General Education Services
Science Support

STEM

 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is a method of hands-on teaching and learning where students learn to apply academic content by creatively solving real-world problems with innovative design-based thinking to prepare students for future career opportunities.

 

Current Reality

With a projected 1.9 million deficit in STEM jobs by 2026 while simultaneously ranking last among states with STEM expectations, action was imperative. Across the state, ecosystems were formed in 2019 to address this dilemma. The ESC 12 STEM Ecosystem, located in Waco, Texas, comprises stakeholders from informal and formal educators, non-profits, industry, government, and higher education, providing a robust, rich perspective.

 

STEMfest

The Region 12 EcosySTEM Design Team is excited to host a FREE community event in Waco at the Mayborn Museum! Geared towards attendees of all ages, take part in this event to find out what STEM is all about through fun, interactive and engaging activities, demonstrations, and explorations from a number of our partners. #R12STEM

 

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Andi Parr

aparr@esc12.net

(254) 297-1248

 

 

Vision

Build awareness, opportunity, and education for STEM in the Region 12 community.

 

Mission

Partner with schools and the community to build capacity and inspire wonder with STEM.

ESC Region 12 EcosySTEM Regional Hub

According to labor projections, Texas is expected to have the second-highest percentage of the nation’s future STEM job opportunities. To ensure our students are prepared for this future workforce, The Texas Education Agency has established the Texas EcosySTEM – a collaborative effort which unites various stakeholders to work towards the common goal of increasing access for young people to STEM-rich learning environments so that they are engaged and have mastered the necessary skills for success in STEM careers.

 

Strong STEM Learning Ecosystems feature dynamic collaborations among schools, out-of-school time programs, STEM expert institutions (such as museums, science centers, institutions of higher education and STEM professional associations), the private sector, community-based organizations, youth and families.

 

ESC Region 12 will serve as a Texas EcosySTEM Regional Hub and will provide free membership for districts to join the local STEM ecosySTEM. EcosySTEM membership includes:

  • Monthly STEM communication including information from the state and federal level
  • Regional STEM goals developed by a local STEM Design Team and aligned to the local STEM labor market data
  • Regular STEM ecosySTEM meetings to share local STEM opportunities and address local concerns
  • All districts will have access to the free TEA STEM planning and implementation tools as well as family engagement tools

STEM Equipment Kit Rental

 

ESC Region 12 STEM Ecosystem is proud to offer a variety of STEM equipment and kits available for FREE rental. The Google sheet below represents a comprehensive list of equipment that you may rent for use with your students and in your classroom. To reserve equipment, follow the link to the right of the Grade Band, or fill out the rental form here. 

 

View Complete Google Sheet Here >

 

Videos

 

Check out this video about STEM in Wastewater, created by our Ecosystem Design team members, CRASR and Baylor University!

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Texas EcosySTEM
The Texas EcosySTEM is a collaborative effort which unites various stakeholders to work towards the common goal of increasing access for young people to STEM-rich learning environments so that they are engaged and have mastered the necessary skills for success in STEM careers. Sign up to receive monthly STEM communication including information from the state and federal level and local STEM opportunities.
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Elementary Science
The purpose of the Elementary Science email group is to circulate information to Region 12 Educators and others interested in Elementary science instruction. The latest information from TEA, engaging activities and educational opportunities will be just some of the information shared.  
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Mathematics
Join our email list, to receive our Math Matters newsletter to your inbox each month. Created specifically for our Region 12 educators, we share the latest information impacting teaching and learning such as important TEA updates, instructional strategies, and digital tools to help our students engage with math in relevant ways.  
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