The Elementary DIF's take a trip to the Virginia Children's Engineering Convention

   A week ago the elementary Digital Integration Facilitators (DIF's) of Moore County were fortunate enough to attend the Virginia Children's Engineering Convention (VCEC) in Roanoke, Virginia. The conference celebrated the innovative ideas in regards to STEM and offered a variety of sessions on tools to use in the engineering classroom. We gathered many new resources and various ideas on how to better integrate STEM education into the everyday classroom.

   In Moore County, we are already doing a lot of STEM practices and education in the K-12 classroom. We have developed an engineering thread that perfectly aligns with teachers' pacing guides K-8, and many teachers appreciate the impact this type of learning has on their students. Many of the K-5 educators in Moore County, have branched out to seek other STEM activities to do with their students. As a DIF, that is what you strive for! We want our teachers to be vested in this type of learning, see the value, and start adopting these practices on their own. 

On May 4, beginning teachers will have an opportunity to visit our robotics showcase at Pinecrest High School and see STEM education at its finest. In addition, we also will host a digital learning showcase at Vass-Lakeview Elementary School on March 15 from 6-7:30pm. It is because of terrific conferences such as the VCEC that Moore County continues to pave the way for STEM education. I know the DIF's are eager to try out their newly acquired material from the conference and share with their fellow teachers.

~Deanna Boesch