“The Future is Now: Empowering Youth Through STEM Excellence in OST” is an innovative webinar series designed to prepare educators, Out-of-School Time (OST) program coordinators, and other professionals for the evolving landscape of STEM education.
Spanning topics from integrating STEM across the curriculum and innovative teaching methods, to the crucial inclusion of underserved communities and the expanding role of technology, this series promises to deliver cutting-edge insights and practical strategies for fostering STEM excellence.
Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to engage youth in STEM learning, both inside and outside the classroom, and prepare them for the future careers that await in these ever-important fields.
Act 48 credit is available.
Introduction to STEELS: Leveraging the new STEM Standards in OST
This session will introduce the new Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability, and Pennsylvania Technology and Engineering (STEELS) and their importance in structuring effective STEM education in OST programs. It will also provide an overview of the standards and tools needed to understand and implement them effectively and their impact on student learning.
Presenter: Colleen Epler-Ruths
STEM Education Consultant at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania
Integrating STEM Across Curriculum:
Innovative Teaching Methods in STEM
Integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) across the curriculum and employing innovative teaching methods in STEM education are crucial for fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity among students. Learn ways that cybersecurity education can be used to design interdisciplinary projects across various subjects, such as mathematics, science, technology and even language arts.
Attendees will leave this session equipped to:
- Understand the interdisciplinary connections between cybersecurity and STEM disciplines.
- Apply cybersecurity principles to design and implement interdisciplinary projects.
- Cultivate critical thinking and creativity through reflective practice.
Presenter: Neferteri Strickland
Founder, TEACHERS &
Underserved Communities, Women and Minorities
May 8 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET
Discuss best practices in STEM education tailored for underserved communities, women and minorities. Explore strategies to increase access and participation in STEM fields, addressing the unique challenges faced by these groups. Gain valuable insights into creating inclusive learning environments, fostering diversity, and empowering underrepresented individuals to develop and embrace their STEM identity. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and contribute to building a more equitable and diverse STEM landscape.
Presenter: Colleen Epler-Ruths
STEM Education Consultant, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
Role of Technology in STEM / Future Trends in STEM Education
Note topic change
May 22 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET
The role of technology in STEM education is evolving faster than instructional material. Explore future trends in STEM education to identify ways your learning community can plan to stay ahead of the technology adoption curve.
Explore:
- Project-based learning opportunities, where students tackle real-world problems and design solutions collaboratively.
- Interdisciplinary approaches, bridging the gap between different scientific disciplines and encouraging holistic problem-solving.
- Emerging technology integration that exposes students to cutting-edge developments and prepares them for future careers in STEM fields.
Presenter: Neferteri Strickland
Founder, TEACHERS &
