40 STEM iPad Apps for Kids

With the need for students looking towards a STEM career path growing, it's no surprise that technology has figured how to do their part. With iPad apps that revolve around STEM appealing to children, there's a whole new way for them to learn without even knowing it.

These apps are great for giving your child practice, repetition and reinforcement: something that will definitely come in handy during the upcoming holiday breaks!

Categorized by math apps and science, technology and engineering apps, this site is a great tool for parents and educators a like.  Check it out!

Today's Education Means Twitter School

That's right, I said it: Twitter School. We all know that social media is paving a way for itself in the classroom, and it was more obvious than ever before at the Advancing Improvement in Education Conference this month in Austin, Texas. As fifteen-year-old Adora Svitak stood in front of nearly 3,000 teachers, principals and administrators and gave them the tools they needed to implement Twitter and Facebook into their schools, the social media sphere rejoiced.

Svitak acknowledges that students today "live, work and play" social media." She also noted to her audience that when the characteristics present in social media don't exist in the classroom, it's easy to tune out.

Taking note, first-time Twitter users in the audience learned how to sign up and began tweeting - thanking Svitak for her presentation, hashtag and all.

Svitak wrapped things up by saying, "Any good teacher knows how important it is to connect with students and understand our cultures. That could start with something like pursuing Reddit and knowing popular memes...Social media has definite benefits for education."

To read more and look at the to must-have apps for successful high school students, click here.

STEM Vital Signs: Texas

As a leading high-tech state, Texas businesses need more STEM talent to stay competitive than ever before. Despite economic downturn, STEM skills are still in high demand in Texas. In fact, there are 2.5 STEM jobs for every one unemployed person compared to 3.3 unemployed persons for every one non-STEM job. Hello, people! Improving student performance in STEM in K-12 is crucial to help not only the Texas economy grow, but the entire nation's.

There are some highlights here, though. Since 2004, the State of Texas, with private sector support, has invested more than $100 million to create 65 STEM Academies serving more than 25,000 students. Texas also recently adopted new math standards and more rigorous assessment and it's paying off. Texas students are spending more time on elementary science, are participating more in hands-on learning and are making progress in math. 

Change the Equation's 2012 Vital Signs measure the health of the K-12 STEM enterprise state by state. Vital Signs was created in collaboration with the American Institutes for Research and was made possible by generous support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

To look at Change the Equation's full report on the STEM Vital Signs in Texas, click here.

To find out what the STEM Vital Signs are like in your state, click here.

"Learning Biology With a Digital Microscope"

After collaborating with TERC, a leader in STEM research, Swift Optical Instruments produced the first Swift Lab Manual for use with Swift digital microscopes and digital imaging software. Score! 

The lab manual is geared towards high school grade level (9-12) biology courses, but can certainly be adapted to other grades. With 20 hands-on activities, divided into four theme-based units, it is the ultimate learning resource for science classrooms. The activities in the manual can be done in order or individually with appropriate preparation.

The manual is linked with National and Key-State biology/life science standards (Texas, New York, California and Florida) along with four nationally recognized high school biology textbooks. This manual is proving to be your best friend in high school labs.

The activities in "Learning Biology with a Digital Microscope" give students endless opportunities to explore the living world around them. The teacher-friendly nature make it just as valuable to teachers as it can be for students. Easy to follow step-by-step instructional student sheets insure that all activities are classroom ready.

Learn more about Swift digital microscopes' greatest companion here.

Teacher (and Teachers-to-be) Scholarship Alert

For Teachers-to-be:


AFCEA Teacher Scholarship


Amount: 50 Scholarships of $5000 each


Who is this for? Undergraduates, graduates and anyone pursuing the credentials to join the STEM teaching community in the U.S middle or secondary schools.


For Teachers:


STEM Teacher Scholarship


Amount: $5000


Who is this for? future teacher attending a Virginia college or university in honor of The Honorable John W. Warner, former United States Senator. 


Additional Teacher Scholarship - $2500


Robert Noyce Scholarship Program

Amount: Not Specified


Who is this for? STEM majors and professionals looking for a career change into K-12 Math and Science Educators

Apply by: March 26, 2012