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RISE project aims to improve STEM teaching

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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.

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“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.

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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.



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Nebraska quarterback commit explains transfer to Omaha high school

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Nebraska quarterback commit explains transfer to Omaha high school


A Husker quarterback commit is transferring to a Nebraska high school for the 2026 season. Trae Taylor is transferring from Carmel Catholic (IL) to Millard South (NE).

In 11 games this season, he threw 3,571 yards, 38 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also ran 77 times for 633 yards and 12 touchdowns.

In 2025, Millard South went 12-1 and won a Nebraska Class A State title for the second year in a row. Taylor is expected to take over for starting quarterback Jett Thomalla, who is committed to Alabama.

Taylor shared his decision on social media. He confirmed that his family will be living in Lincoln and he will be commuting to Omaha for school. The quarterback believes that it will allow him to continue to peer recruit for Nebraska football while playing for Millard South.

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This decision was not taken lightly. I’ll be living in Lincoln, commuting to Omaha. So, any chance I’m allowed in the facilities, I’ll be there. Kinda a redshirt year at a slower pace. 2) I don’t want to miss a single recruit that comes in. None of this is possible without my Coach (Jason McKie) and his support, and him giving me the green light to go be great nothing but love. And of course, my (Corsairs football) teammates, my progress was faster because of you. Thank you, Corsairs community.

Taylor is one of six recruits committed to the class of 2027. The class of 2027 is ranked No. 6 in the nation and No. 2 in the Big Ten Conference.

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.





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Where to watch Nebraska-Washington Big Ten basketball game tonight free livestream

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Where to watch Nebraska-Washington Big Ten basketball game tonight free livestream


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The No. 7 Nebraska Cornhuskers play against the Washington Huskies in a Big Ten basketball game tonight. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Cornhuskers have played at a high level this season, as they enter this matchup with an 18-0 record. In their most recent game, the Cornhuskers defeated Northwestern 77-58.

In order to win tonight’s game, the Cornhuskers will need to rely on their star forward Pryce Sandfort. He leads the Nebraska offense in scoring, as he averages nearly 17 points per game.

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The Huskies enter this matchup with a 10-8 record, and they have lost back-to-back games. In their last game, the Huskies lost 80-63 against Michigan State.

In order to bounce back tonight, the Huskies will need a great performance from their forward Hannes Steinbach. He leads the team in points and rebounds this year, as he averages a double-double.

Fans can watch this Big Ten basketball game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.



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Nebraska bill would provide cancer benefits to firefighters

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Nebraska bill would provide cancer benefits to firefighters


LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – A bill before Nebraska lawmakers would provide workers’ compensation benefits to firefighters diagnosed with cancer without requiring them to prove their cancer came from the job.

LB-400 entered its first round of debate Monday. The bill was introduced by Sen. Dave Wordekemper of Fremont, a longtime firefighter.

“Firefighters don’t want to die. They don’t want to leave their jobs, their families, their fellow firefighters,” Wordekemper said.

Cancer risks for firefighters

Wordekemper said firefighters face increased cancer risks compared to the general population.

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“Firefighters face a nine percent increase in cancer diagnosis, and a fourteen percent increase in cancer-related deaths compared to the general population,” he said.

“This isn’t speculation, this isn’t a theory, this is an established scientific fact from an independent international body,” Wordekemper said.

Trevor Towey, president of the Omaha Professional Firefighters union, said modern fires pose greater chemical risks than in previous decades.

“Fires of today are not like the fires in the seventies and the eighties. The products that are inside homes burn faster, there’s chemicals in the fires and firefighters are exposed to that,” Towey said.

Opposition to the bill

The bill was opposed by Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte and Sen. Bob Hallstrom.

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Jacobson argued the bill could be unaffordable for smaller communities.

“Villages and cities are paying for it; and how are they paying for it? With property taxes,” Jacobson said.

Jacobson said current law is adequate.

“The current law is working. No one is turning their backs on firefighters,” he said. “Their benefits are all better than any other city employee.”

Jacobson referenced his own skin cancer diagnosis during the debate.

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“Some of you have probably noticed I have a couple of cuts on my face. Well, it wasn’t from shaving,” he said. “I’ve never been a firefighter, by gosh somehow I’ve got cancer, so I’m dealing with it. Not every firefighter gets cancer.”

Current law and proposed changes

Current Nebraska law lists 20 cancers as presumed job-related if a firefighter is diagnosed. However, families are not compensated until the firefighter dies.

Towey said several Omaha firefighters are currently battling cancer.

“I can tell you we have got about 5 or 6 right now, and a couple of them are continuing to fight for their lives,” he said.

“Why would not those same cancers be also presumed while they are still alive, while they can still recover, while they can still fight and come back and service our community? That’s all we’re asking for,” Towey said.

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Under current law, firefighters who get cancer and believe it is job-related must sue insurance companies to receive benefits. The proposed bill would allow firefighters to receive workers’ compensation benefits automatically, with employers able to sue if they believe the cancer was not job-related.

Towey said 33 other states have similar legislation.

“We’re not asking something that is outrageous, we’re not asking for something to be created that doesn’t exist,” he said.



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