Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC)

How can we inspire, educate, train, and innovate in STEM fields and STEM careers? This week, a new five-year Federal Strategic Plan for Advancing STEM Education and Cultivating STEM Talent was released. Developed by agencies across the federal government and the Smithsonian Institution, represented by Carol O’Donnell, Lapp-Keiser Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center, this plan provides a framework for the advancement of equitable access to education, workforce, and research opportunities for all. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ecHZjxdK

??? Save the Date! This December 3rd is #GivingTuesday, a day where you can help the Smithsonian transform education through science in collaboration with communities across the globe. Whether it's learning about gravity in North Carolina classrooms through free digital games, supporting STEM teachers from underrepresented groups in Detroit, or translating hundreds of lesson guides to Ukrainian, even the smallest donation to the Smithsonian Science Education Center can have a big impact. The Smithsonian Science Education Center receives no federally appropriated funds. We rely on gifts from people like you to help us bring innovative, inclusive, and sustainability-focused science education to millions of educators and students. ?? Join us by making a contribution here: s.si.edu/DonateToSSEC ?? Learn more about the Director's Circle: s.si.edu/SupportSSEC

The Smithsonian Science Education Center will help support the winning schools' projects and provide sustainability education resources to all of the applicants of the WUSA9 Eco Challenge. ??

Communicating stories about a nation's shared past helps listeners think critically about the choices people made in the past and those we make today. National stories examine our mistakes through discourse and encourage listening and understanding across diverse communities. #Educators: Save the dates for our upcoming professional development series which introduces the new Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) resource "The “First Thanksgiving”: How Can we Tell a Better Story?" Based on an inquiry design model, this resource helps teachers and students dispel misconceptions about the “First Thanksgiving” by examining the events through multiple perspectives, including those of the Wampanoag Nation, who have been largely excluded from this national story. Mark your calendars for Tuesdays, January 14, 21, 28, and February 4, 2025, 7–8:15 PM ET to join us online. This opportunity is FREE and registration is open for the full series here: https://s.si.edu/4frOKak Educators will receive a Certificate of Completion upon attendance and filling out the post-survey. #Thanksgiving #K12 #Teachers Image: Art by Timothy Truman; Colors by Michael Sheyahshe (Caddo). ?2023 The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian

? Reminder! We are hosting two info sessions about the Diversity in STEM Education Summit. Join us on November 19th at 3:30 PM ET or November 20th at 4:30 PM ET - links below! November 19, 2024 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM ET bit.ly/DISE-Nov19 November 20, 2024 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM ET bit.ly/DISE-Nov20

?? Join us for a virtual info session on our upcoming leadership development program in Washington, D.C., aimed at helping educators, administrators, and education leaders address the STEM teacher shortage by supporting and creating opportunities for teachers from underrepresented groups. Learn more here: s.si.edu/DISE-Summit Register for a virtual info session ?? November 19, 2024 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM ET bit.ly/DISE-Nov19 November 20, 2024 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM ET bit.ly/DISE-Nov20

Released just before Veterans Day in collaboration with USA TODAY, a new guide brings courageous profiles to life in a way only the Smithsonian can—through the multiple lenses of art, history, culture, and science—revealing the ways those who served in the military are woven into the tapestry of the American story. Through connections to our collections, readers of all ages can: ? Explore a timeline of the U.S. holiday and the ways veterans have been honored over time, ? Follow a walking tour of memorials and spaces for reflection across Washington, D.C. including the National Native American Veterans Memorial, and ? Gather tips and ideas for conducting an oral history interview with a veteran to document their legacy. To download your free copy today, visit https://lnkd.in/eMbik8y5. #SmithsonianEdu

New Deadline! Middle and high school classroom teachers in North America can join a network of innovators reimaging sustainable development education by applying to the NESST Teacher Ambassador program by Friday, November 8th. Learn more: s.si.edu/NESST2024TA

??? Special invite to educators attending the National Science Teaching Association National Conference on Science Education this week: You're invited to attend "From Then to Now: The Impact of Smithsonian's Diversity in STEM Education Summit!" NSTA President Dr. Alicia Conerly and distinguished alumni of the Smithsonian Science Education Center's Diversity in STEM Education Summit will showcase their remarkable achievements since attending the summit between 2019 and 2024. The event kicks off with an engaging 45-minute keynote presentation by Dr. Conerly. Following this, you'll have the chance to hear from a dynamic panel of former Summit participants. They will share their experiences and insights, highlighting innovative ideas developed at the Summit aimed at recruiting and retaining STEM teachers from diverse backgrounds. Don't miss this unique opportunity to delve into the Smithsonian's STEM teacher diversity initiative, network with like-minded individuals, and enjoy some light refreshments. Note: Must be registered for the NSTA Conference to attend the Smithsonian's special session. Secure your tickets via the link below ??

Biodiversity conservation, with a side of coffee! ? Last week at #COP16, the Smithsonian's Life on a Sustainable Planet initiative showcased how our units are powering global scientific research, outreach, and education infrastructure on biodiversity worldwide. Whether that's protecting migratory birds while promoting sustainable livelihoods through Smithsonian Bird Friendly-certified coffee, or the Smithsonian Science Education Center's free community research guides on biodiversity for ages 11-18, the Smithsonian is committed to creating a more sustainable planet for all. #OurSustainablePlanet ?? See what we shared at #COP16 here: science.si.edu/at-cop16 ?? Explore the Smithsonian's Life on a Sustainable Planet initiative: science.si.edu ?? Browse our Smithsonian Science for Global Goals guide "Biodiversity! How can we balance the needs of people with the needs of other living things?": s.si.edu/SSEC-Biodiversity