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The Connection, the STEM Learning Ecosystems monthly newsletter
Volume V, September 2016
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September 2016

TOP NEWS: NSF INCLUDES

Congratulations to Queens 2020 and the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative on their successful NSF INCLUDES proposals!


The National Science Foundation’s INCLUDES (Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science) is a comprehensive initiative to enhance U.S. leadership in science and engineering discovery and innovation by proactively seeking and effectively developing STEM talent from all sectors and groups in our society. By facilitating partnerships, communication and cooperation, NSF aims to build on and scale up what works in broadening participation programs to reach underserved populations nationwide.

On September 12, 2016, the first NSF INCLUDES awards were issued to 37 projects. Among the 37 are two projects led by STEM Learning Ecosystems – Queens 2020 and the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative.
 

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: Maker Spaces

Connecting MakerSpaces with Schools

Findings from the STEMLiMS project could help in supporting young people to connect the personal interest-driven work that they engage in at Makerspaces with the more formalized demands of STEM learning in school. 
 

Assessing What Happens in MakerSpaces

Informalscience.org  also reports on a May 2016 discussion among researchers and practitioners who are interested in the study of making as learning. 

RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY STEM ECOSYSTEMS: Expand ED Report

https://youtu.be/xXDv9vr3cOA
A few months ago, Expand ED Schools – a partner in the New York City STEM Education Network, released a new research brief reporting on the promising findings of the STEM Educators Academy, an ExpandED Schools initiative where classroom teachers and after-school educators engage in joint professional development at premiere science institutions and then work together back at their schools to teach maker-design projects that spark student interest and cultivate curiosity in STEM subjects. Recommendations of the report include:
  • Encourage collaborative teaching methods to boost learning.
  • Use data about what is and isn't working to drive professional development.
  • Build in adequate time for teaching teams to plan together.  Read more.
Has your ecosystem recently published something you'd like us to highlight? Please let us know.

RESOURCES & REPORTS 

Be sure to check out the following reports and field informing resources. 

EVENTS 

Find out more information on upcoming events. Learn more... 

Sept. 29, 2016: 1:00-2:00PM ET, 10:00-11:00AM PT. Webinar: Lessons Learned for Effective Evaluation of Girl-Serving CS Programming. Register here.
Oct. 5-7, 2016, National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) Conference, Indianapolis, IN. Register here.
Oct. 9-11, 2016, The International STEM Education Association (ISEA) STEM Expo 2016, Branson, MO. Register here.
Oct. 18-22, 2016: North American Association for Environmental Education 2016 Conference and Research Symposium: From Inspiration to Impact. Madison, WI. Learn more here.
Oct. 20, 2016. Lights On Afterschool! Learn more here.
Oct 24-26, 2016:  Summer Changes Everything Annual Conference Joins with School’s Out Washington’s Bridge Conference, Seattle, Washington.  Learn more here.

The Building the Field:  Designing and Implementing Community-Based STEM Learning Ecosystems Initiative is supported by the STEM Funders Network.
The STEM Funders Network brings together grantmakers working in STEM to learn from one another, leverage their collective resources and collaborate on high-impact projects they could not undertake alone. The vision of the STEM Funders Network is that all U.S. students should have equal opportunity to engage in high-quality STEM learning experiences that will enhance their ability to succeed in a STEM career or other chosen path.
Copyright © 2016 STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice, All rights reserved.


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