2024 begins the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, which empowers public school students in grades 6–12 to leverage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to develop innovative solutions that address pressing local issues in their communities. Each year, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow awards more than $2 million in Samsung technology and classroom supplies to participating schools throughout the U.S.

The competition format incorporates video-based storytelling, building support for a concept, and live pitch presentations emulating the real-life environment STEM students face in higher education and the STEM workspace.

The Application Process

U.S. public middle and high school educators are encouraged to submit applications now through Thursday, October 24, 2024. The entry application asks teachers to answer just three questions, sharing an initial idea outlining how students would use STEM to address a critical need in their local community. And educators don’t have to be a STEM teacher to apply—History, Arts, Physical Education teachers, coaches, and administrators from public schools are all welcome!

To learn more about the annual contest, and for official contest rules, please visit samsung.com/solvefortomorrow.

(Listen to Ep 253, Ep 232, & Ep 217 for more ideas & info from Ann and contest winning teachers and Ep 246 for a conversation with Ann about the future of STEM education)

Connect with Solve for Tomorrow :

• Website samsung.com/solvefortomorrow
• Email solvefortomorrow@sea.samsung.com
• Twitter/X @SamsungNewsUS
• Instagram @solvefortomorrow
• Facebook facebook.com/SamsungSolveForTomorrow

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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Kari Byron & Jenny Buccos are here to share all about the 2nd Annual National STEM Festival. EXPLR’s National STEM Festival inspires kids nationwide to engage with STEM, a mission more crucial than ever as we advance towards a technology-driven future and workforce.

Submissions for the 2025 National STEM Festival are open to young innovators across all 50 states and all U.S. territories until October 20, 2024. Top-scoring students, along with a caregiver, will receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, DC for the National STEM Festival, where they will share their project, network with top business and government leaders, and learn skills that will equip them for meaningful careers in the future.
Also, check out the Live & On-Demand conversations with people in super STEM careers on the National STEM Challenge website

EXPLR’s commitment to education includes work on a bill to establish National STEM Week, which will enhance STEM pathways for students across the country. The National STEM Week bill was introduced to Congress by U.S. Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH).

Kari Byron (former member of Mythbusters) and Jenny Buccos are the Co-Directors of the National STEM Challenge and Co-Founders of EXPLR.
(Learn more about the origin of the National STEM Challenge from Kari on Ep 255)

Connect with The National STEM Challenge:

• Website nationalstemchallenge.com
• Twitter/X: @national_stem
• Instagram: @nationalstemfestival
• EXPLR Website explr.com

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Foldscope is the paper microscope that combines low-cost materials with precision optics. This innovation results in microscopes that are both high-quality and affordable, with a range of magnifications (50X-340X). From tiny microorganisms to larger samples like insects, plants, fabrics, and tissues, Foldscope can inspire kids to see beyond their own eyes wherever they may be! Foldscope can also attach to mobile phones for imaging and is very portable, durable, and waterproof. With that versatility, the possibilities are endless!
Look for the new projection microscope soon!

Connect with Foldscope:

• Website: foldscope.com
• YouTube: @FoldscopeInstruments
• Twitter/X: @TeamFoldscope
• Facebook: @foldscope
• Instagram: @teamfoldscope
• Microcosmos (where people can post their Foldscope pictures and videos): microcosmos.foldscope.com
• Foldscope Blogs (to get ideas for things to look at and explore): foldscope.com/blogs/blog
• Learn more from Ep 204: dailystem.com/2021/06/11/stem-everyday-204-inexpensive-microscopes-for-everywhere-feat-jim-cybulski/

Holly Stuart is an Education Specialist at Foldscope and has spent the last 10 years as a science educator in both indoor and outdoor classrooms. She uses her background in Chemistry and Environmental Studies to seek out innovative teaching techniques to use with students. As an avid outdoor person, Holly takes her Foldscope with her on every hike and enjoys making new discoveries in the microcosmos. Holly is excited to help get Foldscopes into the hands of teachers and students so they can experience the joy of discovery as well.

Connect with Holly:

• email: holly@foldscope.com
• Twitter/X: @hollyastuart

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show