Filling the Gap Spring STEM West meeting was held at the WPCOG on April 26th. Along with networking, stakeholders started the process of asset mapping the region’s STEM-based activities in our communities. Through a Gallery Walk, they also interacted with Filling the Gap teachers that were trained last summer in project based learning (PBL). These … Continue reading 2017 Spring STEM West Meeting Recap

Broad partnerships that engage a variety of stakeholders are crucial for developing and articulating shared values and language for engaging in collaborative initiatives, particularly if those initiatives are anticipated to be sustainable, effective, and inclusive.  As we look at the Computer Science and Computational Thinking (CS+CT) landscape of western North Carolina, it is clear that … Continue reading Computer Science + Computational Thinking Landscape of Western NC

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 www.gemsclub.org STEM West has received funding from the Duke Energy Foundation and … Continue reading Calling for teachers to apply to become GEMS club coaches!!

The application for Filling the Gap projects is now available for middle and high school math, science, and CTE teachers across Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Lincoln counties. Filling the GapDownload

Saturday, January 21st, 2017 STEM West partnered with Catawba County, Hickory Public, and Newton Conover City Schools to host the first STEM focused EdCamp in North Carolina at Grandview Middle School in Hickory. Participants started arriving at 7:00 am for the event. As they arrived for the 8:00 event, they received Early Bird door prizes … Continue reading EdCamp STEM West: Hit for Western NC!

Melissa Park of Pumpkin Center Elementary School of Lincoln County is increasing over 100 student’s interest in robotics and engineering through Robox Sumo competitions. After attending a one-day training this summer with STEM West and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG), Ms. Park has developed a school program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. … Continue reading Robox Sumo Highlights – Pumpkin Center Fifth Grade Class

On November 8th, community stakeholders and students explored Betabox, funded by the Burroughs-Wellcome Fund. STEM West of the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, partnered with the Catawba County EDC Committee of 100 and the North Carolina Center of Engineering Technologies (NCCET) to explore this mobile lab model. The day began with breakfast and networking of community stakeholders who … Continue reading Betabox Comes to Western NC

Catawba County EDC Committee of 100 & STEM West invite you to an event to learn about BETABOX and how this modular tech space can impact both our local schools and your company. Tuesday, November 8, 2016 From 745am to 9am (coffee/donuts provided)  NC Center for Engineering Technologies 1990 Main Ave SE Hickory, NC 28602 … Continue reading Catawba County EDC Committee of 100 & STEM West Invite You to Learn About Betabox – Nov. 8

https://youtu.be/I7DwCI7j0Bg The EdCampSTEMWest organizing team is excited to share with you plans for an Edcamp with a STEM focus. This Edcamp has everything that you expect from an Edcamp; dynamic conversations with dedicated educators; relevant sessions created by and lead by the participants; cutting edge pedagogy that will inspire you and motivate your students. Join us for a … Continue reading EdCampSTEM West – January 21 at Grandview Elementary School

The newly established STEM West represents the intersection of two of IEI's top Emerging Issues Forum priorities: the Community Action Plans (CAP) from the Teachers and the Great Economic Debate Forum of 2014, and the strategies of this year’s Forum on FutureWork. Housed at the Western Piedmont Council of Governments and supporting seven school systems, … Continue reading Introducing STEM West: Project-Based Learning in Action!