STEMvisions Blog

Throughout mankind’s history we have looked to the sky for inspiration, navigation, and guidance in understanding our world. Astronomical phenomena have influenced our creation myths and religions. The magnificent display of a lunar eclipse has impacted cultures and inspired fear throughout mankind's past. The lunar eclipse is one of the most documented astronomical occurrences in history. For thousands of years, civilizations have been observing its red glow and attributing meaning to the sight.

So often we are told to put students at the center of the learning process and encourage them to be critical thinkers. But what does this mean in practice? Probably every educator has struggled with this aspiration. We know the idea of critical thinking is important, but the question that remains is how can we use education to develop critical thinking skills?

As a Brazilian student, I have a very clear example that I look up to: Paulo Freire. His revolutionary methodology is a useful tool for teachers from around to world who want to contribute to social empowerment     

The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) launched the Smithsonian Science for North and South Carolina Classrooms program in 2019 with a U.S. Department of Education early phase Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant.

Introducing Shannon Brogdon-Grantham, Photo Conservator at the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute, A pioneering woman in STEM, Shannon uses science to restore and preserve our past for future generations while enriching our present. 

To celebrate Black History Month, SSEC is spotlighting remarkable African American women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, beginning with Robin Kumoluyi, microbiologist and Vice President and Chief Quality Officer, Pharmaceuticals at Johnson & Johnson.

The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) launched the Smithsonian Science for North and South Carolina Classrooms program in 2019 with a U.S. Department of Education early phase Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant.

Smithsonian Science Education Center Director, Dr. Carol O'Donnell, delivered the commencement speech at the University of Pittsburgh December 2022 Graduation. Dr. O'Donnell is at 1983 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh's teacher education program. Details on the graduation can be found here: https://www.education.pitt.edu/student-services/graduation/d...

You may be familiar with the action-focused aim of the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals guides. As explained by Laurie Rosatone, Division Director of Curriculum, Digital Media, and Communications at the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), the goal is “to have anyone picking up these guides feel like there is something that they want to and can do and that they can act in their local communities around these huge global challenges.”

Smithsonian Science Education Center Director Carol O'Donnell co-authored a public report on convergence education. The report is titled Convergence Eduation: A Guide to Transdisciplinary STEM Learning and Teaching on STEM Education and was released by the Interagency Working Group (IWCG) on Convergence Federal Coordination in STEM Subcommittee Committee on STEM Education of the National Science and Technology Council. In the report the IWCG developed  a definition and overarching guidance related to convergence education.

2022 Global Talent Summit

Hyoungsuk Jeon is an Inventor, Radio Technologies and Research Manager with Ofinno. His curiosity about problem solving and engineering started at a young age with the help of a toy car gifted by his grandfather. As his passions grew, he moved from South Korea to America to pursue more advanced academic and career opportunities that aligned with his goals. Hyoungsuk spoke with the Smithsonian Science Education Center about his engineering career journey.

Nazanin Rastegradoost is a Wireless Communications Specialist with Ofinno. Nazanin shared how her first experiences with astronomy in Tehran, Iran shaped her outlook on STEM and inevitably led her to pursue a career with Ofinno.

Smithsonian Science Education Center: What was your first memorable experience with STEM?

The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) launched the Smithsonian Science for North and South Carolina Classrooms program in 2019 with a U.S. Department of Education early phase Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant.

Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center Carol O'Donnell delivered the lightning talk, "ESD for ESG: Education for Sustainable Development," at the 2022 Global Talent Summit in Washington, DC, on October 5, 2022. The Global Talent Summit (GTS) is the premier space for multi-disciplinary stakeholders from the private sector, policy, academia, and innovation to come together to discuss the trends and solutions for the future of work and education.

The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) launched the Smithsonian Science for North and South Carolina Classrooms program in 2019 with a U.S. Department of Education early phase Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant.

Description: Today, educators are using the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to help 

Pathways to Convergence

Smithsonian National Education Summit

Just a few months ago, I was scouring the Internet as a high school senior, trying to find a way to spend my summer before starting my freshman year of college. I have always been drawn to the Smithsonian, from its thriving museums and centers that share ideas to the expansive network of researchers creating new knowledge. I knew I wanted to contribute to this amazing community before I left the greater Washington D.C. Area.

Creating an inclusive environment is something that I strive for. Not only do I work towards making sure my classroom is a safe place, but I also work to make sure that if any student wants to perform an experiment or participate in an activity, they can perform that activity as best they can.  

The following recommendations are based on personal observations and experiences as well as, suggestions I’ve received from friends and students with disabilities.  I offer them as a way to start to engage students with disabilities and create a more inclusive learning space:  

Economist Impact Sustainability Week

As an educator, I make it a goal to lead by example. Whether it is showing up for my students on a day where I am not feeling 100%, showing up when I have a bad day, or owning up to my mistakes, I make it my goal to show my students how to navigate a world that can be cruel at times. As somebody who cannot hide their disability – a 75lb Labrador is pretty hard to conceal – I must face my situation each day, head on. I receive questions, I see the stares, and I see the doubt in people who think I cannot.

Together4STEM Goes Green

Who should decide what students learn and how they learn it? My experience as an intern with the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Science for Smithsonian Science for Global Goals team opened my eyes to new possibilities. 

Heidi Gibson works to develop engaging and future-forward curriculum for the Smithsonian Science Education Center. Recently, she helped develop the Sustainable Communities guide as part of the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project for use in the #SmithsonianInFrance program. Learn more about this guide and how a sustainable-centered curriculum supports global students on their paths toward creating an equitable, sustainable, and connected future. 

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Operationalizing Sustainable Development: Local Strategies

On April 18^th Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Director, Dr. Carol O’Donnell, served on a panel for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s virtual workshop, Operationalizing Sustainable Development: Local Strategies. The panel was chaired by Dr. William Colglazier and focused on Education and Capacity Building. Dr. O’Donnell’s remarks:

David Dussort and his Seconde 6 students at Sainte Marie Bastide High School in Bordeaux, France, participated in the U.S. Embassy in Paris and Smithsonian’s cross-cultural program #SmithsonianInFrance. Learn more about their experience and how the lessons have shaped their way of thinking globally and acting locally.

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Can you describe your participation in the #SmithsonianInFrance program and tell us about a few highlights?

Info STEM "La Educación STEM"

Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Direcor, Carol O’Donnell, is featured in an informational video on STEM Education.

American University in Beirut & Smithsonian Science Education Center

U.S. Ambassador to the French Republic and to the Principality of Monaco, Denise Campbell Bauer. 

Can you tell us how this partnership between the Smithsonian and U.S. Embassy Paris came about?