Monthly Archives: February 2013

Newton Community Education — Summer STEM Programs

Opportunities, Summer

Registration is now open for these 14 summer STEM programs offered by Newton Community Education:

STEM Summer Program for Students Entering Kindergarten or Grades 1, or 2

Opportunities, Summer

Registration is open for a summer program in robotics and computer programming — for students entering Kindergarten or Grades 1 or 2 next fall.  The program is run by the DevTech Research Group at the Eliot Pearson Department of Child Development at Tufts University, which conducts research in “technologically rich psycho-educational programs aimed at helping children develop in positive ways through the use of technology.”  It’s inspired in part by the work of Seymour Papert.  The program runs from 9AM to 12:30PM daily, in three sessions:  Session 1: June 24-28 ($175), July 1,2,3,5 ($150), and July 8-12 ($175).  Space is limited.  First come, first served.  Register online.  For more info, email summercamp.devtech@gmail.com.

Meet Scientists at AAAS Family Science Days

Events

This weekend (Feb. 16-17), AAAS Family Science Days are being held at Hynes Auditorium, 11AM to 5PM.  This free event is open to all, but designed especially for students in grade levels 6 to 12.  This community science showcase — featuring hands-on demonstrations and other family and kid-friendly activities — shines a spotlight on a broad range of educators working to promote an interest in science among the general public.  Browse interactive tabletop exhibits, learn about cool science jobs, and have your questions answered by experts convened by AAAS!  Check the schedule of stage shows and list of exhibitors.  for Register online or on-site.

  • Dig for artifacts
  • Paint with bacteria
  • Trick your brain
  • Explore nanotechnology in everyday objects
  • Tour the universe
  • Meet cool scientists
  • And much, much more

The event is in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

NNHS/NSHS Science Teams Seek Local Sponsors

Accomplishments, Opportunities

The science teams of Newton South HS and Newton North HS are large (more than 30 students each), open to all interested students, mostly student-run, and very successful in a wide range of events.  In last year’s State Science Olympiad, they came in second and third place statewide, respectively.  The teams support students to develop scientific inquiry skills, to increase their content knowledge, and most critically to work together collaboratively as a team.

The students pay fees and conduct fundraisers to cover the costs of competition registrations, books, tools, and materials.  They also pay a $125/person club fee to NPS.  The two teams are seeking local sponsors — businesses or individuals — to help with the $1700 annual cost of bus transportation to competitions.  The teams share buses, which are not paid by NPS.

If you would like to help keep these teams strong, please make a contribution by sending a check (made out to “City of Newton” with “Science Team Bus” in the memo) to:

Amy D. Picard Winston
Science and Technology/Engineering Dept. Head
Newton North HS, 457 Walnut St., Newton, MA 02460

If you have questions or ideas for recruiting sponsors, please contact her at amy_winston@newton.k12.ma.us or 617-559-6380.  To contact the teams:

NNHS:  nnhs-science.wikidot.com or www.facebook.com/NNHSsciteam
NSHS:  southscienceteam@gmail.com

NNHS InvenTeam Receives Grant for Pedestrian Alert System

Accomplishments

This year, Newton North is one of 16 high schools nationwide to be selected as an InvenTeam.  InvenTeam, funded by the Lemelson Foundation and administered by MIT’s School of Engineering, celebrates outstanding innovators and inspires young people to pursue creative lives and careers through invention.

Challenged to apply its STEM skills to solve a real-world problem, the Newton North team developed a proposal to invent a Pedestrian Alert System.  The World Health Organization, naming 2011-2020 the Decade of Action for Road Safety, notes that road traffic injuries are one of the top 3 leading causes of death for ages 5-44.  In 2004, road traffic injuries resulted in more than 1.27 million deaths—almost equal to the number of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.  The Newton North team found that Ethiopia has among the highest road traffic fatalities per vehicle.

