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SE MA STEM Expo Schools Selected
On May 24, 2012, five hundred middle school students will meet with sixty-plus STEM experts determined to get the kids excited about STEM careers and educational pathways. Twenty-two schools, from Canton to the Cape, have now been selected to participate!
Districts could apply in two tracks. Teams of up to 30 students and three adults could participate in workshops, demos, and other hands-on activities such as identiying native turtles, cleaning up a mock oil spill, driving underwater robots, building a winning football team, and conducting a well-baby checkup.
School District Community Teams are groups of up to 10 educators and other community members who will evaluate the Expo as a way of starting or growing their own school district STEM initative.
Selected communities are Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Canton, Dartmouth, Dennis/Yarmouth, Foxborough, Freetown-Lakeville, Hanover, Mansfield, New Bedford, North Attleboro, Norton, Old Rochester, Plainville, Plymouth, Provincetown, Sandwich,Taunton, Whitman/Hanson, Weymouth, and Westport.
Additional applicants have been placed on a waiting list.
For UP TO THE MINUTE INFO about the 2012 STEM Expo, follow us on Twitter @SEMassSTEMExpo and "LIKE US" on Facebook: 2012 SE MA STEM EXPO.
For detailed information on exhibitors, workshops, and schedules, visit the WEBSITE: Envision Your Future STEM Expo May 24, 2012.
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We're Onto Something Big. . . .
The Southeastern MA/Cape and Islands STEM Network has grown to OVER 1200 SUBSCRIBERS. Are you looking to spread news about a recent STEM success or upcoming STEM event to educators--elected officials--students--parents--the public? Be sure to add our STEM Newsletter email address-- southeaststemnetwork@connectsemass.org --to your PR/distribution list. Even better, make sure YOUR organization is part of our online searchable SE MA STEM directory. Adding your information takes only five minutes. Visit our directory at: www.connectsemass.org/stem/directory.php. |
New Requirements: More Math for Students
The MA Department of Higher Education has approved big changes for college-bound high school students. High school grads seeking admission to the Commonwealth's public four-year universities will be required to take four years of math in high school. The new admissions policy comes into effect in 2016. Mitchell Chester, the state's Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, joined Fox News to discuss the changes. See the video here.
In line with the new state requirements, Sharon school district is considering requiring ALL high school seniors to take four years of math. 29% of districts across the state already mandate four years of math; districts in SE MA include Braintree, Silver Lake, Marshfield, Milton, and Rockland. To read more about the discussion in Sharon, visit this article: Boston Globe article on Math.
Sparking a Child's Interest in STEM:
Boston Globe Editorial
The Boston Globe Blog posted an article by JD Chesloff, the Executive Director of the MA Business Roundtable, on the importance of sparking young children's interest in STEM subjects. Read the entire article here. |
Sharon "Bowls Over" MA, Heads to Natio nal Tourney
On March 10, Sharon High's "Team Unlimited" took first place in the Statewide FTC Bowled Over competition held at Andover High School. "Team Unlimited" will represent the Bay State in the nationwide FTC Tournament this summer in Louisville, Kentucky. Other Southeastern MA teams participating were from Milton, New Bedford, and Hingham.  
Wheaton Student's Project Wins Space in Space
Wheaton College student Emerald Bresnahan ('15) has been selected as one of two winners in YouTube's Space Lab Contest. Emerald created a video explaining her lab project, based around snowflake formation in space, which will be tested by actual astronauts. View the video.
Milton Teacher Wins Prestigious Science Fellowship
Milton High Science teacher Loyola Pasiewicz has been selected as an Amgen-National Science Teachers Association Fellow. As NSTA Fellow, Pasiewicz will participate in professional development programs promoting enhanced teacher knowledge and will receive financial support to go to NSTA's Education Conference in Indianapolis. To learn more, visit NSTA's website.
STEM Career Networking Event by BSU, BAWIB
The MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce, Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board, and Bridgewater State University partnered to hold the first ever "STEM Career Exploration Networking" event on the BSU campus. More than 100 high school stduents from Brockton, Stoughton, the North River Collaborative in Rockland and The Southeast Regional Voc-Tech in South Easton explored career options and networked with professionals in video game development, forensics, structural engineering and health services. Read more about the STEM Networking event here.
