9/25/24

By University Communications

HAYS, Kan. - Two new grants from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will fund the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educator workshops at FHSU.

A grant submitted via NASA’s Kansas Space Grant Consortium by Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education, and Ann Noble, director of FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI), will fund a LEGO Robotic workshop for Western Kansas teachers.

The $16,739 award will provide teachers with a robot kit, training on how to work with their students and robots, and support to prepare teams to participate in the SMEI Western Kansas Robotics Competition in March 2025. Teachers will also learn about NASA’s engineering programs, their use of robots, and potential careers in robotics that teachers can share with their students.

A second grant, submitted by Janet Stramel, professor and Edna Shutt Williams Endowed Chair of Teacher Education, and Ann Noble, will support teacher training and professional development in Western Kansas. The Wind Wizards: Learning about Renewable Energy grant will fund a renewable energy workshop for teachers scheduled for Oct. 10 and 11.

“The Wind Wizards workshop will equip middle school teachers with the tools and knowledge to bring renewable energy into the classroom,” Stramel said.  “By focusing on hands-on learning and real-world applications, this grant can help teachers inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, especially from underrepresented communities, as they explore careers in sustainable energy."

The $15,964 award will provide teachers with a KidWind kit, training on how to work with their students with the kits and support to prepare teachers and students for the 2025 Kansas KidWind Challenge, a challenge focused on designing and producing materials to help teachers bring clean energy to life in their classrooms. Along with the instruction from a renewable energy expert, teachers will learn about STEM careers related to wind energy to share with their students.

For additional news and information about Fort Hays State University, go to https://www.fhsu.edu/university-communications/