All posts by newtonstem

Newton Library STEM Events in April

Events, Opportunities

STEAM Ahead — April 7 at 4PM:  Free STEAM-oriented storytime for 3-5 year-olds and their caregivers.  Explore STEM plus the Arts with children’s books and related activities.  Space is limited, and tickets will be available at the Children’s Desk starting at 3:30PM.

Introduction to Arduino — April 7, 7-8:30PM:  Learn the basics of programming this simple microcontroller platform for building digital devices and interactive objects.  Registration is required, either online or by calling 617-796-1380.  For more information, contact NewtonReference@minlib.net.

Hexbugs — April 11, 3-3:45PM or 3:45-4:30PM:  Children 5 years or older, with an adult, learn to create habitats for these little robotic creatures.  Space is limited, and tickets will be available at the Children’s Desk starting at 30 minutes before each session.

Teen Tinker Club — April 20-22, 4-5PM:  Students in Grades 6-12 explore LEGO WeDo’s and Scratch in a three-day vacation program.  Space is currently full, but there’s a waiting list.

littleBits DIY Club — April 21, 3:30-4:30PM:  Children 9-12 years old can create inventions with these easy-to-use electronic building blocks.  Space is limited, and tickets will be available at the Children’s Desk starting at 3PM.

Intensive Arduino — April 21, 6:30-8:30PM:  Those with some background in Arduino can expand their knowledge of programming this microcontroller platform.  Registration is required.

All these events except STEAM Ahead are funded by the Library’s Federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

McAuliffe Center Panel: Space Exploration and Human Evolution, Apr. 8

Events

The Christa McAuliffe Center will host a panel discussion, Space Exploration and Human Evolution, at 4:30PM on April 8 at Framingham State University’s McCarthy Forum.  An astronaut, a physicist, a writer, and an environmental advocate will discuss questions such as:  Is the solar system ours for the taking?  Does living in zero gravity affect the way we think?  What is the likely political evolution of a human settlement on Mars?  Can we avoid the mistakes made in the earlier periods of the exploration of the Earth?

Vecna’s Charity Fundraiser Human & Robot Races in Cambridge, Apr. 10

Events

In celebration of National Robotics Week, the Vecna Cares Charitable Trust will host its second-annual human and robot race — in Cambridge on Sunday, April 10 at the Vecna Technologies office (36 Cambridge Park Drive, near Alewife T Station).  The Kids’ Run will be at 9:45AM, followed by the (adult) Human 5K at 10AM and the 100-yard Robot Race at 11AM.  Humans may register online for themselves and/or their robots, and anyone may also donate online.  The Kids’ Run is free.  Fees for adults and robots are $30 per person before April 7 or $35 per person on race day (minus $5 per person for those on teams or minus $10 per person for those in school groups).  All participants are invited to the post-race party.  Net proceeds will go to the Vecna Cares Charitable Trust (video).  For more information, contact Seth Reddy at 617.674.8248 or robotrace5K@vecna.com.

Cambridge Science Festival, April 15-24: Register Now for Some Events

Events

The Cambridge Science Festival is the national leader in its field, with over 160 activities and events spanning 10 days, April 15-24.  You can filter this year’s online schedule of events by age (family/teens/adults) and type (activities, workshops, performances, talks, other), or date — and browse the list of exhibits, recurring programs and tours, and Museum of Science activities.  Register now for those events that require pre-registration or tickets.  The Science Carnival is free and takes place on Saturday, April 16, 12-4PM between Harvard Square and the Cambridge Public Library.  It’s too much to keep in your head.  Use the Guidebook mobile site or the Guidebook app for your mobile guide to events.

Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysics Observatory Events, Apr. 21 & 23

Events

The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (60 Garden Street in Cambridge) will host its monthly Observatory Night on April 21 at 7:30PM on the topic of The Wild West of Star Formation.  The lecture is intended for high-school and older audiences but children are welcome.  Admission is free, no reservations are necessary, and seating is limited.  For more information, call 617-495-7461 or email  pubaffairs@cfa.harvard.edu.

And as part of the Cambridge Science Festival, the Center will host Cambridge Explores the Universe on April 23, Noon-4PM, at which space scientists of all ages can drop by to explore the universe through telescope tours, interactive multimedia exhibits, hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and the Scientist Cafe, where visitors can chat with local astronomers.

Stoking a 21st Century STEAM Engine: Public Forum on Workforce Development, Apr. 22

Events

A free public forum on workforce development, education, and opportunity — Stoking a 21st Century S.T.E.A.M. Engine: Rocket Fuel for the Innovation Economy —  will be held Friday, April 22, 8AM-12:30PM at the Marriott Hotel, 50 Broadway, Kendall Square, Cambridge. It’s hosted by the Cambridge Community Foundation, Just-A-Start Corporation, Kendall Square Association, Metro North Regional Employment Board, and Skillworks.  Space is limited; register online.  For more information, contact Ashley Coates at 617-918-7558 or ashleycoates@justastart.org.

NSHS: U.S. Semi-Finalists in 1st Time in Moody’s Mega Math Challenge

Accomplishments

In its first-ever participation in Moody’s Mega Math Challenge, Newton South HS’s team (Bhavik Nagda, James Rao, Ayush Upneja, Erik Uhlmann, and Yifan Xu) achieved the semi-finals, ranking between 7th and 12th place overall among 1,084 entries nationwide.  In this challenge, each team did research, analysis, mathematical modeling, and writing over a single 14-hour period to produce a 20-page research paper for grading by a panel of judges.  The task this year was to create a mathematical model to help determine the best business model for a car-sharing service in a given region/city/town.  The NSHS team’s work won $1500 in scholarship funds.   The team’s faculty coach, Steven Rattendi, noted that the students took the initiative in starting and leading this endeavor.  Congratulations to all!

LigerBots Explain ‘Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition’ in Newton TAB and will Demonstrate Same at BU Event, Apr. 2-3

Great ideas

Be sure to read the LigerBots’ op-ed column in the Newton TAB, which explains, with examples, the value of two key tenets that drive the innovation, success, and character-building of FIRST Robotics:

  • Gracious Professionalism — “the idea that rather than taunting or jeering opponents, teams should compliment and even help their competitors when needed”
  • Coopertition — “displaying unqualified kindness and respect, even in the face of fierce competition”

The LigerBots invite the entire community to see, cheer, and learn about this at its next competition, on April 2-3 at Boston University (Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston — see schedule).  It’s free, open to all, inspirational, and a blast.