The Needham Public Schools’ Science Center offers after-school enrichment classes at Newman Elementary School (1155 Central Avenue in Needham). This fall, it offers Eco-Adventures (Wednesdays starting September 29, 3:30-5PM) for kids ages 7-11 who like exploring nature outdoors and don’t mind “creepy crawlies” and a little dirt. The program includes scientific observations, games, and crafts focused on environmental issues. $200 for 8 weeks. Register online. For more information, call 781-455-0475 or e-mail sciencecenter@needham.k12.ma.us.
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Register for Mass. STEM Summit, Nov. 10
The 12th annual Massachusetts STEM Summit will be held on November 10, 8AM-4PM, at DCU Center in Worcester. The schedule contains a luncheon plenary session featuring Governor Baker and 44 breakout sessions. Registration opens September 16 and costs $50 (fee waived for full-time students). Space is limited.
Newton South’s DaVinci Program Launches for Sophomores
The Newton South HS Lion’s Roar has published an article on the launch of DaVinci, the school’s flexible, interdisciplinary STEAM program that started for a cohort of sophomores last week. The students will study Biochemistry (over two years), Theory of Creativity, and a new Math 2 course — all in an open, project-based, collaborative environment. Lab space, including movable furniture and whiteboards, was funded by the Newton Schools Foundation and the PTSO. Each year, as students progress through the program, another cohort of sophomores will be added.
Public Telescope Nights at Clay Observatory This Fall
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 7PM to 8PM. Register in advance (and sign up for the Center’s email list). These 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.
The observatory contains a 25-inch telescope with optically perfect mirrors — similar in optical design to the Hubble Space Telescope. It’s protected by two airlocks, a dome powered by solar cells and wind turbine, and its own foundation that is completely isolated from the foundation of the surrounding building. The telescope and dome are computerized and can be operated through the Internet by researchers anywhere in the world.
Newton Free Library STEM Events in September
Introduction to GNU Linux for Teens (Wednesday, September 16, 7-8:30PM). Learn about a free platform and operating system that runs everything from phones to the stock exchange! The lecture will offer an overview of Linux and address issues of privacy, data security, and ways to protect personal data and other sensitive information. Registration is required.
Introduction to GNU Linux for Adults (Wednesday, September 30, 7-8:30PM). Learn about a free platform and operating system that runs everything from phones to the stock exchange! The lecture will offer an overview of Linux and address issues of privacy, data security, and ways to protect personal data and other sensitive information. Registration is required.
Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysics Observatory Events, Sept. 17 & 27
The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (60 Garden Street in Cambridge) will host its monthly Observatory Night on September 17 at 7:30PM on the topic of exploding stars. 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, email pubaffairs@cfa.harvard.edu.
Also this month, the Center will host a Lunar Eclipse Viewing on September 27, 9:30-11:30PM. It will be a record-breaking eclipse (with the moon closest to the Earth) and the last total eclipse visible here until 2018. Call 617-495-7461 to check for cancellation due to weather.
SciStreet Hackathon in Cambridge, Sept. 20
The Cambridge Science Festival‘s Science on the Street (SciStreet) program aims to make STEAM accessible, engaging, and fun via appearances at various community events, fairs, and festivals. Along with the MIT Graduate Student Council and Communicating Science @ MIT (ComMIT), it will host a SciStreet Hackathon to bring students together in teams to brainstorm the design of interactive STEAM activities and demonstrations at SciStreet events. Each of the top 5 teams will receive $100 to build their design for public display. The Hackathon will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2-5PM at the MIT Museum (2nd floor classroom; 265 Main Street in Cambridge). Register online.
GEMS Grants for Schools to Start Sustainable Science Fairs
Gelfand Endeavor in Massachusetts Schools (GEMS) is offering mini grants of up to $1,000 to middle schools and high schools that do not currently host an annual Science Fair. The grants provide help schools develop a sustainable Science Fair program and provide tuition scholarships for teachers to enroll in Curious Minds Institute courses to help them bring science & engineering practices into their classrooms. Apply online by September 30. For more information, email gems@scifair.com.
WGBH: ‘Big Blue Live’ — Aug. 31 through Sept. 2 at 8PM
WGBH will broadcast the PBS/BBC 3-segment presentation, Big Blue Live, at 8PM on August 31, September 2, and September 2. It celebrates a marine animal phenomenon: Humpback whales, blue whales, sea lions, elephant seals, sea otters, great white sharks and more as they convene annually in Monterey Bay, CA.
Love STEM? It’s Time to Support Latino STEM Alliance!
The Latino STEM Alliance is wonderfully effective in inspiring under-served middle-school students in Boston and Lawrence through hands-on STEM enrichment activities (both summer and after-school) and contact with relevant role models. Take a look at this video of their citywide robotics competition. Newton’s Chuck Hurwitz (retired chair of Newton South HS Science Department and founder of the LigerBots) is on LSA’s board and is passionate about Newton students and adults sharing their robotics experience with students in urban areas.
When NewtonSTEM asked how we could help, LSA responded: “Donations are what we really need.” LSA relies on individuals, foundations, and corporations to provide essential financial support. Please join PTC, Verizon, iRobot, Eastern Bank, Suffolk Construction, National Grid, and others with a partnership or tax-deductible donation to support LSA’s programs.