November 2024

NWO held a fantastic day with Washington Local Schools 7th/8th Science Teachers at Imagination Station learning about physical science concepts like energy transfer, thermal expansion, circuits, elastic potential energy and the design process!

With the goal of growing interest in STEM-based fields of study and careers, the Northwest Ohio Center for Excellence in STEM Education (NWO) at Bowling Green State University’s College of Education and Human Development held the 41st annual Women in STEM program for over 360 sixth through eighth grade students from northwest Ohio.

The day began with a keynote presentation from Perrysburg STEM teacher Amy Boros titled: “Discover your STEM Style! From Hiking Boots to Flight Suits”. Amy’s presentation inspired the students to remain lifelong learners with stories and a bit of fashion from her incredible STEM adventures throughout her career as an educator, engaging the audience to create their own adventure by building and launching a mini-straw rocket.

After the keynote, students spent the rest of the day exploring and performing experiments and hands-on activities in psychology, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics and technology and others as they learned about the STEM fields and what STEM has to offer in high school and beyond. BGSU STEM faculty along with presenters from a wide range of STEM professions offered breakout sessions and hands-on workshops throughout the day.

One student stated, “Women in STEM really opened my eyes to the opportunities and jobs I could do in STEM. I loved the fun activities that we did!”

Workshop session titles included: “Gelling with Science”, in which participants learned how to make hair gel, “Who Drank my Venti Whipped Double Shot Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew?- A Crime Scene Investigation”; “Pipeline Systems & Transporting Natural Gas”; “Mathematicians in Heels”; “Coding Fun with Ozobots”.

When asked about her perception on the impact of the event, one presenter stated, “One of the best days of my year. I thoroughly enjoy working with the girls and supporting this event!”

Another one of the over seventy presenters stated, “From my experience, “Women in STEM” plays a significant role in developing students’ interest in and identity as scientists and engineers not only by exposing them to a variety of career options but by providing in person experiences with STEM careers. It makes learning fun, accessible and provides students with real life applications for STEM.”

NWO, one of the seven hubs of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, annually organizes the event, and is partnership among area universities, K-12 schools, and community partners, with a goal to advance STEM education for people of all ages. Sponsors for the 41^st annual Women in STEM program were BGSU, The Anderson’s, Lubrizol, the McMaster Family Foundation and NWO.

Jenna Pollock , Education Program Manager of NWO stated, "Women in STEM is a program that showcases careers in the STEM fields, demonstrating to students it's achievable to major in STEM fields in high school and college. We are thrilled to hold this event every year, demonstrating to this age group a rewarding career in STEM is more than possible."

For more information and photos of the event, please see the website at: https://www.bgsu.edu/nwo/programs/women-in-stem.html

Battelle and the Ohio STEM Learning Network recently announced the funding of 248 grants totaling $1,160,000 to enhance STEM learning in classrooms across Ohio. The Ohio STEM Learning Network Classroom Grants support sustainable, STEM-based educational projects in 197 public schools and 144 school districts in 67 counties. In total, students in one of five districts will benefit from the awards.

“Battelle is dedicated to broadening the scope of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, Ohio’s key resource for promoting STEM education statewide,” stated Wes Hall, Vice President of Philanthropy & Education at Battelle. “These grants are crucial in empowering educators throughout Ohio to inspire and prepare the problem-solvers of tomorrow.”

The program fosters the growth of the Ohio STEM Learning Network as a public-private partnership between Battelle and the State of Ohio. Ensuring all students develop the skills to be successful in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is Battelle’s top philanthropic priority.

“Access to high-quality STEM education opens doors to new opportunities for families and supports job creation in local communities,” said Kelly Gaier Evans, Director of the Ohio STEM Learning Network. “This grant program connects local STEM champions to an extensive network of STEM schools, resources, and other educators.”

Awarded classrooms will receive grants of up to $5,000.

Educators interested in future awards or additional support for STEM education from the Ohio STEM Learning Network can sign up here. A complete list of awarded schools is available at this link.

About the Ohio STEM Learning Network

The Ohio STEM Learning Network is committed to helping the State of Ohio inspire and train the next generation of innovative leaders. The network operates as a public-private partnership between the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and Battelle. The Northwest Ohio Center for Excellence in STEM Education at Bowling Green State University’s College of Education and Human is one of the seven hubs of the Ohio STEM Learning Network and assists OSLN with the championing of STEM initiatives across the northwest Ohio region.

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries.

For more information, visit www.battelle.org.

Current Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) opportunities

Computer Science Licensure Exam Prep Program

The Ohio STEM Learning Network’s Licensure Exam Prep Program will deepen educator’s understanding and preparation for licensure as a computer science teacher under Ohio’s supplemental pathway. Aligned to Ohio Assessments for Educators: Computer Science (054), the program combines guided virtual study group sessions and an on-demand digital learning platform.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until December 6, 2024. Program may reach capacity before this date. Apply here.

