February 3, 2012 � News from the Southeastern MA Region STEM Network http://www.connectsemass.org/stem
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This Month's Big News: The SE MA STEM Expo!
 
Envision Your Future
May 24, 2012
Bridgewater State Univerity
FREE!
 

Imagine a group of students on an interactive journey using a flight simulator--watch as they create a battery using lemons--join in as they build an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV)--observe as they use statistics to create the best offensive unit of a new NFL team--assist as they learn to check and record the vital signs of a healthy newborn.

 

These are just a few of the activities to take place at the 2012 STEM Expo, Envision your Future, May 24, at Bridgewater State University's Moakley Center. The purpose of this FREE event is to get students excited about pursuing education and careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Fifty-plus collaborators are preparing inspiring exhibits and demos for the kids.

 

Five hundred students grades 5-8 are expected to attend. In addition, 15 school district/community teams are invited to observe the Expo and take lessons learned back home to enhance the STEM plan in their schools.

 

To learn more about the Expo, or to apply to attend as a Student/Teacher or School District/Community team, visit the Expo home page: Envision Your Future STEM Expo May 24, 2012.

 

BCC Kids College 6.29.11

News from the State: @Scale RFP Issued 
$500,000 Available for Projects Promoting STEM Preparedness and Interest 
The Department of Higher Education has announced the availability of new funds to support projects promoting STEM student readiness and interest. The new grant program builds on last year's "@Scale" initiative and targets programs that have proven success, strong foundations in research, are ready for replication, and which address quantifiable challenges directly related to the goals of the State STEM Plan. Examples of projects that have already received endorsement from the Governor's STEM Council are available on the DHE STEM Pipeline website. New proposals are expected to meet the same @Scale criteria. The $500,000 to be awarded by the DHE is expected to leverage private sector matching funds to support STEM implementation projects across the Commonwealth based on the principles of the @Scale initiative. See the website for additional information on the endorsed projects, and for application materials: DHE STEM Pipeline Fund.
New Bedford Students Undefeated in First Tech Challenge!
On Sunday January 8, 2012, New Bedford High School robotics team "the 21's" competed in the First Tech Challenge "Bowled Over"competition at Boston University Academy. Contestants control remotely-operated vehicles through a variety of tasks. The New Bedford team went undefeated in the qualifying rounds and 2-3 in the semi-finals and the finals, thereby securing a first place title as well as an invitation to the Massachusetts State Tournament in March. Go 21's!
STEM Stirrings: Events & Resources

 

2012 SciTech Girls Expo - Enrollment Open Now!

Mass Maritime Academy and Jr. Tech are partnering once again to host a one-day expo aimed toward high school girls who are interested in pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Over 100 girls from across Massachusetts attended last year's Expo, and even more are expected to participate this year. This year's keynote speaker is Faith Hill, Engineering Sr. Manager at Lockheed Martin Sippican. The Expo will also include two Boston Meteorologists as guest instructors.   

 For more information? Contact Phyllis Russell at (774)-994-2097 or at [email protected] or visit Juniortech website.

 Where? Mass Maritime Academy (Buzzards Bay) 

 When? Saturday April 7, 2012  (Enrollment Open Now)

� Cost? Individual Enrollment: $45, Group Enrollment: $35 (minimum 10 spots)  

New England Patriots and Raytheon Launch "The Power to Hear" Engineering Design Challenge

"The Power to Hear" competition will challenge New England middle and high school students in grades 6 through 12 to create a cost-effective functional parabolic microphone. Students will apply their knowledge and understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the development of their device in addition to gaining hands-on experience in the engineering design process.  The winning team will earn the exclusive opportunity to use their invention on the field during a Patriots training camp practice. Competition requirements, rules and application are available at the link below. 
  More Information? Peg Myers, Education and Tours Coordinator, (508) 549-0553 or  The Hall at Patriot Place--Education

 Where? The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, Foxboro
 
 When?
Registration opens Feb. 1 and concludes March 9, 2012.

� Cost? No cost to enter.

MA Life Sciences Center Internship Challenge Program Now Open!
The MA Life Sciences Internship Program has been renewed for a fourth year, and is accepting applications now. The program provides funds for nearly 300 college students and recent graduates who are following career paths in the life sciences, for internships at over 200 companies. For more info, email [email protected] or visit their website.
Global Learning Charter School Hosts Business-Education Forum
The Global Learning Charter Public School will be hosting the 4th Annual Business-Education Forum in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and The Ocean Explorium. Keynote speaker Paul Reville, Secretary of Education of the Commonwealth, will be discussing "Building the 21st Century STEM Pipeline for the SouthCoast and Beyond," along with six other panelists.  

More Information?  RSVP to Stephanie Wick or Alison Bresciani at (508)-991-4105 or [email protected]

 Where? Ocean Explorium Education Center, New Bedford

 When? Wednesday February 8th, 2012, 8:30a.m-11:00 p.m. 

� Cost? Free  

5th Annual Agriculture and Food Conference   

Presented by the Southeastern MA Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP), the conference will feature 18 workshops covering a range of topiccs, as well as a locally-sourced lunch. 

More Information? Visit www.SEMAPonline.org or call (508) 295-2212 x50 

 Where? Bristol County Agricultural High School, Dighton

 When? Saturday February 25, 2012, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

� Cost? $50/public, $35/farmers, discount for NOFA members

7th Annual Conference on DNA, Health and Biotechnology   

Hosted by Bridgewater State University's Center for the Advancement of Science Exploration, keynote speaker Dr. Robert O. Wright will give an overview of Epigenetics and its relation to genetics. Epigenomes are "story tellers" that shape the output of our genomes - and essentially our DNA sequences. Dr. Wright will be discussing the intricacies of this microscopic relationship, and its potential in medical research.

More Information? Contact Kim McCoy at [email protected]

 Where? Bridgewater State University, John Joseph Moakley Center

 When? Thursday March 1, 2012 (Snow Date: Tuesday March 13, 2012) 3:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (Dinner will be provided) 

� Cost? $10

Dept. of Energy Donation Program Now Open to Secondary Schools
Middle and high schools are now eligible to participte in the Laboratory Equipment Donation Program organized by the US Dept of Energy. Colleges and universities have benefitted from this program for over 30 years. A rolling list of free surplus equipment is updated regularly by LEDP and is available on a first-come, first-qualified basis. The list can be found at http://www.osti.gov/ledp/.
"Growing Up Wild" with BSU Watershed Access Lab   

The Watershed Access Lab at Bridgewater State University will hold a hands-on workshop focusing on early childhood environmental education. The workshop will show educators how to develop a child's positive outlook on nature, while also building lifelong cognitive skills for students PreK-Grade 2. Curriculum is correlated to the NAEYC standards. Participants will receive a copy of the guide, access to lending materials, and a certificate of completion. 

More Information? For info on this and other trainings, visit BSU WAL website or contact Kim McCoy [email protected].

 Where? Bridgewater State University

 When? Wednesday March 7, 2012, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

� Cost? $30/adults (no children please).

Share your news!
We want to include all the cool stuff happening around our region. Plus, we'd love to share your news, as well as suggestions for things you find interesting. So ... Let us know! Email your news, events, and other interesting tidbits to [email protected].
 
Plus, don't forget to register your organization in the SE MA STEM directory so that people seeking your STEM services can find you:
 
And be sure to check out the network website at :


Our mission is to connect southeastern Massachusetts students, educators, employers, and STEM advocates to resources and to each other.
In This Issue
May 24, 2012 STEM Expo
DHE @Scale Grants
STEM Resources & Activities: SciGirls Expo, The Power to Hear, and more!
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