Welcome to #MSUrbanSTEM
The MSU-WIPRO STEM & Leadership Teaching Fellowship program is the culmination of the partnership between global IT giant Wipro, Chicago Public Schools, and Michigan State University's College of Education. Fellows participate in an innovative year-long integrated learning experience to build STEM teachers' capacity and empower them to lead and inspire transformative, innovative practices in urban K-12 schools.
McGowan Hits the Grant Jackpot!
Anna McGowan is a member of our first #MSUrbanSTEM cohort. She continues to be a strong advocate for making a difference in STEM education. Recently, she received a $7500 grant from the Bemis Foundation to implement a K-5 Project Lead the Way STEM curriculum at Sauganash Elementary School. The curriculum...
3,2,1…Blast Off! Protect the Eggstronaut!
There were definitely some ups (and some downs) for Mahesh Alur and his STEM Club on launch day. Alur is a member of our first MSU Urban STEM Cohort and is a science teacher at Amundsen High School. His students have been incredibly busy creating a secure flight device for their eggstronauts. Recently, the...
A Packed #MSUrbanSTEM Playground at This Year’s CPS Tech Talk
If a playground is popular, it will be packed! The MSU Urban STEM Playground was certainly a very busy place at this year’s Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Tech Talk. CPS Tech Talk was a huge success as our 49 fellows shared their wealth of STEM knowledge with others. The MSU Urban STEM crew hosted an...
Introducing…Our Sustainability Fellows
We take great pride in introducing our new Sustainability Fellows. In efforts to continue our MSU Urban STEM work, six fellows from cohort one were selected to participate. These educators have committed to carrying on their leadership by supporting other teachers within their own schools and beyond. MSU-Wipro Urban...
Field Trip Leads to Interest-Driven Studies in the Classroom
Sandra Jackson and her students recently ventured to The Museum of Science and Industry for a very exciting field trip. The students participated in the Black Creativity Workshops being offered at the museum. The fifth and eighth grade students got to explore the mindful work of an artist who simply used...
Students Receive Valuable Support During Science Fair Season
It’s Science Fair season! This usually means that parents everywhere are scrambling to put together the perfect project. Tracey Walker-Hines feels very fortunate to have a new system that takes some pressure off both parents and students. Her students are working with a wonderful and willing group of experts...
A Magical Meeting of the MSU Urban STEM Minds
A hint of magic filled the air on March 5th. Our fellows gathered for their second face to face meeting of the year. The day was filled with all sorts of enchanting twists and turns. Punya Mishra kicked off the meeting by sharing his family video, which triggered a scientific wonder. They also explored The...
Pi Day FUN!
Laura Frcka certainly knows how to promote an enthusiasm for learning! Pi Day was the perfect excuse to incorporate mathematical thinking into every aspect of her instructional day. Upon enlisting help from colleagues and students, Frcka threw a unique Pi Day celebration. Her students were responsible for...
Steve Tows’ DreamMakers Are Moving Along!
The Goudy Dream Makers are at it again! But this time, they are moving along at a faster, more comfortable pace. Steve Tow began his pedagogical transformation at the beginning of the 2015/2016 school year. His classroom underwent a complete makeover, creating a new space for the Goudy Dream Makers to tinker....
Celebrating Engineers Week With Some MSU Urban STEM Fun!
Our fellows know how to add their own element of fun to Engineers Week! During the week of February 21st, engineers all over the nation took opportunities to reflect and take pride in the art of engineering. MSU Urban STEM classrooms brought engineering to new levels. Students built heat efficient model homes,...
Students Study the Chemistry Behind a Tainted City
Melanie Yau knows that connecting lessons with significant world issues can only enhance a learning experience. Yau is a chemistry teacher at King College Prep High School in South Chicago. She has been working very closely with her department team to create more of these “real-world” learning...
Students at Kellogg Elementary Create Renewable Energy Companies
Darnella Wesley is teaching her eighth grade students all about renewable energy. Her ImagineIT project uses an engineering design model to explore renewable energy concepts. However, there’s one small twist in this lesson! These eighth graders are CEO’s, CFO’s, and even Vice Presidents of...