Framingham State University: Free Planetarium Shows

Events

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 pre-registerr and arrive 15 minutes before show time (directions and parking). Registration links will be available here one week before each show.

Family Night for families with children ages 6+

Late Nite Skies for adults and teens 14+

  • November 16: 7PM.  Undiscovered Worlds

Stellar Nursery for children 5 years and younger, with their caregivers

  • (to be announced)

Newton Public Schools: Systemwide Goals in STEM

Great ideas

The Newton Public Schools recently adopted the following STEM-related goals among its Systemwide Goals for the 2018-19 school year:

Elementary Schools

  • Implement Investigations 3 in grades K, 1, 2, and 5.
  • Roll out new science units in grade 3 to align with MA Science and
    Technology Engineering (STE) Frameworks and Next Generation
    Science Standards (NGSS).
  • Develop and revise science and engineering units in grade 4 to align
    with new standards.

Middle Schools

  • Implement Illustrative Math curriculum in all middle school grades.
  • Plan for improved research writing across disciplines in accordance
    with the MA DESE Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies,
    Science, and Technical Subjects in collaboration with library teachers.
  • Develop a plan for improving students’ literacy skills across disciplines
    in accordance with the MA DESE Standards for Literacy in
    History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects.
  • Begin developing short performance assessment and embedded
    assessments in new science curriculum to measure student progress.
  • Evaluate the use of anchoring phenomenon to engage students in
    critical and creative thinking in STE.
  • Continue the Calculus Project.

High Schools

  • Support Calculus Project students in grades 9-11, monitor course
    placement and achievement in both high school cohorts.

Register Now for Newton Community Ed’s STEM Classes

Opportunities

Registration is open — and classes are starting soon — for Newton Community Education‘s fall STEM courses for kids of all ages. Click on the links below for more information or to register, or call 617-559-6999.

Bay State Learning Center Seeks Volunteers

Opportunities

Bay State Learning Center (45 Bullard Street in Dedham) is seeking several volunteers — and may be able to pay an hourly fee for the right candidates in some positions. For more information about the following opportunities, or to apply fill out this form or  email information@baystatelearning.org.

For BLSC’s Makerspace: A volunteer or contractor to help run the Makerspace, working 10-20 hours a week with teens.

Sciences:  A volunteer for at least one eight-week term to help a small group of teens learn middle- and high-school sciences, especially Biology, Environmental science, Physics/Astronomy and Geology.

Game Design Development:  A volunteer to work once or twice a week for at least an eight-week term with a small group of teens on game design and development.

Psychology:  A volunteer who can work for at least one eight-week term with a small group of teens to learn introductory Psychology.

Autumnal Equinox Sky-Watching at UMass Amherst Sunwheel, Sept. 22

Events

The UMass Amherst Department of Astronomy invites the public to witness sunrise (6:30AM) and/or sunset (6PM) among the standing stones of the UMass Amherst Sunwheel on the autumnal equinox, September 22. (The exact minute of the autumnal equinox will be 9:54PM EDT.)  Observers standing at the center of the Sunwheel will see the sun rise and set over stones placed to mark the equinoxes. If the skies are clear, telescopes will be available for observations of the sun and other objects. 

Sunwheel is located south of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, just off Rocky Hill Road about one-quarter mile west of University Drive (map). Be prepared for wet footing and bring mosquito repellent. Heavy rain cancels the event. Donations will be welcome for supporting additional site work and future events.

Newton Free Library STEAM Expo and New Makerspace, Sept. 15

Events

The Newton Free Library will hold its 5th annual STEAM Expo for all ages on Saturday, September 15, 12-3PM, including the soft launch of the Library’s new Makerspace. (You can join the Makers-at-the-Library Meetup to stay up to date.) Last year, over 1,500 attended the Expo, and this year it’s expected to be even bigger. This STEM + Arts Expo is a gathering of tech enthusiasts, traditional crafters, artists, musicians, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, museums, engineers, and students. For more information, contact Sara Levine at slevine@minlib.net.