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Here is a list of community science opportunities provided by the STEM specialist from the Utah State Board of Education.

General Opportunities (K-12)

  • Utah Learn@Home Student Science Experiences – Created by Utah teachers for at-home science engagement aligned to SEEd Standards
  • Utah Updated K-12 OER Science Textbooks – Aligned to new SEEd Standard
  • Principles for Remote Teaching and Learning Course Open! – This course may be completed for 1 USBE credit and/or can be explored as a resource to support the efforts to plan for the upcoming school year. Educators may register for “Principles for Remote Learning” now.
  • Utah Outdoor Classroom Grant Virtual Workshop with Q and A – The OOR is piloting a new grant program to fund the construction and implementation of outdoor classrooms. You can find more information about it and their upcoming webinar on our website.
  • Earthquakes in Utah – Why is earthquake preparedness important in Utah?
  • STEAMatwork4kids.org is a new website targeted at kids, ages 8 – 12. The site’s goal is for kids to “explore the rich diversity of topics and people in STEAM careers.” Each page highlights a person and their work, suggests kids’ books to read on the topic, and kid-friendly websites you can visit to learn more.
  • Online Science Endorsement Courses. These online 12 week courses start May 6th. Register at utsta.org. Check with your LEA to see if you qualify for reimbursement.
  • Scientist for a Day Essay Contest: This contest is brought to you by NASA’s Radioisotope Power Systems Program, the team that provides spacecraft with the power to visit some of the harshest, darkest, coldest locations in the solar system
  • Intermountain AP Summer Institute – Join us for 4 days of instruction from some of the best College Board consultants. The institute will be held online from Tuesday, July 6 to Friday, July 9.
  • Face to Face Science Endorsement courses. These courses start in June and are each one week long. Register at utsta.org. Check with your LEA to see if you qualify for reimbursement.
  • Online Science Endorsement Courses. These online 12 week courses start May 6th. Register at utsta.org. Check with your LEA to see if you qualify for reimbursement.
  • Free Virtual Teacher Workshops From Utah’s Hogle Zoo – On March 18th and April 6th Utah’s Hogle Zoo is offering Growing Up Wild a free 2 hour virtual workshop from 4:30-6:30 pm and will be hosted through Webex. This workshop will be covering ideas to get students outside and learning about nature and ideas to adapt activities to fit in to the SEEd standards and different learning environments (virtual, socially distanced and a classroom with no Covid restrictions) and is intended for K-2 teachers. Teachers who attend this workshop will get a certificate for their time, a curriculum book and kit with materials for some of the activities will be mailed to them. If you are interested in signing up for these workshop please send an email toakump@hoglezoo.org
  • Free Virtual Teacher Workshops From Utah’s Hogle Zoo – On March 24th Utah’s Hogle Zoo is offering Planting the Virtual SEEds of Conservation Workshop a free 2 hour virtual workshop from 4:30-6:30 pm and will be hosted through Webex. This workshop will be covering digital resources that Utah’s Hogle Zoo has created for teachers of all grades. Many of these resources can be used when teaching in the classroom, with social distancing in mind or while teaching virtually. Teachers who attend this workshop will get a certificate for their time and access to these resources that include educational videos, lesson plans and activities. If you are interested in signing up for these workshop please send an email to akump@hoglezoo.org
  • Free Engineering PD – Engage with science and engineering practices of NGSS through real-world applications of engineering and hands-on activities you can incorporate in your classroom.

Elementary (K-6) Opportunities

  • Gather Reason & Communicate: SEEd Professional Development: The sessions will help to prepare you to teach the new science standards. Sessions are specific to grades 3, 4 and 5.
  • Energy in the Classroom: A one day PD presented in collaboration of UtSTA and the Governor’s Office of Energy Development. February in West Jordan. March in Cedar City. $150 of equipment included. SEEd Lessons 4-6th Grade.
  • Energy in the Classroom: Elementary, a one day PD presented in collaboration of UtSTA and the Governor’s Office of Energy Development. March in Cedar City. $180 of equipment included. SEEd Lessons 4-6th Grade.

Secondary (7-12) Opportunities

  • Science News magazine: Society for Science & the Public’s Science News in High Schools program brings Science News magazine and related educational resources to high schools across the United States and worldwide.
  • ACCESS Scholarship and First Year Program – High school seniors with a passion for science, math, and/or engineering and an interest in advancing gender equity in the STEM disciplines are invited to apply for the prestigious ACCESS Scholarship at the University of Utah! The ACCESS Scholarship is a first year experience and monetary award valued at over $5,000. ACCESS is truly the start of a lifetime for any STEM major! This exceptional program has a 30 year record of success and boasts a network of over 800 alumni. Application closes February 15th.
  • Energy in the Classroom. A one day PD presented in collaboration of UtSTA and the Governor’s Office of Energy Development. February in West Jordan. March in Cedar City. $150 of equipment included. SEEd Lessons 8th, ESS, Chem and Physics.
  • Science Friday: High school seniors and juniors and transfer students are invited to virtually visit the College of Science on the University of Utah campus.
  • Join us for Science Friday: High school seniors and juniors and transfer students are invited to virtually visit the College of Science on the University of Utah campus. All students who attend a Science Friday event during Spring 2021 will be entered in a drawing to win a $500 scholarship. Awardee can redeem scholarship after enrolling at the University of Utah!
  • Duck Stomp Artwork: ainting, illustration, design; this is where three worlds mesh to create duck stamp imagery that stands on its own in conservation history! There are many factors that come to play when creating a strong contender in this competitive field. Even if you are entering for fun, learning these factors not only makes you a better artist, but helps you to learn about these amazing waterfowl, their equally important habitats, and more!
  • National Youth Science Camp: High School Seniors are invited to apply as one of two Utah finalists selected to attend National Youth Science Camp. Due to Covid the camp will be virtual this year but still an amazing experience for Utah High Schools with an affinity for STEM. Applications are due February 28, 2021.
  • Earth Science Master’s Degree – Secondary teachers, if you have any interest in earning a Masters Degree, the University of Utah’s MSSST program is looking for applicants for their 2021-2023 program focused in Earth Science. This cohort program will be run ONLINE with the intent to be able to provide an opportunity for teachers in rural areas to participate but anyone, anywhere in Utah can apply. Deadline to Apply is March 15th.
  • Energy in the Classroom. Secondary, a one day PD presented in collaboration of UtSTA and the Governor’s Office of Energy Development. March in Cedar City. $180 of equipment included. SEEd Lessons 8th, ESS, Chem and Physics.
  • Eisenman Materials Camp – Learn about Materials Science and Engineering. Conduct experiments from your own home (supplies will be provided). Meet professionals in the field and learn about their careers.

Please note: These are opportunities that have been requested to be shared with the Utah science teacher community. The Utah State Board of Education has not specifically vetted or endorsed the programs shared. Any concerns or questions should be directed to the organizations associated specifically with the event.

  • Melissa Mendenhall Elementary Science/STEM Specialist Utah State Board of Education melissa.mendenhall@schools.utah.gov
  • Ricky Scott Secondary Science Education Specialist Utah State Board of Education richard.scott@schools.utah.gov
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