All posts by newtonstem

Moms As Mentors: STEM Workshop for Girls in Grades 6-8, Jan. 14

Events

Moms As Mentors offers programs to support mothers as they mentor their daughters through community building, developing relationships, and experiential learning.  The organization will offer its Build Bridges! workshop at the Newton Free Library on January 14, 1-2:30PM.  In it, girls in Grades 6-8 will work with their mothers (or guardians, relatives, or special friends) on an enjoyable, hands-on STEM activity.  Space is limited, and registration is required by January 10.  For more information, email Leslie Coles at lcoles@momsasmentors.org.

“Physics as a Door into STEM Education” at Boston University, Jan. 17

Events

Dr. Valentin Voroshilov of the Boston University Physics Department will lead a presentation and discussion about the role of physics in attracting students to STEM fields.  It will be held at 4PM on January 17 in the Boston University Physics Department Studio Auditorium, Room B23, in the basement of the Metcalf Science Building (entrances at 590 Commonwealth Avenue and 720 Beacon Street).  Coffee and light refreshments available.  For more information, email Dr. Voroshilov at valbu@bu.edu.

MassBioEd Workshops for Teachers, Jan. 18 & 19

Events, Resources

MassBioEd will hold two workshops for teachers in January in Cambridge. Attending either of these workshops is a first step toward qualifying for a MassBioEd SPOT grant for classroom equipment and lab supplies for life-sciences activities.  These workshops will be held 8:30AM-4PM in MIT’s Building 68 (31 Ames Street):

Galaxy Zoo at Framingham State University Planetarium, Jan. 20

Events

The Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University will present Galaxy Zoo on January 20 as its free monthly planetarium show ($5 donation suggested).  Hear the story of humanity’s quest to understand galaxies and learn about the Galaxy Zoo citizen-science project that engages the public in original science research.  Shows are at 5:30 (intended for families with children under 12) and 6:30PM (intended for adults, teens, and older children).  Pre-registration for both January 20 shows are sold out, but a limited number of tickets will be available at the door, starting at 5PM. For future shows, registration opens two weeks prior to each event via links on this page listing upcoming events. (The date for the February show has been changed from February 17 to February 10.)

Newton Boys & Girls Club Seeks After-School STEM Teachers

Opportunities

The John M. Barry Boys and Girls Club of Newton is looking for one to three individuals to teach the following after-school classes for students in Grades 3-6:

  • 3-D Printing and Design (Using MakerBot Replicator printer)
  • Basic Science (Survey course, hands-on: Earth Science, Chem, Physics, Bio)
  • DIY STEM (STEM class using everyday objects)

While these will begin as volunteer positions, payment is possible after a brief probationary period.  The Newton BGC has some basic curricula available, and very much welcomes additional ideas and curricula for STEM-based programming. For more information, please contact Newton BGC’s Education Director, Jeremy Blache-Schwartz, at jschwartz@newtonbgc.com.

Newton Community Education’s Winter STEM Classes

Opportunities

Newton Community Education will offer the following STEM classes this winter, and they’re starting soon.  Click on these links for more information and registration forms.

‘Through My Window’ — Free Engineering Curriculum, Grades 4-8

Resources

Smith College and Springfield Technical Community College have developed Through My Window, a free engineering curriculum for Grades 4-8 that integrates STEM and literacy via three flexible components:

  • Young adult STEM mystery novel, Talk to Me
  • Interactive online learning adventures about engineering topics
  • Teachers’ curriculum guide

Applications are being accepted from schools and other programs, both formal and informal, to implement this curriculum in the spring, summer or fall of 2017.  Applicants selected through this process will receive a $500 stipend and free educator support, including free customized lesson plans and professional development.  Application is quick and easy at goo.gl/forms/LcFmambLBHpk8Lmi2. For more information, email Outreach Coordinator Isabel Huff at ishuff@stcc.edu.  She has told NewtonSTEM that Through the Window would love to work with schools or programs in the Newton area.

CEEO Research Workshop: Design in Makerspaces, for Adolescents with ASD

Opportunities

Tufts University Center for Engineering Education and Outreach (CEEO) will conduct an 8-week research workshop in its makerspace for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.  It will consist of a two-hour session each week for eight weeks starting January 23 (excluding February 20) at CEEO’s Makerspace (200 Boston Avenue, Medford).  For this free study, CEEO is recruiting students in ages 11-15 with high functioning autism.  See the recruiting memo (PDF) for details.

FIRST Offers STEM Equity Community Innovation Grants

Opportunities

FIRST will provide 15 under-served communities with STEM Equity Community Innovation Grants of $5,000 to $50,000 each, to provide greater access to quality STEM experiences for students in grades K-12.  The grants will include funding, training, and implementation support for a year beginning in July, 2017.  Non-profit organizations, school districts, and FIRST organizations are encouraged to apply, ideally in coalitions. Notifications of Intent to apply are due by January 20, and final proposals from selected candidates are due by March 15.  See webinar.