|
|
|
Become a Fan
| |
|
|
Follow Our Blog
|
|
|
Festival T-Shirts for Sale!
| |
|
|
Our Sponsors
|
Festival Host  ............................ K&L Gatesium 
Nobelium 
  |
|
Join Our List
|  |
|
|
|
Log On to Facebook and Help Us Bring Underserved Students to the Expo!
|
|
Between now and August 22, click on the following Cvent Facebook page and vote once per day for the USA Science and Engineering Festival photo to win Cvent's Great Event Photo Contest! A cash prize of $10,000 will be awarded to the Grand Prize Winner and 10 additional runners up will each receive a prize of $1000! Help us win the contest and 100% of the proceeds from the prize money will go toward bringing underserved students to the Expo. Please spread the word by passing this along to all of your Facebook friends! |
|
Festival Reminders:
Informational Festival Webinar
If you haven't done so already, join us for an informational Webinar! We will outline the plans for the upcoming 2nd USA Science & Engineering Festival Finale Expo. SIGN UP now for the next scheduled Webinar by filling out a short online registration form. You will receive a confirmation and dial-in information/instructions after you have registered.
Upcoming Webinar Dates:
Thursday, August 25
Thursday, September 22
Thursday, October 6
* All calls will be held from 1:30 - 2:30 PM ET
Can't make it to the next Webinar? You can watch the last Webinar by Clicking Here!
Volunteers - Back to School Blast Off Scheduled for August 28th!
 The Volunteer Outreach Team is planning a special Back to School Blast Off Meeting August 28th from 3-5pm as a launching pad to spread the word about the Festival for the 2011/2012 school year. We are looking for volunteer Festival Volunteer representatives for all local schools and organizations.
From 2-3pm, we will have a special Youth Volunteer Public Speaking Workshop. Adults are welcome to attend at 2pm to help with the youth training. Register for Back to School Blast Off and Youth Public Speaking Workshop by clicking here.
|
|
Ellipse Day: One of the Largest Math Experiments Ever Performed!
| |
We're looking for middle and high school teachers and their students to be part of science history! The Museum of Math (MoMath) will sponsor one of the largest public math experiments ever performed at the Festival Finale Expo: examining and testing the elliptical properties of the Ellipse - the famous national landmark located between the National Mall and the White House in Washington, DC!
On Thursday, April 26, middle and high school teachers and students will have the chance to join in a massive experiment called "Ellipse Day" to help figure out the elliptical configurations of the well-known DC landmark, just as they were laid out in the late 1800s by Lieutenant Col. Thomas Casey of the Army Corps of Engineering when he designed the Ellipse.
 In a three-phase experiment requiring more than 500 participants (who will sometimes be working individually, in teams or in human chains), Ellipse Day will be done on a huge scale, says Glen Whitney, Executive Director, Museum of Mathematics. "This will make it fun and physically challenging as volunteers working with Museum of Math-designated coordinators attempt to answer
such questions as: Is the Ellipse truly a mathematical ellipse? If so, where are its foci? And, what is that constant total distance for the Ellipse?" says Glen, who with colleagues founded the Museum of Math several years ago when the smaller Goudreau Museum of mathematics on Long Island, NY closed.
For a photo and layout of the Ellipse in Washington, Click Here.
If you know of middle and high school teachers and students (including those in science, math and engineering clubs) who would like to participate in this challenging undertaking for excitement and cash prizes, have them sign up today by clicking here.
|
|
Put your STEM Event on the National Map!
|
|
Are you organizing a Science Festival or other STEM event in the next 12 months? Then add it to our online Directory and Map!
This year, we are listing both Affiliate Festivals (STEM events taking place any time of the year) as well as Satellite Events (taking place during April 2012 to coincide with the 2nd USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington DC).
Our map currently includes events in the continental United States, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland and Australia.  Many of these events take place in the coming months, including Children's Environmental Science Day at Incline Village in Nevada, which is organized by UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center; Four Days of Hands-On Science Fun! in Sedalia, Missouri, organized by Missouri State Fair, SCOPE, and Missouri 4-H; and GENIALE- get smart! in Bielefeld, Germany.
 If the thought of organizing an event in your area in April 2012 hadn't crossed your mind, now is the time to think about it: in an effort to make the 2nd USA Science & Engineering Festival a truly national experience, we are encouraging schools, colleges, girl scout troops, museums, companies and others to host STEM events in their community. Events can be as big or as small as you want them to be: consider a science scavenger hunt, a lecture, a brown-bag lunch with a scientist, or an all-day event with lots of hands-on activities. Then add it to our national map.
For more information and to let us know that you are organizing an event, please click here.
|
|
Make a Powerful Connection With Students: Host an Expo 'Encounters' Session!
| |
It's a fact: Students become even more jazzed and excited about innovation and high-tech careers when they are able to meet one-on-one with scientists and engineers to get a glimpse into the work and lives of these professionals and what's going on in cutting-edge research today.