Ohio Sustains Space Design Challenge

Each year, the Ohio STEM Learning Network hosts a design challenge where students collaborate to create a workable solution to key issues facing the world. Any school in Ohio can participate in the challenge. The design challenge is the perfect starting point to begin implementing high-quality STEM education best practices in a classroom.

#OhioSustainsSpace Design Challenge: How do we improve the sustainability of life in low-Earth orbit, such as living aboard the Starlab space station?

• Connect to industry through the Expert Link and SpaceBytes programs offered in partnership with Starlab
• Register for a guidebook with step by step directions, links to background information and more

https://osln.org/how-we-help/classroom-opportunities/statewide-design-challenge/

Ohio STEM Innovation Summit

Build connections, get empowered to lead on June 3, 2025

The Ohio STEM Learning Network proudly announces the third annual Ohio STEM Innovation Summit will be held on June 3, 2025 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Over the past two years, the Ohio STEM Innovation Summit has become a pivotal gathering for educators, leaders, and partners dedicated to advancing high-quality STEM education in the state. Sold out events in 2023 and 2024 inspired hundreds of attendees to return to their schools and organizations invigorated and prepared to do more.

More details are coming soon. Be sure to sign up for emails to hear when sessions, exhibitor registration, and tickets are available.

New in Learning Blade!

We’re thrilled to announce that Learning Blade’s new Ohio flyer is now available, showcasing an updated design for states to help educators seamlessly integrate STEM, computer science, and career awareness into classrooms!

Check it out here!

To Sign up for a free account: LearningBlade.com/OH

To learn more, schedule FREE professional development here:

https://calendly.com/d/3xc-4s3-99n

Ohio Invention League

Ohio Invention League (OIL) s an inclusive, educational, non-profit organization that offers STEAM programming for K-12 students, educators, and out-of-school programs across the state of Ohio. Ohio Invention League welcomes anyone who wishes to inspire curiosity, confidence, and creative problem-solving in Ohio’s youth through innovation, invention, and entrepreneurial education!

https://www.inventionleague.org/

BGSU NSF Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing RET Program 2025

This program provides six-week paid summer 2025 experience for high school and community college educators currently teaching STEM subjects who have interest in developing and incorporating instructional modules in the following academic year.

The Summer 2025 topics will focus on robotics and advanced manufacturing.

Selected Program Participants will:

• Receive a $6,000 stipend (paid at the end of the six-week summer experience).
• Receive one-time $200 stipend to defray travel expenses.
• Receive lunch and snacks during on campus dates.
• Receive professional development verification of participation certificate.
• Develop an instructional module to teach a topic related to their research.
• Receive $500 upon curriculum implementation in the following academic year.
• Engage in a research project with faculty mentors and graduate students.
• Attend research presentations, curriculum development workshops, and industry tours.

Program Participant Eligibility Requirements include:

• Educators currently teaching in high school or community college STEM subjects.
• Available to commit to six weeks from June 9 - July 18, 2025 (excluding holidays).
• Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm on campus at BGSU/Friday, 9am - 4pm remote.
• Committed to incorporating instructional module in the following academic year.
• Completed NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP) including supporting documents).

2025 BGSU NSF Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing RET application window is now open and information about dates, details and link to apply are now published at https://www.bgsu.edu/technology-architecture-and-applied-engineering/about-the-college/NSFGrantAdvancedManufacturingWorkshop.html.

Fall Teacher In-service & Resource Fair

December 10, 2024 3:30pm - 5:15pm Yager Center @ Swan Creek Metropark. Join Lucas SWCD and The Educational Service Center of Lake Erie-West for the Fall Teacher In-service and Resource Fair. Opportunities available to interact with local organizations to hear about resources for the classroom. The featured speaker, Penny Bollin from Lucas SWCD, will facilitate a session on establishing a green space at schools. Patrick Troyer, Lucas SWCD, will speak on grant opportunities to get your greenspace and other projects going. Earn CEU Credits! For how to register, visit: www.LucasSWCD.org/edworkshops.

BGSU CyberFuture Spring Camp 2025

BGSU Department of Computer Science 5th - 7th graders paired with BGSU undergraduate mentors to explore the world of Cybersecurity.

Registration is free and seats are limited.
Dates: Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. – 3: 45 p.m.
2/22/2025, 3/8/2025, 3/22/2025, 4/12/2025

https://bgsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3dQVkhxvi4clLh4

Grow Next Gen

FREE science curriculum for Ohio teachers! Explore hands-on labs, virtual field trips, and career resources that center student engagement and teach biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and technology.

Visit http://grownextgen.org

Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West

Environmental Education PD Opportunities

Flyer Link: https://conta.cc/4fF6WwJ

Virtual STEM Info Series

All sessions held from 3:45 pm - 4:30 pm via Zoom. Link sent to registrants prior to session

Dates and Registration Links Below:

1. December 5. 2024 (synchronous) Register Here
2. January 9, 2025 (asynchronous) Register Here
3. February 13, 2025 (synchronous) Register Here
4. March 6. 2025 (synchronous) Register Here
5. April 3, 2025 (asynchronous) Register Here
6. May 8, 2025 (synchronous) Register Here