Our vision: All Pennsylvanians will have access to quality STEM education and career pathways to become tomorrow’s leaders, influencers, and problem-solvers.
From The Director’s Desk
Spring is an exciting time. A time to enjoy the changing of the seasons, and a time to look ahead to new things. We have new academic standards in Pennsylvania. From PDE SAS, “The newly adopted Pennsylvania Integrated Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) were developed jointly to ensure consistency, coherence and cohesive K-12 integrated approach to science education In the Commonwealth. On July 16, 2022, the Pennsylvania Bulletin published these new standards designed for full implementation by July 1, 2025.” These standards replace the previous standards which were approved in 2002. We join many other states in the nation who have adopted standards based on the Next Generation 3-Dimensional Science Standards. These PA STEELS Standards are unique to Pennsylvania in that they include not only science, but also technology & engineering and environmental literacy & sustainability standards in the approved documents.
Why are new standards necessary for Pennsylvania? A lot can be learned from the standards documents themselves, especially the introduction which states, ”Businesses and industries are growing in Pennsylvania, and they want skilled and well-educated workers who are prepared for the 21st-century economy. Students need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to enter the workforce and to be successful in a science and technology-driven global economy. To best prepare students for the 21st-century economy, Pennsylvania aims to establish an equitable and innovative culture so every student can be included in science, engineering, technology, environment and ecology education. The PA Integrated Standards for Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) were established on the following foundational beliefs:
- Every student is capable of science, engineering, technological and environmental literacy.
- Science, environment, ecology, technology and engineering can be explored through an integrated and active learning process.
- Iteration and reflection are a critical component of the learning process.
- Success depends upon the partnerships between educators, students, families,
postsecondary institutions and providers, legislators, businesses and industries.
PSSE is in support of these standards. We published a Policy Memo in January 2023 titled, Revolutionizing STEM Learning in Pennsylvania. We are currently drafting another around the topic chosen by YOU, our PSSE members: Diversity & Teacher Pipeline: PA must recruit and retain a diverse group of talented STEM teachers. We are excited for the changes to education that these standards encourage, and will continue to work with our cross-sector partnerships to illuminate new and promising methods their implementation will offer.
Yours in STEM,
Alexandra Konsur-Grushinski
STEM Resources & Opportunities: For Youth
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Hosting Farm City Day Central PA on May 8-9th
Save the date! From May 8-9, 2024, students are invited to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg for an opportunity to discover Pennsylvania agriculture. They can explore and learn through a variety of hands-on activities and engaging educational stations at Farm City Day Central PA. Give students a chance to learn about agriculture’s connections to science, math, nutrition, geography, and more.
Register for Camp CANDLE to Learn About Architectural Lighting and Electrical Design
Explore architectural engineering at Camp CANDLE – a week-long overnight summer camp from July 8-12 for high school students at least 15 years of age. Registration is $950 per student, but financial assistance is available upon request.
The schedule includes hands-on exploration of the artistic and technical aspects of architectural lighting & electrical design. Students will learn from experts how architectural lighting can enhance the built environment, improve our well-being, and contribute to a sustainable future.
STEM Resources & Opportunities: For Educators
Free Professional Development Events with transformED
TransformED at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU3) is excited to share the transformED Spring 2024 Calendar! Packed with 30+ FREE PD events, all educators are invited to learn the latest in innovative technologies and teaching practices. Be sure to not to miss events that span a range of interests, from drones, to maker education, to assistive technology.
Events
Join Us for Remake Learning Days from May 2nd to 22nd!
Get ready for Remake Learning Days across Pennsylvania this May 2 – 22nd! The PA Department of Education joins us in expanding this successful, innovative learning festival statewide. Events can still be submitted for inclusion in the festival. Please help us share this news with potential hosts and join us for the May festivities.
For more information: Check your region’s homepage on our website.
Resources
Read the Latest Newsletter From Penn State’s Center for Science and the Schools (CSATS)
Please explore the latest newsletter from Penn State’s Center for Science and the Schools to learn about inspiring stories, news, and many great opportunities. The newsletter contains information on a variety of current teacher trainings (many of which are paid) such as “Soundwaves of Discovery: Bringing Biomedical Ultrasound Into Your Classroom” and “Exploring the Depths: Navigating STEM with Underwater Acoustics.” Registration deadlines apply so don’t miss out!
Participation Needed
Pennsylvania’s Chief Science Officer (CSO) Program Seeking Participating Schools
Have you heard? Pennsylvania has a statewide Chief Science Officer (CSO) Program! CSOs are students in 6th to 12th grade who demonstrate an interest in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and/ or innovation and have a desire to impact their community. CSOs are elected by their peers to be liaisons for STEM and innovation in their schools and community.
This year, 25 out of 29 Intermediate Units (IUs) launched or expanded their CSO Cabinets. This growth has led to 86 school districts and 311 students participating in the CSO Program. The PA CSO Program addresses the following STEM education challenges:
- STEM Student Engagement Attrition
- K-16 to Workforce Skills Gap Discrepancy
- Over-rewarding of formulaic problem solving
- Shrinking Teacher Pipeline (especially in STEM/CS)
Previous PA CSOs have shared that being a CSO has allowed them to:
- advocate for STEM outreach,
- enrich other people and themselves,
- have an opportunity to make a difference, bring STEM to their community, and grow
- people’s awareness of STEM,
- be a leader and develop their leadership skills,
- be a representative for their peers, family and community, and
- be a role model for younger students.
To learn more, view this slide deck from a recent conference presentation or watch this PA CSO Program Impact video. Recruitment for CSOs for the 2024-2025 school year are currently underway.
Participate in a Paid Listening Session with PDE and PaTTAN on CS Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) are collaborating with the American Institutes of Research (AIR) to learn from Pennsylvanians’ experience with computer science (CS) education. AIR will conduct a series of listening sessions conducted in March-April 2024 on Zoom. This opportunity is for 7-12 grade students; parents, guardians and caregivers of K-12 students; and K-12 educators and administrators. Ultimately, insights gathered from the listening circles will inform state-level decision-making about CS education initiatives.
Those who complete the listening session will receive a $40 electronic gift card. To participate in a listening session, please submit an interest form. Upon completing the survey, you will receive an email response to schedule the focus group.