 To heighten this experience for students during the Festival, we've launched "Encounters With Scientists/Engineers." This is an opportunity for young learners to conduct in-person interviews with scientists and engineers in a designated area at the Festival Expo next year in Washington, DC!
We are looking for organizations and institutions such as yours to adopt a specific hour at the Expo to interact with students. The session should involve 15-20 of your dynamic scientists and engineers who will host an hour of Encounters at the Expo, set for April 27-29 of next year.
"Encounters With Scientists/Engineers," launched in association with the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), is part of the Festival's Career Pavilion that is intended to give students the chance to explore some of the hottest fields in STEM.
Here is just a sampling of the leading organizations and institutions that have signed up already to host an Encounters session for students:
- Lockheed Martin
- The Federation of American Scientists (FAS)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- American Society of Microbiology (ASM)
- MARS Space Port
- STEM Link
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- American Physical Society together with AIP/SPS, ASA, OSA and AAPP
- Association of Women in Mathematics
- American Women in Science (AWIS)
- The Consortium of Ocean Leadership
For more information, including how to register as an Encounters host, click here. If your organization is interested in hosting an hour of Scientist Encounters contact Larry Bock.
|
|
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Foundation Sponsorship Boosts Festival's Message on Innovation and STEM
| |
Global security giant Northrop Grumman Corporation is returning as a major Festival Sponsor, and - in conjunction with the Northrop Grumman Foundation - is significantly enhancing the Festival's focus on technical innovation and STEM disciplines.
"Northrop Grumman Corporation, in partnership with its Foundation, is committed to inspiring and encouraging the next generation of innovators in STEM disciplines through funding and support of educational and outreach opportunities for students and teachers," says Sandra Evers-Manly, vice president of Corporate Responsibility and president of Northrop Grumman Foundation.
Northrop Grumman has also announced that it is doubling its commitment over last year's Festival participation. We at the Festival sincerely thank them for their generosity!
As a leading global security company, Northrop Grumman provides innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
"I attended the Festival Expo last year," says Sandra, "and personally saw what a great opportunity it was for students, teachers, families and others to learn, through hands-on interaction, from a wide range of STEM professionals what science and engineering is all about. I've been telling everyone that this is an event they certainly don't want to miss!"
 Last year's Expo goers are sure to remember Northrop Grumman's exhibits and demonstrations that centered on the diverse high-tech talents and know-how used by the corporation's scientists and engineers in global security - from what it takes to develop unmanned aircraft, satellites as well as protect our nation in the cyber world.
Next year's activities by Northrop Grumman, while still being finalized, will focus on exhibits to engage middle school students and teachers in STEM. "We'll focus on some great hands-on activities such as robotics competitions, a possible game dealing with STEM and even the intricacies behind a flight simulator," says Sandra.
And, in the weeks leading up to the Expo, Northrop Grumman's project engineer Steve Smalley will also return as a Nifty Fifty speaker to schools to speak about the need for more scientists and engineers.
|
|
Join the World's Biggest Cheer for Science and Engineering (and Win $1,000!)
|
| |
The Science Cheerleader, in partnership with the USA Science and Engineering Festival , Science For Citizens, and Discover Magazine, invites you to join in the world's biggest cheer for science and engineering! You can even measure seismic activity in the process. 
When: Friday April 27, 2012, noon-12:01 ET
Where: Anchored by the USA Science and Engineering Festival at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center where more than 5,000 people will join in the BIG CHEER FOR SCIENCE Additional locations include schools, events, and USASEF satellite events across the nation. We'll simulcast the activities, too!
Who: EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE! The Science Cheerleaders-current and former NFL and NBA cheerleaders who are pursuing science and engineering careers-will lead the cheer in Washington, D.C., (along with a special representative from the White House!) and in select locales.
Why:
- Kick off the USA Science and Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C. and across the nation in schools and at satellite events
- See if our enthusiasm for science can move the Earth! (Some participating educators will win seismographs from the U.S. Geological Survey to monitor the seismic activity of the cheer in classrooms.)
- Because science and engineering deserve to be cheered
- Who knows? We might even secure a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
WAIT! We need a cheer! Spread the word to your school's cheer and dance teams: Send us a video of a science or engineering-themed cheer or dance (less than one minute long). First place winner will receive $1,000! Second place: $500. Third place: $250.
Get started right here, right now simply by signing up to receive more information about the cheer and the video contest. Select, interested classrooms will also receive free classroom seismographs.
