STEM BEST Program

Collaboration Between Schools and Businesses Grow

Iowa’s STEM imperative continues to grow with the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council welcoming 13 new models to the STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program, which brings the total to 63 since the STEM BEST Program launched in
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Scores of Iowa students compared to students nationwide

Mathematics as a Magnet to STEM

America’s Strategy for STEM Education maps out the Federal Government’s five-year plan for STEM education to help position the United States as a global leader in STEM literacy, innovation and employment.

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Ashley Mitchell completed an Externship with the Iowa National Guard

Employers, Now is the Time to Plan for 2020 STEM Teacher Externship

Work-based learning offers valuable experience for today’s students to gain knowledge and training for future workforce opportunities. For teachers too, the STEM Teacher Externship Program helps connect classrooms to careers through the immersion of STEM educators in workplace settings for six weeks in the summer.

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Students enjoy hands-on STEM activities.

Family STEM Festivals Spark Interest in STEM

Family STEM Festivals appeal to families in communities across Iowa for the fun-filled and educational atmosphere. From virtual welding and testing chemical reactions to robotics and medical simulations, Family STEM Festivals are exciting and enjoyable for all ages. 

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Educators test out resource tools and materials for potential use in the classroom.

Elementary Schools Prepare to Implement Computer Science in the Classroom

Twelve schools are leading the way for computer science instruction in Iowa as part of the Computer Science is Elementary project. Nearly 100 educators and administrators from these schools gathered at the FFA Enrichment Center located on the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Ankeny for the Computer Science is Elementary Institute.

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