February 2024
WUP MiSTEM Updates
Emily Geiger, WUP MiSTEM Network Director
(906)482-4250 ext. 188
CCISD HS Biology Professional Learning Network (PLN)
This CCISD HS Biology Professional Learning Network (PLN) is the result of expressed interest in creating a community of HS Biology educators within the CCISD. Join the CCISD HS Biology PLN for a collaborative experience.
Are you curious about what other educators are doing in their classrooms? Do you face similar challenges? different challenges? What curriculum is best?
Members of this PLN will dictate the direction of the series of meetings. Emily Geiger, WUP MiSTEM Director will facilitate the meetings.
Goals of the CCISD HS Biology PLN are:
- to create a network of support
- to identify successful pedagogy
- to compare and contrast various curriculum
- to explore 3P learning
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CCISD Elementary STEM Professional Learning Network (PLN)
This CCISD Elementary STEM Professional Learning Network (PLN) is the result of expressed interest in creating a community of Elementary STEM educators within the CCISD. Join the CCISD Elementary STEM PLN for a collaborative experience.
Are you curious about what other educators are doing in their classrooms? Do you face similar challenges? different challenges? What curriculum is best?
Members of this PLN will dictate the direction of the series of meetings. Emily Geiger, WUP MiSTEM Director will facilitate the meetings.
Goals of the CCISD Elementary STEM PLN are:
- to create a network of support
- to identify successful pedagogy
- to compare and contrast various curriculum
- to explore 3P learning
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Robotics & Fabrication Roundtable
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GOISD MS/HS Math Professional Learning Network (PLN)
February 23rd (9a-3p ET) will be our first meeting at the GOISD Bergland location. This group has been formed in response to requests from several math instructors. Please encourage your MS and HS math instructors to join this collaborative event. Topics covered will include common curriculum, common assessments, and standards alignment. WUP MiSTEM can reimburse for sub-costs accrued.
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GOISD STEM & Family Events
I am meeting with Megan to work on confirming GOISD district event dates.
An idea to solicit volunteers would be to investigate high school student availability and need for service hours. I am happy to reach out to local businesses and community organizations to request volunteers, too. Something to think about!
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WUP MiSTEM & Michigan Tech CSEO to host WUP STEM Fair & Festival:
March 16th @ 1-4p ET
Students in grades 4-8 are invited to conduct traditional science projects and or engineering design/invention projects and submit their work to compete in the Western U.P. Science and Engineering Fair at Michigan Tech’s Memorial Union Building (MUB). Transportation assistance is available.
See information below for parents of grades 4-8 students.
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GOISD students are invited to a Pi-day Competition at Gogebic Community College.
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Michigan Science Teacher Association (MSTA) 2024 Conference
Please view the conference flyer below for more information. Interested participants can register here and can access the MOU here (with details on offered support).
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Michigan Green Schools_Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Program
Be Recognized for Excellence in Environmental Awareness & Stewardship
Are you aware of the Michigan Green Schools Program? The MI Green Schools Program is committed to promoting environmental awareness and stewardship among Michigan's students, empowering them to become the next generation of environmental leaders.
Recertification is required on an annual basis.
The MI Green School Application Period is Open! Applications are due March 3, 2024
I have a feeling most schools in the Western U.P. already qualify for certification as a Michigan Green School, but haven't received recognition. Let's change this! The application process is quite simple and can be completed by teachers without requirements from Administrators. I recently became the region's Coordinator for this program and can help walk you through the process. If you do not currently complete activities that are required to become a MI Green School, let's chat--I think we can agree that more opportunities for student stewardship and community are welcome :)
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AP CSA, CS Principles, & CS Discoveries Workshop Series
This is a nine day workshop series where participants spend five consecutive days in the Summer 2024 with participants from all around the state and eight after school or weekend modules throughout the following school year. These high-quality workshops offer year-round support for educators as they implement courses that are aligned to the Michigan Computer Science Standards. All facilitators are certified Code.org facilitators, educators, and CS experts.
Code.org Workshop One-Page Flyer - MS Flyer Link & HS Flyer Link
Michigan Code.org Informational Website - Mi-Coding.com & Workshop Details
Link to Application - Code.org Application Page
Workshop Logistics
Summer Workshop
Participants will engage in high quality professional learning workshops during the summer. Participants will have the opportunity to dive into the curriculum, deepen their CS content knowledge, and connect with other CS educators from around the state. A virtual option will be made available for those that are unable to meet face-to-face.
Dates: Two Options for Professional Learning Workshops
- Bay City (Face-to-face) - July 8-12, 2024, or
- Virtual Workshop - July 22-July 26, 2024 (Not available for AP CSA)
Summer Workshop Include:
- Face-to-face Workshop: Workshop materials, lodging, breakfast/lunch meals, and swag
- Virtual Workshop: Workshop materials, swag, and $750 stipend pending approvals
Quarterly Implementation Workshop
Participants will engage in eight afterschool module workshops throughout the school year to support implementation of CS Discoveries, CS Principles, and AP CSA. These workshops prepare educators for the upcoming curriculum in a timely fashion.
Dates: To be determined - determined during Summer 2024 workshops
Location: Virtual - Zoom connection
Workshops Includes: Workshop Materials, $600 stipend for completion of all module workshops pending approvals
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for educators who are willing to commit to the professional learning series and use the lesson materials in Fall 2024. No computer science experience is required to attend this learning series. Administration at the school district/organization will be part of the application process.
Applications Are Now Available - Apply Today!
Applications are now available on the Code.org website. All participants must complete the application process in order to attend. Participants will automatically be considered for a scholarship (valued at $2,500) as part of the application process. This workshop has limited seats, apply today!
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