Boston’s Museum of Science has returned to offering live presentations, including Lightning in the Theater of Electricity and Science Live explorations of super-cold science, live animals and ecology, archaeology, and other topics. Live presentations are included in the cost of museum admission. Arrive at the presentation location at least 10 minutes prior to the show. Virtual presentations continue online on Tuesdays, 2:30PM-3PM, and you can register for the May 18 Virtual Planetarium show here.

Through funding from Boston Scientific, the Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University is offering free, live, virtual programming to schools and qualified out-of-school programs for Grades 1-12. Events include mission simulations, classroom adventures, earth and space explorations, and various bundles and multi-session programs.  Applications are competitive, based on the needs of youth served, and are now open for the 2021-22 school year. Similar programming is also available at reasonable cost for all such schools and organizations, including for life-long learners.

The Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair seeks to hire a Community Outreach Manager to start in June. Applications are considered on a rolling basis and are encouraged for submission before May 14. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to info@scifair.com.

The Blue Hill Observatory will undergo renovations for a year starting in June to preserve its National Historic Landmark Observatory Tower. Until late May or early June, the BHO is open for tours, either by appointment (7 days a week, 8:30AM-5:30PM) or walk-ins (Fridays through Mondays, 10AM-4PM). Discounts in the gift shop are aimed at reducing inventories of kites, books, educational toys and kits, weather instruments, geology items, and souvenirs including clothing, magnets, and mugs. And all are invited to celebrate Earth Day by climbing Great Blue Hill and stopping by the Observatory April 22-25 to be counted in the “Climb for Climate Challenge.”

The Newton Schools Foundation has announced that anonymous donors will match up to $30,000 in donations made by April 15 for the Newton Public School’s Calculus Project.  The Village Bank has donated $15,000 so there’s $15,000 left to go.

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. Since its start in 2013, the program has increased enrollment by 70%, 200%, and 800% for these groups, respectively. The program provides intensive, small-group summer classes, enrichment activities, and year-round mentoring and tutoring.  The 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 150 students in Grades 8-12 and will welcome 30 incoming 8th Graders this summer. 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.

Boston’s Museum of Science will launch its latest exhibit, Engineering Design Workshop, on March 22. It’s full of the museum’s Design Challenges and hands-on activities in engineering and computer science. NOTE: There’s still time to contribute any amount today for the museum’s Pi Day fundraiser and have your donation matched.