The Ohio STEM Learning looks forward to supporting Ohio educators, students, and communities again this school year. Though school may look different, we will continue to grow STEM culture statewide.
Battelle’s investment in STEM education is making a difference nationally and in Ohio. Through our STEM networks and philanthropy, Battelle reached over 325,000 students last year. The Ohio STEM Learning Network is strong – with 79 designated STEM/STEAM schools, better than ever collaboration and alignment with the Ohio Department of Education, and revitalized network hubs, we are positioned to make even more impact in all regions of Ohio this year.
I’m excited to announce that we have new leaders in three OSLN hubs. Over the next few months, you’ll hear from each of these leaders directly:
- Central Ohio Hub – Mary and Jeff Schneider from the PAST foundation are taking the lead in Central Ohio. Mary and Jeff will leverage the connections of the PAST foundation and their strong presence in Columbus to support Central Ohio STEM initiatives.
- Dayton Hub – Jenn Reid and Stephanie Adams Taylor from the Dayton Regional STEM School Training Center are joining Dr. Brian Boyd to lead the Dayton Hub. This trio will bring the best of Dayton Regional STEM School and Wright State University together to reach even more people in Dayton.
- Southeast Ohio – Ohio University’s Dr. Nancy Stevens will be leading the Southeast Hub. Ohio University’s vast regional campus network is a great resource support STEM across the 21 counties that make up the Southeast Ohio Hub.
Stay connected with the network – We’re eagerly looking forward to collaborating with and supporting you with professional learning sessions, the statewide design challenge and opportunities to collaborate and share with one another this year. To stay up-to-date about all OSLN news, go to OSLN.org/sign-up.
OSLN Design Challenge: Our design challenge continues this year. This year’s #STEMpowersOhio Design and Entrepreneurship Challenge asks students: “How can you reimagine energy production/consumption to improve your community?” Thanks to support from Constellation Energy, this year’s event will be bigger than ever, with the launch of a new cohort experience for rural educators.
The #STEMpowersOhio challenge is also supported by a new list of partners: Ohio Energy Project, OOGEEP, Education Projects.org, Young Entrepreneur Institute and the Ohio Afterschool Network, With the uncertainty about the spring, we’ve made some adjustments to this year’s challenge:
- Participants can present individual, or team-created solutions
- Participants will create a prototype and a 30 – 90 second pitch of their idea
- Afterschool programs and clubs may participate
- School showcases may be virtual, or in-person
- Statewide showcase will be virtual
Several free professional development sessions will be offered to ensure that teachers and afterschool program providers have the resources they need to lead this energy design challenge.
Ohio Rural Energy Education Cohort –3-7th grade Ohio teachers in small and rural schools are invited to apply to participate in a special cohort. This 3 week program will prepare you to lead the #STEMpowersOhio Design & Entrepreneurship Challenge at your school. The program will be held Nov. 4, 11, and 18 from 4 pm to 6 pm. Participation is limited to 50 teachers, so please apply soon.
Register here.