About The Urban Stem CenterThe mission of the Urban STEM Center (U-STEM) is to advance STEM education and research in urban schools and communities. Through partnering with the local community, we aim to develop, implement, promote, and evaluate STEM education initiatives. The U-STEM Center, located in Zook Hall 430, serves as an umbrella organization for many activities with the LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education and in collaboration with STEM-related activities on campus and in the community. Meet the FacultyLearn more about the faculty behind the Urban STEM Center! |
Urban STEM Director-Dr. Karen PlasterIn Fall of 2024, Dr. Karen Plaster is named the Urban STEM Center Director.
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AI Educator Workshop
Are you a K-12 educator feeling anxious or uncertain about using AI technology in your classroom? This AI Educator Workshop at the School of Education is your solution to overcoming those fears and getting up to speed with current educational demands. During this engaging three-day workshop, you'll explore foundational AI concepts, discover practical AI tools tailored specifically for classroom use, and learn how to design innovative, AI-driven lesson plans. Walk away with ready-to-use lesson plans, essential AI resources, and your personal copy of The Artificial Intelligence Playbook. Join us to confidently integrate AI into your teaching and enhance your students' learning experiences. More Details: Flyer
Date: June 16-18, 2025 (Mon - Wed)
Time: 9am to 3pm
To secure your spot and receive more information, please complete this form by scanning the QR code:
Contact Dr. Karen Plaster if there are further questions.
Ohio K-12 Computer Science Standards
Urban STEM Center's Mrs. Karen Plaster and Dr. Lynne Pachnowski served on the writing committee for the Ohio K-12 Computer Science Standards.
If you have any questions about these standards, please reach out to them via email: kbp9@uakron.edu or lmp@uakron.edu
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Operation Teach
UA helping military personnel transition to teaching careers
In response to critical teacher shortages across the United States, The University of Akron will support the launch of Operation Teach, an initiative designed to assist military personnel and their spouses in transitioning to teaching careers. The University has been awarded a $482,389 grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as part of the Governor's Ohio Military Veteran Educators Fellowship Pilot Program to support the initiative.
Computer Science Endorsement Program
Teachers can add the Computer Science endorsement to an existing or expected Ohio teacher’s license (any grade band or subject).
Rubber City Math Circle (Formerly Math Teacher Circle)
The Rubber City Math Teacher Circly invites you to The Perfect Shuffled. The first meeting is scheduled:
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00 pm, 9/14 (Thursday)
Location: Summit County ESC 420 Washington Ave. Cuyahoga Falls
The requested dates to be announced.
The meetings will be held from 4-6 pm.
STEM Program Evaluation
Under construction!
In the News
» 'Operation Teach': University ofAkron program to support veterans to become teachers
» UA opens Urban STEM Education Center
» U Akron Teacher College Opens STEM Education Center
» UA’s new center aims to expand access to STEM education in urban districts
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Video Gallery: Think Tank |
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Video: ZIP to STEM |
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Open House Photo Gallery |
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Video: Opening Ceremony |
STEM Opportunities
- Math Tutoring - Project Zips Tutoring Crew
- Code Hopper
- FIRST LEGO League
- Girls Who Code
- Rubber City Math Teacher Circle
- Think Tank to Shark Tank
- ZipsTeachMath - student organization