Building Omaha Future Leaders
November 2017
A STEM Professional You Should Know!
Rebecca Stavick – Do Space
Rebecca Stavick is the Executive Director of Do Space, the nation’s first technology library. Stavick actively manages Do Space relationships, direction, and strategy, bringing technology industry leadership and five years of public library sector experience to her role.
Prior to developing the Do Space project, Stavick earned a Master’s of Library and Information Science degree and served as Nebraska’s first Code for America Brigade Captain in 2012. Stavick is a 2016 “40 Under 40” Omaha Business Executives award recipient and a current member of the Urban Libraries Council Executive Board.
Rebecca is passionate in engaging young people, especially girls in STEM fields. She supports several organizations that promote and mentor women in tech. Recently she spoke at Midland University as part of the Forward Fremont conference for entrepreneurs, and said “my main message to college kids was — you don’t have to have it all figured out! I certainly did not when I first started college. I hope I never have it all figured out!”
Math at the Aquarium
November 14th
The STEM Ecosystem, in partnership with UNO Math Department and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, were proud to sponsor the first of Math with a Professional series. Teacher and STEM professionals came together to explore ways to make math more meaningful to their students. They were engaged in meaningful lessons designed to connect and apply math concepts to the aquarium setting. The night focused on NE Math standards 6-8, which could easily be applied to other secondary and primary level. The feedback was positive as teacher felt excited to have some new ideas to bring to their classroom.
The next in the series is Math with an Architect, at BVH Architects, 901 Jones St., Monday, January 29, 2018. Be on the lookout for the invite!
Nebraska Principals Conference
November 30th
Each year the NE Association of Elementary Principals (NAESP) and NE State Association of Secondary School Principals hold an annual conference to provide professional development for Nebraska Principals and allow for better collaboration between the organizations. This audience is made up of over 200 elementary, middle and high school principals from across the state. The Omaha STEM Ecosystem collaborated with Sheppard’s Business Interiors with an exhibitor’s booth. This was an excellent opportunity to talk about the importance of collaborations around STEM pathways to career, as well as the Omaha STEM Ecosystem.
Professional Development Opportunities
“Math with an Architect”
Explore ways to make math more meaningful to your students! Join BVH Architects, UNO and Omaha STEM Ecosystem in the second Math Series, Math with an Architect. Engage in interactive lessons designed to connect and apply math concepts within the Design Thinking/Process used in the architectural and design industry. The night will focus on NE Math standards 6-8, but easily applied to the secondary and elementary levels. Raffle for school supply gift cards.
January 29th, Monday
4:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m.
Light snacks and beverages included
For more information, contact Julie Sigmon Julie.sigmon@omahazoo.com
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming STEM Events
Nebraska Science Festival
The 2018 NE Science Festival may be months away, but organizers are encouraging teachers to register their classes now for the free science expos. The expos will provide nearly 1,800 students opportunities to participate in hands-on learning.
For more information on Science Festival activities, including how to volunteer as an individual, community site or a science expo booth, go to: www.scifest.com
Nebraska K-12 Science Education Summit
Get an update on Nebraska’s new college- and career-ready standards. Explore 3-dimensional learning, phenomena, and integrated science. Learn about innovative K-12 science curriculum, resources, and programs developed by university faculty. Engage with science education stakeholders from across Nebraska.
To register, go to : go.unl.edu/nesciencesummit
December 11th, Monday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Nebraska Innovation Campus
Greater Omaha Chamber Careerockit
February 12 – 18, 2018
For Information, go to: OmahaChamber@OmahaChamber
NE Science Olympiad
March 3 – 4, 2018
For information, go to: nescioly.com
Metro Science and Engineering Fair
March 10, 2018
For information, go to: http://msefomaha.com
HOSA Nebraska State Leadership Conference
March 19 – 20, 2018
For information, contact: Kori Jensen@nebraska.gov
Nebraska Science Festival
April 19 – 28, 2018
For information, go to: nescifest.com
City Nature Challenge
April 27 – 30, 2018
For information, contact: julie.sigmon@omahazoo.com
Resources/Articles
University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Education and Human Services partners with Code.org for K-12 Computer programs. Read more:
http://nebraska.tv/news/local/unl-is-working-to-improve-computer-science-education-in-schools
Pew Research Center on K-12 Education –Who is responsible?
The Purpose of School?
A venture capitalist searches for the purpose of school.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln staff and faculty are working to spur interest in careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
Do you have STEM related news or program to share with the Omaha STEM community? Contact us to find out how to get your story or program featured, or how to become a member.
Info@omahastem.com
Website: OmahaSTEM.com Facebook: OmahaSTEM
