Winning with Purpose: Using STEM Competitions to Develop Gifted Learners’ Skills and Creativity
How STEM competitions can accelerate growth and nurture problem solving.
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Event Details
STEM competitions are more than trophies—they are powerful learning ecosystems where gifted students build deep content knowledge, creativity, collaboration, and resilience. This engaging webinar explores how thoughtfully selected and well-supported STEM competitions can accelerate gifted learners’ growth while nurturing innovation and problem-solving. Designed for both educators and parents, the session highlights how competitions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics foster authentic learning, real-world application, and creative thinking. Participants will learn how to align competitions with student strengths and interests, scaffold skill development, and create inclusive pathways that support both experienced competitors and first-time participants. Webinar attendees will also learn how student participation in STEM competitions (e.g. Science Olympiad, Odyssey of the Mind, Destination Imagination, local science fairs, etc.) can foster STEM interests in children and promote STEM career interests.
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Bronwyn MacFarlane, Ph.D., inspires educators and parents, evaluates educational programming, and provides professional learning workshops. As Professor of Gifted Education and Educational Leadership at Arkansas State University, Dr. MacFarlane teaches doctoral courses with the Center for Excellence in Education and gifted education topics. She has chaired more than 30 completed doctoral student dissertation committees and taught over 40 different graduate course topics across educational leadership, teacher education, counseling, research and statistics, higher education, and gifted education degree programs. Dr. MacFarlane published six books, including STEM Education for High Ability Learners: Designing and Implementing Programming.
Gregory Spiegel, Ed.D., is a recent graduate of the Arkansas State University doctoral program. His dissertation focused on the relationship between high school Science Olympiad participation and the declaration of college STEM majors. Dr. Spiegel is the state director for the Science Olympiad program in Missouri. His work focuses on increasing participation in Science Olympiad programs, particularly in rural schools. He has coached Science Olympiad teams at regional, state, and national tournaments. He has worked with gifted learners and developed courses and programs to help maximize their potential. He teaches Advanced Placement Chemistry at the Pembroke Hill School, promotes STEM competitions statewide, and has sponsored invitational tournaments attended by thousands of students across the central United States.
Dr. Monica Meadows is an Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Research Associate of the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education. She has 20+ years across K–12 and higher education in the areas of science, STEM, and gifted education. She is currently the chair of the NAGC STEM Network and the co-chair of the Preservice Teacher Standards Task Force.