Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council

Congratulations to Dan Kuchera, our Northeast Iowa STEM Region's recipient of the Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Google. 📚 Learn more about what makes Dan so deserving: https://bit.ly/4iqHNY6 His colleague who nominated him emphasized the amount of passion Mr. Kuchera has for the sciences and finding opportunities for students to learn important content in engaging ways. Kuchera led the efforts last spring to hold a Science in the Park event at the Lost Island Parks for students from all area schools, businesses and colleges to come together in one place at one time to collaborate. He will receive $1,500 for his classroom and $1,500 for personal use, thanks to Google. Congratulations, Mr. Kuchera!

Did you know March is Youth Art Month? 🎨 ICYMI - Earlier this month, we highlighted 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Extern Emily Thomas and the screen printing unit she developed as part of her Externship. Check it out! ➡️https://lnkd.in/gcbcbBVe And be sure to submit your application for this summer to be a teacher extern or a workplace host. Spots are filling up quickly!

March 14th - or 3.14 - marks the return of Pi Day! Celebrate the importance of mathematics and other STEM education fields today and learn more about the innovative program initiatives from the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council that are making a difference in Iowa schools. https://lnkd.in/g288saEq

Congratulations to Tara Gray, our North Central Iowa STEM Region's recipient of the Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Google. 📚 Learn more about what makes Tara so deserving: https://bit.ly/3FtpfZ5 Gray is recognized by colleagues for growing her school's agricultural program from nothing into a thriving program today. She brings a wealth of knowledge as a fifth-generation farmer. Gray believes in a hands-on learning approach, striving to provide real-life experiences to advance student understanding and make relevant connections to everyday life. This includes taking her students to her family farm to witness first-hand what farmers do and learn more about farming operations. She will receive $1,500 for her classroom and $1,500 for personal use, thanks to Google. Congratulations, Ms. Gray!

Congratulations to Alex Spooner, our Northwest Iowa STEM Region's recipient of the Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Google. 📚Learn more about what makes Alex so deserving: https://bit.ly/3FkM2Go One of Spooner's colleagues noted his drive to bring cutting-edge STEM opportunities to all students. He has developed and designed more than 10 innovative courses at the middle school including coding, robotics and the STEM BEST Curious Minds program. Spooner strives to make STEM education engaging, inclusive and relevant by tailoring lessons to students’ interests so they see STEM as a natural extension of their passions. This includes a multi-year video game design program that evolves through students' middle school years, using industry-standard tools to develop skills in 3D sketching, dimensioning and game development. He will receive $1,500 for his classroom and $1,500 for personal use, thanks to Google. Congratulations, Mr. Spooner!

🤔Know a teacher looking for a way to expand their knowledge of local STEM careers, enhance lessons, and build connections with STEM professionals in their area? 📲Share this post with them! 📋Placements for this summer are underway but the Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program is still accepting applications!  🔗https://lnkd.in/gdX5XXdF

Students and teachers from across Iowa’s six STEM regions came together in the State Capitol rotunda on Monday to share the exciting things happening in STEM education in Iowa schools with state leaders and lawmakers. 📚 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gaPetKpS

Want to relive the celebration of STEM from STEM Day at the Capitol? Check out the moments and smiles we were able to capture in our online photo gallery ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/gv44j5EY

We just began placing STEM teachers with local workplace hosts for summer externship experiences, but it's not too late to put your name in the hat! Let us know you are interested in expanding your knowledge of local STEM careers or share with a teacher who might be! https://lnkd.in/gdX5XXdF

Wow! What an amazing group of STEM students and teachers, volunteers and leaders, professionals and advocates. We are so grateful to everyone who shared in the celebration of STEM at STEM Day at the Capitol yesterday. Thank you!