The Newton Free Library has forged ahead in STE(A)M by offering 3D-printing, programming classes for young kids and Girls Who Code, and other activities. As one way to gauge how well the Library is meeting the public’s needs and interest in STEM, the Library is conducting a short Technology Survey on STEM interest and awareness. You may respond for yourself and/or for your children. (Please take the survey before you review the Library’s STEAM programs, which might skew the results by increasing your awareness and interest!)
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Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math/Science Teaching: Nominations Close April 1
Anyone may nominate a teacher for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This year, teachers of Grades 7-12 are eligible. (Next year, Grades K-6 will be eligible.) In addition, teachers must have five years STEM teaching experience and be full-time employees of public or private schools/districts. Nominations close on April 1. Winners will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and recognition at events in Washington, DC.
BU’s Summer STEM Programs for Middle- and High-School Students: Open for Registration Now
Boston University hosts many STEM-related summer programs for middle- and high-school students. Some have registration open now and processed on a rolling basis, while others have registration open now with a deadline. Stay tuned for still others for which registration will be opening soon. Here are the ones open now: Continue reading BU’s Summer STEM Programs for Middle- and High-School Students: Open for Registration Now
NSHS Da Vinci Program: Full STEAM Ahead!
Newton South HS is set to launch next fall its Da Vinci Program, an interdisciplinary, project-based, collaborative STEAM (STEM + Arts) learning environment. The sophomore level of the program will start with about 46 students in the class of 2018, and for each of the next two years another sophomore cohort will be added as students move up in the program. This year, NSHS teachers in Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Art have been planning together and visiting relevant programs in other schools. Themes of the Da Vinci program will include: What is life? What is change? How do we manage it? What is the role of the individual? Students in all curriculum levels will work together in these sophomore courses: Continue reading NSHS Da Vinci Program: Full STEAM Ahead!
MIT Spring HSSP Courses: Registration Lottery Open Until Feb. 10
MIT’s Spring HSSP is a 7-week academic program for students in Grades 7-12 running at MIT on Saturdays (February 21 through April 11, skipping March 14), 10:30AM-4:30PM. Classes – both academic and non-academic – are offered in multiple time blocks. The cost is $40 regardless of the number of classes attended, and generous financial aid is available. Registration is now open, and all who register their course preferences by February 10 will receive equal consideration. For more information, email spring-hssp@mit.edu. The course catalog includes these 22 STEM-related courses: Continue reading MIT Spring HSSP Courses: Registration Lottery Open Until Feb. 10
‘Water Watch’ Lecture Series, Free, on Wednesdays in Norwell
Water Watch is a free lecture series on Wednesday evenings (7-8:30PM) at the South Shore Natural Science Center (48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell). It’s sponsored by the North & South Rivers Watershed Association, the South Shore Natural Science Center, the Mass Audubon South Regional Headquarters, Clean Harbors, and Rockland Federal Credit Union. See details on these upcoming lectures: Continue reading ‘Water Watch’ Lecture Series, Free, on Wednesdays in Norwell
Shine for Girls: Grades 6-8 Learn Math Through Dance, Monday Afternoons at MIT
While tutoring and teaching math, Kirin Sinha noticed that when stumped, boys would often say, “I don’t understand,” while girls would tend to say, “I can’t understand.” She created Shine For Girls to address that gender gap. Shine for Girls is a free, 8-week after-school program that equips middle-school girls with abilities, interest, and confidence in mathematics. It does so through a unique combination of mentorship, kinesthetic learning through dance, and customized online instruction. The program is taught by MIT undergraduate women who are math mentors — many of whom are trained in dance and dance instruction. Continue reading Shine for Girls: Grades 6-8 Learn Math Through Dance, Monday Afternoons at MIT
Free Events for Engineers Week at WPI, Feb. 15-20
Stepping ahead of worldwide Engineers Week (February 22-28), Worcester Polytechnic Institute (100 Institute Road in Worcester) will hold WPI Engineers Week February 15-20 with a schedule of free events that includes: Continue reading Free Events for Engineers Week at WPI, Feb. 15-20
Harvard Museum of Natural History: Upcoming Events
The Harvard Museum of Natural History has these upcoming events:
- February 17: Whale Conservation and the Future of the Oceans, free public lecture at 6PM
- February 21: I ♥ Science, activities for children and adults, 9AM-4PM, included in museum admission, with lectures 10:30AM-3:30PM
- February 24: Evolution Matters: Natural History Collections and Evolution, free public lecture at 6PM. (The preceding reception and tour for teachers at 4:30PM are free but reservations are required.)
- March 5: Evolution Matters: The Revolution in Plant Evolution, free public lecture at 6PM
- March 7: Biodiversity in the Avian World, adult class, 9:30AM-Noon, $40, reservation required
A Day of Exploring Science Through Dance, for Girls in Grades 5-8, Feb. 28
Gique and Shine for Girls will host Science Can Dance! — a free, one-day exploration of science through dance — for girls in Grades 5-8 on Saturday, February 28, 10AM-3PM, at Microsoft New England, 1 Memorial Drive in Cambridge. The day will include a keynote speech by MIT Professor Catherine Drennan, two dance choreography workshops, a discussion with local dancers who are also scientists/engineers, and a free lunch. Registration is required, through which you may specify choice of two workshops: Cancer Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Materials Science.