Traveling, speaking and collaborating for future education equity: A report from the road

Creating an equitable future requires attention to the signals around us every day. In a world brimming with global competition, rapid technological advancements and growing disparities in academic achievement across the nation, the signals appear in the news every day. October presented me with multiple opportunities to travel, share and learn about different approaches in teaching science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, transformation efforts and the future of working and learning. With each new destination it was clear that change in our education systems is necessary and through committed organizations, collective efforts and strategic partnerships it will happen.

TGR Learning Lab study shows shift of students’ perceptions of scientists

When you picture a scientist, what do see? Did you immediately think of a mad scientist? Chances are you pictured a white male, wearing some form of eyewear, in a lab, using test tubes. You are not alone. This image is something that researchers have found across the globe through the use of the Draw-a-Scientist Test. As a learning facilitator at the TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, CA and a Teaching Biological Sciences master’s candidate at Miami University, I had the opportunity to complete my own Draw-a-Scientiststudy this past summer.

STEM Studio participants soar through STEM using drones

We’ve seen those breathtaking videos of natural landscapes, watched synchronized LED light performances at the Super Bowl, or even read about commercial drone package delivery. Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have served their initial purpose of military reconnaissance and supported developments in agriculture, photography and film, and even search and rescue operations. They’ve recently made their way into education, and it becomes important for our educators to examine the opportunities and precautions when implementing lessons involving new technology. This year, TGR EDU: Create introduced drone workshops during our STEM Studio professional development trainings for educators that focused on promoting computer science concepts and how STEM thinking has contributed to the current application of drones.

Back to School Basics: 9 Tips to start the year strong

As a middle-school principal, I always looked forward to welcoming students, families and teachers back to school. The new year brings about excitement and challenges for everyone, so it’s important to start on a positive note. 

Expanded Learning Program engages students beyond school at TGR Learning Lab

Although classes are back in session in many communities across the nation, learning doesn’t have to end as the bell sounds at the end of the school day. The Expanded Learning Program at the TGR Learning Lab welcomes middle and high school students in Anaheim, CA to the safe halls of our facility to benefit from academic support and hands-on learning experiences.

Scholar Voices: My Journey to Google and Stanford University

Computers have always enthralled me. As a child, I was spellbound by my family’s old Dell computer. For nearly a decade, I would go onto different websites solely to learn more about computers. It didn’t always come easily – like when I installed a virus trying to make a website – but I ultimately grew very comfortable behind a keyboard. I sought to understand the mechanics of computers, and I built my own computer the same year I took my AP Computer Science course. My passion for computers has led me to many exciting opportunities.

×