February 2026 Newsletter
February 2026 Newsletter
Embedded Files
Featured Events
Featured Events
PA public schools now have free access to Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels, a short educational documentary originally produced for IMAX theaters and science museums. The film aligns with STEELS Standards for grades 3–12, is available in 20- and 40-minute versions (including a Spanish-language option), and is accompanied by a complimentary Educator Guide with hands-on STEM activities developed by the Kamin Science Center. I encourage you to review the attached materials and share this opportunity with educators in your districts. Teachers can sign up for access to the film using this link.
For Educators
For Educators
OER Commons has a whole set of STEM Resources for Educators!
Check them out if you haven't yet!
CS in PA Newsletter- Look inside for opportunities such as:
Capture the Flag Cybersecurity Workshops- Stipend for Educators
Quorum Game Design- Accessible CS Pathway for Educators
CyberBytes Webinar Series
FAA Pathway
2026 PA- CSTA Unconference - registration is open!
IES12251032 LEGO® Education Science Workshop Save the Date (2).pdfRET flyer final.pdfEnvironmental Literacy and Sustainability/ Environmental Ed
Environmental Literacy and Sustainability/ Environmental Ed
Check out the new
Check out the new
SE ELIT Hub!
SE ELIT Hub!
Exploring Our Environment: Local Issues, Lasting Lessons
Exploring Our Environment: Local Issues, Lasting Lessons
Join us February 27th at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center for a hands-on workshop exploring environmental literacy and sustainability in Berks County. Register today!
What's Next? Advancing Your MWEE & Environmental Literacy Practice
What's Next? Advancing Your MWEE & Environmental Literacy Practice
Join us June 18th at Berks Nature Center for an interactive day of learning with a blend of fresh content, collaborative problem-solving, and space for educators to share their successes and challenges. Register on Frontline
Student - Centered Learning: Benefitting ALL Classrooms!
Student - Centered Learning: Benefitting ALL Classrooms!
Sign up here to receive:
Invitations to quarterly PASCL network meetings
Monthly Newsletters
Other SCL Opportunities and Resources!
SCL_June2026Wkshp_Invite_102325.pdfGiving students opportunities to utilize voice, choice or agency in YOUR classroom?
Please come share!
Request for proposals is open and we want to celebrate YOU and the ways you are empowering students here in Berks County- big or small!
For Students
For Students
Congratulations to Governor Mifflin SD for moving on to Invention Convention FINALS in Chicago this summer!
BCIU is proud to serve as leaders in this event, and are thrilled to see our STEM Lending Library resources being utilized so perfectly!
The BCCD is proud to announce the annual scholarship application is OPEN as well as the Don Hartman Leadership School Scholarship. Last year the BCCD awarded over $20,000 in scholarships!
The Don Hartman Scholarship is a great opportunity for the BCCD to pay summer “camp” tuition for students looking for field experiences. One of those experiences is the Wildlife Leadership Academy. Normally a $600 tuition, the BCCD pays 90% of the tuition, allowing students more opportunities to explore their interest in a variety of outdoor fields.
Scholarship application information can be found here.
Poster contest info.pdf2026 Conservation Poster Contest for grades K-6
Did you know...
BCIU runs a variety of student competitions every year!
These include:
PA Invention Convention (K-12)
STEM Design Challenge (4-8)
SEAL Challenge (9-12)
Keystone Competition
To learn more, reach out to Jillian Darlington
or
Keep your eyes on this section of our newsletter!
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Math Matters
Math Matters
ME-SBG Flyer (2).pdfMathematics Empowerment Through
Standards-Based Grading
A U.S. Department of Education-Funded Research Study
Audience: Grades 6-8 Math educators and leaders
Introduction to Building Thinking Classrooms
This workshop offers insight into some of the results of 20 years of research into how teachers can transform their classrooms from a space where students mimic to where students think. The practices discussed will intertwine with, and make extensive references to, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning.
Waitlist Open
Esports
Esports
Are you an Esports Coach or Leader looking for your community? No matter what league you play for, you are invited to Join PSEL's Educator Network!
Are you looking to start or enhance an Esports club or team in your school- join us! You can also reach out to Kendy Schiffert for support and connections!
