Polar STEAM!

Have you ever wanted to venture into one of the last frontiers of Earth, the Polar regions? Polar STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, integrates and enhances two long-standing National Science Foundation (NSF) programs: the Polar Educators program and the Antarctic Artists and Writers program and facilitates virtual and deployment collaborations with scientists conducting research in the polar regions (2023 will be virtual collaborations only). These programs will be working together to explore both scientifically and artistically some of the most amazing yet vulnerable ecosystems of our planet. The interdisciplinary program is run by a team at Oregon State University who are expanding the program to include faculty from community colleges and Minority Serving Institutions and virtual educator participants, to allow both programs to grow and reach new audiences for increased engagement with current and future science learners. Polar STEAM welcomes applications from educators across all subject areas; please share with colleagues from other disciplines who might be interested.

Polar STEAM is a chance to work towards an understanding of areas most will never see in person--the unique challenges the regions present and the people that meet those challenges.

So, are you an educator who is interested in a virtual collaboration with a polar research team?
    • Do you want to expand the scope of STEAM education you can bring to your learners?
    • Do you want to work collaboratively to create educational resources that engage learners of all ages in understanding the critical global importance of polar environments?
    • Are you interested in a professional development opportunity to help you accomplish your goals?

Learn more at the Polar STEAM website, and get your application in soon!  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with priority given to those received by March 19th, 2023.

Please read the FAQ's before you apply, and then apply here for the 2023 virtual collaborations. This round is for educators only.
All program costs are covered through Polar STEAM. Virtual educators will receive a stipend of $500 upon successful completion of the program.  Professional Development curriculum is integrated into the Polar STEAM program for all participants. Polar STEAM also has funding to send educators to relevant conferences to share their work.  Educators who have successfully completed their program may apply to present at a conference.
 

News about Polar STEAM

Oregon State University receives $4 million to lead national polar education and arts program

USA's NSF combines AAW and Polar Educators to make STEAM

Photo: Tromsø, Norway

Photo by Lightscape on Unsplash