Summer STEM Academies for Educators

The Summer STEM Academies for Educators are high-tech professional development workshops that promote awareness of STEM technical programs at Ranken Technical College, as well as technical career opportunities in the St. Louis region and beyond.

Educators interested in this learning opportunity may:

• Select one STEM Academy that best suits their needs
• Earn PD hours or graduate credit from Lindenwood University (fees apply)
• Benefit from a quality instructional experience, hands-on demonstrations from experienced faculty, and supplemental take-home materials.

Registration Instructions

• • Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Only STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) teachers or school counselors may apply.
  • Applicants may participate in ONE STEM academy ONLY.  You may not repeat a course previously taken. 
  • Your registration fee of $25.00 is NON-REFUNDABLE.

The Power of Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom

Imagine. Design. Create. Repeat. During this academy, participants will become “makers” and tap into their innate tinkering abilities. Makers will safely use high- and low-tech tools, specialty supplies and everyday classroom/household materials to produce creations and innovations. The engineering design process will be employed in a variety of STEM projects. Participants will visit relevant Ranken Technical College departments and workshops at the downtown location as well as exemplary makerspaces in the community to engage in hands-on activities, make industry connections, and explore potential community partnerships. A problem-based learning approach will be taken to demystify STEM education concepts and empower participants to positively impact students’ attitudes towards and perceptions of STEM concepts, classes, and career choices.

Instructor: Chris Donaldson, Engineering & Industrial Technology Teacher, DuBray Middle School, St. Peters, MO., STEM Education Consultant, B.A. Business/Marketing Education (6-12) and German (K-12), Technology and Engineering Certification (5-12), M.Ed. Science Education with NASA Endeavor STEM Teaching Certificate (July 2016)

When/Where: June 5 – 9, 2017, 8AM – 4PM, Room G108-109 (Gray Building), Ranken Technical College, St. Louis, MO

Registration Fee:  $25 (non-refundable); lunch will be provided daily

Register Now

Computer Coding STEM Academy– Becoming Technologically Savvy

By 2020, we’re going to have about one million, unfilled computer science jobs across the country.  St. Louis has been identified as a technology hotbed for growth.  Junior Code Academy feels that teaching youth about the power of computer coding and design will be pivotal as they progress through their lives. Our program teaches about the essentials of coding in today’s world while infusing multiple soft skills to further expand student success. Learn how to integrate these 5 C’s of Success in your classroom:  Coding Skills, Community, Competition, Critical Thinking, and College.  In this workshop, you will run through a sample 30 hour curriculum that can easily be adopted by students of any age.

Instructor:  Michael Pedersen, Founder and CEO of the Junior Code Academy, Senior Systems Engineer, OGSystems, B.S. Education and Training, M.S. Intelligence and Strategic Studies, MBA candidate (2017).

When/Where: June 5 – 9, 2017, 8AM – 4PM, G110 (Gray Building), Ranken Technical College, St. Louis, MO

Registration Fee:  $25 (non-refundable); lunch will be provided daily

Register Now

Educators interested in this learning opportunity may:

• • Select one STEM Academy that best suits their needs;
  • Earn PD hours or graduate credit from Lindenwood University (fees apply);
  • Benefit from a quality instructional experience, hands-on demonstrations from experienced faculty, and supplemental take-home materials.