Category Archives: Opportunities

‘Science on State Street’ Festival, Apr. 18, Seeks Exhibitors

Events, Opportunities

Framingham State University’s Christa McAuliffe Center seeks presenters and volunteers for the third annual Science on State Street festival (“Planet Earth Edition”) on April 18, 11AM-3PM, on its campus (directions).  It’s free and open to all ages, with hands-on activities (in biology, chemistry, physics, food science, robotics and engineering), featured presentations by FSU faculty and invited scientists, conversations and performances that explore the interaction between science and the arts, and planetarium programs.  To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, this year’s festival will focus on planet Earth, environmental issues, and sustainability. Sign up now if you’d like to be an exhibitor.

Mass. Life Sciences Center: Year-Round Internships for College Students and Graduates

Opportunities

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is facilitating and funding year-round, paid internships for Massachusetts college students and recent graduates through its Internship Challenge, creating over 550 opportunities each year in life sciences companies and academic research. There is no application deadline but students are encouraged to apply between February and April for the best chance at a summer placement. Employers do the interviewing and selection, then provide a mentor and a hands-on learning experience. Employers sign up here and applicants sign up here. For more information, email internship@masslifesciences.com.

Genes in Space: Contest for Grades 7-12, Experimental Designs Due Apr. 19

Opportunities

Genes in Space invites students in Grades 7-12 to a contest to design DNA experiments for space, working alone or in teams up to four students. Five finalist teams will receive mentoring by Harvard/MIT scientists and present at the International Space Station R&D Conference for a chance at the national award. Winners will attend Space Biology Camp and send their experiment into space. Applications are due April 17.  The contest is free and does not require equipment.  Proposals will be judged solely on their creative and scientific merit.

Science Club for Girls: Catalyst Awards, Apr. 1 POSTPONED

Events, Opportunities

Science Club for Girls‘s annual Catalyst Awards celebration, originally scheduled for April 1, will be rescheduled, likely in the fall.  The event honors outstanding leadership in its mission to spark excitement, confidence, and literacy in STEM for girls and young women from underrepresented communities. The event will also celebrate SCFG’s 25th anniversary. Register and/or purchase sponsorships for the event here. All tickets and sponsorships will be honored for the rescheduled event.

New STEM Programs at New England Sci-Tech

Events, Opportunities

A NewtonSTEM reader calls the New England Sci-Tech STEM education center (16 Tech Circle, Natick) “a serious, wonderful MetroWest resource for kids crazy about physics, space science, ham radios, woodworking- everything they have to offer.” Each paid NESci-Tech membership covers a student plus an adult. Here are some of NESci-Tech’s upcoming programs:

  • Your Project in Space: Citizen Science Projects for Teens: Grades 8-12. Nine Saturdays, February 8 – May 30. Teams of 2 to 4 will see their science projects go to the edge of the atmosphere on a high-altitude balloon (HAB) to be launched in May. Learn about the atmosphere, HABs, and tracking technology. Analyze the results when you recover it. Free for paid members of NESciTech plus $55 for materials.
  • Workshops for Homeschooled Students: Grades 4-10. 9AM-Noon or 1PM-4PM on Tuesdays (Grades 4-7) or Thursdays (Grades 6-10).
  • Radiation Matters: Citizen Science Projects for Teens: Ages 13-18. Five Sunday, January 5 – February 9. Teams design and implement “Citizen Science” projects involving radiation. Free for paid members of NESciTech plus $55 for materials. (Future workshops will focus on the atmosphere, oceans, energy, and gravity.)
  • FIRST LEGO League Club: Ages 9-16. Fridays, 6:30PM-8PM, plus some optional sessions on Sundays. Join any time of the year. Teams of up to five will follow FLL guidelines and compete at NESciTech Free for paid members of NESciTech.
  • Amateur Radio Programs: A variety of courses and events.

Empow Studios: Free Drop-in Sessions

After School, Opportunities

Empow Studios will offer free drop-in sessions at its Newton and Lexington locations to invite kids and their parents to get a sense of Empow’s STEM clubs and classes. Register with these links:

Edison Innovation Foundation Pitch Contest, Grades 4-12

Opportunities

The Edison Innovation Foundation will hold its Thomas Edison Pitch Contest for Grades 4-12, with separate competitions for elementary, middle, and high school teams. Invention categories for this work include Animals, Environment, Health, Education, and Community Development. Each team receives a free Maker’s Kit. Register by December 31 to receive it one month early, or by January 31 for the standard delivery schedule. Stipends are available for supervising teachers/mentors. Final project submissions will be due April 3.

Nominations for STEM Teacher of the Year Open Until Jan. 20

Opportunities

The Patriots Hall of Fame will accept nominations until January 20 for its Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year award, presented by Raytheon. Anyone may nominate any certified K-12 classroom STEM teacher active full-time in a Massachusetts public or private school, and teachers may nominate themselves. The winner will receive $5,000 for the teacher’s school, tickets and pre-game field passes for a Patriots home game, and an invitation to serve one year on the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.