Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

STEM Education Updates :

• Check out the recently released Federal STEM Plan here!

• Access upcoming STEM events and professional learning opportunities, on this calendar. 

• The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching (PAEMST) is not accepting applications for Science teachers in grades 7-12. Learn more and/or apply on the PAEMST site (linked here). 

• The Battelle Climate Challenge for 9-12 graders is officially open and accepting entries until February 7, 2025  This challenge offers students a chance to win a $5000 STEM grant for a public school, library, or non-profit of their choice by learning about the impacts of climate-related hazards within their community and developing a proposed action to help build a more resilient community. If they win the grand prize, they will present their solution on at the Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference in Washington DC. 

• Learn more about competing in the 2025 American Rocketry Challenge on their website here. Learn more about funding for Title I Schools here. 

STEM Definition

"An interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics in context that make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise, enabling the development of STEM literacy and with it the ability to compete in the new economy."

  -- Tsupros, Kohler, & Hallinen, 2009

Note: The Office of Standards and Instructional Supports (SIS) interprets "real world lessons" as stated in the above definition to mean authentic, student centered learning experiences. 

STEM Standards

• 2020 Computer Science Standards
• 2020 Mathematics Academic Standards
• 2020 Science Academic Standards

STEM Opportunities, Funding, and Resources

• Join the Colorado STEM Ecosystem 
• Interested in participating in a STEM Teacher Externship? Check out the STEM Teacher Externship program through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment here.
• Check out the 2023-2024 monthly, curated STEM Resources here
• STEM Opportunities and Resources for Teachers, Students, and Community Members
• STEM Funding 
• What is a STEM School? is a resource for identifying and measuring STEM schools and programs.
• Information about STEM Diploma Endorsement
• Access Computer Science Instructional Resources

Documentary about Jamestown Flood by students from STEM in Action Grantee Boulder Valley School District.