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Southeast STEM Network5/11/11
Spotlight on Southeast STEM
@ Scale: New STEM Program Expansion Opportunity from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Ed.

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and the Governor's STEM Advisory Council have released a CALL FOR APPLICATIONS for endorsement of STEM projects. Eligible projects from southeastern Massachusetts will demonstrate a history of success in promoting preparation for students who are interested in STEM careers but not academically prepared, and STEM interest in students who are prepared, but less interested. These gaps were identified by the STEM Operations Board as top priorities to be addressed from the Massachusetts Statewide STEM Plan.

 

A Letter of Intent and Application Part A will be due May 16; Part B Applications (by invitation only) will be due June 6, with announcements of awards June 17, 2011.

 

The statewide STEM Plan and all application documents and instructions can be downloaded from the Department of Higher Education's STEM Pipeline website. An information session will be conducted via conference call on May 12 from 8 to 10 a.m. To register, please send an email to STEMProjectforScale@bhe.mass.edu.

  

Summer of Science at Six Southeastern MassSummer of Science MMAachusetts Colleges and Universities

 

The six CONNECT public colleges and universities -- Bridgewater State University, Bristol, Cape Cod, and Massasoit Community Colleges, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth -- invite young people onto their campuses for summer programs promoting invention, exploration, and enthusiasm for STEM careers.

 

Marine science is the focus at Massachusetts Maritime Academy and at Bridgewater's Whale of a Mystery. The environment takes the spotlight at UMASS Dartmouth and Cape Cod Community College. Cape Cod's program and BSU's ACE Aviation Camp also incorporate aerospace engineering. Students at Bristol's Kids College can enroll in a range of classes similar to those college students take, from game design and robotics to computer programming.

 

All programs offer need-based scholarships. A printable poster and links to the individual programs are available here.

Stay Tuned...New Website Coming Soon

The Southeastern Massachusetts/Cape & Islands STEM Network is hard at work redesigning our website, which will include a searchable directory of the region's STEM resources and a host of updated resources for teachers, students, families and STEM advocates. Keep an eye on this newsletter to be informed when the new STEM website launches. 

National, State, and Southeastern Massachusetts News

 

$500,000 for STEM Included in House Budget

Backing from representatives Koczera of New Bedford, McMurty of Dedham, and Straus of Mattapoisett helped to restore funding for the STEM Pipeline Fund in the Massachusetts House budget. Please let your representatives know of your gratitude for their involvement. The STEM Pipeline Fund supports the work of the regional STEM Networks, including this one in Southeastern Massachusetts.

 

North Attleborough Middle School OM Wins!

On Saturday, March 26, the North Attleborough Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team competed in the state tournament and qualified to represent the Commonwealth at the national competition for the third year in a row. The competition will take place May 27 - 30 in College Park, Maryland. For more information, contact Principal Victoria Ekk, 508.643.2130. Go North Attleborough!

 

RobotGot Robotics?

The Office of the Lieutenant Governon is seeking to learn about robotics teams that may exist across the state. Do you know of school-based or out-of-school-time robotics programs in southeastern Massachetts/Cape & Islands? If so, please send that information to Keith Connors, STEM Pipeline Fund Manager, kconnors@bhe.mass.edu and copy southeaststemnetwork@connectsemass.org (so that we may begin keeping a record). 

Upcoming Southeast Region EVENTS 
 
Barnstable Land Trust Schedules Events
ClassroomThroughout May
The Barnstable Land Trust has a host of events coming up: John Teal, Scientist Emeritus from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will lecture on the "Life and Death of a Salt Marsh" on Friday, May 13; Professor Gil Newton will lead an interpretive walk through the Cotuit Conservation Area on May 14; and Kathy Zagzebski of the National Marine Life Center will discuss how to respond to marine mammal strandings on May 20. For a complete schedule and to register, email,  call 508.771.2585, or visit.
  
Innovation New Bedford
May 19, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
New Bedford Whaling Museum
A public discussion of innovation as a critical factor in economic growth both locally and globally will feature Dr. Irwin Jacobs, founder of Qualcomm Global Wireless and a New Bedford native; George B. Mock III, CEO of Nye Lubricants, Inc., of New Bedford, and Howard H. Stevenson, chair of the Harvard Business Publishing Company moderating. Click here for more information.
  
ASHDEM Meeting
May 26, 2011, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Scituate High School, Room 101A
ASHDEM stands for Science Department Heads of Eastern Massachusetts; however, all science leaders -- not just department heads -- are welcome to come and share science education ideas and experiences. No RSVP is needed. Click here for directions. For more information contact Deborah Dakin, Scituate Science Chair, 781.545.8750 x377 or ddakin@scit.org.
  
Technology Event: Microsoft Community Connections Seminar
June 1, 2011, 5:30 p.m., Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce
KeyboardTailored for small business owners, this seminar will introduce attendees to useful features in the Microsoft Office and Windows 7 operating systems. Overcome email overload, create professional documents and presentations, and get insight into your data. Click here to register. For more information call 508.830.1620 or email info@plymouthchamber.com.
  
Museum Institute for Teaching Science Summer Institute
July 11 - 12, 2011, Registration deadline June 3, 2011
MITS is partnering with the Lloyd Center for the Environment, Buttonwood Park Zoo, Mass Audubon, and the National Marine Life Center for this unique professional development opportunity for upper elementary and middle school educators. Participants may earn PDPs/CEUs and four undergraduate credits. Seasonal changes, natural cycles, population dynamics, and adaption will come to life through hands-on inquiry-based investigations and literacy resources. Thanks to DESE, the registration fee (normally $250) has been WAIVED for the Southeast Region. For more information email lglorioso@mits.org, call 617.328.1515, or click here.
Part-time Editor Needed 
THIS Newsletter is looking for a part-time EDITOR
Candidates must be internet- and computer-savvy, experienced in the field of STEM education, well-connected to the region's STEM organizations and resources, and have strong spoken and written communication skills. To receive a job description, click here.

 

To Submit News & Notices
Did your school's team win honors in a robotics contest? Is your college offering professional development for math teachers? Is your community group sponsoring a STEM career exploration day? Let us know! Our list of STEM-interested educators and community members is 200+ and growing, and we exist to connect southeastern Massachusetts students, educators, employers, and STEM advocates to resources and to each other. To submit an article to be considered for inclusion in this newsletter, click here.
  
In This Issue
STEM Program Expansion Opportunities from the DHE
CONNECT Summer of Science
New Website Coming Soon
National, State, and Southeastern Massachusetts STEM News
Upcoming Southeast Region Events
Part-time Editor Needed
To Submit SE MA STEM News and Notices
Join Our Mailing List