February 2024 Issue
e t a v e l E
SPARK
RESOURCE ROUNDUP GROWTH MINDSET
STEAM MINDSET
Helping develop a growth mindset in students(and yourself) can help motivate individuals when they face a challenge. By learning unique ways to reframe a situation as an opportunity to learn something new. A growth mindset empowers one to develop their talents and knowledge.
A STEAM mindset is one that sparks selfmotivation, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, curiosity, and more! Many believe this type of mindset is a key to solving some of humanity’s biggest challenges. Students learn to ask the right questions, experiment, and create! Explore a few strategies and new ideas.
This Month......... We dive into the world of a positive mindsets. This includes a growth mindset, STEAM mindset, challenge mindset, and conservation mindset. Elevating your students(and educator) mindsets can be a true catalyst for change as we learn to adapt and mitigate to an ever changing world. Empower your school community with a few of this months resources!
https://www.authenticexplorationmatters.com authentic.exploration.matters.kc@gmail.com
LET’S EXPLORE:
HIGHLIGHT
GROWTH MINDSET
We would like to highlight Florida Oceanographic Society. Each year they strive to educate and empower youth on topics that center around Florida’s marine life and local coastal ecosystems. Ultimately, building skills that promote interpretation, understanding, and conservation while meeting Florida’s tough standards for excellence. Explore their education outreach and resources. Simply click the image by each resource to be linked to the page.
YOUR GO TO
Resource Roundup 2/1/2024
WE ARE TEACHERS
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING LEADS YOUTH TO HAVE MORE CONFIDENCE , IT INSPIRES THEM TO USE THEIR UNIQUE TALENTS, AND LETS THEM BELIEVE THAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE AMAZING THINGS. EXPLORE THIS LISTING OF RESOURCES THAT COVERA GRADES K-12. HELPING STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THAT MISTAKES CAN HELP US GROW TOWARDS SUCCESS AND THAT THE EFFORT THEY MAKE IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE ACHIEVEMENT.
KHAN ACADEMY
KHAN ACADEMY OFFERS A SERIES OF GROWTH MINDSET ACTIVITIES DESIGNED BUILD AND DEVELOP LEANING STRATEGIES THAT ARE FUN AND AGE APPROPRIATE. THEY FOCUS ON PROVIDING A STRUCTURED WAY FOR STUDENTS TO EXPLORE THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE IDEA THAT “YOU CAN LEARN ANYTHING”. UNITS ARE BROKEN INTO HIGH SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY OPTIONS THAT USE A CONNECT, LEARN, AND REFLECT PLATFORM.
EVERFI
SIGN UP FOR A FREE EDUCATOR ACCOUNT TO ACCESS THEIR FREE RESOURCES. HELP STUDENTS EMBRACE CHANGE, THRIVE ON BEING CHALLENGED, BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES, AND DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO EXPAND THEIR OWN MENTAL CAPACITY TO LEARN MORE! AFTER SIGNING UP FOR A FREE ACCOUNT, YOU CAN ACCESS THE STANDARDS-ALIGNED, READY-MADE DIGITAL LESSONS THAT WERE DESIGNED TO EMPOWER STUDENTS IN AN EVER CHANGING WORLD.
LET’S EXPLORE:
GROWTH MINDSET
Resource Roundup 2/1/2024
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES THIS AWARD-WINNING K-12 LIFE SKILLS CURRICULUM IS AVAILABLE FOR FREE TO EDUCATORS WORLDWIDE. ACCESS THEIR DIGITAL LIBRARY TO BE LINKED TO AGE/GRADE APPROPRIATE LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES. TOPICS INCLUDE LISTENING, COPING, EMPATHY, PERSEVERANCE, CONFLICT RESOLUTION, COMMUNICATION, GOAL SETTING, PROBLEM SOLVING, CAREER READINESS AND SO MUCH MORE!
EDUTOPIA EXPLORE INFORMATION ON GROWTH MINDSET PHILOSOPHY, DISCOVER HOW LEARNING MINDSETS CAN AFFECT STUDENT PERFORMANCE, AND FIND STRATEGIES THAT CAN SUPPORT STUDENT CONFIDENCE. ACCESS TOOLS THAT CAN INTRODUCE AND ELEVATE YOUR GROWTH MINDSET PROGRAM. THEY EVEN OFFER RESOURCES FOCUSED ON A GROWTH MINDSET WITHIN THE WORLD OF MATHEMATICES.
