STEM Day at the MO Capital

STEM Day at the Missouri Capital

Thursday, March 7, 2024 The Missouri Capital hosted STEM Day at the Capital from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. The event was organized by the Missouri Chamber to showcase STEM businesses and area Public-School Robotics Teams. It is an opportunity for our state legislatures to see the advances within STEM throughout the state.

Three students from Republic Schools were in attendance: Selah Buchanan (6th grade-Republic Middle School), Cana Buchanan (4th grade) and Elim Buchanan (1st grade) from McCullough along with their Grandmother Deb Wilson with O-STEAM (an area nonprofit promoting STEM/STEAM throughout the Ozarks region. The students met with their State Senator Mike Moon who spent some time discussing, with the students, what they felt was the importance of STEM in their schools. They encouraged Senator Moon to back any Senate Bills that would help promote STEM within our state’s schools. They shared this is their future and were passionate about how important these classes are to their continued education that will prepare them for the future workforce.

Some of the businesses in attendance were Quest Diagnostics, Meta, Boeing (they brought a jet fighter simulator for students to experience), Missouri AfterSchool Network, Missouri S&T, Pfizer, Orscheln Industries, and Watlow.

O-STEAM honored to join The International STEM Ecosystems Community

STEM Learning Ecosystems Grows to 111

 The Ozarks STEAM Ecosystem- selected to join collaboration to create STEM opportunities for all.

 JACKSONVILLE, FLA – The Ozarks STEAM Ecosystem (O-STEAM) was selected to join the STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice (SLECoP) as one of nine new ecosystems admitted into the global movement of leaders devoted to advancing STEM learning opportunities for all. The announcement was made at the annual convening of the SLECoP May 1 to May 3 in Jacksonville, Fla.

 “O-STEAM is thrilled to have been chosen to join the esteem STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice and are eager to learn from and contribute to the 110 other Ecosystems who are part of this initiative. This Partnership will allow O-STEAM the full access to all resources of this international association,” Deb Wilson Chairman. ”It doesn’t change what we have been doing the last nine and a half years, it just gives us a stronger influence with a very strategic and competent leader in STEM leadership.”

 The other new ecosystems joining the SLECoP are the Riverside County Office of Education in California, Coastal Virginia STEM Hub (COVA STEM HUB), STEM Húsavík in Iceland, Learning Ecosystems Northeast in Maine, the statewide Alabama STEM Ecosystem, Central Susquehanna EcosySTEM in Pennsylvania, as well as ECOSTEM21 Nahariaת and ECOSTAEM21 Kiryat Shmona in Israel.

 The Ozarks STEAM Ecosystem’s mission will continue to promote, drive, and showcase science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) throughout the entire Ozarks region. We showcase four pipelines: STEM Businesses/Industry/Manufacturing, PreK-12th grades, Higher Education, and Afterschool/Informal entities that have new patents, techniques, and/or procedures that demonstrate The Ozarks can stand on the STEM dashboard internationally.  O-STEAM, is now part of a collective at the forefront of improving opportunity in education and workforce alignment.

 “We are thrilled to welcome O-STEAM and the other 10 new Ecosystems, with their unique talents, lived experiences and resources to our Community of Practice,” said Judd Pittman, Chairman of the SLECoP’s Leadership Coordinating Council. “We know that they will learn from and grow with the existing communities expanding opportunities for more diverse scholars to realize the promise of a STEM career.”

 O-STEAM was founded in 2013 by Deb Wilson, a retired educator from Springfield Public Schools. Deb has a passion for building a stronger connection, focus, collaboration, networking, and shared mission/vision for Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts, and Mathematics to showcase “The Ozarks” region (SW Missouri, NW Arkansas, NE Oklahoma, and NE Kansas) can stand on the STEM dashboard Internationally. Check out our website and social media (FB- O-STEAM, Twitter and Instagram- O_STEAM) platforms at  https://www.osteam.org/ along with https://theozarks.makerfaire.com/

 Now, with 111 individual ecosystems in more than 40 states across the U.S., as well as in Kenya, Israel, Mexico, Iceland and Canada, the SLECoP is a collective of thought leaders and innovators who understand thriving communities are built through collaboration among schools, institutions, businesses and industry.

