Checkout Library and PreK-12 Resources
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Click here to view the Hub’s Inventory List.
Click here to request or reserve materials Checkout Request.
Directions for Checking Out Materials:
1. View the Hub’s Inventory List. Educators can keep the kits up to 6 weeks and the set of 30 tablets up to 2 weeks. You can also reserve your kit to ensure access to materials in the future.
2. Make your request using this Checkout Request. You’ll get a confirmation of the request with details on how to pick it up. If you don’t hear back from the Hub within a day or two, please send a note of inquiry to scstemhub@drake.edu.
3. You’ll receive a confirmation email from the Hub that we have received your request. IF the item is unable, we’ll let you know the closest available date. IF the item is available, we’ll have it ready on your pick-up date.
4. Next, make plans to pick up your materials. All items may be picked up at the SC STEM Hub Regional Office. Please plan your vehicle size accordingly.
5. After use, please return kit in the same condition. Replace used supplies. Let the Hub know if the item has problems or is missing parts. We want to fix this before the next educator checks it out. Return to the SC STEM Hub, also.
Pick-up and Drop-Off Address:
SC STEM Hub
Collier-Scripps Hall #314/317
2702 Forest Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50031
Phone: 515-271-2403
Email: lisa.morlock@drake.edu
If we don’t have an item, we can try to locate it within the six-Hub network.
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New Opportunity in STEM!
Governor Reynolds announces “Computer Science is Elementary” project
(DES MOINES) – Gov. Kim Reynolds and Roger Hargens, CEO of Accumold, co-chairs of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, on Monday announced a project to launch six innovative computer science elementary schools. The six high-poverty schools will be competitively selected to transform existing buildings with engaging computer science instruction. The addition to these schools’ curriculum will create more opportunity for their students, including real-life work experiences with area employers. It also will establish a network of computer science experts as a resource for all public and non-public elementary schools across the state.
Loess Hills Computer Science Elementary School in Sioux City is the inspiration for the “Computer Science is Elementary” project. The district pioneered one of the first computer science elementary schools in the nation in 2015 when Loess Hills started teaching computational thinking and other skills, such as problem solving and teamwork. Loess Hills will serve as a blueprint for the project, which aligns with the Future Ready Iowa initiative to prepare more Iowans for rewarding, high-demand jobs. (Click HERE to read a Sioux City Journal article.)
“Computer science is a new basic skill in the 21st century,” said Reynolds. “It is critical to build a strong foundation early so students are ready for outstanding career opportunities in a technology-driven economy. These are Iowa jobs that pay well with a lot of potential for growth.”
“The computer science workforce shortage that employers face will grow unless we accelerate computer science instruction in K-12 schools,” said Hargens. “Many more jobs will require at least some computer science in the future, even if they are not strictly IT positions.”
Gary Scholten, executive vice president and chief digital and information officer at Principal Financial Group, is leading corporate engagement and support for the project. The campaign is working to raise $450,000 from the private sector by December 2018: $50,000 one-time planning grants for each of the six schools; $50,000 for Loess Hills Computer Programming School to serve as a blueprint; and $100,000 for a project manager. Once the six schools are launched they will operate with regular school funding like Loess Hills Computer Programming School in Sioux City. Contributions so far include $175,000 total from Principal Financial Group, MidAmerican Energy Company, Rockwell Collins and Kemin Industries.
The “Computer Science is Elementary” Advisory Group listed below will meet Aug. 29 to begin designing the criteria to select public and nonpublic elementary school awardees. In January 2019, the STEM Council will issue requests for proposals and has plans to announce the awards in spring 2019.
The “Computer Science is Elementary” project will enhance other initiatives to expand computer science, including a $1 million fund to prepare Iowa’s computer science teacher workforce. This follows a new state law encouraging elementary, middle and high schools to offer high-quality computer science instruction, and the recent adoption from the State Board of Education toward statewide voluntary computer science standards.
For more information, please contact Carrie Rankin, Managing Director, Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at Rankin@IowaSTEM.gov, 319-273-2757 or 319-269-4116.
“Computer Science is Elementary” Advisory Group
From the SC Region:
Ann Wiley, Johnston Community School District Instructional Technology Coordinator
Laura Williams Great Prairie Area Education Agency 21st Century Learning Specialist
Greg Ebeling, Pella Community School District Superintendent
Cindy Herren, Waukee Community School District Technology and Innovation Leader
From around the state:
1) Co-chair Erika Cook, Iowa Department of Education Chief, Bureau of Standards and Curriculum
2) Co-Chair Carrie Rankin, Governor’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Advisory Council Managing Director
3) John Bedward, Department Chair, Mathematics, Science and STEM Education, Associate Professor of Education-STEM, Buena Vista University School of Education
4) John Beeck, Sioux City’s Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary School Principal
5) Kim Buryanek, Sioux City Community School District Associate Superintendent
6) Linda Fandel, Governor’s Special Assistant for Education
7) Paul Gausman, Sioux City Community School District Superintendent
8) Shanna Helmke, Linn-Mar Community School District Elementary Technology Coach
9) David R. Hill, Shared Superintendent North Tama County and Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community School Districts
10) Meredith Junk, Kum & Go Software Developer and Student Mentor
11) Kate Lamoureux, Van Meter Community School District Instructional Coach
12) Ann Lebo, Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Executive Director
13) Ben Schafer, University of Northern Iowa Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science
14) Gary Scholten, Principal Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer
15) Ellen Stemler, Principal of St. Theresa Catholic School, Des Moines
16) Pat Thieben, Iowa Department of Education Administrative Consultant, Bureau of Career and Technical Education
17) Mary Trent, Northwest Regional Manager, Governor’s STEM Advisory Council
18) Kate Washut, Far Reach CEO, Cedar Falls
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Ongoing Opportunities in STEM
If you have a link that’s beneficial to PreK-12 STEM education, please email the Hub with a quick overview and working website.
Council Seal-of-Approval
Summer Events
- Belin-Blank Summer Camps, Iowa City, June-August
- BizTown Summer Camp, Des Moines, June-July
- Bricks 4 Kidz, various locations
- DMACC Kids College, June-July, various campuses
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, various themes and events
- ISU Engineering Summer Camps, June, Ames
- ISU TAG Summer Camps, June-July, Ames
- Knee High Naturalist, Polk County Conservation
- Living History Farms Camp, June-August, Urbandale
- STEAM Lab Makers Camp, Iowa City
- Summer Safari, Blank Park Zoo, summer (and more!)
- Sustainability Camp, Central College, Pella, July
- Tiger Lily STEM, various locations
Visit our STEM Calendar!
State STEM Resources
- Visit the Iowa STEM Council’s Evaluation link for the year-end report.
- Learn more about the Iowa STEM Council’s purpose.
Post-Secondary Programs and Resources
Drake University STEM Programs
Indian Hills Community College Academics
William Penn University Academics
Grandview University Academics
Central College STEM — Exploring
Simpson College STEM Visit Day
Southwest Community College STEM
Iowa Valley Community College STEM Club
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Free STEM Resources for Educators and Parents
FREE Online Quiz–Find Your STEM-Job Type: Hosted by STEMjobs.com. Sign up for their online newsletter, too.
FREE credits for high school students: DMACC IT courses
Elevate Iowa Educator Resources: Request a speaker or schedule a field trip to learn about Advanced Manufacturing in Iowa
Vital Signs: Researched-based statistics and facts promoting STEM education
Iowa STEM Evaluation Results: Is this initiative working? We think so, but judge for yourself. This link is full of stats and facts.
The Laboratory Safety Institute: Ensure lab safety with LSI training and services.