NEARPOD AFTER SIGNING UP FOR A FREE ACCOUNT, EDUCATORSCAN ACCESS A WIDE RANGE OF GROWTH MINDSET ACTIVITIES THAT ARE GRADE APPROPRIATE AND INCLUDE SURVEYS, VIDEOS, QUIZZES, SLIDESHOWS, REFLECTIONS, RESTORATIVE PRACTICES, CHALLENGES, AND MORE. HELP STUDENT EMBRACE THE CHALLENGES THEY MAY COME ACROSS AND LEARN TO GROW FROM THEM.
GROWTH MINDSET GAME THIS IS A FUN GAME THAT CAN BE USED IN CENTERS OR AS A WHOLE CLASS ACTIVITY. DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 4 THROUGH 6(CAN BE ADAPTED), STUDENTS USE A JENGA STYLE GAME TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. IDEAS TO ADD IN JOURNALING, TURN & TALK, AND STORY CREATION ARE ALSO INCLUDED. THIS SELF REFLECTION ACTIVITY HELPS STUDENTS DEVELOP A GROWTH MINDSET.
authentic.exploration.matters.kc@gmail.com
https://www.authenticexplorationmatters.com
LET’S EXPLORE:
HIGHLIGHT
STEAM MINDSET
We would like to highlight the National Wildlife Federation. The programs, curriculum, scientific reports, and more offered by the NWF are designed to increase knowledge about nature, wildlife, the connection between people and wildlife, and ways to inspire future environmental stewards. Be sure to explore their resources and the Clean Earth Challenge! Simply click the image by each resource to be linked to the page.
YOUR GO TO
Resource Roundup 2/8/2024
RESOURCE LIST SMITHSONIAN LEARNING LAB
ACCESS FIVE RESOURCES THAT HELP ELEVATE A STEM MINDSET IN YOUNG LEARNERS. EXPLORE TECHNIQUES TO HELP YOUNG STUDENTS USE SCIENTIFIC PRACTICE, DEVELOP SCIENCE SKILLS, AND A STEM MINDSET. USE QUESTIONING SKILLS, CLOSELOOKING, MODEL-MAKING, AND DRAMATIC PLAY TECHNIQUES VIA A YOUTUBE VIDEO, LEARN HOW ROBOTIC CAN GET GIRLS INTO STEM, AND TAKE ON CHALLENGES WITH INTENTION.
NAUTILUS LIVE
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF STEM EXPLORERS IS A CENTRAL PILLAR OF OCEAN EXPLORATION TRUST’S MISSION. ACCESS THIS SUITE OF FREE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES TO INTRODUCE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO A STEAM MINDSET. THEY OFFER OVER 100 STEAM EDUCATION RESOURCES THAT INCLUDE STANDARDS ALIGNED ACTIVITIES, GUIDES, ENGINEERING DESIGN CHALLENGES, AND CREATIVE PROJECTS FOR VARIOUS AGES AND STAGES.
DISCOVERE ENGINEERS WEEK
FEBRUARY 18-24, 2024 IS ENGINEERS WEEK. THIS IS ACTUALLY A YEAR LONG COMMITMENT TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE. CELEBRATE HOW ENGINEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD, BECOME A PART OF THE CONVERSATION, AND ENGAGE STUDENTS IN ENGINEERING. SCROLL DOWN TO DOWNLOAD THE EDUCATORS GUIDE AND FIND WAYS TO ELEVATE ENGINEERING THROUGH THIS YEARS THEME - “WELCOME TO THE FUTURE” - AS YOU CELEBRATE A DIVERSE AND BRIGHT FUTURE.
LET’S EXPLORE:
STEAM MINDSET
Resource Roundup 2/8/2024
BYU STEAM MINDSET THIS RESOURCE OFFERS AN ARTICLE TO UNDERSTAND THE 5 ATTRIBUTES OF THE STEAM MINDSET AS WELL AS OFFERING ACTIVITIES THAT PROMOTE A STEAM MINDSET. SCROLL DOWN TO FIND ACTIVITY IDEAS. THEN, KEEP SCROLLING TO ACCESS RESOURCES THAT LINK YOU TO VARIOUS PROJECT-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL AS WAYS TO EXPLORE AND USE TECHNOLOGY TO FOSTER A STEAM MINDSET.
