🔍 Invitation to Apply: Wisconsin STEAM Sleuth Society

[Bires, Amy J. DPI]

Hello all, 

The Wisconsin STEAM Sleuth Society (WSSS) is a statewide professional learning opportunity for educators and librarians (grades 3-9) to explore the intersection of storytelling, data, design, and inquiry-based STEAM education. Through monthly virtual sessions, curated book bundles, and collaborative resource development, participants will engage in creative problem-solving, cross-curricular integration, and equity-centered instructional design.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, library media specialist, or instructional coach, the Sleuth Society invites you to join a vibrant community of educators committed to curiosity, collaboration, and innovation.

 

📚 Featured Texts

Participants will receive a curated bundle of books that anchor each phase of the experience and support integration across math, literacy, social studies, computer science, and the arts:

• Data Made Fun for Kids
• Daphne Draws Data
• Drawing Data with Kids
• The Computer Always Wins
• Can You Crack the Code?
• Show and Tell! Great Graphs
• The Bletchley Riddle

 

🗓 What to Expect: Monthly Highlights

• October–November 2025: Recruitment & Selection Apply, commit, and receive your book bundle. DPI will notify selected participants (~75) before Thanksgiving.
• December 2025: Orientation & Exploration Join a virtual onboarding session, explore WISELearn resources, and share your “Data Story” with fellow Sleuths.
• January–February 2026: Data & Algorithms Explore data visualization, storytelling, and basic algorithms using Daphne Draws Data, Drawing Data with Kids, and more. Participate in a statewide “Data Design Challenge.”
• March–April 2026: Cryptography & Communication Dive into logic, codebreaking, and visual data storytelling with Can You Crack the Code? and Show and Tell Great Graphs. Share classroom activities and publish companion lessons.
• April–May 2026: Wisconsin Reads — The Bletchley Riddle Engage in a chapter-a-day read-along, weekly cipher challenges, and family “Decode Together” events. Celebrate with a student showcase.
• June–August 2026: Reflection & Expansion Submit reflections and artifacts, share impact stories, and help shape the next cycle of the Sleuth Society.

 

🧑‍🏫 Educator Expectations

As a member of the Wisconsin STEAM Sleuth Society, participants agree to:

1. Participate Actively Attend onboarding and monthly virtual meetups to share ideas and connect with fellow Sleuths.
2. Use the Resources Integrate at least one book from the bundle and its companion lessons into classroom or library instruction.
3. Engage Students Encourage creativity and problem-solving through the activities, challenges, and the statewide Wisconsin Reads STEAM event.
4. Collaborate & Communicate Share insights, feedback, and examples of student work with DPI and peers to strengthen statewide impact.
5. Showcase Learning Submit one student artifact, project, or reflection for inclusion in the Wisconsin Reads STEAM showcase or WISELearn collection.

 

📝 Apply Now

We welcome applications from Wisconsin educators and librarians who are passionate about STEAM integration, equity, and student-centered learning. Whether you're just beginning your STEAM journey or looking to deepen your impact, the Sleuth Society offers a supportive space to grow, connect, and inspire.

👉 Application Deadline: October 31, 2025  5:00 p.m.

👉 Apply Here: Microsoft Forms

Please feel free to share this with all educators within your district.  If there are specific questions, please email me directly at amy....@dpi.wi.gov.  Thank you.

Amy Bires

Amy Bires

Computer Science and Digital Learning Innovation Consultant

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

amy....@dpi.wi.gov  |  (608) 266-3851

Book time to meet with me

Computer Science in Wisconsin

[Aragones, Joy]

Hi Amy,

I just came across this and I am wondering if you still might have space to participate?  I understand I am late to the party, but would love to be a part of this, if possible.

Thank you,

Joy Argones

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