STEM Initiative and Seminar

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is an important topic for our nation.  In order to remain competitive in the global arena, we must increase the number of students entering STEM fields.   If the United States wishes to remain a world leader, we must elevate STEM skills to relevant and critical, and establish a classroom of experiential learning at an early age. The country's ability to generate new products and innovate to solve the world's problems is dependent on STEM.

The MISF STEM Initiative is entering its fourth year of service to MISF member schools. With grant support from a variety of partners, MISF member schools have been able to increase classroom investments in technology and equipment.  These investments continue to improve the classroom learning opportunities of students and, in turn, have improved their engagement in STEM subject areas. Students with hands-on learning opportunities and access to state-of-the-art technology are students that take more advanced courses during their high school careers.  These students are better positioned to enter college without dependence on remedial support.  Studies show that students who take rigorous math and science courses in high school are proficient in process and problem solving.  They are more likely to graduate from college, regardless of their focus or major.  

A new focus for the STEM Initiative this year is a Mini-Grant Program that provides support to teachers from MISF member schools to develop curriculum for student engagement projects. Our goal is to encourage teachers to incorporate guided inquiry, service learning, design thinking, engineering and technology concepts in projects that engage students in STEM fields. Mini-Grant guidelines and application forms are available for download at this STEM program website: MISF STEM Initiative: Mini-Grant Program. There is also a sample application available and an opportunity to register for online training sessions to learn more about how to apply for a mini-grant.  

Three MISF member schools participated in the Mini-Grant Program this summer as demonstration sites. Each school's team of teachers developed a project-based learning opportunity for their students. Their projects and curriculum plans are available at this web site: MISF STEM Initiative: Mini-Grant Program.  

To further improve the classroom experience of educators and students, MISF has instituted an annual STEM Teacher Seminar.  This program focuses on MISF's belief in the value of hands-on experiential learning, math and science integration, team-based learning, and creative problem solving.  The seminar provides educators with access to professional development and resources based on teaching trends, opportunities to partner with fellow educators to develop lesson plans using technology, and examples of web-based learning and internet resources necessary for classroom instruction in the digital age.  Sessions are delivered by leaders in higher education, members of the informal science community, and fellow STEM educators. To view an agenda from the MISF STEM Teacher Seminar, click here.  In addition to the conference, MISF has assembled a number of valuable STEM resources to assist educators in the classroom.  To view these resources, click here.

MISF is seeking partners and sponsors for this program.  To learn more about how you can support the MISF STEM Initiative or the STEM Teacher Seminar, please contact Margo Berg, MISF STEM Initiative Program Manager.  Sponsorships are available.

Programs

Minnesota Private and Independent Education Awards Celebration

STEM Initiative

School Head Retreat

MISF 2009-10 Event Calendar

Contact Us