From the Executive Director’s Desk

December 2023 Edition: Winter Wonderland

What a wonder wintertime is! I love noticing so many mathematical, scientific, and engineering wonders throughout this season. The bright glow of blue LED lights, which revolutionized TV and digital screens in the late 80s, adds to the enchantment. Delicate ice crystals gracefully form intricate fractals, and the warm smell of cinnamon permeates homes and grocery store entrances. The winter sets off a sensory feast, inviting ample opportunities for observation and wonder.

Meanwhile, at Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, we’re working to wrap up what has been one of our most successful years, and we’re in the throes of planning even more for 2024. As we plan the programs, trainings, grant-making, and services we’ll provide across our 100+ partners, I continue to wonder how we might take significant strides across our ecosystem to improve access to excellent STEM experiences. Our commitment stands firm: every child deserves access to high-quality STEM education. This entails ensuring they are inspired and prepared and given the support and guidance to make sense of their world, as well as constant opportunities to gain competence and confidence in mathematics and science.

Here are four winter wonderings as we wrap up 2023 and look forward to 2024:

1. How might we increase access to excellent STEM experiences in PK-12 schools?

One of the greatest opportunities lies in ensuring robust support for teachers so they can reach their highest potential. That includes casting ambitious visions for active STEM learning experiences that tie directly to the content and practices that advance mathematics and science disciplinary knowledge. That means that every activity, whether in the math or science classroom or in the STEM specials, aligns seamlessly with learning goals. As schools work to manage increased pressures on state assessments, it’s imperative that we safeguard opportunities for students to learn math in meaningful and engaging ways and ensure that ALL children get access to powerful and connected science experiences. As more schools are making difficult decisions to reduce time spent on science, STEM without science simply isn’t enough. 

• • How can TRSA help?

    One of our greatest support structures is our professional development program. This spring, we’ll be announcing a brand new model for SENSEsational Science, a continuation of our powerful Exponential Growth Math PD, more opportunities with Code.org, and monthly sessions supporting teachers to learn how to use supplies from TRSA’s STEM Shoppe.
    
    [x_button shape=”rounded” size=”regular” style=”background-color: #0496a9; color: #ffffff; font-family: ‘poppins’, sans-serif;” float=”none” href=”https://tulsastem.org/home/educators/pd” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” target=”blank” block=”true”]Professional Development for Educators[/x_button]

2. How might we increase access to excellent STEM experiences outside of the school day?

Students spend most of their day outside of the classroom, and uneven access to excellent STEM experiences beyond the school day can dramatically impact in-school achievement and post-secondary opportunities. Out-of-school providers are working hard to ensure their programs are accessible and impactful for all learners. Collectively, we are exploring opportunities for closer collaboration, aiming to close opportunity gaps and create programs that genuinely inspire and prepare students for STEM-rich futures.

• • How can TRSA help?

    Whether you need free program evaluation, grant funding to bridge gaps and enhance access and quality, or support for substitutes and transportation to make out-of-school experiences more accessible, TRSA is committed to helping! In the upcoming year, we are broadening our cohorts for providers dedicated to continuous improvement. Additionally, we are excited to announce the launch of our inaugural digital badges this summer in collaboration with partners involved in the MOMENTUM project

[x_button shape=”rounded” size=”regular” style=”background-color: #0496a9; color: #ffffff; font-family: ‘poppins’, sans-serif;” float=”none” href=”https://tulsastem.org/funding-center/” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” target=”blank” block=”true”]STEM Funding Center[/x_button]

[x_button shape=”rounded” size=”regular” style=”background-color: #0496a9; color: #ffffff; font-family: ‘poppins’, sans-serif;” float=”none” href=”https://tulsastem.org/momentum/” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” target=”blank” block=”true”]MOMENTUM[/x_button]

3.  How might we increase access to excellent STEM experiences in competition settings?

Competitions provide students with a unique opportunity to experience STEM in practical and innovative settings. Within these competitions, students interact and negotiate with peers as they communicate and problem-solve, often in fast-paced environments. With support from school and community-based coaches, students see the applicability of their past learnings and get a glimpse into the ways in which their skills apply to real-world careers. They are truly amazing experiences to witness! 

• • How can TRSA help?

    In addition to the Tulsa Regional Science Fair, the SeaPerch underwater robotics competition, and our expanded efforts to broaden access to drone competitions in 2024, we are committing to supporting teachers and partners to gain the funding required to ensure more students have access to competitions. So, whether it is supplies, stipends for coaches, or transportation, the TRSA Funding Center is the place to go to overcome whatever barriers may exist. 

[x_button shape=”rounded” size=”regular” style=”background-color: #0496a9; color: #ffffff; font-family: ‘poppins’, sans-serif;” float=”none” href=”https://tulsastem.org/seaperch-challenge/” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” target=”blank” block=”true”]SeaPerch[/x_button]
[x_button shape=”rounded” size=”regular” style=”background-color: #0496a9; color: #ffffff; font-family: ‘poppins’, sans-serif;” float=”none” href=”https://tulsastem.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TRSA-Financial-Support-Levels.docx.pdf” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” target=”blank” block=”true”]Tulsa Regional Science Fair[/x_button]
[x_button shape=”rounded” size=”regular” style=”background-color: #0496a9; color: #ffffff; font-family: ‘poppins’, sans-serif;” float=”none” href=”https://tulsastem.org/drone-showcase/” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” target=”blank” block=”true”]Siegfried Drone & Aviation Showcase[/x_button]

4. How might we increase access to excellent STEM experiences that are supported by mentors?

We know that as soon as students begin to show interest in STEM subjects and careers, it is imperative they are able to see adults in those roles who look like them and have shared life experiences. This is profoundly important for historically marginalized communities! Plus, our community members value education and continue to seek opportunities to connect with youth across the region. 

• • How can TRSA help?

    One of our most impactful programs is Me and My Math Mentor, a game-based math mentorship initiative designed for 3rd graders. Proven to enhance math fluency and confidence, we like to say, “30 minutes, once a week, a lifetime of difference.” If you’re interested in bringing Me and My Math Mentor to your school or becoming a mentor, we’re now recruiting for 2024 sites. Additionally, we’re expanding our efforts to ensure teachers have access to STEM professionals to support classroom visits, recruit volunteers or judges for local events, facilitate field trips, or assist students in their pursuit of internship opportunities. Stay tuned for more information on our See It, Be It program coming in the new year!
    
    [x_button shape=”rounded” size=”regular” style=”background-color: #0496a9; color: #ffffff; font-family: ‘poppins’, sans-serif;” float=”none” href=”https://tulsastem.org/volunteer/math-mentors/” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” target=”blank” block=”true”]Me and Math Mentor[/x_button]
    

Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance is constantly wondering how we can best support our teachers, partners, and families as we collectively work to make excellent STEM accessible for all. I hope you’ll spend time this winter break wondering how you might leverage our team and resources. We’re excited to see where things go in 2024 and to take pride in the remarkable work unfolding across our ecosystem. 

Happy holidays!

Levi Patrick 

STEM is Everywhere | STEM is Everyone | All are Welcome