The worldwide project, Hour of Code, introduces programming to millions of people each year as part of Computer Science Education Week, December 3-9. Of the 119,885 Hour of Code events currently registered for this year, Newton has registered events at Angier, Horace Mann, and Memorial Spaulding Elementary Schools, Bigelow Middle School, and Mount Alvernia Academy. The Newton Public Schools is organizing events and linking to curriculum materials appropriate for elementary grades K-1, 2, 3, 4-5, as well as secondary grades at Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Boston Tech Mom has more information.
Category Archives: Resources
Maker Skills Workshops at MIT, Dec. 5, 6, 12
The MIT Edgerton Center offers one-day, hands-on Maker workshops for teachers (of all grade levels) to obtain skills in Making. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is required. For more information, email edgerton-k12-maker@mit.edu.
- 3D Modeling and Printing, Basic – December 5
- 2D Modeling for Laser/Vinyl Cutting – December 6
- Electronics for Makers – December 12
Mass. Dept. of Education: Parent Guides
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers:
- Parent Guides to help families understand what students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of each grade in Mathematics, Science, and Technology/Engineering.
- Standards Navigator to facilitate exploration of learning standards and resources, searchable by subject or keyword.
Science by Connections: Database of Mass. STEM Programs
The Museum Institute for Teaching Science maintains Science by Connections, an online, searchable database of STEM programs in Massachusetts suitable for school field trips and in-school activities for students, as well as professional development for teachers. You can search by grade level, field of STEM, geographic region, Common Core literacy and math standard, Science and Technology/Engineering standard, and/or program provider. Providers, schools, and other interested parties are encouraged to contact the Science by Connections staff with questions, requests, or suggestions.
The STEM Behind ‘OK Go’ Videos
This isn’t Newton-specific (except maybe Isaac…gravity), but the band OK Go has created OK Go Sandbox, a website offering entertaining explanations, challenges, and experiments related to the STEM principles underlying their incredibly intricate, wildly popular videos.
Empow Studios to Open a New Studio in Newton this Spring
Empow Studios will open a new STEM Enrichment Studio in Newton this spring for its summer-camp, after-school, and weekend programs. It will be located at 180 Needham Street, across from the Newton Nexus Mall. Camps include Tech & Design, Minecraft, Java Coding, and Girls STEM. Other programs include Weekend Tech Clubs, NanoCamp, FIRST LEGO League teams, and birthday parties.
WGBH Design Squad Training for Out-of-School Educators, Feb. 27
WGBH is hosting a free workshop on February 27, 10AM-1PM, for out-of-school-time educators and home-schoolers interested in learning about PBSKids Design Squad Global engineering activities for ages 10-13. It will take place at WGBH’s studios (1 Guest Street, Boston). Register here. For more information, contact Saranya Sathananthan at saranya_sathananthan@wgbh.org.
NSHS Seeks Furniture and Tools for a New Maker Space
The Newton South HS Science Department is creating a “maker-space” for science classes and related student activities. They are seeking donations of (and can arrange transportation for) the following:
- One or more full-height storage cabinets (wood, metal, or heavy plastic) that either have locks or to which a hasp and padlock could be attached;
- Work stools, fire-compliant chairs, or a small sofa;
- Hand tools and small power tools of any type.
Check out this catalog of school furniture to start creating a supportive modern learning environment.
To donate any of these, please contact Jordan Krause at dr.ljkraus@gmail.com.
‘Dream Big’ IMAX Film at Museum of Science
Boston’s Museum of Science is showing a new IMAX film, Dream Big: Engineering Our World, now through June 30 to highlight “the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small and show how engineers push the limits of innovation in amazing and unexpected ways.” It’s recommended for Grades 3-12 and adults. Take a look at the film’s accompanying Educator’s Guide.
STEM Internships in MetroWest: Networking Event for Hosts, Oct. 24
On October 24, the MetroWest STEM Education Network and The Davis Companies will host a panel discussion and networking event to connect local businesses and educational institutions to discuss STEM internship programs and partnerships. The event will be held 8:30-10:30AM at The Davis Companies (325 Donald Lynch Boulevard, Suite 201, in Marlborough). It will feature businesses currently offering internships for high-school and college students. Businesses, high schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities, local chambers of commerce, and non-profit organizations are invited to present their resources and programs. The event is free but registration is required. Register here to host a table at the networking session.