CSI Science Camp 2015 - Full STEAM Ahead

Every year I think Science Camp can't get any better, and then it does!  According to one young student when he was asked, "What is your favorite part of Science Camp?", he said, :Ever-thing!"  Another fun comment came from my 6 year old nephew.  After 2 days at Junior Science Camp, he told his mom he wanted to be a chemical engineer.  You are WELCOME!

Our theme this year allowed us to spend more time on the creative process that is so critical in the STEM subjects.  On day 1, I saw the teachers taking that element and just making some amazing things happen.  In all the years that I have been doing film canister poppers, I never thought to add a little washable paint and launch them on paper.  The exploding art was awesome!

The kids have their favorites, like solar ovens and lava lamps.  So I am glad we choose to do some activities more than one year.  But the new activities were so fun to watch!  We used the brick lab and magnetos to build structures, then we put those designs and structures on solar paper to see the impressions left after some time.  Their 3D designs became 2D pieces of art.

I will post a few days in a row just to capture some of the best shots.  Thanks to CSI Community Education, Cassia and Minidoka School district teachers, the Burley Fire Department, Dale Dayley, and Dr. Steve Shropshire of ISU.  The laser show at the end was the perfect way to end a great week!!

Micron STEM Innovations Conference

I spent a great day in Boise attending the Micron UI STEM Innovations Conference.  It is generously supported by both partners, so the conference is free to attendees.  This year the theme focused on partnerships so I presented about the Science Camp model that we use at CSI.  Local teachers run the camp while earning Professional Development credit and content confidence during training days.  Other presentations included everything from job outlooks for STEM majors, great ideas for elementary teachers, and learning to use CODE.org and Scratch for computer programming.  I had a great time!  

Idaho STEM Action Center gets funding

This past week, I attended a  town hall style meeting with Governor Butch Otter.  The event was informative to the few community members that spent the day listening to updates in a variety of state and local issues.  But the strongest impression I had was that our state runs on SCIENCE!  I say this because the critical state issues that we must understand before we can legislate are ALL based on our natural resources.  Water quality, agriculture, biodiversity, energy, public health, and education (because kids are natural resources too!) are more than STEM subjects.  They directly influence our economy, our tourism, our ability to attract families, teachers, and businesses that can strengthen our state of Idaho.

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/apr/02/idaho-lawmakers-vote-set-new-stem-action-center/

I am interested to better understand how we educate our community leaders, who will grow up to become our state leaders, in these science-based concepts.    Science literacy should continue to be a priority for all of us that spend time and energy on science education.    This newly approved STEM Action Center will hopefully impact our efforts across the state.  Of course we need state wide science fairs, that is music to my ears....but I am excited to see more than events and conferences.   I will follow this new office closely.  I am glad I got to meet the Governor this week.  My days working for CSI are full of surprises and opportunities!

STEM Cities

http://m.deseretnews.com/top/3018/0/The-best-cities-in-America-for-STEM-professionals-.html

Are you in the right place to pursue a STEM Career?

Sneak Peak at the Science Camp Theme 2015

This is a great reminder that my grandmother was right.  Moderation in all things!  STEM must be balanced with creative pursuits, so full STEAM ahead!!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/wp/2014/09/05/stem-is-incredibly-valuable-but-if-we-want-the-best-innovators-we-must-teach-the-arts/

Iron Scientist Demonstrations

The last assignment that my ISU students needed to do was their Iron Scientist projects.  I gave each group a secret ingredient, and they chose a science topic that related to their Unit Plans.  I have done this activity for years, and I love the creativity that is shared by students.   I have loved teaching this Science Methods class!!

Capillary Colors

Ice Cream in a Bag

Hot Air Balloons and Homemade Agar...not the same demo!

Pipe Cleaner Neurons

New Year Science

It must be the day of resolutions, because I feel like writing another blog post.    Who knows who is reading these, but most likely you find a picture on google that leads you here, and then you think, "hmmm...this is not what I need."  That's fine...it is what I need!

I find great ideas and fun activities, and museum exhibits and interesting stories, so I will try to get them posted here again.  STEM is alive and well, and I am excited for the progress we continue to make in Idaho that will benefit our kids.

This article is from 2013, but the information is still relevant.  So enjoy and Happy New Year!!

http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy/2013/01/01/new_year_s_science_the_astronomy_of_new_year_s_day.html