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The Monthly (Micro)Scope
October Recap 2020

THE RUNDOWN

1. New Merch
We recently got new, eco-friendly, sweatshop-free, hand-printed, fair-trade, organic merch! These sweatshirts are super cozy and will keep you feeling warm, both in body and conscience. Buy one here for $40!

2. Missing Frogs in the Classroom?!

Have students solve an amphibious crime through scientific detection methods with our Crime Scene Investigation Lab! No real frogs are hurt in the process, but for those interested, we do offer Frog Dissection Kits as well. Find more lesson plans and browse our inventory for supplies!

3. SLL in the Media
Listen for our featured radio spots on WTUL 91.5 and WRBH 88.3! And perhaps you've noticed our heightened social media game? We'll update you with community-orientated engagement and classroom opportunities, so follow us Facebook and Instagram and let us know how we're doing!

4. Director's Blog
This month Todd writes about the Win-Win-Win-Win-Win (yes, five wins) relationships that make up the Teacher Free-Store.

Library Updates

This month the Equipment Lending Co-op lent out 124 items valued at $5,096.41 for local classrooms, while the Free-Store gave out an estimated $1,300 in school supplies to 20 teachers, impacting 474 students!

Lesson Plan of the Month: CRIME

Pictured is our Crime Scene Investigation kit that can be used in tandem with our free lesson plan. This activity is suitable for ages 13+ with adult supervision. Check it out on our free lesson plan database!

THE TEACHER FREE-STORE IS OPEN!

While Phase 2 restrictions remain in place, any teacher can make an appointment between 2-5pm Mondays – Thursdays for curbside pickup. View our inventory photos to find what you need for your classroom or virtual classroom! You'll see office supplies, organizers, art supplies, resource kits, learning aids, manipulatives, and more!

Schedule an Appointment Online
Know a business with extra office supplies to donate? Call the Free-Store!
504.517.3584 Extension 2

SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP

We are still offering our annual membership to all schools in the Greater New Orleans area. Memberships are based on the school's grade levels and student enrollment. Limited Scholarships are available to new members, and discounts for charter networks with multiple schools.

For complete information about membership pricing, contact Todd Wackerman at 504-517-3584 or email at twackerman@stemlibrarylab.org

New Sweatshirts!

People are literally losing their heads over these incredible sweatshirts. I mean, just look at Skelly, his mind is completely blown away!

$40 covers production cost, though we welcome any additional donations!

Comes in sizes from S to 2XL, while supplies last.

We accept Paypal and cash.

Professional Development Opportunities

Quality Math and Science Program Grant
LSU Godon A. Cain Center

The QSM Grant Program is a state funded program that awards grants up to $1,000 to K-12 public school teachers in Louisiana for purchasing non-consumable materials and equipment for standards-based, effective, innovative, and high-quality mathematics, science, and STEM course instruction.

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2020

Service Learning Award
The Brown Foundation

Funds offered to K-12 schools in Louisiana and Mississippi to link learning and service to the community through a service partner. Our Service Learning Award Application is online and available for grades K-12, to all elementary, middle, junior high and high schools in Louisiana.

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2020

Engage FALL20
National Science Teaching Association

NSTA Engage will feature an array of sessions, presentations, and workshops focused on distance learning and teaching as well as the latest developments and insights on other important topics and issues affecting the science education community today.

Virtual Conference: November 13-15

STEM Library Lab Presents:
Engaging Teachers in LSSS-Aligned Instruction Series

SLL is offering Fall Professional Development for Science Methods to schools. This 6 session series walks teachers through instructional practices used to facilitate inquiry based classrooms, rooted in the Louisiana Student Standards for Science. The sessions highlight distance learning and virtual options, and are aligned to the CARES Act funding provisions for schools.

Taught by a certified NSTA trainer and ACE coach/evaluator, this professional development series is right for schools looking to make their science instruction more focused and robust in 2020-2021. The first 2 sessions are "LSSS Bootcamp" and the remaining sessions are instructional practices.

Offered virtually or live for small groups, sessions are tailored to your schools grade band (K-5, 6-8, or 9-12) and the curriculum you are using. For more details, just email us to learn more.