All posts by newtonstem

1 Application for 3 Free MIT Summer Programs for Rising High-School Seniors

January 21, 2017Summernewtonstem

MIT’s Office of Engineering Outreach Programs offers three free summer programs for rising high-school seniors with strong academic records. A student completes one combined application (due February 1) for all three programs, with recommendations due February 15. Exact dates for summer 2017 have not yet been set.

Engineering Experience at MIT (E2@MIT) is a one-week science and engineering program for rising high-school seniors with a passion for STEM.
Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) is a six-week science and engineering program for rising high-school seniors from underrepresented or underserved communities who have strong academic records and an interest in science and engineering.
MIT Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC) is a six-month program for rising high-school seniors with a passion for STEM to study online and to meet at MIT for a one-week MOSTEC Conference in the summer.

RSM Foundation Offers International Math Contest, Grades 3-8

January 21, 2017Opportunitiesnewtonstem

The RSM Foundation, a non-profit promoting K-12 STEM activities and affiliated with the Russian School of Math, is sponsoring its second International Math Contest for students in Grades 3-8. The first round, which opens on February 6, is a 30-minute Online Challenge consisting of fun and challenging problems based on international math curricula. Top scorers in the first round will be invited to the final round on April 9 for a Math Olympiad of non-routine math problems that promote and reward deeper thinking, math ingenuity, and creativity. Registration is free, and there is an optional performance report (see sample) available for $10 ($20 after January 22). Visit rsmfoundation.org to view last year’s problems or sign up for practice problems. For more information, email contest@rsmfoundation.org.

BostonTechMom Recommends The Discovery Museums in Acton

January 21, 2017Recommendationsnewtonstem

BostonTechMom continues to offer great advice and reviews, this time with a strong recommendation to visit (or join!) The Discovery Museums in Acton. The museums are the Children’s Discovery Museum, the Science Discovery Museum, and the new Discovery Woods, suitable for ages 3-10.

WGBH Seeks Earth-Science Teachers as Digital-Media Advisors

January 21, 2017Opportunitiesnewtonstem

WGBH seeks fifty K-12 earth-science teachers as advisors next year for its collaboration with NASA to create free digital media tools in its Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms initiative. Apply by February 8. For more information contact carolyn_jacobs@wgbh.org.

Educators: Register for Project WILD Workshop, Feb. 11

January 21, 2017Events, Opportunitiesnewtonstem

Educators of K-12 students — both in and out of school — are invited to a free professional development workshop about Project WILD, an award-winning, interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program sponsored by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. The workshop will be held February 11, 9AM-3:30PM, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (183 West Main Street in Westborough). It’s designed for school teachers, scout leaders, camp counselors, nature center/museum staff, home educators, after-school programs, etc. Bring lunch and clothes suitable for indoor and outdoor activities. Register by February 1 by contacting Pam Landry (pam.landry@state.ma.us or 508-389-6310) or Barbara Shumaker (shumakerb@westboroughk12.org).

Two Expos to Help You Find a Summer STEM Program

January 15, 2017Summernewtonstem

Here are two local gatherings where you can talk with directors of a wide range of summer programs in STEM (and other fields):

City of Newton Camp Fair: Sunday, January 29, Noon-4PM in the Newton North HS cafeteria. (Snow date February 5.) Summer program offered in Newton by Newton Parks & Recreation, Newton Public Schools S.P.A.C.E. Camp, Newton Community Education, Historic Newton, and the Newton Free Library. STEM programs include Camp Invention, Puddlestompers, Science Robotics Camp, and various NCE Kids programs.

Teen Summer Program Expo: Monday, February 6, 5:30-8PM in the Newton South HS cafeteria. (Snow date February 7.) More than 60 summer and gap-year programs, for every budget and interest area, including these 18 STEM programs. For more information, contact Laura Marks at Laura@TeenSummerExpos.com or 617-244-0011.

4th Annual Let’s Build Engineering Extravaganza, Feb. 4

January 15, 2017Events, Opportunitiesnewtonstem

Let’s Build is a family volunteering initiative bringing engineering into Needham’s elementary schools by training family and community volunteers to support classroom design challenges. Its major fundraiser, the Let’s Build Engineering Extravaganza, will be held February 4 (snow date February 11), 10AM-2PM at Hillside Elementary School (28 Glen Gary Road in Needham) for Pre-K, elementary, and middle-school children and their families. Admission is $5 per family. Let’s Build is currently seeking volunteers and community presenters, so email info@letsbuildengineering.org if you can help. Scheduled activities include the Needham HS robotics team, What’s Inside a Flashlight? at the Take-Apart Table, ballerinas teaching the science of pirouettes, build your own bubble wand, and create hoppers with Olin College students.

Empow Studios: LEGO Robotics Club, Saturdays in Lexington

January 14, 2017Opportunitiesnewtonstem

Empow Studios in Lexington hosts a LEGO Robotics Club for Grades 2-8 on Saturdays, 1-2:30PM. This cooperative, welcoming club uses LEGO MindStorms EV3 kits and provides experience to prepare kids for FIRST LEGO League (FLL) participation starting in August. Registration is open starting any month, at a cost of $80 per month.

NNHS and NSHS Competing in MIT Science Olympiad, Jan. 21

January 14, 2017Eventsnewtonstem

Newton North HS will participate for the third year in a row in the MIT Invitational Science Olympiad on January 21. This year, Newton South HS will also field a team for the event.

Mass. Science Olympiad: Middle School Mar. 4, High School Mar. 18