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January 2012: It's all about the kids!
Last month was quiet as we celebrated the holidays and geared up for the SE MA STEM EXPO (taking place in May; details to follow in the next newsletter). So rather than news and events from our office, this month we are featuring some "STEM scenes" from around our region. From Milton to Sandwich, kids and their committed teachers, parents, and other educators "kept the STEM fires burning" and nurtured young people's interest with great activities such as Science Cafes and Robotics Clubs. Kudos to our young people on their achievements, and high-fives to the adults who nurture and inspire their interests! |
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STEM SUCCESS
Massachusetts' public colleges and universities saw a 17% increase in STEM degrees and certificates awarded between 2008 and 2010, including a nearly 20% increase in bachelor's degrees and a 66% rise in certificates. Your efforts make a difference! |
The Cape Cod Science Cafe held at the Sandwich Public Library on Sunday, December 11, 2011 attracted 150 visitors to watch experiments conducted by members of the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society.
Milton High's Robotics Team hosted its first scrimmage on Saturday, December 17, 2011. The newly-formed team learned a lot from more experienced competitors from around the state.  
Cadets at Mass Maritime Academy prepared to ship out for Sea Term 2012. You can join the cadets as they travel on the Training Ship Kennedy to Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador and the US Virgin Islands. Follow The Voyage online with the daily blog of ship activities along with related topics, lessons, and classroom resources that link to middle-school STEM curriculum. Participating classrooms--or students on their own--can log on to the Follow The Voyage website to track the ship's real-time position, try some of the related problem-solving activities, and learn topics similar to those being studied by the cadets on board: Follow The Voyage. For more information, free classroom visits, and free teaching materials, email Meredith Emery memery@maritime.edu. |
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SE MA STEM STIRRINGS
Events and opportunities from around our region--and beyond |
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Four great training opportunities from the Watershed Access Lab at Bridgewater State University
All are open to all adults (educators, parents, caregivers, group leaders etc.); participating educators will receive curriculum guides and certificates of completion. For more information visit the Watershed Access Lab or contact Kim McCoy (508) 531-2630 or kmccoy@bridgew.edu.
· When? All start at 9 a.m.
Tuesday January 10: Growing Up WILD (Early Childhood)
Wednesday January 11: WOW! Wonders of Wetlands (K-12)
Thursday January 12: Project WILD/Aquatic WILD (K-12)
Friday January 13: Environmental Experience for Early Childhood (Pre-K)
· Where? Bridgewater State University
· Cost? Varies |
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INTRO TO MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING:
One-day camp possible for SE MA, but your commitment is needed!
The SE MA STEM Network has received an inquiry from colleagues in Central MA. The American Society of Metallurgists has run one-day "camps" to introduce high school students to
Materials Science and Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute since 2006. The camps are free, lunch is provided and teachers are welcome to attend too. A 10-minute video describing the campus can be viewed here. The group would like to begin a similar event in eastern MA in May 2012, but needs commitments from several schools and teachers that their Grade 10 and 11 students will attend. If interested, please contact Peter Jepson at jepjepjeppo@gmail.com or (978) 462-1175--and copy us at the SE MA STEM Network, so we can keep track of the response: southeaststemnetwork@connectsemass.org. |
Biotech Futures: a career exploration event for BioTeach high schools 
· What? Biotech Futures will bring together groups of students and teachers from ten Massachusetts high schools for a day of exploratory programming with scientists, biotechnology professionals, and university professors and students. Participants will explore the varied employment opportunities in the life science industry and the higher education paths that leads to those careers. Register here!
· Where? Bridgewater State University
· When? January 12, 2012
· Cost? N/A |
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One for older students: Futures in the Life Sciences
· What? This series of networking and panel events will bring together experts across a wide range of disciplines and functional areas in the life science industry who will detail their jobs and the skills, aptitudes, competencies, and personalities that thrive in those roles. Attendance is open to current graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. This first meeting will provde an overview of the industry and a preview of the seven seminars to follow.The full schedule is here.
· Where? One Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA
· When? January 17, 2012, 5:30-8 p.m.
· Cost? Financial assistance is available for full-time MA-based students: visit www.stayinma.com. |
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UMass Dartmouth's Kaput Center interdisciplinary colloquium series
· What? Merlin Donald, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, will address "The Exographic Revolution." This talk will explore human intellectual and cognitive origins, and how the slow-moving biology of the brain can deal with the changing cognitive ecology and today's technology-centric demands. More info available by visiting the Kaput Center.
· Where? Kaput Center, Fairhaven
· When? February 1, 2012, 3:30-5 p.m. · Cost? Free |
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2012 Intel Schools of Distinction--application process now open
· What? Every year, Intel honors U.S. schools demonstrating excellence in math and science education through innovative teaching and learning. To be considered, schools must develop an environment and curricula that meet or exceed benchmarks set by national math and science content standards. Up to three schools at each level (elementary, middle, and high schools) will be named as finalists in the math and science categories. The 18 schools will receive a cash grant of $5,000 and a trip to Washington D.C.; six winners will receive an additional $5,000. To nominate your school, click on the application. For more information contact Anne McGrath, Intel's Community Engagement Manager for Massachusetts at (978) 553-5390.
· Where? N/A
· When? Deadline February 23.
· Cost? N/A |
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ENCOURAGING NEWS
An Intel Survey of Teens' perceptions of engineering from December 2011 finds that teens generally have positive opinions of engineers and engineering. Consideration of a career in engineering is hampered by lack of familiarity with engineering as well as perceived difficulty. Exposure to any content about engineering dramatically increases the number of teens, both male and female, who say they would consider a career in engineering. |
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Brockton WIB sponsoring youth business plan competition
· What? Put your ingenuity to work! The Brockton Workforce Investment Board is organizing its first Youth Business Plan Competition. Youth ages 16-21 from Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Hanson, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman can explore starting a business and gain knowledge of entrepreneurship. Cash awards of $100-$500 for winning teams, along with support in launching their business! More information at www.bawib.org or contact Kystel Love at klove@bawib.org.
· When? Deadline for submissions is March 30, however, youth participants are working with adult sponsors and Youthworks staff to develop their plans NOW.
· Cost? N/A |
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 southeaststemnetwork@connectsemass.org.
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.
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