Western North Carolina
Elementary STEM Community of Practice
A Western Carolina University initiative to connect Western North Carolina elementary science and STEM educators through collaborative discussions and activities focused on improving K-6 STEM education in our region.
A Western Carolina University initiative to connect Western North Carolina elementary science and STEM educators through collaborative discussions and activities focused on improving K-6 STEM education in our region.
Collaborate. Problem solve. Innovate. Advocate.
Our Vision
Connect people passionate about elementary STEM education in WNC
Strengthen elementary STEM teaching and learning in WNC
.Learn from and with each other
Create sustained partnerships that organically grow
2024-2025 Focus: Virtual Gatherings
Learn through teachers sharing innovative practices and participants reflecting, collaborating, and planning ways to apply their learning. All will take place on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:00pm on Zoom.
Updated Dates:
September 10, 2024
October 8, 2024, canceled due to Hurricane Helene
November 12, 2024
January 21, 2025
February 18, 2025
March 25, 2025
Our Advisory Board
Patricia Bricker, Western Carolina University
Liz Beck, RootEd
Leah Downing, Hazelwood Elementary
Jennifer Love, Macon County Schools
Kristin Menickelli, Cullowhee Valley School
Randi Neff, Smoky Mountain STEM Collaborative
Ben Owens, Open Way Learning
Morgan Pittman, NC School of Science & Math-Morganton
Kate Whittier, Buncombe County Schools
Christi Whitworth, NC Science Leadership Association
Recent Posts
Registration Open: June PD Day
Join us for the WNC Elementary STEM/Science Community of Practice Professional Development Day on Friday, June 13th from 9am-3pm in Cullowhee, NC. This event is open to all teachers, coaches, school leaders, professional development providers, and community partners...
Save the Date! June 13, 2025
The WNC Elementary STEM/Science Community of Practice will facilitate an in-person professional development day on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 9:00-3:00 in Cullowhee, NC. We hope you will join us for an exciting opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share...
March 2025 Virtual Gathering: Tourism through STEM-Creating Local Field Guides
Our March WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering will take place on Tuesday, March 25th from 4:00-5:00pm on Zoom. After a brief introduction, our highlight will focus on Tourism Through STEM--Creating Local Field Guides. Robin Welker (3rd grade...
February 2025 Virtual Gathering: STEAM Fair
Our February WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering will take place on February 18th from 4:00-5:00pm on Zoom. After a brief introduction, our highlight will focus on Engaging Students in a STEAM Fair. Kristin Menickelli from Cullowhee Valley...
January 2025 Virtual Gathering: Eco-Explorers
Our next WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering will take place on January 21st from 4:00-5:00pm on Zoom. After a brief introduction, our highlight will focus on Eco-Explorers: Diving Into Hellbender Conservation and will be led by Tammy Kiser, a...
November 2024 Virtual Gathering: Engaging in SEPs at Beginning of the Year
Our November 2024 WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering will take place on November 12th from 4:00-5:00pm on Zoom. After a brief introduction, our highlight will focus on Engaging in Science & Engineering Practices at the Beginning of the...
October Virtual Gathering–Canceled Due to Hurricane Helene
Our October 2024 WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering will take place on October 8th from 4:00-5:00pm on Zoom. After a brief introduction, our highlight will focus on Building a Community of Scientists through a 4th grade example and will be...
September Virtual Gathering: Phenomenon Based Learning and the New NC Science Standards
Our September 2024 WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering will take place on September 10th from 4:00-5:00pm on Zoom. After a brief introduction, our highlight will focus on Phenomenon Based Learning and the New North Carolina Science Standards...
Tourism through STEM-Creating Local Field Guides
Our March 2025 WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering highlighted Tourism Through STEM–Creating Local Field Guides. Robin Welker (3rd grade teacher at Robbinsville Elementary in Graham County) and Liz Beck (Learning Designer with RootEd) shared...
Engaging Students in a STEAM Fair
Our February 2025 WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering highlighted Engaging Students in a STEAM Fair. Kristin Menickelli from Cullowhee Valley School in Jackson County shared her journey into the STEAM Fair and leading efforts at her K-8...
Eco Explorers! Diving into Hellbender Conservation at Rosman Elementary
Our January 2025 WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering highlighted Eco Explorers! Diving into Hellbender Conservation at Rosman Elementary. This project provided an inspiring example of collaboration and community engagement between Tammy Kiser...
Engaging in Science & Engineering Practices at the Beginning of the Year
On November 12, 2024, our WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering highlighted Engaging in Science & Engineering Practices at the Beginning of the Year through a 4th grade example. The team that shared included Leah Downing from Hazelwood...
Phenomenon-Based Learning and the New NC Science Standards
On September 10, 2024, our WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering highlighted Phenomenon-Based Learning and the New North Carolina Science Standards. The team that shared included Kate Whittier, Caroline Sgan, and Maggie Harvin from Buncombe...
Contact Us
Dr. Patricia Bricker
Western Carolina University
School of Teaching and Learning
91 Killian Building Lane, Killian 101
Cullowhee, NC 28723