Registration is open for Boston University’s Artemis Project, a five-week computer-science summer program for girls entering 9th grade next fall. No prior computer experience is required. Participants learn computer languages (Scratch, AppInventor, HTML, CSS, Python, etc.) and are introduced to robotics, cryptography, artificial intelligence, and circuits. Guest speakers and field trips provide insight into how computer science is applied in the real world. The Artemis Project is led by BU undergraduate women studying Computer Science and Engineering, guided by Cynthia Brossman, Director of BU’s Learning Resource Network. It runs July 5-August 5. Lunch is provided. There is no tuition, but there is a nonrefundable registration fee of $100. Applications, including an essay and two recommendations, are due May 1. For more information, email artemis@bu.edu.
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Girls Entering Grades 11-12: Registration Open for BU’s Summer Pathways in Science & Engineering, July 8-15
Summer Pathways is a 7-day residential program for girls in the greater Boston area entering Grades 11-12 who show promise and/or interest in STEM. During July 8-15, participants live on the BU campus; explore opportunities in STEM fields; meet with students and faculty in all disciplines; visit laboratories, companies, and museums; listen to career panels; and spend one night as part of the crew of a schooner whale-watching. See the brochure (PDF). The fee of $675 includes all costs, and financial assistance is available for demonstrated need. Applications, including two recommendations from teachers, are due May 1. For more information, contact Cynthia Brossman at cab@bu.edu or 617-353-7021.
Mass. DESE Seeks Public Comment on Draft Standards for K-12 Digital Literacy and Computer Science
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has published a draft of new standards for K-12 Digital Literacy and Computer Science and seeks public comment to before the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education votes on them. You may submit public comment until April 8 via this online survey. Newton Public Schools participants on the review panel for these standards include Lauren Dietz (NPS Elementary Instructional Technology Specialist), Jennifer Dimmick (NSHS Library Teacher), and Shelley Chamberlain (former NPS Director of Information Technology, now Executive Director of MassCUE). Inquiries may be adddressed to mathsciencetech@doe.mass.edu.
Grades 7-8: Register by Feb. 27 for MIT SPARK, Mar. 12-13
MIT’s SPARK offers students in Grades 7 and 8 a variety of short, interesting classes on the MIT campus over one weekend, March 12-13. The registration lottery is open now through February 27, and until that deadline all course preferences will be treated equally in the lottery. Starting February 29, any remaining seats will be open first-come/first-served. Students may choose from over 100 STEM courses*(plus other courses) and are encouraged to register on their own. A $40 fee covers two days of classes and lunch and lots of walk-in activities. Generous financial aid is available. For more information not covered here, email spark@mit.edu. Here are the STEM courses: Continue reading Grades 7-8: Register by Feb. 27 for MIT SPARK, Mar. 12-13
Naomi Klein on Capitalism vs. The Climate, Feb. 25 at Framingham State
Framingham State University’s President’s Distinguished Lecture Series will present Naomi Klein speaking about her book, This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate, on Thursday, February 25, at 7PM at FSU’s Dwight Performing Arts Center (map).
Studio of Engaging Math: Summer Program (ages 6-12) Open House, Feb. 26
The Studio of Engaging Math in Brighton will hold an open house on Friday, February 26, 6-8PM for kids and their parents to learn about the Studio’s STEAM Summer Program for ages 6-12: Puzzles, games, programming, and painting. Geometry/tessellations/origami. Bridge building. 3D modeling. Strategy games. Programming/video games. The open house will be repeated on Sunday, April 3, Noon-2PM. For more information, call (617) 903-3168.
MIT Edgerton’s ‘Science on Saturday’ for Grades K-12, Mar. 5: Materials and Magical Properties
MIT’s Edgerton Center holds free Science on Saturday programs five times a year for elementary, middle, and high school students — as well as their parents and teachers. On March 5, the program will be focused on Materials and Magical Properties. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The program includes a one-hour presentation at 10AM followed by hands-on activities at 11AM. No pre-registration is necessary but seating is limited and first-come, first-seated. It’s held in MIT’s Kresge Auditorium, 48 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge.
LigerBots Seek Donation of LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Kit to Support FLL Teams
Newton’s high-school robotics team, the Ligerbots, would like to find a used LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit, for purchase or preferably donated. The EV3 kit is the robotics platform used by FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams (Grades 4-8). The Ligerbots are making a big effort, particularly this year, to mentor FLL teams in Newton, and the team wants to get an EV3 kit to help its mentoring and to educate its adult coaches and mentors. If you can help, please contact lauren_fitzpatrick@ligerbots.com with offers.
Sign Up Now for MITxplore Sunday Math Program for Grades 4-6
MITxplore will again offer its Sunday Sessions this spring, for 10 weeks beginning February 21, to introduce students in Grades 4-6 to interesting and unusual topics in mathematics not covered in the standard school curriculum. Guided by a Socratic approach, students explore and find solutions on their own. The cost is $150, and financial aid is available. This program fills up quickly so sign up right away. For more information, contact mitxplore-mit@mit.edu or call 617-435-7763. Donations to the MITxplore program are welcome.
Harvard Medical School’s Summer MEDscience Program: Applications Open Feb. 15
Harvard Medical School’s MEDscience Summer is a one-week, hands-on, learn-by-doing course for high-school students to learn about medical science while solving complex clinical problems and realistic medical emergencies simulated by life-like mannequin patients. Students also interact with Harvard Medical School students, faculty, and staff. The one-week program is run 9AM-4PM in three sessions, beginning June 13, June 27, or July 11. Apply between February 15 and March 31. For more information, contact MEDscience@hms.harvard.edu.