TINKRWORKS
FUN STEAM IDEAS FOR EDUCATORS IN 2024 IS A MISSION AT TINKRWORKS. CAPTIVATE AND IMMERSE YOUR STUDENTS IN STEAM PROJECTS. THEIR RESOURCES ARE GEARED FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADE LEVELS. ACCESS ARTICLES TO HELP STRENGTHEN YOUR STEAM CURRICULUM. KITS ARE DOWNLOADABLE AND FREE! SIMPLY ANSWER A QUICK FEW QUESTIONS AND ACCESS FUN STEAM KITS LIKE LUNAR SURVIVAL AND SUPERHEROES CLASSROOM KITS.
INSTITUTE FOR ARTS INTEGRATION THIS RESOURCE OFFERS HUNDREDS OF ARTS INTEGRATION AND STEAM LESSON IDEAS TO JUMPSTART YOUR CREATIVE CLASSROOM. LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR GRADE K-12. EXPLORE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CREATIVE THINKING WITH ART BOTS, ABORIGINAL WATERSHED, SOUNDMAPPING, UPCYCLED WEARABLE, EGG TEMERA CHEMISTRY, PATTERNS IN THE UNIVERSE, AND MORE!
NASCO EDUCATION EMPOWERING TEACHERS AND ENGAGING STUDENTS IS AT THE CORE OF NASCO EDUCATION. THEY OFFER AN ARRAY OF HANDS-ON TEACHING TOOLS AND EXPERT LESSON PLANS AS WELL AS SOME PD’S! STEM/STEAM LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL GRADE LEVELS. CHECK OUT SOLAR ENERGY, MODEL THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM, EXPLORE THERMAL ENERGY, TRY YOUR HAND AT GYOTAKU FISH PRINTING. EXPLORE!
authentic.exploration.matters.kc@gmail.com
https://www.authenticexplorationmatters.com
LET’S EXPLORE: CONSERVATION MINDSET
HIGHLIGHT
We would like to highlight an organization that offers educational resources. This week we introduce ORCA: Ocean Research & Conservation Association. Their focus lies on changing the nature of aquatic preservation with an emphasis on the Indian River Lagoon. Check ou the educational resources and citizen science opportunities they offer to engage young minds! Simply click the image by each resource to be linked to the page.
YOUR GO TO
Resource Roundup 2/15/2024
RESOURCE LIST ECKERD COLLEGE AND REMORA APP EMPOWERING YOUTH TO BE CHANGEMAKERS OF THE FUTURE IS ESSENTIAL. ECKERD COLLEGE DESIGNED AN APP THT ALLOWS USERS TO TRACK PLASTIC ITEMS. THIS INNOVATIVE APPROACH AIMS TO REDUCE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS TO PREVENT TRASH FROM ENTERING WATERWAYS AND ECOSYSTEMS. CLICK THE LINK TO ACCESS A LINK TO THIS APP THAT WAS FUNDED BY THE EPA! YOU CAN ALSO ACCESS IT VIA THE APP STORE ON DEVICES.
ASSOC. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
THE ASSOCIATION HAS CREATED A CONSERVATION EDUCATION TOOLKIT TO SUPPORT EDUCATORS. CHECK OUT FIELD INVESTIGATIONS, FOSTER STEWARDSHIP, LEARN LANDSCAPE INVESTIGATION GUIDELINES, CREATE A MORE SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW, LEARN ABOUT THE MAGNIFICENT MONARCH, AND ACCESS THE “MAKING IT LAST” TOOLKIT. ALL OF THESE RESOURCES HELP FOSTER A CONSERVATION MINDSET IN YOUTH
NOAA LESSONS AND CURRICULA
NOAA HAS CREATED A “SHORT LIST” OF LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES TO HELP PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY. THIS INCLUDES CLIMATE AND DATA ACTIVITIES, EARTH SCIENCE DAYS, ESTUARY EDUCATION, HURRICANE RESILIENCE, THE MARINE DEBRIS TRACKER, THE REVOLUTIONARY SOS EXPLORER MOBILE APP AND MODULES, WITH SO MUCH MORE TO EXPLORE.
LET’S EXPLORE: CONSERVATION MINDSET
Resource Roundup 2/15/2024 EXPLORER’S MINDSET FRAMEWORK NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC OFFERS EDUCATOS A CHANCE TO LEARN AND IMPLEMENT THEIR EXPLORER’S MINDSET FRAMEWORK AS WAY TO CONNECT THEIR STUDENTS TO THE WORLD AROUND THEM ACROSS VARIOUS SCALES AND PERSPECTIVES. TEACH STUDENTS THE ATTITUDES, SKILLS, ADN KNOWLEDGE NEEDED TO BECOME MINDFUL EXPLORERES OF THE WORLD.
