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

Genes in Space invites students in Grades 7-12 to a contest to design DNA experiments for space. 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 19.  The contest is free and does not require equipment.  Proposals will be judged solely on their creative and scientific merit.

Newton Free Library Makerspace Starts Open Studio Hours

The Newton Free Library’s Makerspace will offer public Open Studio hours starting in February, so that people of all ages can share ideas and knowledge using the Makerspace’s 3D printers, sewing machines, serger, die-cutting machine, etc. It’s in the back of the library, near the teen space. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All are invited to join the Makerspace’s online Meetup to stay connected.

  • Mondays 3PM-6PM (but not the first and fourth Mondays of the month)
  • Wednesdays 2PM-9PM
  • Thursdays 9:30AM-Noon
  • Fridays 2PM-5PM

‘Science on State Street’ Festival, Apr. 27, Seeks Presenters and Volunteers

Framingham State University’s Christa McAuliffe Center seeks presenters and volunteers for the second annual Science on State Street festival on April 27, 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.  Sign up now if you’d like to be an exhibitor or volunteer.

Free Planetarium Show, Oasis in Space, Jan. 18

The Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University opens its planetarium for free public presentations on the third Friday of each month (except April), and will offer new topics each month within one of three series:  Family Night, Late Nite Skies, and Stellar Nursery. Space is limited, and for guaranteed seating you must register and arrive 15 minutes before show time (directions and parking).  The next Family Night show will be Oasis in Space, on January 18. Click the show times to register for the 5:30PM or 6:30PM show.

Bay State Learning Center Seeks to Hire Part-time Staff

Bay State Learning Center (45 Bullard Street in Dedham) is seeking to hire a
“mature, energetic, creative person to help facilitate programs, mentor kids, and/or develop learning plans” — starting as soon as possible through June 15, 10AM-2PM, $35 per hour. Experience working with middle- and high-school students in an educational setting is required. For more information email information@baystatelearning.org. To apply, send resume and cover letter to that address.

Library Seeks Facilitator/Instructors for ‘Girls Who Code’ Club

The Newton Free Library, in its fifth year hosting the Newton Girls Who Code Club, seeks volunteer facilitator/instructors for this very popular, free, after-school program for Grades 6-12. The Library provides meeting space, and the global Girls Who Code organization provides curriculum materials. The Library usually hosts two sections, each with 20-25 girls and two or more facilitators, meeting on Mondays, 7PM-8:30PM. Facilitators do not need technical experience and may learn alongside Club members. They need a passion for closing the gender gap in technology, skill in fostering community in youth groups, and the ability to volunteer 3 to 4 hours per week through May (including preparation and travel). Men and women are encouraged to apply. If interested, read this description and email mcoffey.ntn@minlib.net if you have further questions. Apply here.

SCOOP High-School Summer Internships at Boston Children’s Hospital

Student Career Opportunities Outreach Program (SCOOP) is a summer student internship program at Boston Children’s Hospital for 10 students currently in Grades 9-11.  The internships are for 24 hours per week, July 8 – August 15. Read the SCOOP brochure and apply (with a 500-word essay and two recommendations) by March 1. For more information contact Eva Gómez at staffdevelopment@childrens.harvad.edu.

TechGirlz Workshop: Make an Animated Bracelet with Micro:bit, Feb. 22

TechGirlz, a non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in tech industries, will host a workshop for girls in Grades 5-9 — Make an Animated Bracelet with Micro:bit — on February 22, 10AM-1PM, at Medtronic (12 Gill Street, Woburn). Students will learn use MakeCode’s drag-and-drop interface to code a Micro:bit to make an animated bracelet. Register here. Bring a laptop. Snacks will be provided. Email Nini Le at danthanh.h.le@Medtronic.com with any questions.