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Installation of OpenCape Fiber Optic Network Begins
Installation has begun on the 350 mile OpenCape fiber optic network that, according to Dan Gallagher, CEO of OpenCape, "will bring with it the latest capabilities and will serve our region's communication needs for decades to come." Installation of fiber optic cable began in Brockton in February and will soon proceed to Cape Cod and the South Coast. OpenCape's purpose is to fill the need for a regional and emergency communications network on Cape Cod and the Islands, and to enhance education, research, and economic development throughout southeastern MA. The 501 (c)(3) non-profit OpenCape Corporation was awarded a $32 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in February 2010 and is on target to complete the project by the beginning of 2013. To learm more, visit www.opencape.com. |
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STEM Stirrings: Events & Resources
Stormwater Management in Massachusetts Workshops: Mass DEP
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will be hosting free educational workshops for government officials, municipal staff and volunteers in the Southeast Region. Covering topics such as jurisdiction, erosion control, and public interest, the workshops will feature PowerPoint presentations, hands-on planning activities, and review of the current MassDEP Stormwater standards.
· More information? http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/swevents.htm
· Where? Barnstable MassDEP Office, Eastham Town Hall, Kingston Town Hall
· When? Respectively, March 28, April 3, April 5, 8:15am-12:30pm
· Cost? Free |
Mass Envirothon Spring Workshop for Students
Join Envirothon teams from across the Commonwealth to learn about Sustainable Stormwater Management and how you can take action in your community! Session topics include Engineering for Stormwater Management, Stormwater in the Watershed, Answering Environmental Questions with a Geographic Information System, MA Wildlife, Soils Overview, and Water Overview among others. The session will provide opportunities to meet other environmentally-minded students, learn about Wheaton College's new Mars Center for Science & Technology, and prepare for the Envirothon competition in May!
· When? March 31, 2012
· Cost? $10 workshop fee; free for students from schools registered to participate in the Envirothon |
Leading the Business of BioPharma: A Program for Women in the Life Sciences
Smith College will be hosting a five-day program (March 19-23, 2012) aimed to develop the skills and talent of women in life sciences. The program brings together leaders from businesses, the medical industry and consultancies to create an engaging curriculum that addresses the leadership and organizational issues in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Tuition of $6,250 covers materials, accomodations, and meals.
For more information, contact Katherine Hall at (413)-585-2586 or kthall@smith.edu . |
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The Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative's "Game Changer" in Fall River
Senator Michael Rodrigues is hosting a forum on STEM education in the Greater Fall River Area. This forum will promote the Commonwealth's STEM education and workforce initiatives, specifically highlighting the Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative. The success of MMSI, founded by Durfee High School, has compelled local officials, employers and community leaders to come together to discuss how this program can benefit other schools throughout the SouthCoast. Presentations are expected from Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, Fall River Mayor William Flanagan, Superintendent Meg Mayo Brown, and Chamber of Commerce Education Committee Chair Nicholas Christ.
· More Information? Brendan.Sullivan@MaSenate.Gov.
· Where? UMassDartmouth's ATMC, 151 Martine Street, Fall River
· When? March 27, 6pm
· Cost? Free and open to the public |
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Cape Cod Community College Offers STEM Speaker Series
Students of all ages can explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math by listening to the success stories of those who have "made it." The first two speakers featured are Bob Brown, Engineering Manager at Hydroid, and Bob Melvin, Vice President of Engineering at Teledyne Benthos.
· More Information? kierardi@capecod.edu, 508-362-2131 x4688
· Where? Cape Cod Community College
· When? April 4, 2012, lectures starting at 11am and 1 pm.
· Cost? Free and open to the public |
Solar Energy Workshop for High School Teachers
Bristol Community College will offer "SOLAR ENERGY 101" with Facilitator Mikhail Glazomitsky. Subjects to be covered include an introduction to solar (theory & industry), solar design and engineering, technical skills needed in today's industry, and sample projects/ideas for classroom use.
· More Information? Contact Meghan Abella-Bowen at Meghan.Abella-Bowen@Bristolcc.edu , 508-678-2811 x2576.
· Where? Bristol Community College
· When? April 7, 2012 , 8:00 am-4:30 pm
· Cost? Free |
National Robotics Week April 7-15, 2012
The third Annual National Robotics Week will be held in early April with a series of regional events and activities aimed at inreasing public awareness of robotics technology as a pillar of 21st centry American innovation. To find an event in your area, visit: www.nationalroboticsweek.org. |
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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