We know STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is a hot topic but, just how important is it that we integrate STEM into our classrooms? The short answer is that our world depends on it. According to the Smithsonian STEM Imperative, 2.4 million STEM jobs will go unfilled this year and it is projected to grow by 13% over the next 10 years. As teachers, we have an important role to inspire and teach our students the skills they will need to be successful in an ever-changing world. In this program we will focus on how to STEMify our classrooms to enhance our students innovative thinking while focusing on the standards.
Our students often wonder about their place in the world and why knowing their history matters to them. Teachers need specific tools and knowledge to make history relevant, especially as our classrooms become increasingly diverse and global. Participants will learn how to embed emerging technology tools and content-rich liberary practices to foster global competence and connections. Using research-based, responsive practices and authentic inquiry, teachers will develop lessons to support real-world application of the NC Social Studies Course of Study.
Explore ways to help students produce clear and coherent writing that is appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Through the use of a variety of web tools, discover what it means to connect with your students online. These tools will help your students organize their writing, give peer feedback, and develop their writing "voice." Learn to create lessons that will utilize student writing to demonstrate learning, deepen content knowledge, and improve communication skills. Increase critical thinking in your classroom by establishing a positive atmosphere that encourages students’ reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Children today spend less time outdoors than ever before—and it may be detrimental not only to their physical health, but also to their cognitive development. Current research shows that students in schools with more “greenness” in their surroundings report higher scores on standardized testing in English and math. We will examine research on the “nature deficit disorder” and will develop and share plans for connecting literacy and nature. Come join us as we explore the rationale for exposing students to nature and strategies for connecting literacy activities to green spaces in and around our public schools.
Designed for teachers in grades K–5
Integrate STEAM into the elementary classroom by teaching a growth mindset through literacy and picture books. Learn the basics of teaching a growth mindset and the fundamentals of STEAM integration. Discuss ways to improve student learning by exploring hands-on STEAM lessons that are directly aligned with ELA standards and focus on specific picture books.
CULLOWHEE – Lego teams from three Jackson County schools showed teachers how it is done at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching during the “Lego Robotics 2.0” program on April 9-12
Educators spent four days learning about the N.C. FIRST LEGO LEAGUE and how they can use Lego Robotics with their own students.
CULLOWHEE - Sixty-two North Carolina Teaching Fellows representing five universities were at NCCAT in Cullowhee on April 5-6.
Mariah Morris, a second-grade teacher at West Pine Elementary School in Pinehurst, has been named the 2019 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year. Morris has attended professional development programs at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement, a recognized national leader in professional development for teachers.
CULLOWHEE - NCCAT Senior STEM Innovator Darcy Grimes participated in an event to encourage student entrepreneurs recently at Cherokee Central School.