OSLN News

This year’s #STEMbuildsOhio Design & Entrepreneurship Challenge asks students to consider how they can improve their school, community, or world by reimagining an existing physical space, system, product, or service so that it is more equitable, accessible, or efficient. Educators can sign up now to begin the challenge. We’re proud to announce two major supports for educators interested in the challenge. First, our design challenge web portal (https://designchallenge.osln.org/) has been fully updated. With new resources on the infrastructure topic, basics on the […]

Recent malware attacks against American businesses have prompted greater awareness of cyber threats nationwide. Government and private entities are gearing up to ward off such attacks, but what about K-12 schools and the young people they serve? Do educators and children need to become “cyber safe” in school and at home? And, if so, how do they get started? One way is through the K-12 Cyber Challenge, which aims to help school staff members and their students become knowledgeable about […]

As America looks to redesign and rebuild with the passage of the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, you can inspire a new team of infrastructure-savvy students. This year’s #STEMbuildsOhio Design & Entrepreneurship Challenge asks students to consider how they can improve their school, community, or world by reimagining an existing physical space, system, product, or service so that it is more equitable, accessible, or efficient. Educators can sign up now to begin the challenge. Over the next few weeks, we’ll […]

“All students can benefit from a STEM mindset, and I encourage all students to explore the value of a STEM education for all careers.” That’s how Meg Draeger, recent winner of the Excellence in STEM Leadership Award, views STEM coursework. Draeger is STEMM coordinator at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, where she oversees a variety of programs including STEM summer camps, a speaker series and student involvement in STEM-related service efforts. Her award, from Ohio STEM Learning Network, […]

Making real world connections to the lessons she teaches is a goal of the winner of the 2021 Excellence in STEM Teaching Award. Tammy Laughlin, media specialist at Circleville Elementary School, recently won the award from the Ohio STEM Learning Network. Laughlin teaches K-5 STEM/Technology. Examples of her lessons include artificial intelligence in robots, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, bridge design and construction, and 3D printing, all while using the engineering and design process. Her educational approach is centered on […]

Thanks to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, schools across the Midwest can enroll in a free COVID-19 testing program. The newly launched Midwest Coordination Center (https://www.testedandprotected.org/) will pair schools with testing labs to deliver weekly screening results to schools and other organizations. The Midwest Coordination Center is managed by Battelle, which also manages the Ohio STEM Learning Network. Testing under the program is free, including sample collection supplies and shipping materials. Providing access to easy, reliable, and […]

Connecting skilled STEM-school graduates with available, high-paying manufacturing jobs is the goal of many Ohio educators and factory owners. Helping to make that connection is the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership, or COMP. The organization’s goal is “increasing the number of qualified applicants available to manufacturers in the central-Ohio region” – an 11-county area home to 1,700 manufacturers employing more than 86,000 people. COMP’s stakeholders include manufacturers, schools, job seekers and various economic development boards. To find out more about COMP, […]