This document discusses turning Stamford, Connecticut into "STEMford" through expanding STEM education opportunities. It defines STEM as science, technology, engineering, and math. The document outlines STEM programs already occurring in the Stamford Public School district, including family nights, challenges, and after school programs. It also describes plans for the first annual Stamford STEMfest event to promote STEM careers and engage students through hands-on activities from local organizations. Survey results showed the STEMfest was well received and should continue next year. People are encouraged to participate in and help organize future STEM events.

1. Turning Stamford into
STEMford!
Dr. Carrie Chiappetta, Director for School Improvement/PD
Jim Forde, Science Teacher, Cloonan Middle School
Stamford Public Schools
April 1, 2016
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2. Jim Forde - Cloonan MS

3. What is STEM?
•S- cience
•T- echnology
•E- ngineering
•M- ath

4. Almost all of the 30 fastest-growing occupations in the next
decade will require at least some background in STEM.
http://www.changetheequation.org/why/why-stem/
It helps us make critical decisions about our
health care, our finances and our retirement.
A literate nation not only reads. It computes, investigates and innovates.
Why does STEM learning matter?
STEM jobs are the jobs of the future.

5. How is STEM different?
• A great STEM lesson, or unit, integrates all of the disciplines
together.
• In some cases S, T, E and M are utilized simultaneously as
student solve engaging authentic real world problems.
• Problem solving, inventing, collaborating, innovating

6. STEM= Failure and GRIT!
Failure is expected and embraced.

8. Engineering Design Cycle

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12. What is happening with
STEM at Cloonan MS?

13. STE(A)M Family Night!

14. STEM challenges!(Spaghetti Tower)

15. STEM challenges!
(Balloon car)

16. STEM challenges (Bottle Lander)

17. Grade 7 - STEM challenges!
(Recycled Fashion Show)

18. Scratch
Club!

19. West Point STEM CFES program

20. After School STEAM academy
Home work help and STEAM-y offerings:
-Robotics
-SoundWaters
-Hands-On science
…. And more
Science
Bowl Team!

21. Access to 100’s of activities!
• SLIDESHARE.net - http://www.slideshare.net/fordemm
• Delicious Book marks- http://delicious.com/fordemm/stem
• My class website http://mrforde.blogspot.com
• Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/stemnetwork/stem/
• Design Squad  http://pbskids.org/designsquad/
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22. STEM in Stamford
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https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=ivIgfPJA2cc

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28. What IS the
Stamford STEMfest?
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30. Goals For the Day
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31. Build an Awareness About STEM
for Students (and their parents)
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32. Demonstrate to students how much FUN
these disciplines can be
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33. Show students how these disciplines are
inherent in many of the things we do
EVERY day
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34. Have students learn about the
CAREER & COLLEGE opportunities
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35. Location
Location
Location
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37. Volunteers
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Explore the Mill River with SoundWaters
Pedal a Watt
WHS Agr Program –
Hydroponics and Aquaponics
Aquarion Water: Water Treatment & Conservation
Face-painting
Girls Inc.
Queen Bee Racing
Connecticut Science Center
Connecticut Invention Convention
Stamford Sport & Spine
Learn to Play Chess!
Explore Patterns
Rubik’s Rumble
Audubon
Robotics
Norwalk Community College
FleetFeet of Stamford Stamford Hospital
Kites
Gears
Solar Ovens
Mobius Strips
Ramps & Rolling Objects
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Jumpin’ Huskies
STEM + ART= STEAM
Towers & Tennis Balls
Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers
National Society of Black Engineers
Young Mariners of Stamford

43. Response to
Stamford STEMfest
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44. Survey to Participants and Presenters
• 100% stated that it should continue next year
• 100% said goals were achieved
• 100% said they liked the location
Suggestions
• Have a breakfast so that presenters can meet ahead of
time
• Have a STEMball the week of the event
• More presenters – the more, the better
• Make the rain stop
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45. What Can YOU Do?
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46. 1. Participate in This Year’s STEMfest
• Do an activity
• Help out with an activity
• Help set up the day/take down the day
• Publicize the day at your school, in your
district, at your university/college, etc.
• Twitter (@CTSTEMfest)
• Facebook (Stamford STEMfest)
• Instagram (Stamford STEMfest)
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47. 2. Do Your Own STEMfest
• In Your Classroom
• At Your School
• In Your Town, District, at Your University/College
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48. Who Can HELP you
do this?
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49. Orgs that can help!
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• Universities and colleges
•Science Centers and Museums from State
•By kids and for kids
•NSBE
•NSPHE
•Local Hospitals
•Local library
•Local businesses
•Girls Inc.
•Women in Aviation
•Jr. Scientists of the Sea

50. The STEM Challenge
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51. STEM-bury
Barkham-STEM
Madi-STEM
Madison
Southbury
Barkhamsted
Erie, STEM-sylvania
Erie, Pennsylvania
STEM Antonio
STEM Francisco
STEM Diego
San Antonio
San Francisco
San Diego
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Cincinnati
STEM-cinnati

53. Have a STEM-tastic Day!
Dr.Carrie Chiappetta
CChiappetta@StamfordCT.gov
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Jim Forde
JForde@StamfordCT.gov