As we end the year, we’re taking a look back at our top posts from 2021. These are the announcements from us you found most valuable. For each one, we’ve included a brief note covering what you can expect to hear about these initiatives in 2022. Have other questions about next year? Post a comment and we’ll do our best to answer.
Top posts
OSLN STEM Classroom Grant Program
This year we launched our first flagship grant opportunity just for classroom teachers. With well over 100 applications, interest was strong. In January, we’ll announce the educators who will be receiving up to $5,000 to expand STEM learning in their school.
Posts: Announcing the new OSLN STEM Classroom Grant Program; Three ideas for your OSLN STEM Classroom Grant
#STEMbuildsOhio Design & Entrepreneurship Challenge
A “design challenge” can be a powerful way to start integrating community-based problem solving, design thinking, and other STEM habits into your classroom. Each year, the Ohio STEM Learning Network coordinates a statewide challenge, culminating in a showcase of student solutions from across the state. In 2022, you’ll see new professional development supports for the challenge and all the details on how your students will be recognized. Join us on for a Winter design challenge kickoff on January 27, 2022 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm and complete the final registration for your school here.
Post: Announcing our next challenge: #STEMbuildsOhio
Computer Science Discoveries and Computer Science Principles from Code.orgÂ
Applications for this intense, year-long experience will reopen in just a few weeks. Do you know an educator who’s ready to make the jump to computer science education? Nominate them for the application here.
Post: 2021-2022 Code.org professional development opens, apply now!
Ohio Rural Educators Program and the Manufacturing and Engineering Externship Program
Teachers are hard at work through both these programs, expanding their STEM skills and the STEM experiences they can offer students. Later in the year, we’ll check in with them and share some of the new lesson plans and best practices they’ve learned.
Posts: Rural science teachers: New opportunity from OSLN!;Â Science teachers: Apply by August 12 for Ohio Rural Educators Program;Â STEM externship program for teachers restarts, apply by April 2
Ohio STEM/STEAM School Designation
Designation is a powerful way the State of Ohio recognizes schools with a school-wide focus on high-quality STEM/STEAM education. The Ohio STEM Learning Network is currently accepting draft applications for designation in 2022. Applications are due for pre-review to [email protected] by January 19.
Posts:Â Three new schools receive STEM designation; 2021 STEM/STEAM school designation deadlines and guiding webinars
New network leadership
After three years of growing the Ohio STEM Learning Network, Heather Sherman moved to lead the national STEMx network. Kelly Gaier Evans has assumed the director’s chair, after leading computer science education efforts for the network.
Post: Transition news