Greetings!
Happy Holidays New Year from TxGCP!
Our Google Groups are active - are you connected to the conversation? And don't miss out on spring K-12 STEM Outreach Forums - coming to lots of regions around Texas this spring. Details below! Our TxGCP eNewsletter arrives ~monthly in your inbox to learn about science, technology, engineering and math resources, educational opportunities and more around Texas and beyond! |
| Regional K-12 STEM Outreach Listservs |
- STEM School Webinar Series
- Middle School Aerospace Scholars
- NSF Cyberlearning Research Summit Webcase
- Grant Opportunity - KidWind's New Website
Then subscribe to your regional listserv and don't miss out on fabulous opportunities in the future!
To help create a community of K-12 STEM Outreach providers, supporters, educators and organizations, regional listservs have been created. These groups are all about sharing resources, information, events, volunteers, needs, and more with others reaching out to K12 students aiming to excite them about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Join whichever group(s) make sense for you and start collaborating, connecting, communicating and sharing!
For those not in one of these areas who still want to receive information going out to all groups, join the Texas K-12 STEM Outreach group.
Contact Tricia Berry for any specific regional requests or questions.
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Spring K-12 STEM Outreach Forums
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K-12 STEM Outreach Forums are being scheduled around Texas this spring. Additional details and forum dates will be shared as they become available. Forums will include lots of networking, resource sharing and the launch of regional TxGCP Leadership Teams. Contact Tricia Berry for any specific regional requests or questions or if you organization would like to host a forum.
Forum agendas typically include:
- Time for you to share updates, info, resources, needs - yes, we'll have time to hear what's going on from our participants so come ready to share, make requests, do a little marketing, etc.
- Role Model Training, SciGirls & Water Works Underwater LEGO Robotics dissemination and involvement updates
- Forum host updates, tour, showcase, etc.
- LOTS of time for networking and connecting!
Forums around Texas in the works....
- Tyler - Wednesday, February 15
- Corpus Christi - Thursday, May 3
- Edinburg - Friday, May 4
- Laredo - Saturday, May 5
- Others being planned for Houston, Austin and West Texas
Get all the details and register to attend at http://txgcp.org/forums/. |
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Are You Listed in the Program Directory? | |
Gain access to mini-grants and have the first shot at opportunities such as the Water Works camp curriculum, role model training and other curriculum and resource dissemination across Texas! Sign up your program, organization and/or event in the National Girls Collaborative Project Program Directory. Join over 170 listings from across Texas and find collaborators and other STEM educators in your area. Registration is free...can't get better than that!
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Conferences, Events, Contests & More
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Environmental Science Essay Contest
Deadline Tuesday, January 17
The essay competition theme focuses on the empowerment of rural women and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, sustainable development, and current challenges in line with the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Winners will have their essays published and a chance to present their work at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women at the UN headquarters in NYC, February 27 - March 9, 2012. You can find the application and more information on our website at http://sustainus.org/citizen-science. The competition is open to all students ages 13-26 and the deadline is on January 17, 2012.
NSF Cyberlearning Research Summit Webcast
Wednesday, January 18, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Cyberlearning Research Summit will present 25 talks from speakers who will share their latest work, big ideas, and visions for transformative learning mediated by innovative technologies. To learn more about the speakers, schedule and abstracts: http://cyberlearning.sri.com/w/index.php/Main_Page. To view all or a portion of the webcast: http://cyberlearning.sri.com/webcast/. To comment via Twitter: use #cyberlearn.
Future Scientist Jamboree
Event Date: Sunday, January 22
Event Location: Stunt Ranch and Fire Lake Event Center, 13317 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin TX 78736 (North of Hwy 71, by Dripping Springs)
Join 1000 friends and family for the most exciting science education event of the year. You'll experience hands on science of the movies and witness amazing stunt demonstrations by renowned movie stunt expert Steve Wolf and his team of professional stuntmen, zip line rides, The Austin Planetarium, Dr. Cold, rope obstacle course, food and the first human android keynote in the history of man. The Jamboree is being held to showcase educational approaches that are changing the way science, technology, engineering and mathematics is presented to students. The event will also feature the STEM Champion Awards for community leaders, legislators and educators who have shown dedication to making STEM relevant for young students. www.enzoology.com
Texas Middle School Teacher Opportunity
NASA wants Texas middle school teachers to spend one week during the summer in a professional development workshop at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. You will learn how to use NASA's educational resources in the classroom and focus on long duration space flight as a way to motivate your students in STEM fields. The program includes opportunities for middle school teachers, grades 4-8, to travel to Johnson Space Center for a week long professional development. To participate in this NASA experience, email jsc-mas@mail.nasa.gov. Application will be available until February 10. Check out more information at http://mas.aerospacescholars.org.
