Kathy Etringer

Gladbrook-Reinbeck Elementary students will have a new, interactive opportunity to learn about science this coming school year thanks to the efforts of a local elementary teacher.

Kathy Etringer, a G-R kindergarten teacher from Reinbeck, applied last winter for the Governor’s STEM Scale-Up program which awards educators across the state with science related curriculum to aid in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) instruction. The G-R Elementary proposal won acceptance and will be implemented in the upcoming school year.

Students in grades Pre K to 2nd Grade at Gladbrook-Reinbeck will participate in the Pint Size Science curriculum developed by the Science Center of Iowa as part of the STEM Scale-Up award. Pint Size Science consists of four interactive kits on a range of topics from agriculture and meteorology to animals and robotics. Included in the curriculum is a literacy component where each class is given a book to read introducing some key components of STEM learning.

The STEM Scale-Up program is an arm of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council that has been in operation since 2011. The council receives funding through annual state legislative appropriation.

“Seeing children actively engaged in STEM in classrooms and afterschool programs is what the STEM Council is all about. As external evaluations show a positive impact, the Scale-Up programs will continue to be vital partners in our mission to deliver the best possible STEM education to Iowa students,” Governor Kim Reynolds said.