Igniting Young Minds:

STEM Summer Kick-Off Inspires Learning at EBR Main Library

The Capital Area STEM Network hosted a learning station at the East Baton Rouge Library's STEM Summer Kick-Off event last month, providing engaging activities focused on electricity. Enthusiastic mentors guided participants as they explored STEM concepts through hands-on experiences, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for discovery. This collaborative effort between the library and STEM providers sets the stage for an exciting summer of STEM exploration.

GEO Prep Academy Students Excel in Noetic Learning Math Contest with LSU Mathematics Sponsorship Support

In the 2022-2023 academic year, Dr. Frank Neubrander sponsored math clubs at GEO Prep Academy, where students prepared for the Noetic Learning Math Contest (NLMC). The contest drew over 35,000 participants nationwide, and we congratulate the GEO Prep Academy Mathletes on their impressive achievements, with 36 students receiving team awards and national recognition. Best wishes for their continued success in the coming year!

Capital Area STEM Network Center Receives Additional Funding for STEM Engagement

The Capital Area STEM Network Center and the LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy have secured funding to promote STEM education and opportunities in the Capital region for three more years. As part of LaSTEM, CASN fosters collaboration and delivers quality STEM education across seven parishes, making remarkable progress towards an equitable future for Louisiana. Discover their transformative work and vision for a prosperous and sustainable future.

DARPA Taps LSU To Solve Cybersecurity Challenges In Virtual And Augmented Reality

LSU researchers Ibrahim "Abe" Baggili and Andrew Webb have received $600K from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, to study safety aspects of virtual and augmented reality applications for U.S. military missions and training.

Foundational Science Professional Learning

The Louisiana Department of Education is hosting two opportunities for a two-day in-person foundational science professional learning series for K-12 educators on:
· July 31-August 1 at Louisiana Tech in Ruston; and
· August 3-4 at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge
To request a seat in one of the two training cohorts, fill out the registration form for each requested seat by June 5. 

Full-Day Making & Tinkering Workshop

Greenwell Springs Regional Branch Library

Friday, July 28 or Saturday, July 29, 2023 
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

Join nationally recognized author and educator, Cate Heroman, and a team of experts for an interactive, full-day workshop tailored to PreK-3rd grade educators:

• Immerse yourself in the concepts of tinkering, making, and engineering as you actively explore practical and effective methods for introducing and developing these ideas with young children.
• Participate in a variety of hands-on tinkering activities, ranging from low-tech to high-tech, and learn seamless techniques for integrating them into your classroom.
• Take on design challenges inspired by the obstacles faced by characters in children's storybooks.
• Gain valuable strategies for creating an environment that fosters creativity, encourages risk-taking, and supports problem-solving.

Teachers Love Code.org’s Professional Learning

LSU and LDOE have partnered with Code.org to bring you this comprehensive, highly supportive professional learning program that will prepare you to deliver high-quality computer science instruction to your students.

• No prerequisites for teachers or students new to CS
• Access easily understandable content for teachers and students
• Obtain scaffolding for comprehensive computer science and digital literacy understanding
• Led by local facilitators, Code.org workshops ensure personalized support
• Connect and learn from fellow Louisiana educators through our local network
• Join a vibrant and diverse STEM education community
• Embrace the opportunity to unlock your teaching potential and inspire your students with the exciting world of computer science
• Scholarships are available!

Please reach out to us with inquiries: code-org@lsu.edu

Revolutionizing STEM Education: Unveiling the Transformative Power of STEM Adventures Elementary and Middle School Cohort

Scratch, space gardening, Micro:bits, and digital storytelling are all essential components of STEM Adventures: Elementary and Middle School Cohort, a groundbreaking initiative. This professional development opportunity, organized by the LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy’s Summer Training Institute, brings together 32 different STEM modules that revolutionize STEM education.

In the past month, a dynamic group of 13 dedicated teachers, spanning from Pre-K to 8th grade, actively collaborated to explore project- and problem-based STEM teaching modules with great enthusiasm. Driven by a shared vision to enhance STEM education in Louisiana, these educators are committed to bringing innovative approaches into their classrooms. They firmly believe that by incorporating these engaging modules, they can enrich the learning experience and inspire their students to excel in STEM fields. Through their collective efforts, these educators are well-positioned to make a positive impact on STEM education, equipping their students with the skills and knowledge necessary for future success.

The creation of STEM Adventures by the LSU Cain Center aims to introduce elementary and middle school students to the captivating realm of STEM. This program provides teachers with essential skills and strategies to seamlessly integrate these modules into their existing curriculum, opening up fresh avenues for learning and transforming their classrooms. One participant captured the transformative impact of STEM Adventures with the following testimonial: 

“I have learned so much, my teaching will never be the same!”

Interested in bringing STEM Modules to your school or district? Contact Nicole Foster at nfoster1@lsu.edu for more information and guidance. Enhance your students’ learning experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Reach out to Nicole today! 

QSM Grant Portal Now Open

What: Awards up to $2000 for non-consumable instructional materials and equipment in math, science & STEM.

Who: Full-time public PK–12 teachers assigned to teach regular math, science, or STEM courses. 

Deadline: Sunday, September 10, 2023.

Visit the QSM website for access to the grant portal, tips, resources, and training sessions that help you prepare your grant application.

Nominate an Outstanding Math Teacher 

The Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics (LATM) recognizes exceptional mathematics teachers in elementary (K-4), middle (5-8), and high school (9-12) levels each year. LATM also honors an outstanding new teacher who has been teaching for up to three years. To qualify for this award, the teacher must have taught for one, two, or three years, with the third year concluding no later than the end of the 2022-2023 school year. Applicants who are current members and immediate past members of the LATM Executive Council are not eligible to apply. For any questions regarding the award or the submission process, please email lagerard@lpssonline.com, Chairperson of the Awards Committee. Submissions must be made by 11:59 PM on September 1, 2023.

Grants for LASEF Club Coaches

This mini-grant funding opportunity is available thanks to the joint support of NASEF (North America Scholastic Esports Federation) and HSEL (High School Esports League). To qualify, your LASEF (Louisiana Scholastic Esports Federation) club must be actively participating and in good standing. You can utilize the funds for all aspects of your esports program, except for directly funding students. Eligible expenses include equipment, training, software, licenses, and travel. Coaches have the opportunity to use the funding for teams or for their own professional development in esports, such as enrolling in the NASEF Skillshot Coaching Certification Course.

LATM/LSTA CONFERENCE
NOV 2–3, 2023
BATON ROUGE

Join us at the 2023 Joint Conference hosted by the Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics (LATM) and the Louisiana Science Teachers Association (LSTA)! We encourage you to attend, present a session, or exhibit at this premier event that brings together educators and administrators from pre-K through college levels. With valuable professional development and networking opportunities, this conference is a must-attend for math and science educators across Louisiana. Be part of a dynamic gathering of approximately 500 professionals dedicated to advancing math and science education.

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