Wisconsin teacher reports from STEM Institute

Wisconsin teacher Sarah Ludwig will post blogs during her time as one of 50 American educations – and one of two from the state – invited to participate in the Siemens STEM Institute this summer.

I am Sarah Ludwig, science teacher at Woodworth Middle School in Fond du Lac, and I am one of 50 educators selected nationwide to participate in the Siemens STEM Institute from July 31 to Aug. 5.

I feel very fortunate to attend this one-of-a-kind immersion program that promotes hands-on, real-world integration of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the classroom.

As a STEM Fellow, I will attend a week-long professional development experience, hosted at the world headquarters of Discovery Communications, located just outside of Washington D.C. I will be exposed to leading scientists, thought-leaders, personalities and innovators whose work across science, technology, engineering and math shape and define our world today.

The week will be filled with guest speakers at the forefront of their disciplines, field trips to leading institutions where Fellows will observe real-world applications of science-related subject matter, and opportunities for networking and collaborating with peers from across the nation.

In addition to broad-based science, technology, engineering and math applications, each Fellow will be assigned to a thematic working group that will complete a project related to real-world science, technology, engineering, and math education.

As pre-program preparation, I have been participating in webinars from Siemens STEM Institute. I found these fast-paced information-packed webinars to be especially motivating. Topics have included information-technology tools and previous STEM projects. These webinars have made me look forward to meeting and sharing with other STEM fellows. Teachers do not need to be STEM fellow to participate in this excellent resource.

My passion lies in awakening students’ natural interest in science by providing opportunities for science literacy, labs, and high interest activities. I believe that the Siemens STEM Institute will help me create a collaborative environment in my classroom to foster student learning by engaging students, the school, and the district with innovative lessons and unique teaching strategies.