Category Archives: Resources

MITS: STEM Workshops at Clark University for Museum-based Educators

Opportunities, Resources

The Museum Institute for Teaching Science will hold a series of professional-development workshops — for staff, volunteers, and other museum professionals — at Clark University in Worcester on January 22, February 26, March 19 and April 7.  The cost is $40 per day with discounts for multiple days.  Register and pay online.  Topics include:

  • Butterflies, Caterpillars and Phenology: Community Ecology Through Citizen Science
  • More Than Show and Tell: Artifacts and Biofacts in Inquiry
  • 3 Websites and 2 Small Pieces of Glass = 1 Easy Introduction to Astronomy
  • Making Science Accessible Through Inquiry
  • Creating Exciting Programs and Exhibits to Develop Environmental Literacy
  • Changes in Bird Populations in Massachusetts and Opportunities for Educators
  • For the Birds: Investigating Engaging Experiences to Use in Your Programs

Workshop: Simulation and Modeling for Middle-School STEM Teachers, Feb. 16-18

Opportunities, Resources

MassCAN (the Massachusetts Computing Attainment Network) is offering a free workshop for middle-school teachers on February 16-18, 8:00AM-3:30PM on Project GUTS — Growing Up Thinking Scientifically.  GUTS is a STEM program for middle-school students that is working with Code.org to deliver four instructional modules and professional development for the introduction of computer science concepts into middle-school science classrooms within the context of modeling and simulation (see curriculum here).   This workshop will be held at the Education Development Center, 43 Foundry Ave. in Waltham.  It will be followed by three half-day meetups for educators to review curriculum, answer questions, and share experiences.  Teachers will be paid a
stipend for their participation and implementation.  Register online.  Bring a laptop.  For more information, contact Kelly Powers at kpowers@edc.org or 617-618-2818.

TEALS Partnerships for Computer Science: Schools Apply by Jan. 26

Opportunities, Resources

Technology Education And Literacy in Schools recruits, trains, and places volunteer teaching assistants in high-school classrooms to support partner schools and teachers in offering computer-science courses on a sustainable basis.  In Massachusetts last year, TEALS worked with Billerica, Boston, Cambridge, Medford, Revere, and Watertown.  Schools must apply by January 26 for TEALS partnerships for the 2015-16 school year.  Schools will be selected by mid-February.  Volunteers will be recruited February-May and trained June-August.  The TEALS mission:

  • Help high schools build sustainable computer science programs so that they will be able to offer CS programs on their own
  • Increase the number of AP Computer Science test-takers nationwide and across all demographics
  • Represent students of all demographics and backgrounds with a specific focus on engaging underrepresented populations
  • Provide access and exposure to computer science courses for students who otherwise do not have a pathway to study CS

Register Now for Free ‘Code Studio’ Workshop for Teachers, Feb. 17

Resources

Teachers in Grades K-5 — as well as school librarians and tech-ed specialists — are invited to register now for Code.org’s free workshop on computer science for elementary school on February 17, 8:30AM-4:30PM at Education Development Center, 43 Foundry Avenue in Waltham.  Participants will learn about the 20-unit Code Studio curriculum for Grades K-5.  Bring a computer.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided.  After the workshop, code.org will send each attendee a set of classroom supplies to use for teaching the code curriculum.

Newton South HS PTSO Seeks Funding for STEAM Learning Lab

Great ideas, Resources
Following the success of its Global Communities program, Newton South HS will initiate next year the STEAM Learning Lab, a small learning community focused on project-based collaboration in all STEM fields and the Arts. The program will begin with a pilot for 10th graders next year. Students will “build skills in experimentation, analytical problem solving, collaboration, presentation, communication, and artistic representation through authentic and student-driven learning.” steamlearninglab-300x285

The Newton South PTSO’s Success@South fundraising campaign aims to raise $20,000 to equip the STEAM Learning Lab, augmenting funding from Newton Public Schools and other sources.  Donations are tax-deductible.  Potential purchases include:

  • 3-D Printer and modeling software for visualization and realization of student designs and mathematical concepts
  • Interactive smart glass projection board allowing real-time collaboration among students
  • DNA Fingerprinting kit to launch studies in forensic science
  • Biodiesel processing equipment to enhance students’ understanding of green technologies
  • Green solar plate etching equipment enabling chemistry explorations through Intaglio print making
  • Drafting tables for student conceptualization, design, and illustration of ideas

Ligerbots Seek a Trailer for Their Robot

Resources

Each year, the Ligerbots build a robot and take it to competitions and often win awards.  In past years, they could make it small enough to fit in a minivan, but they might need a bigger robot to meet the challenges of this year’s competition, and they don’t want to impose any unnecessary size constraints on their design.  The team seeks to borrow an enclosed trailer with enough room to hold a 5′ tall robot.  If you can help, please email contact@ligerbots.com.

Kids Can Use Code to Light Up the National Holiday Tree

Opportunities, Resources

Google and the National Park Foundation invite girls (and boys) to code holiday lights for the annual tree lighting ceremony.  They can go to madewithcode.com and use blockley, an introductory programming language, to code Christmas lights, a snowflake, or even a yeti.  If they choose to code lights, their work will be displayed on their state or territory’s tree throughout the month of December.   Made with Code is an initiative with resources to show girls the fun and creative things they can do with computer science.

The Radix Endeavor — Multi-Player Online Game for Math and Biology

Opportunities, Resources

The Radix Endeavor is an online, multi-player STEM game for middle and high-school students to support their instruction in mathematics and biology.  This  immersive, online virtual learning experience is developed by MIT’s Education Arcade and Scheller Teacher Education Program with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Check out the recorded introductory webinars, review the user forums, and register.  Players may Ask Viraz — a student in Boston — for tips about how to start.  Teachers may also enroll in related research pilots.

WPI Hosts ‘Super Saturday’ STEM Educator Workshops, Dec. 6

Events, Resources

The Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science at WPI will host a morning of workshops on Saturday, December 6, 7:30AM-12:30PM for all teachers interested in these topics:

  • TInspire
  • Enhancing Feedback on Homework and Classwork with ASSISTments
  • Science and Engineering Projects for a Project-Based Learning Classroom
  • Promoting Literacy in Science
  • Integrating IPad Technology in the Classroom
  • Building and Editing Content in ASSISTments
  • Forensics
  • Smart Board: Moving Beyond Display

The cost is $10.  Register by December 2 by emailing Jackie Bonneau (bonneau@wpi.edu) or Shari Weaver (sweaver@wpi.edu).  Walk-ins will also be welcome.