- Year 2024
- NSF Award #1758497
- Registration Noyce Scholar/Teaching Fellow/Master Teacher
- Role Master Teaching Fellow
- First Name Meteicha
- Last Name Green
- Discipline STEM Education (general)
- Institution Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Abstract
As part of leadership development, Master Teaching Fellows (MTFs) from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) designed, organized and implemented the third Family Eco Festival in April 2024. This event engages community members in scientific discovery and exploration by providing high-quality STEAM experiences to individuals across parts of Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky. MTFs raised funds, sought donations, and developed community partnerships that were critical to the success of this event. During the festival, hundreds of children and their families participated and explored topics ranging from native plants to microscopic organisms to integration of art in science. Community partners led hands-on activities at 20 stations. The Family Eco Festival engages community members with regional formal and informal educators and serves as a fundraiser for Innovations in STEM Education, a nonprofit that was initiated by Noyce MTFs. Money raised supports a competitive grant program that funds teachers to implement effective inquiry-based activities in their classrooms and schools. The festival is a teacher-led effort designed to inspire environmental stewardship and awareness, and to foster excellence in STEM education. Through such efforts, we endeavor to ensure that the Noyce community of practice lives on and that classroom learning and innovative STEM practices thrive following the conclusion of the SIUC Noyce MTF program.
Focus
Partnerships for success (high-need schools, informal institutions, industry, community), Developing teacher leaders, STEM content and/or convergent skills development
