MIT CodeIt is a free programming class taught by MIT students for middle-school girls and nonbinary students who have little or no programming experience. Last spring, CodeIt met in person at MIT, and this fall it will meet online over Zoom on Sundays 2:30-3:30PM and Wednesdays 7-8:30PM, October 4 through November 15. Apply here by September 23 For more information, email codeit-exec@mit.edu.
Category Archives: Opportunities
LigerBots Offer Second Info Night for FIRST LEGO League, Sept. 23
On September 23 at 7PM, Newton’s high-school robotics team, the LigerBots, will offer a repeat of their recent FLL Info Night for parents, guardians, and potential coaches to learn about FIRST LEGO League (FLL). FLL is an annual robotics competition in which students in Grades 4-8 form teams of 2-10 to program and build a LEGO robot while solving related engineering challenges in a friendly, cooperative atmosphere. The LigerBots encourage parents to talk with their children to see if they’re interested, as FLL is a great opportunity for all. Register here for the online event — or to express interest even if you cannot attend. If you have questions, more info is here and you can email matthew_honig@ligerbots.org or fll@ligerbots.org.
FSU Christa McAuliffe Center Planetarium: Survey on AstroNights
The Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University seeks your input about AstroNights via this short survey AstroNights is a series of free, online planetarium events offered since the start of the COVID pandemic. Everyone is invited to complete the survey, whether or not you have attended any of the events. The Center has temporarily suspended this series, pending a restart this fall. In the meantime, you can view recordings of previous events on their YouTube playlist.
Black Girls CODE: New Mentorship Program, Ages 13-17
Black Girls CODE, in cooperation with Verizon Wireless, is launching a new mentorship program for students 13-17 years old. Student mentees will foster connections with professionals across different industries, develop career goals, and build new skills. They must be able to attend one-hour mentorship meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays for three weeks, and they must have parent/guardian consent. Applications are open to all genders and races.
Blue Hills Observatory has Reopened for Tours
The Blue Hills Observatory and Science Center has reopened for tours, with masks required: Weekends (Fridays through Mondays) 10AM-4PM and every other day by appointment 8:30AM-5:30PM. Each tour has a maximum of 4 people or one household of up to 7 people. Make reservations by phone 617-696-0562 or email to dmccasland@bluehill.org. Rooftop tour: $4 ($2 youth). Roof and History Room: $5 ($3 youth). In-depth tour: $8 ($5 youth). Discounts are available for students and members of some organizations. Also check BHOSC’s schedule of free online webinars and consider subscribing to its newsletter.
FIRST LEGO League Parent Info Night, Hosted by LigerBots, Aug. 24
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an annual robotics competition in which students in Grades 4-8 form teams of 2-10 to program and build a LEGO robot while solving related engineering challenges in a friendly, cooperative atmosphere. Newton’s high-school robotics team, the LigerBots, has supported local FLL for several years by mentoring local teams, by hosting two major FLL regional competitive events each fall, and by hosting an annual introductory info session for interested parents. Learn more about FLL, find out if your kids are interested, and consider coaching a team. An engineering background is not required for coaching!
This year’s FLL info session will be online on Monday, August 24 at 8PM. If you would like to attend — or cannot attend but are interested — please fill out this form. For more background, you can view this short video and read about FIRST’s mission statement, this year’s FLL challenge and season info, the FLL season calendar, FIRST’s response to COVID-19, and FIRST’s guide for remote events. You can also email matthew_honig@ligerbots.org for more information.
New England Aquarium Reopens
The New England Aquarium has reopened under COVID safety restrictions. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged and walk-up ticket sales are also possible. The Simons Theatre has reopened with a maximum capacity of 25. Remote Zoom-based virtual encounter sessions with marine mammals, penguins, or aquarists who care for the Giant Ocean Tank are available for private group sessions for $150.
Museum of Science Reopens with Science Behind Pixar, Continues Wide Range of Virtual Programs
Boston’s Museum of Science has reopened under COVID restrictions, and its featured exhibit is The Science Behind Pixar. Advance tickets are required. In addition, #MOSatHome virtual programs are continuing online and include MOS Live, a daily live stream, virtual exhibits, Sparks of Science, Pulsar: A Podcast, family STEM activities, a Town Hall, and Subspace: Adult Programs After Dark.
FIRST LEGO League Launches its Season Challenge: RePLAY
FIRST LEGO League has announced the details for this season’s challenge, RePLAY, a competition for teams of students in Grades 4-8. This video presents details about the season’s theme as well as the innovation project and robot game missions that comprise the RePLAY challenge. Newton’s high-school robotics team, the LigerBots, has supported local FLL teams for several years through mentoring teams and by hosting two major FLL regional competitive events each fall. For more information, email fll@ligerbots.org.
NewtonHACKS: Hackathon for Beginner Programmers, Grades 6-12, Aug. 29
NewtonHACKS — an organization run by Newton high-school students — will host a free, online hackathon on August 29 for beginner programmers entering Grades 6-12. It’s an all-day event where participants get to collaborate and code to create projects, and this one is for beginners. The high-school student organizers plan to host a series of webinars before the event to help brand-new coders gain some experience. Interested students may register individually or in teams of 2 to 3. NewtonHACKS was started in part to promote gender equality in the tech industry, and it’s sponsored by Johnny’s Luncheonette and Millifluidica. For more information, see the FAQs or email newtonhacks@gmail.com.