Montana State University launches database of STEM resources

BOZEMAN, Mont. - Nov. 26, 2014 - PRLog -- Montana State University's Extended University has partnered with the Montana Institute on Ecosystems to launch ScienceMontana, an online database of educational resources covering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) topics. The database features resources created in Montana and about Montana.

The state's rare natural resources – Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, massive free-flowing river systems and large fossil beds – represent unique ecosystems that draw interest from visitors, students and scientists from around the world. While much of the world holds a fascination with Montana’s natural resources, Montanans themselves are often unaware of the amazing research happening in their backyard. ScienceMontana seeks to connect Montanans more closely with the science happening in our state.

The database is available online at http://www.sciencemontana.org

Free resources include lesson plans, videos, hands-on activities and other materials in earth science, life science, physical science and space science. Scientists at Montana universities created most of the materials. The database also includes multi-cultural STEM lesson plans that help teachers meet Indian Education for All requirements. They were created by Native American teachers affiliated with MSU's National Teachers Enhancement Network.

Visitors can browse by topic area or search by keyword, such as insects, climate, water, ecosystem, nanotechnology, astronomy and many more. Many of the resources relate to science conducted under current and past EPSCoR grants, including Montana Institute on Ecosystems research on wildfires, biodiversity, climate and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. (EPSCoR, which stands for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, is a National Science Foundation-funded program to build science and technology infrastructure in Montana.)

New resources will be uploaded periodically, and Montana organizations and educators are encouraged to submit resources for inclusion on the website.