University at Buffalo (UB)
Published November 19, 2015 This content is archived.
Four representatives of the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Partnership (ISEP) were among those who convened in Washington, D.C., last week to exchange strategies for building students’ STEM knowledge and expertise.
The focus was on enhancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through multisector “ecosystems” that bring together schools, out-of-school programs, businesses, institutions of higher education and STEM-rich institutions such as museums. Participants — leaders of 27 local and regional networks for STEM learning nationwide — also met with White House officials to discuss equitable STEM education and federal STEM policy.
These 27 STEM Learning Ecosystems represent the inaugural group of ecosystems selected by the STEM Funders Network to receive support as part of a larger commitment that will grow to support 100 ecosystems in its first three years. Each of the 27 networks is receiving hands-on technical assistance individualized to the needs of each community from the STEM Funders Network.
The ISEP network — led by UB, SUNY Buffalo State, the Buffalo Museum of Science and the Buffalo Public Schools — seeks to improve STEM education in Buffalo schools. Attending the meeting Nov. 11-12 were Karen L. King, project administrative officer, UB Department of Chemistry and ISEP project manager; Larry Megan, director of R&D, Praxair; Dan MacIsaac, associate professor of physics, SUNY Buffalo State; and Karen Wallace, acting president and CEO, Buffalo Museum of Science.
ISEP promotes hands-on learning in science classes, providing teachers with helpful resources ranging from classroom equipment and professional development to in-class help from corporate scientists and college students majoring in STEM fields.
In addition to the four lead institutions, ISEP partners include Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute; Praxair; Thermo/Life Technologies; Buffalo District Parent Coordinating Committee; WNY Service Learning Coalition; Niagara University; Daemen, Canisius and Medaille colleges; and Cradle Beach summer camp.
“What ISEP has done here in Buffalo is considered nationally significant,” says ISEP project lead Joseph A. Gardella Jr., SUNY Distinguished Professor and John and Frances Larkin Professor of Chemistry at UB, who did not travel to D.C. but has been in close touch with the ISEP representatives who did. “By meeting others engaged in building STEM ecosystems across the country, we hope to share what we’ve learned from our experiences and also learn about best practices elsewhere.”
“The president has called for all of us to think of creative and effective ways of getting all of our students engaged in STEM education,” said John Holdren, assistant to the president for science and technology, and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “It’s heartening to see so many communities working locally and together in response to the president’s call to action.”
“We look forward to continuing our work with communities nationwide,” added Gerald Solomon, executive director of the Samueli Foundation, who co-chairs the STEM Funders Network with Ron Ottinger, executive director of the Noyce Foundation. “We know that these grassroots, local partnerships can provide a sustainable way to ensure STEM learning is truly ‘everywhere’ for all learners as they build the skills and knowledge to thrive in a global workforce.”
In addition to ISEP, the first STEM Learning Ecosystems selected by the STEM Funders Network include: