Growing the STEM, is the behind-the-scenes nonprofit founded in 2017. We organize and support math and science programs for students in Coeur d’Alene public schools, with an emphasis on developing youth leaders and encouraging underrepresented groups to pursue STEM education and activities.
Elementary School Mentors, Sign Up Here too!
Register your student ABOVE, once a Growing the STEM program when the opportunity has been publicized at your school for your child’s grade level. Not all programs are offered at all schools and to all grade levels. Please only use this registration form when you know the program is being offered at your child’s school! Mathletes is an invitation-only program. Please only register if you have been notified that your child was invited to this program.
A math competition program in the Northwest for 4th-12th graders Students spend time playing math games, solving problems, and learning new math skills. This program is open to all 4th-5th or 6th-8th grade students at a given school on a space-available basis. Math is Cool is designed for students who thrive while doing challenging mathematics, but our programs are open to students of all ability levels. It's a great place to sharpen your skills, no matter your ability. Anyone willing to work hard and try can learn and have fun in this program.
...Peer - to - Peer...
4th-5th graders who love math and are great role models mentor 2nd graders at their school who need help or extra challenges with math skills through games and teacher-or instructor-selected activities. This builds the mentor's own math skills while teaching the value of helping others.
a science-based after-school activity for 3rd-4th graders
This club supports the development of complex and progressive thinking skills. Kids work together to solve scientific queries. Student coaches benefit in terms of empathy, confidence, and leadership. Participants benefit by increasing their knowledge and problem-solving skills, cementing their interest in STEM, and building relationships with older student coach role models.
Methodical thinking patterns, engineering and building projects build complex thinking abilities in a fun environment. Student learn the qualities of good buildings and bridges, and solve scientific/construction challenges created by our student coaches.
STEM has now become STEAM! Art inspires creativity and imagination. It has the power to open minds to the vast fields of learning that a student may not initially be drawn to. Many concepts in art are based in science, engineering and design (think perspectives and angles).
Chess encourages patience, visualization skills, improved memory, concentration, strategic decision making, predictions using a multi-step process, and math. Wait math in chess? Yes, many students don't even know they are strengthening their math skills.
Programs are requested by school principals and facilitated by Growing the STEM on a funding-available basis using certain criteria. If there is a program you are interested in that is not offered at your child’s school, please speak with your principal.
Programs are open to students of all ability levels.
Registering for a program does not ensure placement. STEM Club and STEAM Club utilize a lottery and other programs are first-come, first served. A waiting list will be created when a program reaches capacity. Teachers will notify students about placement.
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*Ramsey, Hayden Meadows, Borah and Skyway have independent Math is Cool teams
The overwhelming majority of the funds go to pay stipends for public school teachers to run these programs. Limited funds go to team competition fees, busses to competition, supplies for programs, and very limited operational expenses.
These Mathletes stories shared by the teachers overseeing these programs give an inspiring look at the difference Mathletes is making. Names have been changed to protect each student's privacy.
Jackson says:
“Math is Cool was a fun way to enjoy math and compete!”
Emmie says:
"At first I was nervous then it was fun and I started to learn things, and it helped me in school a lot. Everyone was really nice and encouraged me to try new strategies and different ways of thinking. The competition was fun and everyone was nice. I made new friendships and learned things I haven't learned in class, so when my teacher introduced it helped me solve the problems faster."
Ike has been competing in Math is Cool for two years. He has placed first and gone to Masters both times, receiving first place in his division in fourth grade. His coaches have loved to see him blossom into a hardworking, fun, and competitive student.