Teacher Miranda Dahlke continues to find new ways to educate your kids in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at Washington Island School. Last month, Dahlke was one of 52 teachers from across the country to receive research kits from the Society for Science through their STEM Research Grants program. Trail cameras, water monitoring kits, and other pieces of STEM-related equipment are included. Some teachers could also opt for direct funds for their school’s programming. It is just the latest endeavor Dahlke has embarked on as a member of the faculty at Washington Island School. She has been an instrumental part of Washington Island, earning thousands of dollars in grants from Samsung as a part of their Solve for Tomorrow initiative. In 2019, Washington Island won the state competition through Samsung as Dahlke’s students tackled the town’s wastewater concerns. The school’s involvement in the program allowed Dahlke to participate in a special teacher cohort with Samsung, which has allowed her to connect with others across the country. Her most recent endeavor sent her to NASA’s facility in Huntsville, Ala. for teacher space camp. She said last July that she believes her students deserve to see and experience what was previously only possible at more prominent schools.
Through the STEM Grants Program, the Society of Science has provided over $775,000 in funding for local educational efforts in the country’s schools. Dahlke is currently assisting the school’s robotic SeaPerch teams to see if they duplicate last year’s success after one of the squads qualified for the international competition in Maryland.