 STEM Learning Ecosystems, supported by TIES (https://www.tiesteach.org/) which serves as its backbone, unite community stakeholders across sectors who understand that communities thrive through a robust and competitive STEM workforce, and work to ensure all students are engaged STEM learners who are college and career-ready.

 As the LC2’s Chairman, Pittman sees great promise in the new Ecosystems, and is eager to embrace their leadership and experience.

 “The past few years have accelerated change, spotlighted educational disparities, and ignited new opportunities for reimaging educational systems,” Pittman said. “The Community of Practice is stronger than ever because of the collective power of diverse ideas from new and existing Ecosystems. Welcoming new, productive relationships are the cornerstone of a vibrant Community of Practice.”

 The SLECoP has grown steadily since its inception in 2015, with new ecosystems joining the global initiative and working with one another to build meaningful connections among community partners, and to prepare students for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

 ABOUT THE SLECoP (STEM Learning Ecosystem Community of Practice)

 The SLECoP is supported by numerous funders and partners, including the Amgen Foundation, the Broadcom Foundation, the Lemelson Foundation, the Qualcomm Foundation, the Steinman Foundation, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Foundation and other foundations and businesses.

 ABOUT THE OZARKS STEM ECOSYSTEM

O-STEAM’s visionary ALL VOLUNTEER Board- current board members are Mike Tyndall from Renegade Chemical in Springfield, Dennis Flattem- Associated Machinist in Monett, Dr. Tammy Janke- Dean of the Natural & Applied Science at Missouri State University, David Beach-Drury Univ, Dr. Jennifer Chastain- John Thomas School of Discovery in Nixa, Charles Lacy- Simmons Bank, Becky Baker- afterschool/informal education with MSU, and founder Deb Wilson-retired educator from SPS. Additional founding Board Members were Dr. Matt Pearce- Republic Superintendent and Dr. Kevin Kopp – Nixa Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education and District Operations. We obtained our 501(c)(3) in 2014 and that same year we received a $5,000 Grant from the Missouri Chamber to develop and organize, The S.T.E.A.M Summit. This brought together our four pipelines of focus- Business/Industry/Manufacturing, PreK-12th, Higher Education, and Afterschool/Informal entities to network on ways to propel and strengthen our STEAM initiative.

 O-STEAM produces and spearheads the Ozarks Maker Faire, with the assistance from our community STEAM entities since 2015, showcases the STEM in our Daily Life quarterly meetings, developed Young MAKER Kits for elementary students, presents at Educational STEM conferences, and LOTS more coming in the future.

Find out more at https://www.osteam.org.

 O-STEAM is a SERVICE Organization which strives to…

 • Engage the public through a news and informational website with a regional Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) focus.

 • Engage the public through events and speaking engagements on STEAM.

 • Provide information ranging from regional cutting-edge businesses, PreK-20 education, afterschool/informal education, internships, and workforce opportunities with an entrepreneur fortitude and focus.

 • Facilitate a collaborative effort in the community to inter-weave the benefits of STEAM along with a strong focus of entrepreneurship within the Ozarks region.

 O-STEAM Ecosystem is currently preparing for our inaugural Fundraiser to grow our programs with our Partners to raise the bar and opportunities for ALL students who are our future workforce.

 The Ozarks STEAM Ecosystem #STEAMifying #TheOzarks - working to promote & propel our #STEM & #STEAM community!

 For additional information contact Deb Wilson at debwilson@osteam.org

National STEM STEAM Day

Today, Tuesday, November 8, 2023 is #NationalSTEMDay

Wondering…. How should I observe National #STEM #STEAM Day?


