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MSU Research in Action free workshop returns Oct. 4

Sarah MorrisMontana educators can earn 1 OPI renewal unit while learning about cutting-edge STEM research and the people behind them. Our Wednesday, Oct. 4 workshop features Dr. Sarah Morris of the MSU College of Engineering who will share her work in fluid dynamics, as well as her own STEM story. Followinig Dr. Morris's presentation, Dr. Jeannie Chipps of the Science Math Resource Center will guide particpants through how they can use the information to grow their students' STEM identity. Workshops are free but pre-registration is required.

Visit our Professional Development page for more information and to register

Science Olympiad tournament date and events are set

The Montana Science Olympiad state tournament will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at MSU-Bozeman, and the events for both Division B (middle school) and Division C (high school) are now set. Learn more on our website and subscribe to our e-newsletter for coaches.

Come visit the STEM Lending Library

STEM library flyerThe Science Math Resource Center's STEM Lending Library is filled with books, kits and hands-on resources for use in educational outreach. MSU students, staff and faculty and in-service educators can check out materials. The SMRC staff is happy to make recommendations of appropriate resources for age groups and situations.

We alsowelcome inquiries and new projects from researchers who wish to create and disseminate educational resources for broader impacts and outreach.

Fall 2023 Office Hours

  • Wednesdays, Noon to 1:30pm
  • Thursdays, 10:30am to 11:30am
  • And other times by appointment. Call us at (406) 994-7476 or email [email protected]

The STEM Lending Library is located in Reid 413 (enter through Reid 412). Learn more

Congratulations, RET 2023 teachers!

RET Cohort 212 teachers from across Montana were chosen by competitive application for the Summer 2023 Research Experience for Teachers (RET) at MSU called Culturally Responsive Energy Engineering Education in Rural/Reservation Elementary Schools.

In the six-week energy-themed program, elementary teachers gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art engineering research labs and visit energy facilities such as a hydroelectric dams. The field trips include visits to nearby American Indian cultural sites and discussions about Indigenous perspectives in engineering, with a focus on integrating STEM with Montana's Indian Education For All curriculum. RET is funded by the National Science Foundation and hosted by the Montana Engineering Education Research Center (MEERC) with support from the Department of Education and Science Math Resource Center.

The program includes a stipend, all room and board, travel reimbursement, classroom supplies, and free registration to the STEM Summer Institute.

If you'd like to apply for Summer 2024, visit http://www.montana.edu/ret and click Subscribe for Updates buttonto join our interest list. Applications will open in late fall and are due in February 2024. 

Back row, L to R: Nick Lux (MSU), Mandie Steele (Valley View / Polson), Jeremy Wells (Browning), Becky Hammack (MSU), Brenda Clouser (St. Ignatius), Mia Troska (MSU pre-service teacher), Leric Eaton (St. Labre), Allison Stevens (MSU pre-service teacher), Paula Richards-Fox (Hardin), Summer Johnston (SKC pre-service teacher). Front row: Jill Joyce (MSU), Kelly Silk (Great Falls), Nathan Ziegler (Cut Bank), Hilary Lozar (Ronan), Savanna Wolff (Roundup), Paul Gannon (MSU), Suzi Taylor (MSU).

SMRC receives NSF funding to support STEM teachers

NSF logoThe Science Math Resource Center has received a $75,000 grant from the National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program to study teacher shortages and support STEM teacher-leaders in rural and reservation communities of Montana.

The grant will fund the project “Building Capacity to Develop STEM Teacher Leaders in Montana Rural and American Indian Schools,” led by Dr. Fenqjen Luo, associate director of the Science Math Resource Center. The interdisciplinary project team includes representatives from MSU's Departments of Education, Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Physics. Learn more.

Science Olympiad 2023 is in the books

Wow, what a day! We had broken eggs (not intentional), broken bridges (intentional), and students testing in astronomy, anatomy, forestry, codebusters and everything in between. In the end, our state champions are:

  • Division B: Corvallis Middle School
  • Division C: Hamilton High School

Congratulations! Here are the rest of our team awards; individual medalists will be posted soon.

Division B (middle school)

  • First: Corvallis Middle School
  • Second: Hamilton Middle School
  • Third: North Middle School (Great Falls)
  • Small Schools Winner: Helena Area Christian Home Educators (HACHE)

Division C (high school)

  • First: Hamilton High School
  • Second: Capital High School (Helena)
  • Third: Corvallis High School
  • Small Schools Winner: Choteau High School

 Thank you to Bozeman Daily Chronicle, MSU News and NBC Montana for your coverage of this event!

Montana State hosts 70 junior high and high school teams at annual Montana Science Olympiad

Montana students gather for annual Science Olympiad

MSU hosts 38th annual Montana Science Olympiad

Learn about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Youth STEM outreach

We were funded by the College of Education, Health and Human Development to research exemplary practices for DEI in STEM outreach. Read our report on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in MSU Youth STEM Outreach or watch the recording of our presentation to campus.