News

Nothing Compares to Virtual STEM Day at the Fair

Earlier this summer, the Iowa State Fair Board voted to postpone the 2020 Iowa State Fair until August 12-22, 2021. In order to protect the health and safety of nearly one million expected fair goers, the Iowa State Fair was entirely virtual this year. Each day embraced a new theme with sponsors, activities, photos, videos or contests.

Improving Equity in STEM Teaching and Learning

The year 2020 has offered many opportunities for reflection, learning and growth. In June, the STEM Council was honored to host a virtual workshop on Equity in the STEM Classroom, facilitated by Aris Winger, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Mathematics Enrichment for Diversity and Learning (MEDAL).

Iowa STEM teachers immerse in Equity

One hundred K-to-college educators recently virtually convened to participate in the Fostering Equity in the STEM Classroom professional development presented by the Governor’s Advisory STEM Council.

Hundreds Celebrate STEM Day at State Capitol

STEM exhibits, featuring nearly 200 Iowans, lined the Capitol Rotunda on February 19 for STEM Day at the Capitol. A total of 23 in and out of school displays were present, featuring students who demonstrated the impact of STEM programming in their lives.

2019 STEM Education + Workplace Partnerships Summit

STEM Council Progress Highlighted at State Capitol

Approximately 200 Iowans showcased their contributions to STEM through 32 in-school and out-of-school displays in the Iowa Capitol Rotunda for STEM Day at the Capitol on February 13. The displays included STEM Scale-Up Program Providers, STEM BEST Program Partners, STEM Seal of Approval awardees, Iowa STEM Network Hub Institutions, youth agencies, nonprofits and more.

STEM Education + Workplace Partnerships Summit Registration Opens

At a press conference on February 27, Gov. Kim Reynolds reaffirmed her vision for preparing Iowans for dynamic careers and lifelong learning by continuing to connect workforce, STEM and workplace partnerships.

Get involved in Fall STEM Festivals

As the temperatures begin to get cooler, warm up the mind with hands-on STEM activities for the entire family. Fall STEM Festivals are held in multiple communities throughout each of the six STEM regions. While each festival is unique, they all include educational and entertaining activities designed to increase interest in STEM.

STEM Council Takes Part in Regional Summits

The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is pleased to support the Future Ready Iowa Regional Summits taking place across Iowa this fall to help further the goal of preparing Iowa’s future workforce.

STEM Day at the Fair was a Blue Ribbon Day

While the Iowa State Fair caps the summer for many Iowans each year, STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair offered many exciting demonstrations and hands-on STEM activities to get students and families excited for the school year.

Held on August 19, STEM Day at the Fair featured 23 exhibiting partners, six stage acts and eight corporate sponsors.