Posts by Katie Fenton
2025 STEM Student Competitions 2025
2025 STEM Student Competitions 🏆 [Middle school students competing in an engineering competition hosted by the Texas Alliance for Minorities (TAME). CREDIT: TAME] Looking for 2025 STEM Student Competitions? Start Here! Kick-off 2025 by challenging your students with these engaging STEM competitions! From ocean exploration to future technologies, these opportunities offer authentic problem-solving experiences while…
Read MoreTwo Districts, Same Curriculum, Different Outcomes: New Research Reveals Why Some Leaders Succeed with NGSS
Two Districts, Same Curriculum, Different Outcomes: New Research Reveals Why Some Leaders Succeed with NGSS Quick Take: Groundbreaking new research reveals how two districts tackled NGSS-aligned science curriculum by overhauling student goals, resources, and assessments. Learn which district achieved the strongest results, their methodology, and why providing high-quality curriculum alone isn’t enough. Discover how the…
Read MoreIs BlueSky the Next Social Media Platform for Teachers?
Is BlueSky the Next Social Media Platform for Teachers? New Year, New Networks: Is BlueSky the Next Social Media Platform for Teachers? Feeling Twitter nostalgia? Start 2025 with new connections on BlueSky, the social media platform that many educators say feels like the good ol’ days of Twitter—minus the bots! According to EdWeek’s Lauraine Langreo,…
Read MoreOpen Educational Resources Meet Generative AI: What This Means for OpenSciEd Science Teachers
Open Educational Resources Meet Generative AI: What This Means for Science Teachers [Sixth and seventh grade teachers reviewing OpenSciEd’s lesson internalization process in an Activate Learning professional learning workshop. CREDIT: @annawydeven (X)] As we close out another remarkable year in STEM education, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what lies ahead. With the rise…
Read MoreResearch Roundup: Recent STEM News and Research
Research Roundup: Recent STEM News and Research The world of STEM education is buzzing with new research and insights that every teacher should know about. From how gestures in chemistry class can make a big difference in student understanding to the surprising resilience of STEM teachers in high-need schools, there’s a lot happening. We’re also…
Read MoreEmpowering Girls in STEM: Classroom Strategies from National Girls Collaborative Project
Empowering Girls in STEM: Classroom Strategies from National Girls Collaborative Project Inspiring girls to pursue STEM careers has never been more critical. Despite growing opportunities, many girls still need more confidence and encouragement to see themselves as innovators. That’s where the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) comes in. With a 20-year mission of empowering educators…
Read MoreEngineering Teaching Resources that Build Tomorrow’s Innovators Today
Engineering Teaching Resources that Build Tomorrow’s Innovators Today Engineering skills aren’t just for future engineers—they’re fundamental tools that every student needs to thrive in today’s tech-driven workforce. Following our recent spotlights on biology teaching resources and chemistry/physics resources, we’re excited to share a curated collection of free engineering resources that develop essential problem-solving abilities and…
Read MoreUncovering OpenSciEd Storylines
Uncovering OpenSciEd Storylines [Student scientists extract DNA from strawberries during an OpenSciEd genetics investigation at Central Middle School, Illinois. CREDIT: @Wehrmann124 / X Quick Take: Want to know more about storylines? We’ve got you covered. This post sheds light on OpenSciEd storylines, showing how their structure, routines, and content provide valuable guidance to teachers as…
Read MoreDynamic Physics and Chemistry Teaching Resources to Engage Students in Hands-On Learning
Dynamic Physics and Chemistry Teaching Resources to Engage Students in Hands-On Learning [Hammer time! Middle school students work on a balance and force activity from an IQWST physics unit. CREDIT: @atkinsonrw17 (X)] Looking for new, engaging ways to bring chemistry and physics to life in your classroom? Following our blog post on biology teaching resources…
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