Harvard bioinformatics graduate student Jean Fan started the non-profit cuSTEMized.org to provide customized books for girls (ages 4-8) to help them envision themselves in STEM careers. (See her short video explanation of why this is important.) Anyone can prepare a book online and download it for free (see sample here). For a fee, cuSTEMized.org will print, bind, and ship a hardcover or softcover copy. cuSTEMized.org seeks donations so it can provide printed, customized books for free for kids in after-school programs — and for anyone who asks and cannot afford a book for a promising daughter, niece, or other girl who could benefit from some door-opening encouragement. Donations are tax-deductible.
Category Archives: Resources
Newton South’s DaVinci Program Launches for Sophomores
The Newton South HS Lion’s Roar has published an article on the launch of DaVinci, the school’s flexible, interdisciplinary STEAM program that started for a cohort of sophomores last week. The students will study Biochemistry (over two years), Theory of Creativity, and a new Math 2 course — all in an open, project-based, collaborative environment. Lab space, including movable furniture and whiteboards, was funded by the Newton Schools Foundation and the PTSO. Each year, as students progress through the program, another cohort of sophomores will be added.
GEMS Grants for Schools to Start Sustainable Science Fairs
Gelfand Endeavor in Massachusetts Schools (GEMS) is offering mini grants of up to $1,000 to middle schools and high schools that do not currently host an annual Science Fair. The grants provide help schools develop a sustainable Science Fair program and provide tuition scholarships for teachers to enroll in Curious Minds Institute courses to help them bring science & engineering practices into their classrooms. Apply online by September 30. For more information, email gems@scifair.com.
Boston Tech Mom: Tech Events for Kids, Sept. 2015
Boston Tech Mom (“a parent’s guide to raising a future techie”) is a great resource for all things STEM around Boston — including her recent post about Tech Events for Kids in Boston – September 2015 Roundup.
Wheelock College: STEM Activity App — via Weekly Emails
Wheelock College’s Aspire Institute offers its STEM Activity App for teachers, parents, and children. It delivers a Weekly STEM Challenge to engage elementary-school students inside and outside the classroom. Sign up for free online.
3-Day Professional Development for ‘Bootstrap’ Computer Science, Aug. 10-12
MassCAN (the Massachusetts Computing Attainment Network) is sponsoring a 3-day workshop for Massachusetts math and computer science teachers to explore the Bootstrap curriculum. With Bootstrap, students ages 12-16 learn algebraic and geometric concepts through computer programming. The workshop will be held August 10-12, 8AM-4PM at the Framingham State University. The cost is $25, including breakfast and lunch. Register online. For more information, contact Jim Stanton of MassCAN at jstanton@edc.org or 617-618-2456.
Videos for High-School Students: Nancy’s Brain Talks
MIT neuroscience professor Nancy Kanwisher has launched a website, nancysbraintalks.mit.edu, to present her many short video lectures on the human mind and brain. They’re aimed at anyone interested in the brain — especially high-school students — and not much science background is required. Start with her TED talk.
Survey About Interest in FIRST Lego League Robotics
The LigerBots are running an online survey of adults in Newton who are interested in:
- Finding a FIRST Lego League team for their children
- Coaching a team
- Offering meeting space, volunteer time, or other resources for a team
- Finding additional team members for teams they coach
The LigerBots do not directly run any FLL teams but are eager to help teams come together and help Newton teams have a successful season. See the FLL page on the LigerBots site for more information.
Also, FLL coaches in Newton — former, current, and prospective — are invited to join a Google group started by NewtonSTEM. For information, contact fll@newtonstem.org.
Innovation Institute’s Fall Courses: Discounts for Early Registration
The Innovation Institute (TI2) in Newtonville — a leading science and engineering enrichment program for grades K-12 — is enrolling for its Fall courses that start the week of September 9, with discounts for early registration. New courses include:
- Architects of the Future: Geo Spatial Skills Development (Grade K)
- Mechanical Advantage: Intro. to Mech Eng. I, II, III (Grades 3-4, 5-6, 6-8)
- Computer Programming (without intimidation!) for Future Scientists & Engineers (Grades 5-8+)
- Physics & Technology (Grades 8-10, 9-12)
- Electrical Engineering & the Coding Collective (Students are still writing the description. If you’d like to help, contact the director) (Grades 8-10)
- At the Frontiers: Materials that Matter (Spring Term, Grades 9-12)
- Molecular Biology, Genetics & Genomics, and Neuroscience (Grades 6-8, 8-10)
At TI2, students learn alongside talented scientists, engineers and educators in courses ranging from Computer Programming and Renewable Energies to Neuroscience and Mechanical Engineering, Parents call it a “local treasure” for its focus on “how” and “why” critical and creative thinking. Contact TI2 by email or 617-340-9907.
Project Learning Tree Workshops for Teachers
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs sponsors Project Learning Tree, and award-winning environmental-education program of the American Forest Foundation offering professional-development courses for teachers. Upcoming sessions include:
- PreK-8 Curriculum: August 19 at Brookwood Community Farm in Canton, September 19 at Riverbend Farm in Uxbridge. $20 Register via Gini.Traub@state.ma.us, 413-584-6788,
- Early Childhood Experiences: September 12 at Mount Greylock Reservation in Lanesborough, November 17 at Borderland State Park in Easton. $15. Register via Gini.Traub@state.ma.us, 413-584-6788.
- Both curricula together: October 17 at Lawrence Heritage State Park. $35. Register via Nancy.Riley-Whitehill@state.ma.us, 617-626-1494.