Calling for teachers to apply to become GEMS club coaches!!

These clubs will allow girls to gain confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math. There has been a great deal of research that continues to provide evidence that gender is the gap found in STEM careers. For more specific information about GEMS clubs see http://www.gemsclub.org/

STEM West has received funding from the Duke Energy Foundation and pending funds from the Appalachian Region Commission to support the start-up of 15 clubs across the following counties: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Lincoln.

Expectations:

1. Attend stipend paid ($100 per day= $400) summer training: August 6-9, 2018
2. Attend 2 follow-up sessions to collaborate and present updates on club (substitutes will be paid by grant)
3. Hold at least 10 club sessions with approximately 30 girls in elementary or middle school
4. Responsibly use the funds provided for club materials

Benefits:

1. Paid professional development from experts in the field of girls and STEM, receiving certificate of completion
2. Paid substitutes for follow up
3. Opportunities to collaborate and learn from others across the region
4. $200 provided to your school under your name for GEMS club materials

Apply at: https://goo.gl/forms/hZAKaK5ulOE7NF382

Applications are Due: March 16th

Questions? Contact Carol Moore at [email protected] or 828-241-5480

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Filling the Gap: Project-Based Learning

STEM West

Teachers will work with local STEM businesses to create and implement a project-based learning (PBL) unit in their classes. PBL units allow students to do authentic work/learning. All their work is based on a real-life problem or issue, in this case at a local STEM business. Aligning this issue with the mandated state standards provides a meaningful framework for students. The final projects will be diverse and yet relevant to students and the business. The pilot project carried out in 2014-15 and in 2016-17, and 2017-18 provided mandatory engagement for students. If they are engaged they are learning….

Teacher Deliverables:

1. Attend and engage in all learning opportunities
2. Work professionally with business partner
3. Create and implement PBL unit with classes and provide reflection on that activity
4. Provide unit plan in provided formats
5. Present unit and reflection at the spring STEM West meeting in 2019

Teacher Receivables:

1. Teachers will receive $100/day stipend for training (5 days, July 9-13, 2018)
2. Teachers will network with teachers across 4 other counties and STEM businesses
3. Teachers will be provided with funding for 2 substitutes to attend a meeting in the fall and then to present at the spring STEM West meeting
4. Teachers will receive $200 for completion of PBL units in correct formats

Business Deliverables:

1. Work with STEM West to provide tours for participating teachers
2. Provide one business contact to work with teacher and attend 1 day of training on project-based learning
3. Provide information and support to teacher as needed to create realistic PBL

Business Receivables:

1. Businesses will receive recognition throughout process in participating school and STEM West website
2. Businesses will build a relationship with local high school
3. Business contact will develop a more clear understanding of mandated state curriculum

The following criteria will receive priority for teacher selection:

1. 7th-12th grade teachers
2. Science, Math, and CTE teachers
3. Strong principal recommendation

All activities are funding by the Duke Energy Foundation and Appalachian Regional Commission