Category Archives: Resources

New England Sci-Tech: STEM Programs and Maker Space in Natick

Posted on November 18, 2018 by newtonstem in Resources, Summer, Vacation Programs

New England Sci-Tech is a non-profit STEM education center and maker space on the Natick/Wellesley line (16 Tech Circle in Natick), launched last June. It offers classes and workshops in a wide range of STEM fields, amateur radio licensing, maker lab space, summer and after-school programs, public astronomy nights, educational support for schools and home-schoolers, tutoring, support for science fairs and other student STEM projects, space rentals for birthday parties, and more. Sign up for its mailing lists or become a member (rates of $25 to $75 per month).

‘Hour of Code’ Coming Up Dec. 3-9! Create Your Event Now

Posted on November 18, 2018 by newtonstem in Events, Resources

The worldwide project, Hour of Code, introduces programming to millions of people each year as part of Computer Science Education Week, December 3-9. Of the 119,885 Hour of Code events currently registered for this year, Newton has registered events at Angier, Horace Mann, and Memorial Spaulding Elementary Schools, Bigelow Middle School, and Mount Alvernia Academy. The Newton Public Schools is organizing events and linking to curriculum materials appropriate for elementary grades K-1, 2, 3, 4-5, as well as secondary grades at Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Boston Tech Mom has more information.

Maker Skills Workshops at MIT, Dec. 5, 6, 12

Posted on November 4, 2018 by newtonstem in Events, Resources

The MIT Edgerton Center offers one-day, hands-on Maker workshops for teachers (of all grade levels) to obtain skills in Making. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is required. For more information, email edgerton-k12-maker@mit.edu.

  • 3D Modeling and Printing, Basic – December 5
  • 2D Modeling for Laser/Vinyl Cutting – December 6
  • Electronics for Makers – December 12

Mass. Dept. of Education: Parent Guides

Posted on October 8, 2018 by newtonstem in Resources

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers:

  • Parent Guides to help families understand what students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of each grade in Mathematics, Science, and Technology/Engineering.
  • Standards Navigator to facilitate exploration of learning standards and resources, searchable by subject or keyword.

Science by Connections: Database of Mass. STEM Programs

Posted on September 3, 2018 by newtonstem in Resources

The Museum Institute for Teaching Science maintains Science by Connections, an online, searchable database of STEM programs in Massachusetts suitable for school field trips and in-school activities for students, as well as professional development for teachers.  You can search by grade level, field of STEM, geographic region, Common Core literacy and math standard, Science and Technology/Engineering standard, and/or program provider. Providers, schools, and other interested parties are encouraged to contact the Science by Connections staff with questions, requests, or suggestions.

The STEM Behind ‘OK Go’ Videos

Posted on April 2, 2018 by newtonstem in Resources

This isn’t Newton-specific (except maybe Isaac…gravity), but the band OK Go has created OK Go Sandbox, a website offering entertaining explanations, challenges, and experiments related to the STEM principles underlying their incredibly intricate, wildly popular videos.

Empow Studios to Open a New Studio in Newton this Spring

Posted on February 14, 2018 by newtonstem in Resources

Empow Studios will open a new STEM Enrichment Studio in Newton this spring for its summer-camp, after-school, and weekend programs. It will be located at 180 Needham Street, across from the Newton Nexus Mall. Camps include Tech & Design, Minecraft, Java Coding, and Girls STEM. Other programs include Weekend Tech Clubs, NanoCamp, FIRST LEGO League teams, and birthday parties.

WGBH Design Squad Training for Out-of-School Educators, Feb. 27

Posted on February 11, 2018 by newtonstem in Events, Resources

WGBH is hosting a free workshop on February 27, 10AM-1PM, for out-of-school-time educators and home-schoolers interested in learning about PBSKids Design Squad Global engineering activities for ages 10-13. It will take place at WGBH’s studios (1 Guest Street, Boston). Register here. For more information, contact Saranya Sathananthan at saranya_sathananthan@wgbh.org.

NSHS Seeks Furniture and Tools for a New Maker Space

Posted on January 26, 2018 by newtonstem in Resources

The Newton South HS Science Department is creating a “maker-space” for science classes and related student activities.  They are seeking donations of (and can arrange transportation for) the following:

  • One or more full-height storage cabinets (wood, metal, or heavy plastic) that either have locks or to which a hasp and padlock could be attached;
  • Work stools, fire-compliant chairs, or a small sofa;
  • Hand tools and small power tools of any type.

To donate any of these, please contact Jordan Krause at dr.ljkraus@gmail.com.

‘Dream Big’ IMAX Film at Museum of Science

Posted on January 14, 2018 by newtonstem in Resources

Boston’s Museum of Science is showing a new IMAX film, Dream Big: Engineering Our World, now through June 30 to highlight “the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small and show how engineers push the limits of innovation in amazing and unexpected ways.” It’s recommended for Grades 3-12 and adults. Take a look at the film’s accompanying Educator’s Guide.