Welcome to AFOSR STEM!
STEM Outreach and Engagement within the Air Force Office of Scientific Research
AFOSR STEM Funding In Action: The Kisailus Lab at the University of California, Irvine (UCI)
Advancing Bioinspiration through Creative Development in Education
Advancing Biological-inspiration for Creative Development in Education (ABCDE) is an innovative program designed to develop and adopt effective bio-inspired STEM modules that can supplement core K-12 math and science curriculum (for an example, see UCI Biomimicry of Mantis Shrimp). Supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, this program aims to bring together a cohort of experienced K-12 teachers and UCI researchers to collaborate, develop, and deploy research-based STEM modules for 4th-8th grade classrooms. Together, the team of educators will co-create educational resources using the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the National Science Teaching Association Science Standards, and the 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate) model of instruction, centering student equity throughout the development process.
Members of the ABCDE Team presented at the STEM Teacher Leadership Academy this past summer at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.! The team shared their work with our cohort of 20 K-12 STEM Educators and had a chance to explore the Q?rius exhibit in the museum. We look forward to welcoming back this team for our 2025 Academy!
april is the Month of the military child
There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents' service.
While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children. Military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks.
Each year, the DOD joins national, state and local government, schools, military serving organizations, companies and private citizens in celebrating military children and the sacrifices they make.
To learn more, click here.
Professional Learning Opportunities for K-12 STEM Educators:
Are you a K-12 STEM educator in the National Capital Region? Are you interested in collaborating with other educators on interdisciplinary projects, connecting with subject matter experts, and taking part in an immersive professional learning experience? Apply to join our next cohort of talented educators!
ACCESS Program members gain free access to quality educational resources for their classrooms, on-site professional learning opportunities at the National Air and Space Museum, and opportunities to connect with other educators in the D.C. area! We are currently not accepting new educators to this cohort.
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