One of the best ways is to education yourself on #TheWhy. We are talking about Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts and Mathematics. So, focus on a subject and think of ways you can make it more intriguing and connected to their everyday life (this is where the magic is) for your kids. Learning about STEM or STEAM is all about finding lessons in everyday life and making a less out of your day.
Check out: #NationalSTEMDay and just #DoIT. See what other people/organizations are doing and share the information with the kiddos. Does your student love dinosaurs? Take a field trip to @Missouri Institute of Natural Science #MINS- It’s free, but you might want to leave a donation just to keep this awesome area Natural Resource open.
Take a trip to the Nationally acclaimed, Discovery Center- Springfield. They’ve added more amazing activities with the grant they received from their award.
Take a Nature Walk on one of our numerous Greenways Tails.
What about one of Johnny Morris' 7 Pillars of #TheOzarks like Wonders of Wildlife or Dogwood Canyon
There is also LOTS on the internet, but just let kids discover for themselves how much fun they’ll have learning about STEM.

GOLDEN NUGGET: OTC's new Plaster Advanced Manufacturing Center

GOLDEN NUGGET: OTC’s Plaster Advanced Manufacturing Center

Monday, August 15, 2022

Ozark Technical College opened a $40 million “Game Changer” in Manufacturing training within the Ozarks region. OTC opened their Plaster Advanced Manufacturing Center: a high-tech training facility. This training will allow more young people to understand manufacturing is clean, safe, interesting, in tune with the times, and trains for well-paying jobs.

Taxpayers approved a property tax increase on the April 2018 ballot, $12 million came in state funding, along with contributions from regional partners including the Robert W. Plaster Foundation. It is believed that it will have a $400 million economic impact within the region over the next decade.

The first floor will be available for area companies; DT Engineering is the first company to fill the 15,000 square foot section referred to as the “high bay”. The first floor also houses the technology lab, and the Gene Haas Precision Machining Lab. The second floor is filled with training, drafting, repair, and prototyping labs such as Emerson Innovation Discovery Lab which is a global technology and engineering company which is based in St. Louis.

The Center is home to several technical training programs at OTC, including:

  • Ø  Automation and Robotics

  • Ø  Cybersecurity

  • Ø  Drafting and Design

  • Ø  Information Technology Infrastructure

  • Ø  Manufacturing Technology

  • Ø  Mechatronics:  https://bit.ly/3wgO574

  • Ø  Precision Machining

The FUTURE is HERE  I  The building is HERE!

Congratulations OTC, on shaping a more skillfully trained workforce.

 

Apply to be Part of a Regional Investigation

O-STEAM is seeking 2nd or 3rd grade classrooms for an investigation. PPE “Students as Scientist” TIME SENSITIVE project.

O-STEAM is inviting 25, 2nd or 3rd grade classrooms from different schools/districts (public or private) within the Ozarks region, the opportunity to do a 14-day experiment to determine if wearing a face mask really makes a difference in spreading germs and share the results with their classmates, school, and community. The results may be shared as word of mouth, design a persuasive safety poster, write a news article for school newsletter/newspaper, BLOG/VLOG, or other creative examples.

The kit will include a class set of 25 white cotton face masks, materials to individualize the students face mask, two petri dishes with ager, and a pre/post survey- of their perceptions concerning the significance of wearing/not wearing a face mask.

To apply or ask additional question: email Deb Wilson: debwilson@osteam.org listing district, school, number of students.

The kit would be delivered to the classroom/school the first week of January. The teacher would be responsible for carrying out the activity and submitting the results of the students’ surveys by January 25, 2021.

Additional information will be sent to those that apply.

Computer Science Ed Week 12/7-12 Resources

Computer Science Ed Week - December 7-12 ‌

Popfizz Computer Science will be hosting two Hour of Code sessions each day!