UF/IFAS MICROPLASTIC AWARENESS THE FLORIDA SEAGRANT AND EDUCATION PROGRAM HAS DESIGNED A PROJECT THAT FOCUSES ON MICROPLASTIC AWARENESS. THEY OFFER RESOURCES FOR K-12. EXPLORE THE MARINE DEBRIS STEAMSS CURRCIULUM, A NEARPOD MODULE, PLASTICS AND YOU, SWIM THROUGH A SEA TURTLE LESSON, ENGINEER FOR GOOD, IDENTIFY POLYMERS AND MORE AS YOU LEARN THE ROLE PLASTICS PLAY IN THE ENVIRONMENT.
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DESIGN DESIGNED FOR GRADE 9-12, THIS LESSON PLAN OFFERS A SET OF ACTIVITIES TO INTRODUCE STUDENTS TO SUSTAINABILITY IN THE CONTEXT OF URBANIZATION. THEY WILL CREATE A VISION OF A SUSTAINABLE CITY, IDENTIFY CHALLENGES, AND DISCOVER THE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROVIDED BY NATURE. ENGAGE THEM IN AN INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE!
EPA: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES THROUGH THIS ARRAY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SCIENCE BASED LESSON PLANS, ACTIVITIES, AND IDEAS, STUDENTS CAN BECOME MORE MINDFUL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSERVATION TOPICS THAT ARE RELAVENT IN TODAYS WORLD AND EMPOWER THEM FOR THE FUTURE. RESOURCES INCLUDE LESSONS, EDUCATOR GUIDES, COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT IDEAS, AND EVEN SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT OPTIONS.
authentic.exploration.matters.kc@gmail.com
https://www.authenticexplorationmatters.com
LET’S EXPLORE: CHALLENGE MINDSET
HIGHLIGHT
We would like to highlight the UF IFAS Florida Microplastics Awareness Project. Tackling the plastics challenge is one topic that is at the forefront of todays society. This is a citizen science project that offers ways to involve students in solving this challenge and they also provide resources to educate them on the basics of micro plastics and how they are impacting the planet. Simply click the image by each resource to be linked to the page.
YOUR GO TO
Resource Roundup 2/22/24
RESOURCE LIST ONE MILLION ACTS OF SCIENCE SCISTARTER PROMOTES CITIZEN SCIENCE MONTH FROM APRIL 130, 2024! JOIN A GROUP OF PEOPLE MAKING A COLLECTIVE IMPACT. THESE ACTS HELP PROVIDE DATA AND INFORMATION TO HELP ANSWER QUESTIONS SCIENTISTS CANNOT ANSWER ALONE. YOU CAN ATTEND AN ONLINE OR IN-PERSON EVENT OR EVEN JOIN A PROJECT TO PLAY GAMES THAT ACCELERATE MEDICAL RESEARCH, MAKE DISCOVERIES, AND SHARE PHOTOS OF BIODIVERSITY! ALL IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE!
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
TAKE THE CHALLENGE TO PERFORM DAILY RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS! CHECK OUT THEIR QUALITY CURRICULUM FOR PREKHIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND THE CLASSROOM. KINDNESS IN THE CLASSROOM IS AN EVIDENCE BASED OPPORTUNITY FOR SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING. DOWNLOAD THE CURRICULUM, ACCESS FREE TRAINING, START A KINDNESS CLUB, ACCESS MINI-LESSONS, EXPLORE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, ADN MAKE KINDNESS THE NORM AT YOUR SCHOOL!
STEAMSPACE ACADEMY
EACH YEAR, STUDENTS DESIGN AND COMPETE IN A COMPETITION THAT FOCUSES ON MICRO CHALLENGES. THESE CHALLENGES ARE “CITIES IN SPACE” AND THE “FOOTPRINT” MICRO CHALLENGES. LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL AS ACCESS RESORUCES, STUDENT PRESENTATIONS, AND LISTEN TO STELLAR TALKS! LET YOUR STUDENTS BECOME THE INNOVATORS, SCIENTISTS, ARTISTS, SETTLERS, AND PIONEERS OF NEW WORLDS!
LET’S EXPLORE: CHALLENGE MINDSET
Resource Roundup 2/22/24
BOW SEAT OCEAN AWARENESS SUPPORT YOUR STUDENTS CREATIVE SIDE THROUGH THE WORLD’S LARGEST ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH PROGRAM FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS. THE 2024 CONTEST THEME IS “TELL YOUR CLIMATE STORY” AND IT ENCOURAGES YOU TO BECOME A CLIAMTE WITNESS AND SHARE YOUR STORY. CONTEST DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JUNE 10, 2024. CLICK THE LINK TO LEARN MORE!
