Winter Speaks
Snow comes quiet to the Blue Ridge high,
lays a quilt before the daylight dies.
Rhododendron bows its head,
gravel roads turn white as bread.
Smoke climbs slow from a mountain’s keep,
mules and memories both asleep.
In the hills where the people know,
winter speaks in mountain snow.
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We are happy to announce that STEM West will sponsor EDCAMP STEM WEST this year on January 31, 2026 from 9:00-1:00 at NC School For Science and Math in Morganton. EDCAMP STEM WEST is a free event that uses the input from participants to create the learning sessions. Some people consider it an “unconference” because of the unique nature of how the event meets the needs of all participants. There will be breakfast and door prizes available. All who want to learn and grow are welcome to attend: teachers, administrators, pre-service teachers, youth leaders, home school leaders, higher education leaders, etc. Come and join one of the most exciting learning events of the year.
If you want to learn more about EDCAMP STEM WEST, go to: https://sites.google.com/site/edcampstemwest/
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Introducing the Hour of AI
Building on over a decade of success with the Hour of Code, our new global initiative launching this fall is designed to help students and educators everywhere take their first step into understanding and creating with AI.
Through hands-on, easy-to-follow activities, learners around the world will demystify AI and imagine what’s possible when they harness it for good.
Because the future isn’t something we wait for.
It’s something we build—together.
Artificial intelligence is already changing how we learn, work, and live. Yet right now, many students are on the sidelines — using AI without understanding how it works, how to use it responsibly, or how to shape what’s coming next.
What if students of all ages could move from watchers to leaders? What if they didn’t just use AI but helped decide how it changes the world?
Learn more on CSforALL
It is now live.
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| North Carolina’s annual snowfall varies from less than 2 inches at the coast and over 80 inches in the mountains. While the state averages about 5 inches, the Mountains typically receive over 20 inches, with higher elevations (>4,000 ft) averaging 40+ inches. January and February are generally the snowiest months. |
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Teacher Leader Community
Interested in taking your science knowledge and teaching skills to the next level? Join an elite group of educators from across the country!
The Nourish the Future national leadership experience is a year-long cohort program designed for middle and high school science teachers who want to advance their expertise in the classroom, increase their influence as teacher leaders/mentors, and enhance professional development presentation skills—all while exploring solutions to real-world problems and the connection between science content/skills and potential careers. |
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We are thrilled to announce that registration is now OPEN for the 10th annual Building Engineers in K-5 Classrooms Conference, hosted by The Engineering Place!
Remember- because of generous sponsorships this conference is completely FREE – FREE registration, FREE lunch, FREE snacks, and the best FREE hands-on STEM PD for elementary educators in the state.
Click below to learn more and register.
We hope to see you on May 4th!
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Are you looking for a unique opportunity for this summer?
Teaching Positions open for the 2026 session of NC Governor’s School!
Come and work with talented and intellectually engaged high school students in a thriving learning community this summer – without grades!
NCDPI is specifically seeking creative, engaging teachers. This is an opportunity to play a role in shaping a life-changing summer for these amazing students. More information can be found on the employment page of our Governor’s School Website. Teachers are needed for both Governor’s School campuses, hosted by Greensboro College and Meredith College. GS is currently seeking instructors for Area II/Philosophy, Instrumental Music, Math, Natural Science, Social Science, Spanish, and Visual Arts. Along with openings for office positions and coordinators for Communications and Technology..
We also have openings for our GS Fellows program, a five-week paid internship. Being a GS Fellow offers an opportunity to gain leadership experience through working with students in residential life, assisting in classrooms, and leading campus events. For more information and to apply, visit the employment page of our Governor’s School Website.
Governor’s School will take place June 21-July 18, with employees arriving on June 15 to begin orientation. We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews in the coming weeks. If you have questions regarding any openings, reach out to us at ncgovschool@dpi.nc.gov. We look forward to hearing from you!
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| How Does Snow Form? |
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The NEED curriculum team is pleased to present our newly updated solar unit featuring updated and expanded content with new materials, supplies, and hands-on activities!
Available for free PDF download at www.need.org/shop.
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We invite you to join NEED for our Thursday, January 15th
Energy Exchange Webinar on Zoom which will feature our solar unit and highlight the new content!
Free to participate, no materials needed – spread the word!
Chance to win door prizes and can request a certificate of attendance for joining us.
Time: 6:30 PM EST / 5:30 PM CST / 4:30 PM MST / 3:30 PM PST
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Applications for Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship due March 1, 2026
Scholarships to help 215 rural N.C. high school seniors, N.C. community college transfer students attend N.C. colleges
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https://www.wfmynews2.com/
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We wanted to let you know that the nomination for Starlab Days is officially open.
Selected schools will host a Starlab visit that gives students the opportunity to step inside a 360° learning environment exploring astronomy, Earth science, meteorology, and more—free of charge!
We’ll be selecting up to three schools, so now’s the time to share your story. A quick reminder of what Starlab Days is all about:
- Expanding access to immersive STEM learning
- Supporting schools without nearby planetariums or science centers
- Creating unforgettable moments that spark curiosity and engagement
The nomination process is straightforward and focuses on your school’s story and why this experience would matter for your students and community.
 Get the full contest details
And to stay in the loop, be sure to follow us:
Follow Starlab on LinkedIn
Follow Starlab on Instagram
Follow Starlab on Facebook
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This is your semi-annual reminder that if you’re interested in a free visit from a geologist for your Earth Science lessons, let me know by filling out the Request a Visit form on our website. The North Carolina Geological Survey provides free classroom visits, STEM/Career Day visits, field trips, and more to help with the K-12 Earth Science curriculum. Due to other project constraints this year, my availability to travel will be limited so be sure to get your requests in soon. I kindly request that you give me at least 2-3 weeks’ notice. If I’m unable to meet your visit request, please be sure to check out our Resource Hub to see all the great, free, downloadable resources we have!
Don’t take this opportunity for granite (*groan, groan…) – get your visit booked today. ROCK on!
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SAVE THE DATES 2026:
EdCamp STEM West 2026
January 31 at NCSSM-Morganton
(door prizes needed)
STEM Trek 2026 at Catawba Science Center
Saturday, April 18 10 AM — 2 PM
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| Watch for more STEM opportunities in the STEM West Newsletter! |
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