Solar Science with the Peanuts Gang!

The April 8 solar eclipse will give students a unique opportunity to learn the science behind a solar eclipse and the safe way to experience its “magic.” That’s why the Peanuts Gang, in cooperation with NASA and Young Minds Inspired, have developed free lesson plans for grades K–2 and 3–6 to help everyone prepare. Each activity also includes a take-home component inviting students and their families to become citizen scientists by recording what they learn during the eclipse.

Stories of Women in STEM—Biotechnology 

Just in time for Women’s History Month, Stories of Women in STEM—Biotechnology, from the Smithsonian Science Education Center’s Stories of Women in STEM e-book series, features biographies of trailblazing women who made history through their scientific discoveries and innovation in biotechnology. From biochemist and Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna to Kenyan crop researcher Felister Makini and others, the publication highlights the work of notable scientists in the field of biotechnology, as well as the diversity within the field itself. Through the stories, students will discover biotechnology applications in use in many fields, including agriculture, health sciences, and the environment. Whatever the field, the scientists’ stories share a common thread: Each scientist defied gender and racial stereotypes to overcome structural barriers to STEM fields.

Steering Toward Success: Adventures and Learning in Marine Careers
 
What is like to work in open water? This poster guide teaching kit introduces students to the range of careers available, with activities that will challenge them to work as a team and solve problems as crews on yachts and other vessels do. The supplemental teaching kit features activities related to the impact of wind patterns and speed, navigation and the concept of draft, and more. Components also include a digital quiz and digital magazine.

Polar Science Early Career Community Office (PSECCO) Conference Travel Grants 
 
Travel awards to attend and present polar-related work at a conference are open to polar early career scientists and educators. In this spring 2024 funding cycle, PSECCO will distribute $5,000 in awards. Applicants may request a reasonable amount of funding to support their travel to/from a conference, up to a value of $900 per person, with awards aimed at those with demonstrated financial need. An additional $100 is available for awardees who organize a PSECCO social event at the conference. 

Apply by March 15. To be eligible for funding, applicants must  

• be an early career scientist (undergraduate to seven years beyond your terminal degree) or be a currently practicing K–12 or informal educator;
• be based in the United States and affiliated with a U.S.-based institution;
• do polar-related research or educate about the polar regions;
• have demonstrated financial need; and
• attend a conference occurring after April 1, 2024, and before November 1, 2024.

Investing in Our Future: Why Equity and Inclusivity Matter in STEM Education
  
LPSnead Consulting LLC will present a free webinar about the role of equity and inclusivity in shaping the future of our nation. The event is scheduled for March 13 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Attendees will explore the following:

• an alarming trend. As outlined in the National Science Foundation’s STEM Education for the Future 2020 Visioning report, the number of U.S.-born STEM workers is plateauing;
• the benefits of a diverse and inclusive STEM workforce. From stimulating the economy and maintaining America’s innovative edge to creating meaningful jobs, driving global competitiveness, and fostering life-saving discoveries, equity and inclusivity in STEM are truly investments for our collective future; and
• practical strategies. Discover actionable steps in education you can take to create a more inclusive and equitable STEM learning environment for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, first language, spirituality, and other identities.

Funding Opportunity: Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) aims to increase the scientific and environmental literacy and problem-solving skills of youth in the Gulf of Mexico region. This funding opportunity is open to proposals that give youth opportunities to learn about and apply STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) in the exploration and examination of environmental hazards and their effects on the health and resilience of communities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico region. The GRP will accept proposals from nonprofits and community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status that provide environmental justice programs for youth in grades 9–12.

A total of $4 million is available, with the number of proposals receiving funding dependent on the quality and quantity of applications. Applicants must request at least $75,000 for projects, commensurate with the scope of work, that are up to 24 months in duration. Applicants requesting between $500,000 and $1,000,000 will be subject to an additional Merit Review Criterion and should focus on more transformative projects that have the potential to impact a larger number of students, teachers, classes, school districts, and/or communities. Apply by May 8.