Retro PyGames and Data Visualization with Python. These fun activities are perfect for students and teachers of all experience levels. Participants will learn how to create a retro game with Python and learn how to work with data using python libraries. ‌ All of the details and registration links for the events are listed here. ‌

PopfizzCS Hour of Code Schedule: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3Aapp.nutshell.com_email_click_1165900_314881_1ca5e3b6aa68462df4a3da892a150045bb0f45cc9bed4647408e56485be621c1&d=DwMFaQ&c=GSntNbUav5AC0JJIyPOufmfQT3u3zI7UKdoVzPd-7og&r=80RVnAcudjwU8ktMGTsmoGTjZej2j0bA929sHanKg&m=U9MIilM2T48tiYP_mNjRedm1V9KB1KL94spsKjon9TU&s=VkR-Wdy0YZbu60suw2S5AHmZhKoxIeTTZ54G_3pFJsE&e=

Library Opens Public Makerspace for Creative Projects

Springfield-Greene County Library Opens Public Makerspace for Creative Projects

Ready to walk on the creative side, but no equipment? No worries!

As of September 11, 2020 — The Springfield Library has its first formal makerspace,  The new Edge Makerspace in the Midtown Carnegie  Branch Library (397 E. Central St.)

 Need a laser engraver to create a wooden sign for a business? Have an idea for a vinyl sign to promote an event, or to wear on a T-shirt? Itching to turn your idea for a tool into 3D reality? The Edge has previously had a 3D printer for public use.

Use of the Makerspace, including tours to get acquainted with the equipment, is by appointment only by calling the Edge at 417-837-5011. Fees charged for materials. During social distancing, only one maker and staff person at a time will be allowed to work in the space.

Thank you to the Library Services & Technology Act- $8,018 & Friends of the Library- $8,000

The project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.

“The Maker Space is designed to continue the library’s mission of enabling lifelong learning and enrichment,” said library training coordinator Krissy Sinor. “We did some research to determine the types of equipment that might have the most appeal for our community; technology that might be out of reach for many due to costs, accessibility, etc.” She hopes area nonprofits, small business owners, genealogists and students will find it especially helpful for their projects. 

 Here’s what’s inside:

A new 3D printer, in addition to the current printer, that allows a user to print simultaneously if they need to.

A laser engraver for creating all kinds of craftwork on a variety of materials including acrylic, wood and leather.

A vinyl cutter that will cut letters, shapes, and almost any design the maker can come up with to create terrific signs, lettering, logos, etc., that can then be applied to a variety of surfaces. There’s a rainbow of colors available in regular vinyl. There’s also a small amount of heat transfer vinyl if someone wants to make iron-on transfers for T-shirts or bags. They can use the heat press to create the finished product.

Two soldering stations

A film and slide scanner, and a video capture box, to help preserve photographs.

O-STEAM Has A New Informational Platform

Well, something very positive came out of having to go VIRTUAL for The 2020 Ozarks Maker Faire on October 3, 2020. O-STEAM now has recently set up The Ozarks Maker Faire YouTube Channel to showcase their Makers from The Ozarks Maker Faire. They will also be able to add other amazing projects or individuals who wish to share their passion for creativity and innovation. It also demonstrates the resilience of #TheOzarks region to pivot and explore more creative platforms to showcase our region.

O-STEAM would like to thank Jim Bultas from Plotline Film for making this happen. Plotline Film is a nonprofit 501c3 film and media school. Their mission “to educate and empower aspiring film and media creators in SW Missouri through weekly classes, camps, community events, and scholarships”. They have a passion for teaching ages 10-17 year olds how to make movies.

O-STEAM Rallies an ARMY OF MAKERS to Combat COVID_19

O-STEAM Rallies an ARMY OF MAKERS to Combat COVID_19

O-STEAM is humbled to have received a COVID_19 third round Grant from The Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO).

Collaborating with a number of different entities has allowed smaller groups and individuals the ability to use their technology & making skills to fill the much-needed PPE supply within our region.

 O-STEAM wrote a CFO grant that provided funds to purchase 3D filament, PETG plastic for the shields, and elastic in a collaborative effort with Camdenton School District- LASER 3284 Robotics Team, The Potters House Church in Camdenton,  DreamIT/MakeIT- Heath Rust along with a number of his 3D printing people, Drury University- Brian Vanne, MSU Innovation Lab- Tyler Drenon, and OTC Computer Technology Dept.- George Gibeau  to meet the needs for PPE Face Shields for our entire region.  Within four days of receiving the grant funds, we were able to donate hundreds of the highly requested and necessary Face Shields to protect our most at need.