In October, the Newton North team won an InvenTeam grant of $10,000 for its proposal to invent a Pedestrian Alert System to warn drivers of crossing pedestrians, with the ultimate aim to help pedestrians in developing countries safely cross dangerous roads.  The grant can be used only to purchase materials for experimenting and prototyping.  The actual fabrication must be funded by the team.  (You can donate online to help the team meet its goal.)  In June, the team will present a working prototype at the MIT EurekaFest.  See this brief video of the team presenting to its project mentors.

The Newton North InvenTeam is nearing the final phase of the project — building a working prototype.  Updates of the team’s recent activities and milestones can be found at nnhsinventeam.com.

URBANFRAME: MIT Summer Architecture Program for Teens

Opportunities, Summer

This summer, in MIT/URBANFRAME’s Teen Design/Build program, 50 teenagers will imagine and build new architectures to transform neglected urban structures into great new public spaces.  The focus will be on “Public Works – New Architecture in Public Spaces.”   Students will visit sites, brainstorm ideas, build 3D models, present their designs, and then build and install their proposals for public use.

These hands-on architectural experiments will use the landscape of existing infrastructure to seed radically new ways to serve the needs of real people in their communities.

The program is for teens 15 to 19.  No experience required. Monday – Friday, 9:00AM to 3:30PM.   Full six-week program (7/1 – 8/9) or 3-week options (7/1 – 7/19 or 7/22 – 8/9).  Apply online.

Science Club for Girls is Hiring Grade 6-12 Girls as Mentors

Opportunities

Science Club for Girls is hiring girls who are in the 6th-12th grade for its spring Teen Programs.  Career Exploration, Leadership, & Life Skills (CELLS) is a teen leadership program that provides girls the opportunity to be role models, teach young children science, make new friends, participate in girls-only conversations, and explore careers in science and technology.  Members enjoy field trips to local colleges and Girls’ Day Out.  You can become a stronger student, better friend, and a more confident girl overall.  Apply online.

Become a Newton School Volunteer Math Tutor

Opportunities

Newton Public Schools seeks volunteers for one-on-one tutoring of 2nd – 5th grade students in basic mathematics concepts, once a week for 30-45 minutes. You can select your preferred school, grade, day, and time. You’ll play special math games that reinforce skills and help students gain confidence and competence. NPS provides training, Everyday Math books and learning materials, and ongoing support. No teaching experience is needed. For more information, please contact Ellen Bender at 617.559.6131 or  ellen_bender@newton.k12.ma.us.

Metrowest STEM Tinkershop at MassBay, March 8 & 14

Opportunities

MassBay Community College invites high school and middle school teachers and guidance counselors to attend a Metrowest Tinkershop.  This event aims to spark interest in advanced manufacturing and will feature projects for Middle School students, Parents/Guardians, Middle and High School Teachers, and Guidance Counselors.  The event is free, but early registration is required. Register online soon.  Space is limited.  Light refreshments will be served.

Room 320, MassBay’s Wellesley Hills Campus, 50 Oakland Street, Wellesley Hills.

  • Friday, March 8, 8-10AM:  High School and Middle School Teachers, and Guidance Counselors
  • Thursday, March 14, 6-8PM:  Middle School Students, Parents and Legal Guardians

This event is sponsored by the Massachusetts AMP it up! Advanced Manufacturing Program and is offered in partnership with MetroWest STEM Education Network (MSEN).   For more information, contact: Chitra Javdekar, Ph. D. , Professor and Chair, Engineering Department at cjavdekar@massbay.edu

Museum of Science Summer Courses: Advance Registration for Members

Opportunities, Summer

Advance registration has begun for members of the Museum of Science for its summer programs for students entering grades 1-8.  Morning, afternoon, or full-day programs are available, July 8 – August 16.  Scholarships are available based on need.  The course schedule (PDF) shows dates, times, and grades for each course.  Featured courses:

  • MoS Construction Zone (Grades 1 – 2)
  • Engineer: Boats, BeamBots, Hovercrafts, and Gadgets (Grades 3 – 4 and 5 – 7)
  • Backstage Pass (Grades 6 – 8): Practice being a museum presenter