On Sept. 5, 2024, Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States, welcomed K–12 educators from across the Lake Union for an immersive, hands-on professional development experience focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The event, hosted by Andrews’ STEM Division in partnership with the Lake Union Office of Education, provided an opportunity for teachers to engage in collaborative lab experiences and to equip themselves with new teaching tools.

With support from a USD$60,000 grant provided by the Versacare Foundation, the event covered all expenses for the educators, including accommodations, meals, and STEM resource kits for their schools. The kits, customized for different grade levels, contained materials for science, math, and physics experiments, allowing teachers to implement the knowledge gained at the event in their classrooms immediately.

Monica Nudd, the event coordinator, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the day. "This grant was in collaboration with the Lake Union Office of Education, which wanted to boost STEM programs across five conferences. We aimed to create an experience where teachers could be hands-on in our labs and take what they learned back to their classrooms,” Nudd shared.

Ruth Horton, EdD, director of education for the Lake Union Conference, spoke to the importance of providing educators with the tools to engage their students in STEM learning. "We want educators to be as best equipped as possible to provide STEM opportunities, starting from elementary through high school, so that students are exposed to these fields early on,” she said.

The event’s agenda was packed with various lab sessions and lectures led by Andrews University professors. Teachers participated in activities, such as chemistry, math and physics labs, learning new techniques to make STEM education more interactive and accessible. One of the highlights was the “Mission: Invent” session, where educators collaborated on creative problem-solving tasks. The “Mission: Invent” program at Andrews teaches basic engineering and design thinking skills to K–12 students.

Deirdre Garnett, superintendent of schools for the Lake Region Conference, enjoyed the event’s energy and collaborative spirit. Garnett shared, "This was a great day. It was hands-on, filled with movement, and exactly how we want our children to learn. We're excited to take these ideas back and work towards creating STEM centers in each of our schools.”

Teachers like Kalicia Clements from Charlotte Adventist Christian School appreciated the practical approach of the day. "I loved that we could participate in activities our students would be doing, and everything was so hands-on. These simple yet profound experiments will help our students develop critical thinking and collaboration skills.”

The event also included a tour of Andrews University’s Agriculture Education Center as well as a series of breakout sessions designed to create a deeper understanding of STEM concepts. Teachers left with not only new ideas but also the tools and confidence to transform their classrooms into dynamic STEM learning environments.

Nudd summarized the event by stating, "This was a day for teachers to stretch themselves and grow so that they can better prepare their students for the future." STEM Day at Andrews University provided educators with an inspiring and engaging experience that will have a lasting impact on both their teaching practices and their students' learning journeys.

The original article was published on the Andrews University website.