NGCP January Webinar: Mixing in Math: Enhancing Everyday Activities to Build Confidence and Competence in Mathematics
January 26, 2012, 12:00-1:00 PM
Looking for resources for girls and their families? Learn how informal educators and librarians are using Mixing in Math, a set of free materials in English and Spanish to add math to circle time, story time, family events, and crafts. Mixing in Math was highlighted as an exemplary out-of-school time program for girls by the Harvard Family Research Project. During this webinar, we will show you how to use Mixing in Math to sprinkle a little math into what you already do with girls and their families. Come ready to explore shapes, sizes, and patterns in everyday life! Check out the Mixing in Math website for resources and more information.
Register: http://www.ngcproject.org/event/events.cfm?eventid=226/
STEM Schools Webinar Series - School Partnerships: K-12 Schools and STEM Industry and Business
Tuesday, January 24, 3:00 - 4:30pm CST
Details online at http://researcherswithoutborders.org/events.
STEM Schools Webinar Series - School Partnerships: K-12 Schools and Community Organizations
Tuesday, February 7, 3:00 - 4:30 pm CST
Details online at http://researcherswithoutborders.org/events
STEM Schools Webinar Series - School Partnerships: K-12 Schools and Institutions of Higher Education
Tuesday, February 21, 3:00 - 4:30 pm CST
Details online at http://researcherswithoutborders.org/events
2012 Kavli Science & Engineering Video Contest
Submission deadline: March 1, 2012.
Students, grades 6-12, are invited to submit entries to the 2012 USA Science & Engineering Festival Kavli Science Video Contest. Videos should explore the main contest theme," Save the World through Science and Engineering." Students should use their imaginations and investigative skills to tackle global challenges, explore new frontiers, and discuss the inventions that help mankind and improve life on our planet. Top entries will receive cash awards and the best videos will be shown at the Festival Expo April 27-29, 2012, in Washington, D.C. The first place winner will also receive a travel stipend to attend the Expo. Details: http://www.schooltube.com/contests/2012-kavli-save-world-through-science-engineering
STEM Schools Webinar Series - School Partnerships: K-12 Schools as Partners
Tuesday, March 6, 3:00 - 4:30pm CST
Details online at http://researcherswithoutborders.org/events
National STEM Video Game Challenge
Deadline: March 12, 2012.
Inspired by the Educate to Innovate campaign, President Obama's initiative to promote a renewed focus on STEM education, the National STEM Video Game Challenge aims to motivate interest in STEM learning among America's youth by tapping into students' natural passions for playing and making video games. The 2011 Challenge features two competitions, a Youth Prize (grades 5-8) and a Developer Prize (open to emerging and experienced game developers). Details: http://www.stemchallenge.org/Default.aspx
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching - Nominations for Elementary School Teachers (K-6)
Due April 1
The National Science Foundation is currently accepting nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, or PAEMST, program. PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the president of the United States, a trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. For more information, visit http://www.paemst.org/.
National Afterschool Association 2012 Conference coming to Dallas April 2-4, 2012, Gaylord Texan hotel, Grapevine, TX
Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas - Lecture Series - What is a STEM Girl? Girls in Science, Engineering, Math and Technology
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The concluding program will consider the feminine role in scientific and theoretical fields, most if not all of which have traditionally been associated with men. How did such a tradition develop? In what ways is it changing? And what does the future hold for girls who are drawn to these professions? Details available online.
Sequor Youth Development Initiative 2012 Conference
April 19-20, 2012
Austin, Texas
Registration and program information available online.
2012 National Collaboration Conference: Advancing the Field through Collaboration, Capacity Building, and Equity
NGCP is hosting the 2012 National Collaboration Conference: Advancing the Field through Collaboration, Capacity Building, and Equity during April 25-27, 2012 immediately preceding the USA Science & Engineering Festival. Registration will be available in late January. To learn more about the Conference visit: http://www.ngcproject.org/collabconf2012
Sea Camp in Galveston
Check out Sea Camp opportunities for kids and educators! http://www.tamug.edu/seacamp/ or on Facebook.
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Articles, Reports, Resources
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Scholarships, Grants and Financial Aid for Women
General scholarships for women, scholarships for moms and single moms, and scholarships for women who have delayed their education for a number of years or who are in search of a second career.
