During the summer months, teachers invest in professional development opportunities to gain knowledge on curriculum and teaching strategies. Four teachers from Bryant Public Schools recently participated in the STEMcon Teacher Academy, an innovative program designed to help educators incorporate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) into their classrooms. Heather Pitman (Bryant Elementary), Nikki Goines (Hill Farm Elementary), Adam Earhart (Bethel Middle), and Cherie Grist (Collegeville Elementary) joined other Arkansas teachers as well as teachers from Iowa, Missouri, Tennessee and Alabama in the unique and exciting experience. Bryant teachers attended on scholarships funded by NASA.
During their time at Space Camp, the teachers participated in a variety of learning experiences related to the science field of space. These activities allowed the teachers to simulate working as a team of scientists, astronauts and pilots to complete a space shuttle mission. They were also given the opportunity to tour the International Space Station Payload Operations Center and hear astronaut Don Thomas speak about his experiences in space travel.
In addition to the traditional Space Camp experience, the teachers spent a great deal of time with NASA’s education outreach program and staff. They were provided lesson ideas, curriculum resources and learning experiences that highlighted the engineering and design component of STEM. Arkansas is currently adopting new science standards, associated with Next Generation Science Standards, both of which include new engineering standards.
Throughout the inservice, teachers were encouraged to collaborate and discuss ways to integrate the new standards into existing science curriculum. They discussed learning experiences and how to bring these lessons back to their classrooms. Each left the STEMcon Teacher Academy with a revitalized sense of curiosity and wonder about space, new professional connections, friendships, and the desire to share these experiences with their Bryant students.