The Ozarks Army of Makers has taken the charge to use our making and technology creatively innovative skills to benefit our medical, dental, first responders, and others in high need areas.

We have become the grassroots effort to comprise- The Ozarks Army of Makers helping to STOP the spread of the coronavirus within our region.

Show-Me Manufacturing Video Contest

Show-Me Manufacturing Video Contest

Each year the Missouri Chamber of Commerce kicks off their Show-me Manufacturing Video Contest by challenging MO student teams to create videos which answer, “What’s so cool about manufacturing?

They ask them to pair up with a local manufacturer in their community, high school or middle school student teams. The purpose is to engage the students and community about the manufacturing process and the high demand careers available to students when they have completed their high school or college.

The 2019 winning entry was from Lebanon High School & Independent Stave Company. You can view their project here.

The top 3 winning teams, will win prizes- with the 1st place winner receiving a 4K Drone and bragging rights!

Students are currently working on 2020 project;

Production starting December- January,

Post Production- February and Review

Public Voting & Winners Announced- March

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE REGISTERED TEAMS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7lPm6XTMQU

Ways to support The Ozarks SySTEAMic Coalition-- (O-STEAM)

Ways to support The Ozarks SySTEAMic Coalition (O-STEAM)

The Ozarks’ region only platform to showcase patients, techniques, procedures in the Business/Industry/Manufacturing, PreK-12th, Higher Education, and Afterschool/Informal Education sectors. Working together to STEAMify our region

O-STEAM is so grateful to our wonderful sponsors and partners that support us as we propel the STEM focus throughout the entire Ozarks region allowing us to continue to elevate and propel STEAM learning, quality programs, and initiatives which will benefit all youth (ages 2-92). This allows us to expand the capacity and diversity of The Ozarks’ STEM workforce pipeline and the general public while showcasing to the world The Ozarks CAN stand on the STEM dashboard internationally.

Here’s how you can help:

 Become a business sponsor! Our business and industry partners help out in so many ways which allow us to build a stronger focused STEM community. If partners would like to sponsor current initiatives (meetings, conferences, science equipment/materials, or other initiatives and programs) or contribute to the Annual Fund, we are happy and grateful to have your support. For additional information contact: debwilson@osteam.org  There are two levels of investment: 1) Visionary Leader- $1,000-Company logo placement on Sponsor/Partner website page and up to 8 Social Media Shout-outs per month, 2) STEAM Leader- $500- Company name on Sponsor/Partner website page and at least 3 Social Media Shout-outs per month.

Give a personal donation. No gift is too small! Click the link to give a one-time or sustaining gift at Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO): select “Other” then in the next field type “O-STEAM), type contact information, select donation investment  or you may donate on  O-STEAM’s website     THANK YOU!  

Present at a quarterly meeting! If you have great STEM/STEAM resources or information to share with teachers, students, families, Afterschool/Informal education programs or business/industry partners, we would love to give you a platform to share. Email debwilson@osteam.org

 Amazon Smile: Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases— The Ozarks SySTEAMic Coalition whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.  http://smile.amazon.com  this adds no extra cost or difficulty to your purchase. 

Let’s STEAMify the Ozarks and showcase all the creativity & innovation here!

Our mailing address is:

O-STEAM

Attn: Deb Wilson

2911 E. Industrial Drive

Springfield, MO 65802

THANK YOU for your consideration

Chariman: Deb Wilson
debwilson@osteam.org
417-882-9603

 

Ever Wonder How to Make The World Better?

Join us in viewing…

Dream BIG: Engineering Our World at the Springfield- Alamo Drafthouse

A collaboration with O-STEAM, the Alamo Drafthouse, and the Ozarks Chapter of The Missouri Society of Professional Engineers

Tuesday: February, 26, 2019 6:40 - 8:30 pm

Purchase tickets: https://drafthouse.com/springfield/show/dream-big-presented-with-o-steam

After the movie we will interview a panel of area women in engineering and science to share their stories and what the vision is for the Springfield/The Ozarks area..