THE TECH CHALLENGE THE TECH CHALLENGE IS IN ITS 37TH YEAR! PRESENTED BY AMAZON, THIS CHALLENGE INVITES TEAMS OF STUDENTS IN GRADES 4-12 TO USE ENGINEERING TO DESIGN A PROCESS TO SOLVE A REAL-WORLD PROBLEM. THE PROCESS SUPPORTS THE COLLABORATION PROCESS AS STUDENTS BECOME ENGAGED IN DOCUMENTING THEIR PROGRESS. EACH APRIL TEAMS SUBMIT THEIR IDEA TO A PANEL OF JUDGES. LEARN MORE1
WRITING CONTESTS FOR STUDENTS EMPOWER YOUR STUDENTS BY LETTING THEIR CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS BE HEARD. THESE CONTESTS AREA CHALLENGING AND INSPIRING AS THEY ENGAGE YOUTH WITH AN AUTHENTIC AUDIENCE. OF COURSE, THERE MAY ALSO BE A CHANCE TO WIN A CASH PRIZE. CHECK OUT THIS LISTING OF WRITING CONTESTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS TO ENTER.
THE OURECHO CHALLENGE EACH YEAR, TEAMS ACROSS THE GLOBE COMPETE IN THE EARTHECHO, OURECHO CHALLENGE. THIS IS A STEM COMPETITION THAT EMPOWERS YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT BIODIVERSITY IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. THEY IDENTIFY A THREAT TO THE LOCAL ECOSYSTEM AND THEN PROPOSE A SOLUTION TO HELP PRESERVE, PROTECT, OR REPAIR THOSE NATURAL RESOURCES.
authentic.exploration.matters.kc@gmail.com
https://www.authenticexplorationmatters.com
Resource Roundup2/29/24
LEADING LIGHT GATHERINGS: AUTHENTIC EXPLORATION MATTERS STRIVES TO MAKE SURE OUR TEACHERS FEEL HEARD AND VALUED. CREATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY IS ALSO IMPORTANT AS WE SRTIVE TO INSPIRE, ELEVATE, AND SUPPORT EDUCATORS. THE LEADING LIGHT SERIES VARIES BETWEEN ONLINE EVENTS, COFFEE MEET UPS, AND COMING SOON ...... EXPERIENTIAL MEET UPS(THINKING KAKING, HIKING, WALKS, AND MORE)! WE CAN’T WAIT TO MEET AND CONNECT WITH YOU!
DISCOVERY SERIES WORKSHOPS:
CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT IS OUR DISCOVERY SERIES OF ONE DAY WORKSHOP EXPERIENCES. WE ARE WORKING HARD TO PUT TOGETHER A SERIES OF EXPERIENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL ENGAGE TEACHERS IN STEAM EDUCATION TOPICS THAT THEY CAN THEN TAKE BACK INTO THE CLASSROOM TO INSPIRE THEIR STUDENTS. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE SO KEEP WATCHING FOR NEWS AND UPDATES.
THE RESOURCE ROUNDUP:
EACH THURSDAY, DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, OUR EDUCATION COORDINATOR COMPILES A RESOURCE ROUNDUP THAT CENTERS AROUND ONE TOPIC/SUBJECT. THESE RESOURCES OFTEN INCLUDE LESSONS, ACTIVITIES, CHALLENGES, FIELD TRIPS, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCES, AND MORE. WE ARE ALSO HAPPY TO TRY TO CONNECT YOU WITH RESOURCES ON A SPECIFIC TOPIC YOU MAY BE WORKING WITH. JUST REACH OUT TO US!
THE TEAM: FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, ASHLEY HOLLERN, IS WORKING ON THE GRANT PROCESS SO THAT AEM CAN PROVIDE VALUED EDUCATORS WITH EXPERIENCES THAT WILL INSPIRE NEW WAYS TO ENGAGE STUDENTS AND IGNITE A PASSION FOR EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS. EDUCATION COORDINATOR, KIRSTIN COWAN, IS FOCUSING ON CONNECTING EDUCATORS WITH ORGANIZATIONS TO OFFER EXPLORATIONS OF TOPICS IN AUTHENTIC WAYS. STAY TUNED!
EDUCATOR RETREAT VIDEO LINK: authentic.exploration.matters.kc@gmail.com
https://www.authenticexplorationmatters.com