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.
Nebraska Game and Parks is offering residents a chance to win prizes simply for getting outside and moving, as part of a challenge honoring America’s 250th birthday.
The Outdoor Nebraska 250-Mile Challenge invites participants to log miles through activities like walking, running, kayaking, horseback riding and more using any fitness app. The goal is to reach 250 miles before the end of the year. Once completed, participants fill out a form on the Nebraska Game and Parks website to become eligible for prizes.
Mike Selman, a regular walker at Zorinsky Lake, said the challenge caught his attention.
“I think it’s great, as long as you put in the time and effort,” Selman said.
Selman said getting outdoors is already a big part of his routine.
“I absolutely love it, I love being outdoors, just the beauty, the nature, the trees, the water,” Selman said.
He said one of his favorite aspects of the challenge is the opportunity to explore Nebraska’s many outdoor spaces.
“Especially here, around Zorinsky, Standing Bear, Flanagan, you got great opportunities and great places to go,” Selman said.
When asked if he planned to submit his miles, Selman did not hesitate.
“I’ll definitely think about it, most definitely,” Selman said.
Between Memorial Day and the end of the year, logging just over 1 mile a day would be enough to reach the 250-mile goal and qualify for prizes.
Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage.
Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox.
We’ll have to wait a bit longer to get into the Cowgirls’ Super Regional.
A rainy night in Lincoln meant the teams only managed to get four outs into the Super between Oklahoma State and Nebraska. The game is tied at 0. The weather delay lasted about two hours before they called it.
The game will resume at 4 p.m. Friday and be televised on ESPN2. They will not play another game Friday, as Game 2 will now take place at 4 p.m. Saturday.
The Nebraska football team added its third 2027 offensive line commitment and addition from the state of Georgia on Wednesday.
Loganville (Ga.) Grayson offensive lineman KD Jones officially announced his commitment to NU this week. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound Jones picked the Huskers over Georgia Tech, Auburn, Kentucky and Virginia Tech. He visited Lincoln on May 6 and is scheduled to take his official visit to Nebraska on June 6.
***JOIN HuskerOnline for $1 for your first 5 days, then get 50% off your first year***
The Huskers first offered Jones in April, after offensive line coach Geep Wade had previously been recruiting him at Georgia Tech.
“Coach Wade called me and offered me today,” Jones told HuskerOnline on Apr. 25. “He has been on me for a long time, ever since he was at Tech. So his interest wasn’t anything new to me. He came to watch me train at school and was amazed. He offered the next day.”
Jones joins safety Corey Hadley from the state of Georgia in NU’s 2027 recruiting class.
“I knew nothing about Nebraska before the offer,” Jones said in April. But now that Coach Wade and Coach (Lonnie) Teasley are there, I know I can trust them.”
Jones had planned to take official visits to all the schools recruiting him, but his early commitment to NU appears to have shut down those visits.
He jones Omaha (Neb.) Millard North’s Matt Erickson and fellow Grayson product Jordan Agbanoma are the other offensive linemen in the Huskers’ 2027 recruiting class. He’s now the 10th commitment in Nebraska’s class of 2027.
Never miss breaking news or another HuskerOnline article again. Click HERE to sign up for HuskerOnline’s Daily and Breaking News Newsletters
-
Montana2 minutes agoWinning culture made Montana State commitment easy for C-J-I’s Brynn Kammerzell
-
Nebraska8 minutes ago
Nebraska Game and Parks 250-mile challenge offers prizes for getting outdoors
-
Nevada14 minutes agoCourt records: Nevada prison system doesn’t have execution drugs
-
New Hampshire20 minutes agoNew Hampshire police plan to charge
-
New Jersey26 minutes agoTravelers hit the road to the Jersey Shore despite dreary Memorial Day weekend forecast
-
New Mexico32 minutes agoFirst responders exposed to fentanyl in deadly New Mexico incident, officials say
-
North Carolina38 minutes ago
Man dies from I-40 crash in Benson
-
North Dakota44 minutes agoPlain Talk: North Dakota needs ‘hundreds of billions of tons’ of carbon
