| Aug. 21 | Volume 16 - 2025 |
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The NC STEM Center is a Web Portal for all things related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education in North Carolina
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Supporting students and learning in the age of artificial intelligence ↴
AI Dilemma: Navigating the classroom's new reality
AI is rapidly becoming part of science classrooms — from AI agents to personalized feedback on lab reports. Yet not all students are eager adopters. In fact, some resist using any AI tools at all, believing it diminishes their learning or feeling uncomfortable with AI for other reasons. Others are unsure of its purpose or fear being accused of cheating. Parents also express concern about over reliance on technology and data privacy. Science teachers are in a powerful position to guide students — and families — through this shifting landscape. But doing so requires both empathy and clarity. Teachers must still center the student voice, recognizing that AI integration is a balance of acknowledging the limits of AI, spotlighting its role in later stages of learning, and reinforcing human strengths in scientific reasoning. These issues are the focus of this blog post from the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).
Please enjoy your e-Update. Connect with us to share your feedback. |
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Opportunities ↴
Explore NC STEM Center
 Do you have an opportunity or program doing great STEM work in North Carolina? Here's how you can post and promote your special events, camps, and afterschool programs all year long. We invite you to create an account to get started today!
→ Read more
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STEM Spotlight ↴
Never Home Alone
 For this project, which is open to anyone that lives on or near the NC State campus, participants will be finding and photographing insects and other life they find in their homes, dorms and apartments. There are prizes those who find the most species.
→ Read more
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Golden LEAF Schools Initiative ↴
Investing in rural schools is investing in NC’s future workforce
 In rural North Carolina, the future workforce is cultivated in classrooms where middle school students are wrestling with math problems and exploring the first ideas of what their careers might one day be. That’s why the Golden LEAF Foundation launched the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a $25 million commitment over five years to strengthen middle school math instruction and career development in 15 North Carolina rural schools. → Learn more
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STEMwork Sprint ↴
Strengthen your teaching through industry partnerships
 Fall is a good time to reset and sharpen your practice. STEMwork Sprint gives you space to do so on your schedule. The course walks you through how to partner with local industry contacts, build authentic learning into your curriculum, design a project-based unit from start to finish, and more. Registration for fall 2025 is now open. → Get started
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Public School Forum of North Carolina ↴
Leveraging Community Schools framework to advance education
 Community Schools, an evidence-based school improvement strategy, began scaling statewide in 2023 with a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and coordination by the North Carolina Community Schools Coalition (NCCSC). By fall of 2026, NCCSC aims to be supporting approximately 23,000 students in 46 schools across 28 districts. → Take a closer look
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Create local science nights during NC Science Festival in April 2026 ↴
Duke Energy Science Night enters 15th year
 The Duke Energy Science Night program for elementary schools is now in its 15th year! This program, produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, includes a STEM kit and support throughout the school year to eventually create a science night for your school community during the NC Science Festival in April 2026. The Duke Energy Foundation sponsorship funds several program kits to award at no charge to schools across the state. Recipients are selected via an application process, which is open now through Sept. 23. → Take a closer look
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Application window closes on Sept. 30 ↴
ICYMI: Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics
 The Burroughs Wellcome Fund supports teaching professionals in their efforts to provide quality hands-on, inquiry-based activities for their students. The Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics awards enhance the excitement for STEM in the classroom by providing funds for materials, equipment, and supplies related to the implementation of high-quality curriculum and activities in the classroom. → Apply here
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Oct. 2, 2025 ↴
Curiosity to Competition
Attention NC high school students! Learn how to create and share STEM projects with this free virtual session on Oct. 2. → More |
Oct. 28-29, 2025 ↴
Bridging the Gap 2025
The 2025 Bridging the Gap conference will be Oct. 28-29 at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in RTP. → More
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Nov. 5-6, 2025 ↴
MCNC Community Day
MCNC Community Day is back for 2025 and is set for Nov. 5-6 at the Durham Convention Center. → More |
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Have STEM News or Event to share?
The NC STEM Center is a project of the NC STEM Learning Network, a statewide effort through the North Carolina Science, Mathematics & Technology (SMT) Education Center in collaboration with North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, North Carolina Community College System, and UNC General Administration.
Thanks for your continued support! |
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