MIT’s Edgerton Center holds free Science on Saturday programs approximately monthly during the school year for elementary, middle, and high school students — as well as their parents and teachers. Each is a fun, one-hour, interactive presentation beginning at 10AM in MIT’s Kresge Auditorium, 48 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees also receive same-day admission to the MIT Museum at half-price. No pre-registration is necessary but seating is limited and first-come, first-seated. The next program will be February 3: Materials with Magical Properties. For more information, contact Dr. Todd H. Rider, Mad Scientist in Residence, at thor@mit.edu.
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Register for Science on Saturday (The Rise & Fall of Pluto: How Science Progresses) at MIT Lincoln Labs, Feb. 24
Registration is now open for two Saturday-morning sessions of Science on Saturday, on February 24 at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory (244 Wood Street in Lexington). The topic will be The Rise & Fall of Pluto: How Science Progresses, presented by Jane Luu of Lincoln Laboratory. All children (5-17 years) must be escorted by an adult, and every adult must 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, so register online soon for either Session 1 (9AM to 10:30AM) or Session 2: 10:45AM to 12:15PM). Register an adult first, then a child, then others. Adults must bring government photo identification. See other rules on the registration pages. Due to construction, this event will be held in the cafeteria, accessed via the garage stairs instead of the main lobby.
Register for DynamiQueST World Climate Simulation at WPI, Mar. 16
DynamiQueST is an annual, day-long showcase of the power of simulations and critical thinking for analyzing complex systems (see brochure). This year, it takes place on March 16, 9AM-2PM, at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, sponsored by Creative Learning Exchange. Students (ages 12-18), teachers, and parents will participate in a large scale climate simulation and present their own work in system dynamics. No experience is needed. The cost of $25 per person (or $100 for five) includes lunch. Teachers can register themselves and their students here. Students wishing to present a project should email Lees Stuntz at stuntzln@clexchange.org.
Nominations Open for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education
Each year the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs recognizes individuals and groups with awards for excellence in environmental or energy education. Nominations of school programs, teachers, and students will be accepted until March 30. Winners will be notified in April and invited to an award ceremony at the State House.
SheHacks Boston: Hackathon, Jan. 26-28
SheHacks Boston aims to the be largest student-run hackathon for female and femme non-binary high school and college students 16 years or older. It will be held over 36 hours, January 26-28 at Boston University. Hear keynote speakers; attend optional workshops to learn how to code; address challenges and win prizes; network with technology companies; benefit from mentorship. Learn more here. It’s free, and meals will be provided Friday night through Sunday brunch. Online registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis, and walk-ins may be available. Teams will be formed via a Facebook group and also in-person at the event. Volunteers and mentors of all genders are welcome.
Two More Local Camp Fairs Showcasing Summer Programs
In addition to the Teen Summer Program Expo on January 29, here are two more free opportunities to learn about summer programs for kids:
On January 28, the City of Newton will hold its annual Camp Fair in the Newton North HS cafeteria, noon to 4PM. From noon to 3PM, entertainment will be provided by Wicked Cool Science, enabling kids to build and launch air rockets. Participating organizations include Newton Parks and Recreation, Newton Public Schools, Newton Community Education, Newton Free Library, and Historic Newton.
On February 11, the Newton England Camp Fair will be held at Bigelow Middle School, 11:30AM-2:30PM. While many of the exhibiting programs have a STEM component, the following have a particularly focus on STEM: Edge on Science, Empow Studios, Exploration School, LINX Camps, and Zaniac Learning Center.
‘Dream Big’ IMAX Film at Museum of Science
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.
Jr. Tech One-Day Program on Sharks for Grades 5-7, Feb. 3
Jr. Tech will host instructors from the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy for a program on shark biology, anatomy, and dissection for students in Grades 5-7 on Saturday, February 3, 9AM-3PM at Barnstable United School in Marstons Mills. The cost is $85. Register online.
MIT OMEGA Scholarships for Grades 11-12 Making Intergenerational Connections
Applications are now open until March 31 for New England high-school juniors and seniors to apply for OMEGA scholarships sponsored by the MIT AgeLab and AARP. Three OMEGA college scholarships are available (offering $1000 to the student plus $1000 to his/her high school) to recognize efforts of young adults in creating multi-generational connections in their communities. For more information, contact omegamit@mit.edu or 617-253-1894.
LigerBots Win Worldwide Recognition for Safety Video
Congratulations to the LigerBots — Newton’s robotics team spanning both high schools — for placing first in a worldwide competition to create a short animated video explaining and supporting safety guidelines of FIRST robotics competitions. Winning the 2018 FIRST Safety Animation Award, sponsored by UL, is a highly visible achievement, as the team’s safety video will be seen by about 500,000 spectators at various FIRST robotics competitions worldwide throughout the 2018 season. On the LigerBots blog, the team describes the inspiration and challenges of creating this engaging, informative video based on the theme of this year’s competition, Power Up.