We continue to refine our newsletter to meet WCAG Accessibility guidelines and appreciate your patience and feedback.
We continue to refine our newsletter to meet WCAG Accessibility guidelines and appreciate your patience and feedback.
January 2026 Newsletter
January 2026 Newsletter
Featured Events
Featured Events
Authentic STEELS Assessments 2026.pdfAuthentic Steels Assessment Workshops
Authentic Steels Assessment Workshops
Join Lyn Hilt to explore features of high-quality STEELS assessments. Register for the Elementary Session or the Secondary Session
Student-Centered Learning Meet-Up
Student-Centered Learning Meet-Up
Headed to PETE&C? All are invited to join us at the Hershey Hotel Monday at noon for networking, discussion and a free raffle of STEM/SCL prizes!
For Educators
For Educators
Flyer - 2026 Pitton PA Teachers Tech in the Wild.pdfMassive FREE Opportunity for PA Educators: "Tech in the Wild: STEELS and the BBC micro:bit"
Massive FREE Opportunity for PA Educators: "Tech in the Wild: STEELS and the BBC micro:bit"
CodeJoy has partnered with Pittcon and the PAIUs to offer "Tech in the Wild"—a massive, state-wide initiative designed to give PA educators everything needed to confidently implement the new STEELS Standards. Don't miss this opportunity to bridge the gap between technology and the new STEELS framework. Registration closes January 31st!
Learn more and sign up today: https://go.codejoy.org/pittcon25
Join us for our final STEM Educators Network Meeting
Join us for our final STEM Educators Network Meeting
March 26th 9:00-2:00
Statewide Shift to Student-Led Book Study
Statewide Shift to Student-Led Book Study
Explore practical strategies to transform classrooms into student-centered learning environments that foster agency, engagement, and deeper learning
Register by January 29th to get a FREE copy of the book!
Check out the new
Check out the new
SE ELIT Hub!
SE ELIT Hub!
Visit the hub to learn more about:
Students Project Grants
Teaching Green Symposium in June
Also check out:
Exploring Our Environment: Local Issues, Lasting Lessons
Exploring Our Environment: Local Issues, Lasting Lessons
Join us February 27th at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center for a hands-on workshop exploring environmental literacy and sustainability in Berks County. Register today!
What's Next? Advancing Your MWEE & Environmental Literacy Practice
What's Next? Advancing Your MWEE & Environmental Literacy Practice
Join us June 18th at Berks Nature Center for an interactive day of learning with a blend of fresh content, collaborative problem-solving, and space for educators to share their successes and challenges. Register on Frontline
New Grant Opportunity Announcement!
New Grant Opportunity Announcement!
Chemistry Outreach Awards Grants
Chemistry Outreach Awards Grants
The SACP & SSP are dedicated to educating members of the scientific community, students, and teachers about chemistry, spectroscopy, and science in general. We achieve this goal by providing schools in need with equipment necessary to educate students.
On their website they advertise a variety of K-12 Science Grants. Check them out!
Opportunities for Students
Opportunities for Students
SEAL Challenge- School registration is open!
SEAL Challenge- School registration is open!
The Sea Air and Land Challenge is a STEM initiative in which teams of high school or middle school aged students learn about the engineering process through the design and build of a robotic system. The systems are then used to compete in challenges relevant to the Department of Defense which mimic missions encountered by the military, national security agencies and first responders.
If interested in participating:
Sign up your high school soon!
Challenge Day is set for Thursday, April 30, 2026, held at Berks Career & Technology Center (BCTC), West Campus in Leesport, PA. Details can be found on the SEAL website.
Reading Berks Science and Engineering Fair
Reading Berks Science and Engineering Fair
This event is held at Albright College in March. You can view more details on this flyer.
This month's Berks STEM Connection Newsletter is a mini-version as we begin to ramp up for 2026!
We continue to refine our newsletter to meet WCAG Accessibility guidelines and appreciate your patience and feedback.
This month's Berks STEM Connection Newsletter is a mini-version as we begin to ramp up for 2026!
We continue to refine our newsletter to meet WCAG Accessibility guidelines and appreciate your patience and feedback.
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