Narrated by Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges, Dream Big: Engineering Our World is a first of its kind film for IMAX®and giant screen theaters that will transform how we think about engineering. From the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings, to underwater robots, solar cars and smart, sustainable cities, Dream Big celebrates the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small, and reveals the heart that drives engineers to create better lives for people around the world.

To see the trailer: https://www.dreambigfilm.com/

FOOD MATTERS ACTION KIT SEEKS PILOT TESTERS

Educator Opportunity:

Food Matters Action Kit Seeks Pilot Testers
You have an opportunity to pilot activities in the forthcoming Food Matters Action Kit, an exciting new resource designed to help youth (ages 5-23) take action on reducing food waste.

We're inviting interested organizations, schools, youth groups, clubs, or classes to participate in our pilot phase. By participating in this phase, your group will have the opportunity to test out the Food Matters Action Kit by completing one or more food waste reduction activities or lesson plans between January and March 2019. We are asking pilot participants to test out whatever part of the toolkit works for them, and then to upload photos and descriptions of their actions on our website. Participating organizations or groups will be featured on our website when we launch the Action Kit in March 2019, with an opportunity to be highlighted as part of our launch promotions. 

If you're interested in learning about how to fight food waste and/or looking for activities and lesson plans on that subject, please consider participating in our pilot phase! For more info, please contact the U.S. Team Lead:

The Food Matters Action Kit was commissioned by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, a joint project of the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States as part of their North American Initiative on Food Waste Reduction and Recovery(link is external). It was developed by the Food Systems Lab in collaboration with an advisory committee of youth organizations from across the three countries

What Will YOU Create?

What is the Hour of Code?

The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code” and broaden participation in the field of computer science.  It has since become a worldwide celebration of computer science, starting with one-hour coding activities and expanding to all sorts of community efforts.

When is the Hour of Code?

The Hour of Code takes place each year during Computer Science Education Week, running December 3-9 this year.

Did you know?

The week was selected to recognize the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906).

Why computer science?

Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path. See more stats here.

How can I get involved?

Sign up for a free Hour of Code event. Here are a few options:

  • Monday: 12/3/18- Springfield Workforce Development Center, 9 am - 5 pm, Hour of Code Self Tutorials

  • Tuesday: 12/4/18- Let’s Talk Tech- Decoding the Technology Job Description, 2 pm; Hour of Code Self Tutorials, 2-5 pm

  • Wednesday: 12/5/18- IT Roundtable 7:30 am; E-E-Learning Workshop, 2 pm

  • Thursday: 12/6/18- Cyber Self-Defense Workshop, 1 pm; Hour of Code Self Tutorials, 2-5 pm

  • Friday: 12/7/18- Hour of Code Self Tutorials, 9 am - 5 pm

    ALL ACTIVITIES ABOVE ARE HELD AT THE MISSOURI JOB CENTER, 2900 E. Sunshine, in Springfield For additional information contact Katherine Trombetta at 417-841-3389 or ktrombetta@springfieldmo.gov

  • All year // Check out the tutorials and activities at Code.org 

Student Map Competition for 2019 Is NOW Open...

Teachers--are you looking for a great art, science, or social studies project?

Encourage your students to create an entry for the Barbara Petchenik Children's Map Competition 2019, for a chance to represent the United States as a national finalist at the International Cartographic Conference in Tokyo, Japan, from July 15-19, 2019.

This map competition celebrates the creativity, imagination, artistry, and wisdom of child mapmakers. Students from your school may become representatives of the U.S. in a map exhibit featuring student entries from around the world, and the illustrations will be considered for greeting card, calendar, and poster designs for organizations such as UNICEF. All entries must be postmarked and mailed by March 1, 2019. 

The theme for the 2019 competition: “We love maps”. Entries can be nominated in four age groups: under 6 years, 6–8 years, 9–12 years and 13–15 years. The deadline for the participation in the contest is 1 May 2019.

