Monthly Archives: November 2022

Register for Science on Saturday (Water Worlds: The Search for Life in Space) at MIT Lincoln Labs, Dec. 3

Registration is now open for a hybrid session of Science on Saturday on December 3 at 3PM at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory (244 Wood Street in Lexington) and online via Zoom (link provided on that site before the event). The topic will be Water Worlds: The Search for Life in Space, presented by Lincoln Laboratory’s Sarah Willis. Learn about how water and life are intertwined, the search for extraterrestrial life within our solar system, and where life might be found elsewhere in the galaxy.

For in-person attendance, all children (5-17 years) must be escorted by an adult, and every adult must be a certified teacher or be escorted by a child or children. Children under 5 are not admitted. Admission is free but each person attending must be registered. Space is limited. Register online. Adults attending in-person must bring government photo identification. See other rules on the registration pages.

Grade 11: Apply for Research Science Institute by Dec. 2

The Research Science Institute is a summer STEM program for 80 accomplished students currently in Grade 11 to combine the study in scientific theory at MIT with off-campus work in science and technology research. The program starts with a week of intensive STEM classes, followed by a five-week research internship and a final week of written and oral presentations. The program is free and sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education and MIT. Applications — including essays, two recommendations, high-school transcripts, and test scores — are due December 2 for next summer.

11th annual Cool Science artwork competition, ends Jan. 13

Each year, Cool Science hosts an artwork competition on a STEM theme for Grades K-12 in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,  …and Kansas. This year, the artwork submissions are due January 13, should follow these rules, and should respond to the one of these questions/instructions:

  1. How might your experience with extreme temperatures be different from kids in other places around the world?
  2. Draw someone who is getting ready for flooding where you live.
  3. Draw a public transportation system (like buses & trains) that keeps working in a severe storm.

McAuliffe Center: Panel Discussion with Producers and Cast of ‘Young Nerds of Color,’ Nov. 9

The Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University will present a hybrid event on November 9, 4:30PM-6PM:  A panel discussion with the producers and cast members of Central Square Theater’s Young Nerds of Color. The play weaves together interviews with scientists from underrepresented backgrounds to explore implicit and systemic bias that young people of color face when trying to enter STEM fields — and the resulting loss incurred as a result. You do not need to see the play to enjoy the discussion, but all are encouraged to see the play. Register for the Zoom session or walk-in for the in-person event.

Discovery Museum: Black Women in Science — Ecology at a Glance, Nov. 12

The Discovery Museum (177 Main Street, Acton) will launch a new program series, Black Women in Science, on November 12, 1PM-2:30PM with a drop-in program, Ecology at a Glance. During the first 90 minutes, Ellice Patterson will talk about her experience as a young Black woman in science and her work in ecology on land and sea. In the remaining hour, there will be hands-on activities related to Ellice’s work in two areas: spiders and their webs, and the effects of nutrient run-off on ecosystems.

HMSC: Swimming with Sharks: A Photographic Journey, Nov. 12

To mark the opening of its new exhibit, Swimming with Sharks: A Deep Dive into Shark Biology and Behavior, the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture will host an in-person event, Swimming with Sharks: A Photographic Journey, with underwater wildlife photographer Keith Ellenbogen, on November 12, 2PM-3PM at Harvard’s Museum of Natural History. Ages 10+. Free with museum admission. Advance registration is required.