Noyce Education Workshop
On Saturday, Sept. 29, MSUM hosted a day of STEM Workshops organized by the MSUM Noyce Program. This and future workshops are intended to better prepare future math and science teachers in the use of technology and new instructional methods. Preservice science and mathematics education majors from MSUM and Concordia along with professors from Concordia, NDSU, and MSUM were treated to ways teachers are incorporating programming and robotics into mathematics classrooms; applying optics to biology, chemistry, math and physics; building “black boxes” to explore the nature of science; learning about individualized learning techniques; 3-D printing applications; and iNaturalist used to identify the plants and animals.
External presenters included Lisa Conzemius from Detroit Lakes High School, Fernando Zamora from Montevideo High School, Paula Comeau from the MN DNR, and Teresa Shume from NDSU. MSUM presenters included faculty Karen Cloud from the School of Teaching and Learning, Steve Lindaas from the Department of Physics, Chris Merkord from the Biosciences Department, and Tyler Eidsness, MSUM Noyce Scholar and chemistry, chemistry education and life science triple major.
The MSUM Noyce Program “Preparing STEM Teachers to Successfully Navigate the Urban to Rural Gradient” is funded by a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The purpose of the Noyce Program is to prepare excellent STEM teachers. The program has paid summer education internships and competitive scholarships for STEM majors adding and a secondary education major. Noyce Scholars receive full tuition scholarships plus partial living expenses. If you would like more information visit https://www.mnstate.edu/noyce or contact noyce@mnstate.edu.