We live in an age of constant scientific discovery — a world shaped by revolutionary new technologies.
More and more, scientific and technological issues dominate state discourse, from environmental debates on ozone depletion and acid rain, to economic threats from climate change and invasive species. Understanding these debates has become as basic as reading. All students need to be scientifically literate to appreciate the world around them and make informed personal choices.
This scientific literacy was on display at the recent convening of Governor Inslee’s statewide STEM Education Innovation Alliance meeting held on the capital campus, February 14. The theme of the STEM Alliance meeting was: Science, Climate and Environmental Day.
Eight award-winning student presentations were selected to present to the 50 plus STEM Alliance members, who represent business, higher education, manufacturing, and technology companies in Washington. Dr. Ellen Ebert, Science Director, for the Washington State’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction served as one of the project organizers. Dr. Ebert works closely with all nine ESD science coordinators as part of the OSPI/AESD Science Network Initiatives.
While there was other content discussed during the meeting, the eight student presentations provided the highlight for STEM Alliance members. Students from Columbia Crest A-STEM Academy (Eatonville School District); Bordeaux Elementary School (Shelton School District); Evergreen Middle School (Everett School District); Taholah School District; Sumner High School (Sumner School District); Colton High School (Colton School District); and Tesla High School (Lake Washington School District) presented on science, climate science and environmental education projects they were actively engaged in conducting research and scientific inquiry.
The presentations demonstrated the quality of the instruction occurring in our science classrooms, as well as the power of teacher professional learning and the alignment of the curriculum with the Next Generation Science Standards. These efforts are major goals of the OSPI/AESD Science Network Initiatives and confirm the value of OSPI and ESD Science Coordinators, and the statewide science Fellows program.
Governor Inslee speaking to students from Columbia Crest A-STEM Academy, Eatonville School District, as part of the Science, Climate and Environmental Day, February 14, 2018.
