The STEM MI Champions Project, sponsored by Michigan Virtual University , is designed to provide teachers with the instructional strategies and resources they need to ensure that all students develop 21st Century skills. STEM MI Champions Project teams work across disciplines to build project-based learning units that focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These technology-rich, Universally Designed units challenge students to solve real issues that affect our society. The result: increased engagement and achievement for all students.
Each interdisciplinary team is made up of a science teacher, math teacher, social studies teacher, English teacher and special education teacher. Team members share the same group of grade level students. The project period begins at the annual MACUL conference in March 2011 and continues with the 2013 conference. Participants must commit to meeting all project requirements.
1. MACUL Conference Attendance: (2) 2-day experiences for 3 consecutive MACUL Conferences
Expenses are paid for teachers to attend the required conferences held in March. They will have the opportunity to attend conference sessions and exhibits. The following funding allows teachers to receive 2 days of training at each conference for consecutive years at the beginning and end of the grant period. Conference reimbursement includes:
• Conference registration
• MACUL membership
• Reimbursement for substitute teachers (up to $100 per day)
• A stipend for mileage and/or one night's lodging depending on calculating the distance to the conference.
An intense, three-day integration training is provided for all teachers and coaches.
• Trainers, materials, and teacher stipends of $100 per day are provided for each team member.
• Training sessions will be scheduled in two regions throughout the state. Metro Detroit and Greater Grand Rapids.
• The training includes Project Based Learning, STEM curriculum, 21st Century Skills and Universal Design for Learning
An experienced PBL/UDL/STEM educator will be assigned to teams so that:
• help each team member meet the program requirements
• to assist members in implementing the strategies learned during the trainings
• Attend the MACUL Conference in Detroit on March 17 and 18, 2011, the MACUL Conference in Grand Rapids on March 8 and 9, 2012 and MACUL Conference in Detroit on March 21 and 22, 2013.
• Participate in the STEM MI Champions Project Palooza at the MACUL Conference in 2012 and 2013.
• Attend the three day summer institute in summer 2011 and 2012.
• Attend either (choose one) a one-day, fall follow-up workshop or two (2) virtual follow-up training sessions.
• Design and implement a minimum of two (2) Project Based Learning Unit plans each semester (or 2 of 3 semesters in a tri-semester program).
• Participate in the STEM MI Champions evaluation protocol.
• Selected teams will be asked to:
o Host 2 school-based site visits (i.e., classroom observations, student interviews, teacher interviews, student focus groups, etc.)
o Conduct pre and post engagement surveys with 2 classrooms of STEM students
o Submit unit/ lesson for review
o Submit student product for review
• Utilize the services of the Implementation Coach assigned to your school.
• Become an active member of the STEM MI Champions Professional Learning Community (PLC).
o Participate in 2-3 project-related synchronous or asynchronous PLC connections annually.
• If possible, attend the MACUL Conference in Detroit on March 17 and 18, 2011.
• Attend the first day of the summer training institute.
• Act as the contact person/liaison for the Implementation Coach assigned to your school.
• Support the STEM MI Champions team as they implement the PBL units.
• Commit to supporting the integration of Project Based Learning and STEM for All in the school's curriculum.
• Become an active member of the STEM MI Champions Professional Learning Community (PLC).
o Participate in 2-3 project-related synchronous or asynchronous PLC connections annually.
• Commit to supporting the integration of Project Based Learning and STEM for All in the school's curriculum.
• Selected teams will be asked to:
o Host two school-based site visits (i.e., classroom observations, student interviews, teacher interviews, student focus groups, etc.)
o Conduct pre and post engagement surveys with 2 classrooms of STEM students
o Submit unit/ lesson for review
o Submit student product for review
CEUs are available at the MACUL Conference and Summer Training session. The participant pays a $10 fee for conference CEU's and there is no charge for the summer training CEU's.
Course Credit is pending.
3410 Belle Chase Way Suite 100Lansing, MI 48911(517) 882-1403
