchange Project (AEP) is the only fully funded domestic intercultural exchange program in the country. Its purpose is simple and ambitious: to help build a more connected America by giving young people meaningful, shared experiences across lines of difference.

Through AEP, high school seniors participate the summer after graduation in a two-week exchange:

- One week traveling to an American community very different from their own
- One week hosting students from across the country in their home community

The program is free for students, families, and schools. Since launching in 2020, more than 1,500 students have participated, supported by educators who serve as local anchors for the experience.

AEP is expanding for the 2026–27 school year and is actively seeking new partner schools and communities across the country.

If this aligns with your school, district, or someone you know who focuses on student leadership, civic learning, or community connection, I encourage you to connect directly with:

Ryan Kenney
Director of Community Development
American Exchange Project
rkenney@americanexchangeproject.org
www.americanexchangeproject.org

🌲✨ Attention High School Girls! ✨🌲
Do you love the outdoors? Curious about science, nature, leadership, or backpacking?
MSU Extension has an incredible FREE opportunity just for you!

GALS (Girls on Outdoor Adventure for Leadership and Science) is now accepting applications for their 2026 summer program! This is a free, 2-week overnight science and adventure experience based at the Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, MI.

Pathways is a free, virtual program that empowers high school girls and non-binary students of all experience levels — including rising 9th graders, graduating seniors, and returning participants — to explore AI, Game Design, Cybersecurity, and more, while learning how to build tech for good. The program is entirely flexible in how participants choose to learn and requires no prior coding experience. Students complete courses at their own pace over seven weeks, from June 29 to August 14.

Beyond coding, students gain real-world insights through Partner Events with leading tech organizations, connect with peers through Girls Who Code’s private Discord community, and join optional Student Hours for live support. Participants earn a certificate for each completed course and join Girls Who Code’s lifelong alumni network, gaining access to mentorship, internships, and career opportunities in tech.

Students can apply by February 25th for priority consideration. The application closes on April 10th.

Whole Foods Market Foundation - Garden Grants

The purpose of this program is to support public, charter, and nonprofit private schools and school districts, tribally controlled Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, and nonprofit organizations supporting gardens at public or nonprofit private schools in turning outdoor school spaces into powerful hands-on learning gardens that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity, and support classroom curriculum. Supported gardens may be new or existing edible educational gardens. Projects must engage at least ten children on a regular basis in garden programming. Gardens must be located on K-12 school grounds.

Deadlines: March 1, 2026

Grant Award Amount: Up to $3,500

Link to Program Website

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.