LATEST NEWS & INFO Category: Teachers

It’s a busy time for computer science in Ohio. The first ever Computer Science Advocacy day at the Ohio Statehouse will be held on December 10, 2019. Learn more about the event here. For computer science workshops for administrators and elementary educators, head over to the events calendar. But the main subject of today’s post is Code.org’s Professional Learning Program. This intensive, year-long learning experience prepares middle and high school educators to teach Code.org’s Computer Science Discoveries (middle school) or […]

STEM educators know it can be difficult showing students how classroom learning can lead to real-world jobs. Professionals with STEM-related careers might not be available for school visits. And taking a whole class on a factory tour is not always feasible. But what if the teacher takes the factory tour, learning about and documenting the job opportunities, and carries that knowledge back to the classroom? That’s the goal of the Manufacturing and Engineering Externship Program (MEEP). Funded by a grant […]

Good things are happening fast at Chase STEMM Academy. The K-8 building in the Toledo Public district earned an overall grade of “B” on its latest School Report Card from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), after logging an “F” in 2015. Chase also has received statewide honors, being named an Ohio School to Watch by ODE and earning the department’s Momentum Award. How has the urban school come so far so quickly? We asked principal Jack Hunter about the […]

To kick off the 2020 #STEMdrivesOhio Design Challenge, we hosted a launch event at the COSI Science Center. Teachers learned about Smart Mobility and how to implement a design challenge at their school. As a resource, this post summarizes the day and provides links to bring those ideas into your classrooms. We’re also proud to announce the launch of designchallenge.osln.org. The site will serve as your one-stop shop for understanding how to participate in the #STEMdrivesOhio Design Challenge, resources on […]

After several years of discussion, new graduation requirements are coming. In response to a call for more options, the new graduation standards, which will become effective in mid-October, go beyond the usual tests and offer combinations of criteria that students can satisfy to demonstrate their qualifications to graduate high school. For insight on the new requirements, we contacted Sarah Wilson at the Ohio Department of Education: Q: Tell us about your job at the Ohio Department of Education and your […]

In 2016, Battelle began operating the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) under an agreement with the National Science Foundation. NEON provides open, standardized ecological data from across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Now, to challenge educators to use NEON data in their K-12 STEM programming, Battelle has announced the Battelle NEON STEM Grant. Educators can submit grant proposals for lessons that would use NEON data for topics ranging from climate change to animal population movements and much more. Final grant proposals are due by 5 p.m. EDT on Oct. 31, with awards announced in December. Technical assistance webinars […]

One might think that an enterprise called the PAST Foundation would be focused on, well, the past. But that’s not the case with this Columbus-based non-profit education organization. The PAST Foundation wants to transform the future of teaching and learning through its emphasis on STEM education, school design and workforce development. Through its programs, which include its Innovation Lab; professional development training for school administrators and teachers; and student activities, to name a few, the foundation works to change education […]

This year’s statewide design challenge, #STEMdrivesOhio, explores Smart Mobility – using new technologies to improve the mobility of people and goods. That may sound very technical for younger students, but this West Chester school is up to the challenge. At the Kinder Garden School, youngsters in kindergarten through third grade work on an improved kid’s car seat. By centering safety and community wellness, the school’s using the design challenge as a learning experience. These young learners will even present their […]

Legislative update In May, we shared the testimony of Kelly Gaier Evans to the Ohio Senate in favor of changes to Ohio’s licensure for computer science teachers. These changes were approved by the Ohio Senate and signed into law by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on July 18. They provide a short-term computer science licensure solution as Ohio works on alignment of programs to the new standards.The amendment: Permits schools to allow licensed 7-12 teachers to teach Computer Science if that […]

For the second year, we’re proud to recognize four leaders from around the network. A teacher, a principal, an innovator, and an advocate each accepted commendation for their dedication to improving education in our state. Below, read the formal release from Battelle praising these important leaders. 2019 Ohio STEM Excellence Awards Unveiled COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 13, 2019)—The Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) has recognized the four winners of the “STEM Excellence Awards.” These awards recognize outstanding teachers, school leaders, or education advocates […]