Virtual STEM Conference Spring 2021
Shine On! recently participated in an educational downlink with NASA, where nearly 6,500 students from across New York State were able to video chat in real-time with astronauts aboard the International Space Station!
This incredible opportunity was included with Shine On!'s 2021 STEM-themed virtual conference: Look to the Stars #CharacterCountdown. With the help of Beekmantown Central School, some amazing local sponsors, and almost 30 incredible presenters from across the country, students in K-8 classrooms were able to build an interest in STEM by participating in a variety of age-appropriate workshops for a full day of character building and learning.
Workshops were presented by students, educators, and STEM professionals from near and far, each talking about how the KIPP character strengths (grit, optimism, curiosity, self-control, social intelligence, gratitude and zest) are necessary for problem-solving in space and success in STEM industries.
In addition to the conference, participating classrooms were provided with a three week pre-conference curriculum specially designed to allow students to arrive at the conference with the background knowledge necessary to get the most out of the activities. Schools were also provided with a post-conference resource kit full to the brim of information on how to keep fostering students' interest in STEM.
