Category Archives: Resources

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.

STEM Internships in MetroWest: Networking Event for Hosts, Oct. 24

Posted on September 10, 2017 by newtonstem in Events, Resources

On October 24, the MetroWest STEM Education Network and The Davis Companies will host a panel discussion and networking event to connect local businesses and educational institutions to discuss STEM internship programs and partnerships. The event will be held 8:30-10:30AM at The Davis Companies (325 Donald Lynch Boulevard, Suite 201, in Marlborough).  It will feature businesses currently offering internships for high-school and college students. Businesses, high schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities, local chambers of commerce, and non-profit organizations are invited to present their resources and programs. The event is free but registration is required. Register here to host a table at the networking session.

Edutopia’s 12 Inspiring STEM Books for Girls, by Grades K-12

Posted on June 4, 2017 by newtonstem in Resources

Edutopia has selected 12 books to encourage girls to explore STEM.  They’re grouped by grade: K-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12.

Teachers: Learn about Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams

Posted on May 21, 2017 by newtonstem in Opportunities, Resources

The Lemelson-MIT Program within MIT’s School of Engineering administers the InvenTeams program for students in Grades 7-10 to learn about STEM through invention-based design. Newton has a successful history with InvenTeams. Lemelson-MIT now offers 8 free activity guides for teachers on its Resources page and will host a professional-development workshop for middle- and high-school teachers to learn more about the InvenTeams approach, July 24-26 at MIT. For more information, contact Gayle Golding at ggolding@mit.edu or 617-253-3410.

LigerBots Host Explanation of FIRST LEGO League Robotics, May 30

Posted on May 13, 2017 by newtonstem in Events, Resources

Students in Grades K-8 — and their parents — are invited to learn about FIRST Lego League (FLL) at FLL Info Night, hosted by the Newton LigerBots on May 30, 7-9PM in Newton North HS’s Film Lecture Hall.  At the event, students and parents can learn more about FLL and what roles students can play on FLL teams, such as being a researcher, coder, or engineer, and they can meet others who are interested in forming FLL teams.

The LigerBots — Newton’s FIRST Robotics team, spanning both high schools — offers this information session as a community service, in part because FLL is a great introduction to the engineering, teamwork, and project skills that make great future LigerBots. The LigerBots also support FLL by mentoring local FLL teams, hosting FLL competitions, and promoting the principles of FIRST.

Newton North HS PTSO Funds STEM Grants

Posted on March 12, 2017 by newtonstem in Resources

The Grants and Projects Committee of the Newton North HS PTSO has announced funding for the following STEM programs and activities at NNHS, citing notes of appreciation from teachers and staff:

  • Lab equipment for a variety of science classes
  • Field trip to Harvard Medical School for anatomy classes
  • TI-84 graphing calculators to meet needs in the Math Department
  • CAD design software licenses for the Engineering program