We are all aware that we are in the technology era. As a teacher of this era, I recognize that STEM learning opportunities are necessary. It is as important as teaching standard math and language arts, yet many teachers are still struggling to secure comprehensive training in this area. I am one of these and I have been able to identify the below resources as potential solutions.
Arizona STEM Acceleration Project (ASAP
http://www.stemteachers.asu.edu/
The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project (ASAP) is a new fellowship initiative between ASU’s Center for Science and the Imagination and Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College that links educators, professional development and funding. The goal is to speed up the delivery of STEM in all classes across Arizona through teacher development and access to materials. ASAP is open to any teacher in Arizona! This means that you do not have to be a STEM teacher nor work at a Title1 school to qualify. Watch this quick video to learn more about the program. This opportunity closes soon, so do not hesitate. Submit your application…ASAP!
Arizona Geographic Alliance (AzGA)
About a month ago, a coworker invited me to attend an upcoming geography conference with the Arizona Geographic Alliance (AzGA). He told me it cost $25.00 and this is refunded to me if I actually attend. Plus, they serve lunch. My only answer to that invitation was “Of course!” I went and I am so glad that I did! This is an awesome organization. In addition to a slew of free resources on their website, like geography workbooks and links to free online textbooks, they gave away goody bags with National Geographic maps and several free textbooks at the conference. I was able to secure some Geometry and Science Texts that I think will entertain quite a few of my students.
Now, let’s get to the conference. Honestly, I did not have high expectations. I was thinking “how much more can I learn about geography beyond what I already know?” I was pleasantly corrected. I attended three sessions. The first one gave new spins on city and culture research with the creation of brochures. The second one was a hands on presentation that used geography to study the Holocaust. The way that we used timelines to observe systems and geography was life changing. If interested, teachers were also able to secure free Holocaust resources. The third presentation was a demonstration of the effects of urbanization on geography. This is especially relevant to Arizona as we experience accelerated population growth. Lastly, I was able to schedule a school based Professional Development for my elementary and middle school teams. In November, we will receive training on how to teach geography with the use of giant maps. All of this (and lunch) was free!
If you have never interacted with AzGA, I suggest you check them out and get involved. Their next event will be in Sedona, AZ in May 2023. They have many virtual workshops that you can access before then. Check them out. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
Science Teacher Residency Program (STaR)
https://www.azscience.org/educators/science-teacher-residency-star-program/
The Science Teacher Residency Program (STaR) is made available by the Arizona Science Center. This program links teachers with facilitators and content that aims to correct common STEM misconceptions taught in the classroom. Delivery of services is a combination of in person and asynchronous benefits. The 2022-2023 school year module still open to applicants is the STaR Space Science Module, which focuses on grades 5-6. There are specific criteria for application and administrative agreement is required. If you think this is a program you might benefit from, I encourage you to apply.
