MassRobotics is recruiting the third cohort of its high-school Jumpstart Fellowship Program to improve diversity in the STEM workforce in Massachusetts. Through training, mentorship, and internships, a selected group of students in Grades 10-12 will learn about careers in robotics, develop professional networks via mentors and resumes / LinkedIn profiles, and gain exposure to technical skills in programming, design, simulation, prototyping, and testing. Upon completion of the program’, students will receive a stipend of $1000. All female students, especially those who are Black and Latinx, in Grades 10-12 in Massachusetts high schools who have a passion for robotics and technology are encouraged to apply by November 20. No prior skill is required. There will be online information sessions at 5PM on October 17, November 1, 11, and 14. Students must be available for orientation on December 17 and on Saturdays & Wednesdays, January 7 – May 19.
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Grades 9-12: Register by Oct. 29 for MIT Splash, Nov. 19-20
MIT’s Splash program runs for two days each year on the weekend before Thanksgiving — running in-person this year on November 19-20. Students in Grades 9-12 can take a wide range of mini-courses taught by MIT undergraduates and participate in drop-in activities. This year, Splash! is offering over 300 courses including many in Science, Computers & Programming, Engineering, and Mathematics. The cost is $40 regardless of the number of courses taken, and generous financial aid is available. The first phase of registration is now open, in which students will have until October 29 to register and specify their preferences for classes. Classes will then be filled by lottery, treating equally all those who register anytime in the first phase of registration. After the lottery results are announced, some classes may be available for those registering later, in a subsequent phase of registration. See the Program Details. For more information, email splash@mit.edu.
Grades 6-12: Register for Brandeis Splash!, Nov. 13
Brandeis University’s Splash! — a free program of mini-courses taught by undergraduates for students in Grades 6-12 — will be held November 13, Noon-5PM on the Brandeis campus. Take as many 50-minute courses as you wish. Bring or purchase your lunch on campus. Registration is open now until November 11. For more information, email ess-club@brandeis.edu.
Fig City News: Online community news hub for Newton
Using the same web/email setup that NewtonSTEM uses, I am working with a team of volunteers to publish Fig City News — an online news hub aiming to fill gaps in the coverage of local news and community announcements in Newton. We started in July and offer two free newsletters each week:
- Mondays: Fig City Local Government Meetings & Reports has details of the workings of our local government — meeting links and agendas, etc.
- Wednesdays: Fig City News contains local news articles and community announcements.
All the content is available on FigCityNews.com, and you can stay updated by subscribing here to either or both newsletters.
— Bruce Henderson, NewtonSTEM
Massachusetts STEM Week, Oct. 17-21
It’s Massachusetts STEM Week, October 17-21, with the theme “See Yourself in STEM” and a focus on the power of mentoring.
- Explore the STEM Week Design Challenges posed by Buck Institute for Education, kids in tech, Wade Institute, WPI STEM Education Center, Boston’s Museum of Science, i2 Learning, and New England FIRST.
- The Massachusetts STEM Council is partnering with the Mass Mentoring Partnership to build capacity and engagement in mentoring across the state during STEM Week and beyond. Sign up to be a mentor here.
Grades 5-12: Registration opens Oct. 17 for Clark University’s Fall Splash, Nov. 13
Clark University’s Fall Splash — a one-day, free program offering courses for students in Grades 5-12 — will be held November 13, 10AM-5PM, online this year. Registration opens on October 17, and students should register as soon as possible because classes fill up. The day is free. For more information, email clarkuesp@gmail.com. STEM-related courses in this year’s catalog include:
- Urban Ecology
- First Aid Basics
- Egg Drop
MIT & N.E. Aquarium Lecture: The Ocean’s Natural Way to Stop Climate Change, Oct. 20
MIT’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences and New England Aquarium will co-host a hybrid event, The Ocean’s Natural Way to Stop Climate Change, on October 20, 6:30PM-7:30PM, at the Aquarium’s Simons Theatre (1 Central Wharf, Boston) and online. This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30PM with exhibits from MIT students and climate scientists in the theatre lobby. Register here for in-person or online attendance.
N.E. Sci-Tech Introduction to Model Rocketry and Demo Launch, Oct. 21
The New England Sci-Tech (NEST) STEM education center , in conjunction with JP Rocketeers and Sci-Tech Rocketeers, will host an Introduction to Model Rocketry and Demo Launch on October 21, 3:30-5:30PM, at 341 School Street in Acton. It’s for those who have had little or no exposure to model rocketry, or those who have some experience but seek guidance and information about how to progress as a model rocketeer. Weather permitting, they will launch rockets in a variety of sizes and designs. They will discuss design, materials for construction, preparations for launch, and safety. Email David at muse3@comcast.net to RSVP or to get more information.
Events for National Chemistry Week, Oct. 16-22
Local museums are recognizing National Chemistry Week with “Fabulous Fibers: The Chemistry of Fabrics” hands-on activities at these times and locations. Museum admission is required:
- Saturday, October 15: Boston Children’s Museum offers two sessions: 9AM-Noon and 1:30PM-4:30PM.
- Sunday, October 16: Discovery Museum in Acton offers one session: Noon-3PM
- Thursday, October 20: Museum of Science, Boston offers one session: 1PM-4PM.
MIT Museum re-opens in new Kendall Square location
The MIT Museum has re-opened in its new Kendall Square location in the Gambrill Center (MIT Building E-28), 314 Main Street in Cambridge. It’s open daily, 10AM-5PM. The Museum includes public meeting spaces, a hands-on Maker Hub, and freshly conceived, interactive exhibits presenting high-level research for those new to science or already experts.