STEM - Solve, Think, Experience, Make

There are lots of exciting events occurring this spring and summer. It is going to be an action packed, exciting semester and summer.See below for ways to get involved.

Reach out to Andi Parr, aparr@esc12.net, with any questions.

Pre-K - 12 STEM Newsletter

February 2024

Hey y’all! What are you going to be doing on Monday, April 8, 2024? Did you know there will be a total Solar Eclipse happening, and much of Central Texas is in the path?

Some of you will be at school on this day, and others of you will be home. In either place, you and your students can measure something about the effects of the total Solar Eclipse.

For more information and resources on “Measuring the Solar Eclipse” go to esc12.net/stem and scroll down to the tab 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.

In preparation for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th, the City of Waco has an entire weekend planned, including a free STEM celebration, STEAMclipse, on Saturday, April 6th.

In addition to attending, you are invited to participate in one or more of the following ways.

Go to www.esc12.net/steamclipse to sign up!

Interactive booth

When considering STEAM, consider the words Solve, Think, Experience, Apply, and Make. STEAM transcends all contents and avenues. Creative, purposeful problem-solving.

Does this definition of STEAM describe your classroom, business or organization? We need you to showcase what you are doing by having a booth.

Booths need not to be eclipse-related.

Entertaining Performance

All bands, choirs, dance teams, theatre groups, and performers are welcome and encouraged to complete the interest form.

There are thirty-minute slots available for you throughout the event at no cost. There is an indoor stage, an outdoor stage, and open areas throughout the Convention Center available depending on group size and needs.

Performances need not to be eclipse-related.

Volunteer

An area of great need to have the day run smoothly is volunteers. We are recruiting a vast number of volunteers to assist in part or all of the day.

There are multiple roles and time slots available. Choose the area and time(s) that work best for you and/or your team.

Individual and group registration is available.

Looking for Eclipse Glasses?

Free Resources from the Mayborn Museum - link
Free Resources from the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Buc-ee's - link
Halo Mulit-functional Eclipse Glasses - link

Registration is open Jan 8 - March 15

Be sure to reserve your spot today!

Flier Link

ESC 12 STEM Cohort

Starts Spring 2024

Back by popular demand, the ESC Region 12 STEM Cohort will launch in April 2024. Each of the seven sessions are independent, so you can attend as many as your schedule allows. Each session has the option to receive a classroom set of materials being used.

The cohort is open to all grades and content areas. With the updated K - 8 Tech Apps being implemented Fall 2024, each STEM cohort session will take a deep dive into one of the strands.

Contact Andi Parr, aparr@esc12.net, with any questions.

2nd Annual Computer Science Day,

April 13, 2024

The Computer Science & Engineering Department of Texas A&M University is hosting the 2nd Annual Computer Science (CS) Day on April 13, 2024, on the College Station campus to introduce those in high school to opportunities in Computer Science. Attendance is free of charge. Students will engage in hands-on activities and listen to experts in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

We ask that each group have a chaperone to monitor their students throughout the day. Check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. Formal activities will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the day will end around 5:00 p.m. We will have a presentation by undergraduate advisors for potential students, and there will be informational tables for students to learn more about the department, campus resources, student organizations, and the application/admission process. The required ratio is 12:1, but the highly recommended ratio is 12:2. Students are also able to attend with a parent or guardian.

Registration for the event is open at http://csday.org/

Interested in eSports?

Vanta eSports has several resources to support coaches, students, and your esports program. Click on the links below to learn more.

Vanta STEM Esports Camps Overview - Esports Game Design Camps
Esports Professional Development For Faculty - Vanta Coaching Guides
Vanta Team Based Esports Coaching - Vanta Coaching Overview

Questions? Schedule a time to meet with Daniel Brumbaugh here.

NextWaveSTEM offers in-school, after-school, and summer courses by providing STEM instructors, curriculum, teacher professional development, and STEM kits on the following technologies to help start or expand your STEAM program.

Schedule a time with Rafael Childress here to learn more.

Wondering how you can grow as a leader in education?

Apply today to join the 2024 ESC Principal Preparation and Certification Program with ESC Region 12!

ESC Region 12 offers a thirteen-month blended preparation program consisting of face-to-face classes and online coursework. Candidates receive one-on-one PASL coaching and support, along with individualized support for the TExES 268 certification assessment. T-TESS and Advancing Educational Leadership certifications are also included so that once you complete the program, you are ready to begin your journey as a school principal.

Applications are due by April 30, 2024.

Classes begin for the 2024 cohort on June 6, 2024.

Learn more and apply to join the 2024 cohort at www.esc12.net/ppcp.