The Calculus Project works in all of Newton’s middle and high schools to have more Hispanic, African American, and low-income students successfully complete calculus in high school, as a path to success in college. The program provides intensive, small-group summer classes, enrichment activities, and year-round mentoring and tutoring.  The TCP summer program includes instruction in Computer Science, field trips to STEM-related companies, and college campus visits for rising 11th graders with a focus on STEM majors and careers.

The program currently includes over 200 students in Grades 8-12 — 95% of whom are in honors or accelerated math. The Newton Schools Foundation seeks donations to expand the program to address a growing waitlist.

While the NPS operating budget funds part of the program, tax-deductible donations via the NSF are needed for the summer program, tutoring, enrichment activities, and supplies. This year’s campaign is $3,000 short of its $10,000 goal. Donate here.

The MetroWest STEM Education Network is encouraging schools, out-of-school programs, and parents to form Girls Who Code clubs for Grades 3-5 or Grades 6-12. Find a webinar here to learn more.  Apply here, and on the application list MetroWest STEM Education Network as your Community Partner to receive benefits like extra support and swag.

The COVID Symptom Study is asking people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in a daily survey taking one minute per day. Download the app (Apple or Android) and answer daily questions about how you feel, then get an estimate of COVID in your area. Research updates from the study have revealed six distinct types of COVID-19 and that skin rash may be a fourth key sign of COVID-19.

A Newton senior citizen writes:  “I always find myself wishing that these wonderful science programs could have been available to me when I was young.  …As a senior I find myself wishing I could take the various programs I see in NewtonSTEM.  Science, and learning all about these topics, is equally important to us older folks.” If you offer STEM programs for seniors — or you’re willing to do so — please write to info@newtonstem.org.

Drastically minimizing in-person social contact, particularly in large groups, is essential to #flattenthecurve and slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and the COVID-19 disease it causes. This is not just to protect ourselves from the disease but more importantly to support the network effect of limiting the speed of its growth so that it does not overwhelm our health care facilities and resources. For that overriding purpose, here are local STEM-related cancellations, postponements, and closures:

Cancellations

• MIT Spark is cancelled.
• Northeastern Splash is cancelled.
• Boston College Splash is cancelled.
• Framingham State University’s Science on State Street is cancelled.
• FIRST Robotics season is cancelled.
• National Science Teachers Association annual conference is cancelled, and alternatives are being considered.
• SET in the City is cancelled.
• Expeditions to STEM is cancelled.
• Framingham State University Planetarium March 20 show cancelled.
• Mass Audubon has cancelled all programs through March 31.
• New England SciTech has cancelled all workshops, classes, and events through at least March 26.
• Mad Science of North Boston has cancelled all events.

Postponements

• Massachusetts STEM Summit has been postponed.
• You-Do-It Electronics Arduino Day has been postponed.
• Science Club for Girls’ Catalyst Awards Night has been postponed.
• Lincoln Labs’ April 4 Science on Saturday has been postponed, perhaps to October.
• Girls STEM Summit has been postponed until June.

Closures

• Harvard Museum of Natural History is closed indefinitely.
• Boston’s Museum of Science is closed through at least April 3.
• Worcester’s EcoTarium will close through April 6.
• The MIT Museum is closed until further notice.
• New England Aquarium is closed for a minimum of three weeks.
• The Discovery Museum in Acton is closed until March 30.
• Mass Audubon has closed all sanctuaries and trails.

Boston Tech Mom has published her annual list of STEM Gift Ideas.