Nebraska
RISE project aims to improve STEM teaching
Preparing kids for a fast-paced, technology-focused future starts in elementary school. Yet many teachers are ill-prepared to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is one of four collaborating universities leading a national, multi-institutional effort to improve novice elementary educators’ ability and confidence to teach these fields, known as STEM.
Traditionally, STEM subjects have been taught independently of each other. Approaching STEM through shared themes and language leads to improved critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity, setting students up for success in an increasingly complex world.
To help teachers-in-training as well as those already in the classroom better integrate STEM subjects, Deepika Menon leads Nebraska’s multidisciplinary research team to identify challenges and ways to improve and support elementary school teachers.
“There are only a few institutions that have redesigned their elementary (preparation) program to reflect integrated STEM in a true sense. Nebraska is a leader in thinking about integrated STEM and implementing it,” said Menon, assistant professor of teaching, learning and teacher education.
Nebraska’s success landed it a prominent role in Project RISE, Research on Integrated STEM Self-efficacy, a National Science Foundation-funded project to investigate the successes and challenges involved in preparing teachers in integrated STEM through surveys, interviews and classroom observations. More than 150 current and preservice Nebraska teachers have participated in the project.
By analyzing feedback and observations, Menon’s team is identifying aspects of its STEM training programs that work well and investigating ways to further improve them.
Its findings are already being distributed internationally via conferences and an online professional development program that brings current and preservice teachers together to build communities to learn from and support one another.
By preparing competent and confident elementary STEM educators, Nebraska and the RISE project aim to help schools retain and recruit highly qualified teachers, a particular challenge in high-needs schools. Menon’s team also seeks to understand the roles a school’s culture and administration play in STEM teacher retention and attrition.
The NSF’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship funds this five-year project.
This story was included in the Office of Research and Economic Development’s annual report. View the full report here.
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – One of the biggest health concerns during the extreme cold settling into Nebraska this weekend is hypothermia and frostbite.
It can occur quickly, especially among older adults and young children.
Officials with CHI Health Saint Elizabeth in Lincoln, which is the only burn unit in Nebraska, often treat frostbite injuries.
“So really it’s about making sure we dress in layers. Really limit our exposure outside. Limit exposed tissue. so as much as Mom may have told you to wear that scarf, i’m probably not the best at it. during these times its really important we are wearing that scarf and cover up all that exposed tissue. That’s really going to decrease that time needed to be out in the elements,” said Nurse Eric Jensen, Burn and Trauma Program Coordinator at CHI Health St. Elizabeth.
They tell people to limit time outside and wear proper clothes.
If you start to feel numbness at all while outside, get indoors as quickly as possible. St. Elizabeth has treated three cases of frostbite this winter.
Copyright 2026 WOWT. All rights reserved.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Nebraska Republican Party (NEGOP) released a statement Thursday condemning vandalism that reportedly happened outside its headquarters in Lincoln.
Surveillance video shared by the NEGOP appears to show a person placing a piece of a paper on the building, spitting on it and then walking off.
“This behavior is unacceptable and has no place in Nebraska politics,” said Mary Jane Truemper, Chair of the Nebraska Republican Party. “Peaceful disagreement and debate are fundamental to our republic. Intimidation, harassment, and destruction of property are not.”
The Lincoln Police Department said no police reports have been filed in connection with the vandalism.
10/11 reached out to the NEGOP for additional details about the vandalism.
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Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.
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