Maine Center for Research in STEM Education

Integrating Education Research and Practice

The Maine Center for Research in STEM Education (RiSE Center) conducts research into education at all levels of instruction within the STEM disciplines: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We also work to integrate education research into STEM teaching and learning through our many programs, projects and partnerships including graduate education, professional learning opportunities, STEM education improvement, and learning communities for PK–16+ STEM educators.

Since its formation in 2001, the RiSE Center has hosted annual conferences focused on integrating STEM education research and practice. This integration is a significant part of many of the Center’s initiatives, including the Maine STEM Partnership, a statewide preK–16+ STEM education improvement community. Each year the RiSE Center provides district partners with community, professional learning opportunities, and high-quality instructional resources for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers.

The interdisciplinary RiSE Center (Maine Center for Research in STEM Education) is an excellent example of how faculty, staff and students integrate research, teaching and outreach. They incorporate STEM education research into teaching practice — through teacher preparation, education reform, community partnerships, and professional community. This has created numerous positive effects for learners and educators, at all levels, throughout the state.

University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy

STEM + C: Advancing STEM education with computational thinking