Texas State Board of Education Proposed Technology Course Change - Computer Science and Technology Implications
The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) has tentatively adopted a proposed rule change in Chapter 74, SubChapter A of the Texas Administrative Code. This change would eliminate the requirement that districts must teach one of the four Technology Applications courses that the district is required to offer. Currently, if ten or more students indicate they want to take one of the four courses, the district must teach it. The proposed rule change would eliminate this requirement. The SBOE is currently taking comments on these proposed changes. Blog post on this issue that has all the pertinent information at http://goo.gl/5QEZx from Jennifer Bergland, Texas Computer Education Association, Director of Governmental Relations and Membership Services.
Hard Times, Unemployment, Majors and Earnings: Not All College Degrees Are Created Equal
Fascinating report described below about college majors and unemployment rates. STEM jobs still rule...but watch out right now for Architecture! Blog about the article in the NYTimes also: http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/want-a-job-go-to-college-and-dont-major-in-architecture/?smid=tw-nytimeseconomix&seid=auto
Research in Youth Development
The National Association of Extension 4-H Agents publishes The Journal of Youth Development twice annually. The Fall 2011 issue can be downloaded HERE. Contributing authors are researchers from the fields of psychology, family and consumer sciences, education, sociology, public health and nutrition, agricultural education, and other disciplines. This journal is multidisciplinary, applied, and focused to the development of school-aged youth through the transition to adulthood (ages 6-22). http://data.memberclicks.com/site/nae4a/JYD_110603final.pdf
Building a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education Agenda National Governors Association
This report focuses on strengthening STEM education and discusses Goals of the STEM Agenda; Why the STEM Agenda is Important; Weak Links in the System; Implementing a State STEM Agenda; and Moving Forward.
U.S. Female Students Enter College Most Prepared for STEM Studies, According to Faculty at America's Top Research Universities in a New Bayer Survey
Why Aren't More Women Graduating with STEM Degrees? / Survey Findings Show Female - and Minority - College STEM Students Deterred by Early Discouragement and Traditional STEM Teaching Approaches
Intel Survey Finds Job Variety and Earning Power Motivate U.S. Teens to Consider Engineering as a Career
Researchers Probe 'Myths' Around Math Gender Gap
Comparisons of recent international test data find no overall achievement gap between boys and girls in math, and gaps that show up in specific countries undermine the evidence for several of the hypothesized causes of a sex-based math achievement gap, according to a new analysis in the Notices of the American Mathematical Society.
One Teacher's Approach to Preventing Gender Bullying in a Classroom
NASA Expands WOMEN@NASA Website to Encourage Girls to Explore STEM Careers
NASA has expanded its Women@NASA website to include Aspire 2 Inspire, a new feature aimed at helping middle school girls explore education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. http://women.nasa.gov/a2i
10 Hot Careers for 2012 - and Beyond
Lots of science, technology, and engineering jobs included!
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The TxGCP eNewsletter is distributed approximately once a month. Visit the TxGCP web site for additional updates on upcoming events, resources and mini-grant information. |
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| Share Your Events and News |
Submit information or events to be included in future TxGCP eNewsletters. Complete the short online form. Remember TxGCP eNewsletters are typically sent at the beginning of each month. | |
Discover Earth Exhibit Comes to Texas Library
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Congratulations to the T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library in Diboll, the only library in Texas and one of 10 in the country to host an interactive traveling exhibition called Discover Earth: A Century of Change. The Discover Earth exhibit is coming to Texas as part of a National Science Foundation grant in collaboration with the National Girls Collaborative Project. The Texas Girls Collaborative Project will lead an interactive session for parents and educators about how to engage girls and youth in STEM on Friday, February 17 at the library in Diboll. Stay tuned for more details!
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STEMconnector
Website Launched
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The new STEMconnector™ website serves as a national gateway to "who is doing what" in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.
STEMConnector™ is a nationwide collaboration of companies, nonprofit associations and professional societies, STEM-related research and policy organizations, and academic institutions concerned about the plight of STEM education in the United States. STEMConnector™ is designed to link "all things STEM" by constructing a comprehensive website that provides connections to national, state and local STEM entities and their own content through a variety of search tools.
Visit the new site to find state-by-state information, a blog, events and resources related to STEM.
http://www.stemconnector.org/
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| About TxGCP | |
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The Texas Girls Collaborative Project (TxGCP) connects organizations and individuals across Texas committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The TxGCP is excited to provide opportunities across Texas for collaboration, networking, sharing of best practices, and leveraging of resources through in-person forums, email listservs and mini-grants.
Led by the Women in Engineering Program (WEP) at The University of Texas at Austin along with a dynamic Leadership Team and Champions Board, the TxGCP brings together advocates and leaders from non-profits, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, companies and organizations across the state of Texas. |
| About NGCP | |
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The vision of the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) is to bring together organizations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico that are committed to informing and encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). |
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