Did you get our November Brainstorms! newsletter of the Montana STEM Educator Network?
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New $3 million grant through SMRC will support dozens of STEM teachers in rural, underserved areas of Montana

Noyce team in summer 2024A new six-year, $3 million grant-funded project at Montana State University will support dozens of science, technology, engineering and math teachers in rural and underserved areas of Montana as they work toward graduate degrees in science education or deepen their expertise as teachers. The project ultimately aims to strengthen STEM education for students in rural areas of the state.

The grant comes from the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, which works to support STEM teachers. The principal investigator is Dr. Fenqjen Luo, associate director of the Science Math Resource Center.

In case you missed it on Nov. 13: Get up to $5k for PD (plus free grant writing help from a Montana grad!)

Victoria Thomson at wind farm

The Nov. 13 presentation by Victoria Thomson on Funds for Teachers was inspiring! Please email us at [email protected] if you missed out on the presentation and would like to view the recording or slides.
 
Fund For Teachers is a national program that grants individual teachers up to $5,000 (or a team of 2 teachers up to $10,000). Funds for Teachers will support teachers in their own professional learning to benefit their students -- anything from taking classes or attending conferences to travel around the world. The Fund for Teachers program allows teachers to design their own professional development. It is open to any K-12 educator who spends at least 50% of their time in direct contact with students. 
 

Victoria Miranda Thomson is a 2002 graduate of Cascade High School from Cascade, MT. She is a high school science teacher who has received the grant twice over the last 6 years. 

American Mathematics Competitions (AMC)

MAA AMC The MSU Science Math Resource Center will again host the American Mathematics Competitions, written and developed each year by the Mathematics Association of America.  Competitions are administered in-person on the MSU-Bozeman campus.  Montana middle and high school students who are inspired to learn advanced math beyond the classroom, test their proficiency on a national level, and meet fellow students interested in mathematics are encouraged to participate.  National registration fees are covered by the center, and our staff proctors the exam.  Learn more HERE and register your student today!

Science Olympiad State Tournament is March 4, 2025; Coaches' Kickoff was Nov. 6

science olympiad logoThe MSU Science Math Resource Center is pleased to announce preparations for the 41st Annual Science Olympiad State Tournament at the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. The state tournament will take place Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and registration for teams is now open.

We hosted a coaches' kickoff on Nov. 6 with pertinent information to new, veteran, and potential coaches alike. Watch the recording here.

Founded in 1984, the Science Olympiad is the premier team STEM competition in the nation, providing standards-based challengesto middle and high school teams.  Would your STEM educators, school administrator, or families like to learn more?  Visit the Science Olympiad webpage HERE.

Come visit the STEM Lending Library!

The Science Math Resource Center's STEM Lending Library is filled with books, kits and hands-on resources for use in educational outreach. MSU students, staff and faculty and in-service educators can check out materials. The SMRC staff is happy to make recommendations of appropriate resources for age groups and situations.

We alsowelcome inquiries and new projects from researchers who wish to create and disseminate educational resources for broader impacts and outreach.

The STEM Lending Library is located in Reid 413 (enter through Reid 412). Learn more about the Lending Library HERE.

Fall 2024 office hours

  • Tuesdays: Noon to 1pm
  • Wednesdays: 11am -1pm and 3-4pm
  • Thursdays: 11:30am -1pm

Or, call SMRC at (406) 994-7476 or email[email protected]to visit the Lending Library at another time.