The all-volunteer Newton Girls Who Code Club is hosting free Teen Coding Meet-ups at the Newton Free Library. No registration is required, so just drop in when you can, on occasional Sunday afternoons, 2:30-4:30PM. The schedule is approximately biweekly, with the next sessions on December 4 and 18. Teens of all genders are welcome. All you need is a basic understanding of coding. Some computers will be available, but bring a laptop if you can. You can bring your own projects or work on Girls Who Code Extended Activity Sets. Newton GWC staff will not present formal instruction but will mentor and assist. For more information, contact David Miller of Newton GWC at david@newtongwc.org or Liz Rowland of the Newton Free Library at lrowland@minlib.net. Many thanks to them for making this happen!
All posts by newtonstem
Clay Center Observatory: Public Telescope Nights Resume Nov. 29
The Clay Center Observatory, on the campus of Dexter Southfield School (20 Newton Street in Brookline; 5th floor), holds Public Telescope Nights on most Tuesdays in the spring and fall, from 8PM to 9PM. They’ll take a break this week and be back November 29 for a short time before closing for the winter, then back open from March 28 through May 30. Register in advance. Events are canceled if weather is rainy or overcast: Call 617-454-2795 one hour before the event for a recorded message. The Clay Center offers a range of Outreach Programs for community groups. Check the Center’s calendar for future events.
GEMS Grants to Start or Expand Science Fairs: Deadline Nov. 30
Gelfand Endeavor in Massachusetts Schools (GEMS) is offering mini grants of up to $1,000 for middle schools and high schools to start or expand annual Science/Engineering Fairs, and up to $4,000 for a sustainable, three-year program. The grants include tuition scholarships for teachers to enroll in Curious Minds Institute courses to help them bring science and engineering practices into their classrooms. Apply online by November 30. For more information, email gems@scifair.com.
Wellesley STEM Expo, Apr. 8: Call for Exhibitors, Workshops & Sponsors
The third Wellesley STEM Expo, to be held at Wellesley High School on April 8, invites experienced speakers and exhibitors to participate in engaging the Expo’s K-12 audience in hands-on activities and demonstrations of classic and cutting-edge science. Sponsors are also welcome! Apply here. For more information, email expo@wellesleyeducationfoundation.org.
Cambridge Science Festival: Call for Entries by Dec. 2
The 11th annual Cambridge Science Festival, to be held April 14-23, 2017, seeks exhibitors with audience appeal and technical feasibility(!). Scientists, educators, STEM enthusiasts, and others are invited to propose lectures, performances, activities, exhibits, workshops, debates, and other creative ideas. Apply by December 2 and provide all needed follow-up information for the print program by December 30.
But if you want to be part of the Science Carnival & Robot Zoo on April 15, then fill out this application instead.
Yale Young Global Scholars: Apply by Jan. 31
The Yale Young Global Scholars program invites outstanding students to Yale for intensive, two-week educational sessions in the summer. Applications are due January 31. Financial aid is available. Sessions this year:
- Frontiers of Math & Science (June 19 – July 2)
- Sustainable Development & Social Entrepreneurship (June 19 – July 2)
- Applied Science & Engineering (July 9 – July 22)
- Biological & Biomedical Science (July 27 – August 9)
- Politics, Law & Economics (July 27 – August 9)
- International Affairs & Security (July 9 – July 22)
MassBay Offers One- and Two-Semester STEM Certificates
MassBay Community College in Wellesley offers one-semester certificates in central processing technologies, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy, cyber security analyst and certified nursing assistant. It offers two-semester certificates in practical nursing, advanced manufacturing, computer-aided design, web design, technology support, cyber security, automotive technology, medical coding, surgical technology, paramedicine, business information technology, and high tech sales.
Teachers: Register Now for BSCES Model Bridge Competition, Feb. 4
The Model Bridge Competition is open to middle- and high-school students, in teams of up to three students supervised by a faculty advisor and mentored by practicing engineers. The challenge is to design and build a bridge of popsicle sticks and hot glue. Teams work with their advisor and mentors at school a minimum of two hours a week before Competition Day on February 4 at the MassDOT Headquarters (10 Park Plaza in Boston), where bridges will be tested and judged. Faculty advisors should register their teams now. The Model Bridge Competition is sponsored by Boston Society of Civil Engineers, the Massachusetts Pre-Engineering Program, and the Massachusetts Highway Department. For information, email BSCESModelBridge@gmail.com.
LigerBots to Host FLL Regional Qualifying Tournament at NNHS, Nov. 19
The Newton LigerBots high-school robotics team invites everyone to attend the FIRST LEGO League Regional Qualifying Tournament they will host at Newton North HS on Saturday, November 19, 9AM-3PM. Admission is free, and all are invited to experience this exciting event. Thirty-six FLL teams of students in Grades 4-8 from across Massachusetts will compete — not only in robot games, but in solving real-world scientific/technical challenges through research, design, and presentation. Newton teams include the ‘Botanists, 201504340, the Atomic-bots, Baker Bots, Block Party, Chili Dogs, and maybe more. There will also be a maker fair with demonstrations and hands-on exhibits. The LigerBots have been strong supporters of local FLL teams. See the LigerBots blog post on this event and a Newton TAB article about last year’s tournament.
Teachers: Register for Edison Invention Challenge by Nov. 15
K-12 teachers have until November 15 to register teams for this year’s Edison Invention Challenge. During the next few months, teams of up to four students each will create prototypes of inventions related to alternative energy and complete accompanying videos and design portfolio documentation. Deadlines in the schedule are December 20 and March 15. Stipends of $250 (up to one per school) are awarded to all teams that complete the assignments. Winners receive Maker prizes and 3D printers. Register here. For more information, email edisoninventionchallenge@gmail.com.