From the Regional Math & Science Center at Grand Valley State University
January 2024 | Volume 31, Number 1


Plan to Attend the Roger That! Symposium

Roger Chaffee

February 16-17, 2024
Roger That! is a two-day public symposium, honoring the memory of Grand Rapids astronaut Roger B. Chaffee and promoting interest in STEM in general and space exploration specifically. This year's theme is "Life in Space" and the keynote is retired astronaut Dr. Robert Satcher, an African-American oncologist at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston.
Roger That! article

Dr. Robert Satcher portrait

Dr. Robert Satcher, NASA (retired)


Connections for the STEM Classroom

GVSU faculty and area experts provide engaging ideas on current topics in research and education

Spain glacial stream

Cryosphere Lost: Vanishing Continental Glaciers Pose a Critical Threat to Humanity’s Dwindling Water Reserves and Earth’s Fragile Climate Resilience

Bopi Biddanda and Tony Weinke, Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, USA;
Mani Villar-Argaiz and
Juanma Medina-Sánchez, Instituto del Agua and Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Granada, Spain.

Summary: A new peer-reviewed opinion piece in the September 2023 issue of Eos published by the American Geophysical Union addresses the subject of protecting the water resources of Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountain range that is threatened by increasing anthropogenic land use and changing climate-driven precipitation patterns over the Mediterranean. Other mountain water towers (MWT) cross the world such as the Rockies, Andes, Alps and Himalayas are similarly afflicted. These mountain-based glacial lakes, streams and rivers support a vast ecosystem of life in downstream farms, villages, towns, cities – including forests, wetlands and coastal estuarine habitats all along their watersheds. Indeed, one-half of humanity depends on mountain water resources. However, the world’s MWTs, considered the third pole, are projected to disappear by the end of the century.
STEM Connections article


High School Seniors – Apply now for the Dockeray Scholarship

The Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarships are awarded each Spring to graduating high school seniors in the Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa Intermediate School Districts who are interested in pursuing a career in science. Now is the time for eligible seniors from public or private schools to apply for one of two $2500 scholarship opportunities.
Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship article

 

Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray

Register Now for Math in Action Conference

Saturday, February 24, 2024
This conference presents lively and informative discussions of current issues in Pre-K to 12 mathematics education. We provide opportunities for practicing teachers, prospective teachers, curriculum directors, and college and university faculty to share ideas, concerns, and resources.
Math in Action article


Kent ISD Professional Learning and Collaboration Opportunities

Science M-STEP and Assessment for Upper Elementary Workshop

Discover the structure of the science portion of the M-STEP and consider how 3-Dimensional science instruction and assessments can give students opportunities to succeed 3D science assessments.
M-STEP article

Mi-STAR Connect Network

MiSTAR professionals are invited to join this network to stay current with the latest developments and better support one another in their work. This will ensure that MiSTAR educators have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective assistance.
MiSTAR article

Secondary Connect Days

Join the Science Collaborative of West Michigan's Secondary Connect Days, a collaborative effort between Allegan, Muskegon, Kent, and Ottawa County ESA/ISDs to connect science educators. The goal is to increase scientific literacy for all students through evidence-based instructional practices.
Secondary Connect article


Science on Tap logo

Attend Science on Tap!

January Topic: Population Aging:  Causes and Concerns. Populations around the world are growing older, including in the United States. Dr. Anna Hammersmith (GVSU Sociology Dept.) will talk about the demographic forces that reshape population age structure and how the growing number of older adults may create new challenges for individuals, families, and communities.
Date: Thursday, January 11
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: SpeakEZ lounge 600 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, 49503
Science on Tap article


Check out the latest MiSTEM Network- Greater West Michigan Region Newsletter!

The MiSTEM Network is connecting education, businesses,and community partners across the state to transform the way Michigan does STEM.
MiSTEM Newsletter

MiSTEM GWM logo

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Page last modified January 11, 2024