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Students around the country are finally heading back to school—some virtually, and some back into the classroom! BEAR wants to know how kids in Arizona are feeling about the upcoming changes.

Virtual Teaching and Learning is the New Normal for now

Tell us what you think! We want to know what’s trending with you! This is your chance to share what school looks like for you these days, how you are feeling, and what things you miss. We also want to know what you look forward to seeing in the pages of Bear Essential each month, and what you would like to see in future issues.

Another Boring Afternoon—NOT!

Find out What’s Trending in SciTech Institute’s New STEM Resource Directory. This comprehensive guide helps parents keep children engaged with learning.

If you haven’t yet explored the new online STEM Resource Directory SciTech Institute recently developed to help parents find quality educational resources and support students learning at home, then you don’t know what you’re missing. The Resource Directory is a comprehensive catalog that compiles STEM-related educational opportunities and activities from hundreds of leading local and national organizations in a single place, organized clearly by audience and topic.

Parents have had to adjust to a new normal of both working at home while also being teachers for their children who are learning remotely. As these last days of summer come to an end and we embark on another school year, SciTech Institute’s free online Resource Directory provides quality, vetted resources to support online learning and to help meet parent, teacher and student needs. The directory offers families access to a wealth of engaging and interactive content in an easy-to-navigate format that is fun to search and explore.

Check out five of SciTech Institute’s favorite featured resources of the month: 

1. 50 Easy Science Experiments

Kids Can Do at Home With Stuff You Already Have

You don’t need special equipment or a Ph.D. to get kids excited about science. These easy science experiments are a snap to pull together, using household items you already have on-hand. Let the learning—and fun—begin! (As always, take proper safety precautions and provide adult supervision as needed.) https://www.weareteachers.com/easy-science-experiments/

2. Space Station Explorers

A community of educators, learners and organizations that make STEM learning fun and exciting through connections with the International Space Station (ISS) National Lab. We collaborate with many partners on innovative programs and resources for K–12 students, educators and the public, including opportunities to design experiments to launch to space! https://www.spacestationexplorers.org/

3. Wide Open School

Wide Open School is a free and open collection of online learning activities for PreK-12th grade students and families. The website is created by Common Sense Media, with input from education, media and technology partners. Wide Open School is an easy-to-navigate hub of resources that will be invaluable to teachers, students and families. https://wideopenschool.org/

4. Freeport-McMoRan’s Dig Into Mining: The Story of Copper – From Ore to More Virtual Lab

Get a behind-the-scenes look at a working copper mine in Arizona and hear from different professionals to learn about their role in the mining process, from mine planning to reclamation. Explore the incredible technology, equipment and chemistry at work and show your students an exclusive look at the careers inside the copper industry. https://www.digintomining.com/virtualfieldtrips/archive

5. Wonderopolis

Let natural curiosity and imagination lead to exploration and discovery in learners of all ages. Each day, find an intriguing question—the Wonder of the Day®—and explore it in a variety of ways. https://wonderopolis.org/

Be sure to take advantage of SciTech Institute’s STEM Resource Directory to enhance online learning. With this tool, students can continue to explore, connect, and build their skills and knowledge, all while having fun with STEM. https://scitechinstitute.org/resources

SciTech Institute is dedicated to enhancing and promoting STEM awareness and engagement in Arizona and beyond. The organization strives to make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) accessible to all.

Arizona SciTech Festival

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