Riverland Community College is hosting a statewide Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) symposium for educators and community members interested in collaborating with educators on project-based learning activities. Besides Riverland, the symposium scheduled for June 16 and 17 at its Austin campus is co-sponsored by Winona State University, Minnesota State University—Mankato, Austin Public Schools, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, SENCER Network (NSF supported initiative) and Riverland’s Global Education Committee.

Symposium highlights include work sessions with nationally recognized, experienced Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER) practitioners, Dr. Devanas and Dr. Koupelis, introducing the participants to the SENCER models of curriculum and active learning. In addition, hands-on workshops with experienced Minnesota SENCER practitioners offer participants opportunities to interact and collaborate with colleagues to improve STEM education within their institutions and communities. SENCER methodology connects STEM content to critical local, national and global challenges, making science more real and accessible to our students.

SENCER applies the science of learning to the learning of science, all to expand civic capacity. According to the SENCER website, www.sencer.net, Students and faculty report that the SENCER approach makes science more real, accessible, “useful” and civically important.

SENCER improves science education by focusing on real world problems and, by so doing, extends the impact of this learning across the curriculum to the broader community and society by developing faculty expertise in teaching “to” basic, recognized science and mathematics. Using materials, assessment and research developed during a SENCER project, faculty design curricular projects that connect science learning to real world challenges.

Educators attending the conference will receive certificates of attendance at the end of the Austin conference for educators who are in need of equivalency hours. Register at www.riverland.edu/sencer or call 507-433-0612 for more information.