Click Here for additional information

The 4th Annual Ozarks Mini Maker Faire

O-STEAM and the entire Ozarks Mini Maker Faire Team would like to THANK both all the amazing Makers who came out to showcase their passion for Making & STEAM and the participates who bought tickets and swag to help support creativity and innovation throughout this region.  We couldn't do this without each of you.  THANK YOU! Please keep up with our websites (O-STEAM & The Ozarks Mini Maker Faire) along with our social media for both.  Let's keep this passion growing for the STEAM focus throughout our region with the heart of a Teacher- let's share the passion!  

O-STEAM kicked-off a capital campaign to fund 10 "Genius grants" to support teachers supporting creativity & innovation throughout our region. (More to come...) We hope to have $20,000 by the end of December to accept grant requests by January 15, 2019. We'll keep you abreast as we grow this fund!

Not everyone can fund a full project, but everyone can contribute something to make them happen.  Come on Ozarks do we want an community that values mediocrity or creativity? Help us make that happen. Sign up on our "DONATION" button and we'll keep you informed.

The Ozarks Mini Maker Faire is expected to                                           ENTERTAIN ~ EDUCATE ~ INSPIRE

Ozarks What Do YOU Want To Make?

 

 

 

Engineers: Inspire Wonder

Engineers Week (Feb.18-24, 2018)

  • Celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world
  • Increase public dialogue about the need for engineers
  • Bring engineering to life for kids, educators, and parents

Engineers' Week is more than a week-long event, it is a year-round commitment to making a difference.

Missouri State University will be organizing 

  • Every year in February the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) hosts a “Discover Engineering” event targeted to elementary‐aged students and people elementary‐aged at heart. The event has many fun and exciting activities and demonstrations that illustrate different aspects of engineering.
  • February 17th 2018 from 11:00 – 3:00pm (visit at your leisure)
  • Located at MSU’s Plaster Center for Free Enterprise downtown Springfield
  • Parking off of Boonville Street approximately 406 N. Boonville
  • Free admission to all, no RSVP needed
  • If you have questions or are interested in having a display or booth contact:  Matthew Pierson at (417) 837-2320 or MatthewPierson@MissouriState.edu

Order their 2018 Engineers Week and Girl Day Kit today

National Inventor's Day

 Happy National Inventor's Day 2/11: At the young age of 12 years Benjamin Franklin invented the world’s first swim flippers, making him a great role model for every child who dreams of making something nobody has ever seen before. Over the centuries, other children have invented many other things we continue to use today, such as popsicles (yummm), the trampoline and ear muffs. Probably most noted invention by a young student is the language of the blind now used the world over, Braille. Louis Braille, its inventor, lost his vision in a tragic accident at age 3 and spent his early teen years developing his new language while studying at The National Institute for Blind Youth in Paris. Almost 200 years later, American teen Ryan Patterson also improved the lives of the disabled when he invented a glove with special sensors that translates the hand motions of American Sign Language into written words on a digital display.

In 1983 Pres. Regan proclaimed Feb 11th as National Inventor's Day. Thirty one years later we continue to honor ALL Inventors national and global scientists, engineers, physicists, even young students, continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. If we want technological progress and economic well-being we will dedicate a day to recognize these passionate inventors and continue to instill a passion for creativity and innovation.

Check out what this school does to promote inventing in the K-6th grades... They really live it day in and day out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=JbyqoycUTGY

Also, check out what Missouri State University is doing to promote the entrepreneur spirit , The eFactory: http://efactory.missouristate.edu/

"Hidden Figures" Director, Ted Melfi: MSU Alumni

The new film, "Hidden Figures", which portrays "The story of a team of African-American women mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the US space program." (IMDB) was directed by an Ozarks alumni. 

The article below gives a look into Melfi's life and early work, including a film directed by Melfi here in Springfield, Missouri. 

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/missouri-director-melfi-takes-a-hollywood-joyride/article_c4b15a8f-04d9-5cb3-921f-8017c2cc09af.html