Boston Tech Mom has new, informative post, STEM Activities for Kids — Fall 2021.
Mass Audubon: Reduced Rates for New Annual Memberships, til Nov. 30
Mass Audubon is offering new annual memberships at reduced rates until November 30: $35 for Family membership or $35 Individual membership. Under-30 memberships remain at $25. Each enables free access for members to wildlife sanctuaries across Massachusetts, discounts on programs and events, and other member benefits. Additional benefits are available at other membership levels.
LigerBots Invite Newcomers to Introductory Meeting, Sept. 13
The LigerBots, Newton’s dual-high-school FIRST Robotics Competition Team, will hold its first meeting of the year on September 13 at 6:30PM at the Newton North HS Film Lecture Hall. All students at either Newton North HS or Newton South HS who may be interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, or robotics are invited to come learn about the team and talk with its members. The LigerBots offer training and hands-on experience in a wide variety of technical, business, and other fields including manufacturing, electrical engineering, programming, marketing, and graphics. Whether or not you can attend the meeting, register here to connect with the team and express your interest.
Empow Studios: One-Day Holiday Camp, Sept. 16
Empow Studios is offering a one-day Holiday Camp on September 16, 8:30AM-4PM, in Newton and Lexington for Grades 2-8. In Empow’s Tech & Design Exploratory program, students may explore Video Game Design, Digital Animation, Stop-Motion Animation, 3D Art & Printing, 3D Architecture, Digital Audio Production, and/or Coding/Programming Fundamentals.
Robo Boston: Robot Block Party and STEM Activities, Oct. 2
MassRobotics will host Robo Boston, a two-day series of events on October 1-2 at the Seaport Common (85 Northern Avenue, Boston). On Saturday, October 2, there will be two free public events 11AM-4PM, at which over 30 organizations — robot manufacturers, university labs and robotics clubs — will demonstrate robots or provide hands-on experiences:
- 4th Annual Robot Block Party: Free. Register here.
- STEM Interactive Activities in association with the MassRobotics JumpStart Fellowship Program
In addition, on Friday there will be an invitation-only Executive Forum and a Robotics & AI Technical Fair.
PluggedIn: Inclusive Online Courses in Music Production & Technology
PluggedIn, based in Needham, is a unique, inclusive, nonprofit youth music program for ages 6-19. It’s open to all students, regardless of ability to pay, ability to play, special needs, etc. Individual students may sign up for these online fall courses, September 13-November 5:
- SoundTrap: Intro to Digital Audio Production: Fridays 4:30-6PM, or Saturdays 2PM-3:30PM, or Sundays 12:30-2PM.
- Reaper: Digital Audio Production: Thursdays 4:30-6PM, Saturdays 3:30-5PM, or Sundays 2PM-3:30PM
- Creating Audio Programming 1 — Make Some Noise: Thursdays 6PM-7:30PM or Fridays 6PM-7:30PM
- Creating Audio Programming 2 — Making Audio Plugins: Thursdays 3PM-4:30PM or 7:30-9PM
- World’s Biggest Stage — Livestreaming 101: Mondays or Tuesdays 8PM-9:30PM
Courses except for the Creative Audio Programming ones will culminate in an online showcase on November 20. Schools or other organizations may arrange to have the same courses for their groups on other days/times, including during school hours.
Science from Scientists is Hiring Instructors and a Director of US/MA Operations
Science from Scientists (SfS) is a nonprofit based in Bedford specializing in STEM education and currently serving over 5,000 students in Grades 3-8 in Massachusetts, California, and Minnesota. SfS is now hiring a Director of US/MA Operations and also seeks to hire Scientist Instructors. Details here.
FSU Planetarium Full-Dome Film: Birth of Planet Earth, Sept. 17
The Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University will show the in-person, full-dome film, Birth of Planet Earth, on September 17 at 5:30PM and 6:30PM. Recommended for ages 10+. The cost is $5. Masks are required. Register here.
Girls Who Code: Start a Club for Grades 3-5 or Grades 6-12
The MetroWest STEM Education Network is encouraging schools, out-of-school programs, and parents to form Girls Who Code clubs for Grades 3-5 or Grades 6-12. Find a webinar here to learn more. Apply here, and on the application list MetroWest STEM Education Network as your Community Partner to receive benefits like extra support and swag.
NASA TechRise Challenge: Design Experiments for Sub-Orbital Flight or High-Altitude Balloon
The NASA TechRise Challenge is now open for teams of students in Grades 6-12 to design experiments to be run either in a sub-orbital rocket or in a high-altitude balloon. A team may have any number of students, and all team members must be from the same school. Each team must have one Team Lead who is a teacher or school employee. Designs must be submitted by November 3. Winners will be announced on January 21. Fifty-seven teams with winning designs will each receive a grant of $1,500 to build their experiments, technical support and office hours with mentors, as well as an assigned spot on a NASA-sponsored commercial suborbital flight.