Are you a cheerleading coach? Email darlene@sciencecheerleader.com. We'd love to talk to you about this and other exciting opportunities coming up.
|
|
Magic School Bus Illustrator Bruce Degan is Featured Author at Book Fair
| | |
 Bruce Degen has written and illustrated numerous award-winning books for children, among them Shirley's Wonderful Baby, Daddy Is a Doodlebug, and Jamberry. He has illustrated the highly acclaimed The Magic School Bus series by Joanna Cole, the ever-popular Jesse Bear books by Nancy White Carlstrom, and Jane Yolen's  Commander Toad series. In addition to his career in children's books, he has also worked as a painter, print maker, and teacher, and has even painted scenery for the opera. Mr. Degan's featured book will be AAAS Award-winning book Magic School Bus and the Climate Change.
|
|
Explore the Brightest Ideas in Clean Energy Living
| | |
Discover affordable, innovative approaches to energy
 efficiency this fall at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 in Washington, D.C. The National Mall's West Potomac Park hosts this international competition that challenges collegiate teams from around the world to design, build, and operate houses powered by the sun.
Join us in the solar village, which is open to the public free of charge Sept. 23-Oct. 2. You can also be a part of the excitement by volunteering as a greeter, docent, runner, solar expert, or special event assistant! More opportunities and details are available by clicking here.
"All-team photo from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2009 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009. (Credit: Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)" |
|
The Latest Scientific Advances and News...for Kids!
| | |
Can lizards learn? Will the Sun's cycle stay the same? What happens to your brain when you talk on a cell phone?
These are just some of life's mysteries that are explored in Science News for Kids(SNK) an award-winning online publication dedicated to children 9-14, their parents, and their teachers. Launched in 2003 by the nonprofit organization Society for Science & the Public (SSP), a USA Science & Engineering Festival partner, Science News for Kids is a youth edition and companion to SSP's Science News magazine.
SNK offers timely, interesting news stories and features, accompanied by suggestions for hands-on activities, books, articles, and web resources. It attracts nearly four million visitors annually. Both younger and older visitors enjoy its pages.
Read stories at www.sciencenewsforkids.org and sign up for the weekly SNK E-Blast.
|
|
NEW - STEM Advice Corner
| | |
Students of all ages, welcome to our new STEM Advice Corner, where you can learn about hot careers in science & engineering and get great advice on how to pursue a career in this cool field! Each month we will feature an article written by biologist Dr. April Le. She'll share her tips on how she became a successful biologist and will provide great resources that you and your friends can check out. Learn about all of the exciting things happening in STEM, from cool kitchen science experiments to interactive math games.
Have an idea for a topic? Have some feedback? Please let us know by emailing biobock@mac.com.
|
|
The 2nd USASEF - At A Glance
| | |
New Sponsors
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA)
AARDA is dedicated to the eradication of autoimmune diseases and the alleviation of suffering and the socioeconomic impact of autoimmunity through fostering and facilitating collaboration in the areas of education, public awareness, research, and patient services in an effective, ethical and efficient manner. AARDA becomes a Titanium Level Sponsor for the Festival this year.
ATLAS Experiment at the Large Hadron Collider
ATLAS is a particle physics experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. The ATLAS detector is searching for new discoveries in the head-on collisions of protons of extraordinarily high energy. The Festival is thrilled to have the ATLAS Experiment as a Titanium Level Sponsor.
Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute
The Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute (SEI) works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute joins the Festival as a Titanium Level Sponsor this year.
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy gives young men and women the up-to-date academic and professional training needed to be effective naval and marine officers in their assignments after graduation. The United States Naval Academy strives to accomplish its mission to develop midshipmen "morally, mentally, and physically." The Festival is honored to have the United States Naval Academy as a Titanium Level Sponsor.
Dr. Carolyn Ruth A. Williams Ph.D.
 Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs & STEM Initiatives at St. Cloud State University, joins the Festival Advisory Board.
|
|
Exhibitors Signing up for Festival!
| | |
The Festival Finale Expo is quickly gaining momentum, with nearly 300 exhibitors signed up to date, and over 750 booths reserved! Here are some of the exciting organizations who have signed up to exhibit at the 2nd USA Science & Engineering Finale Expo!
  
 
  
  
 
|
|
 Thank You to our Palladium Sponsors
|
| |
Academy of Model Aeronautics
American Mathematical Society
Biogen Idec
Children's National Medical Center
Draper Laboratory
Dassault Systèmes Solidworks Corp.
Destination DC
FEI Company
Genentech
National Girls Collaborative Project
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Thank You to our Titanium Sponsors
Aerospace Corporation
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA)
American Society of Agronomy
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Society for Microbiology
Atlas Experiment at the Large Hadron Collider
Big Kid Science
Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute
Consortium for Ocean Leadership
Crop Science Society of America
Data.Gov
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
DeVry University
The Engineering Place, North Carolina State University
EurekAlert!
George Mason University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Idaho State University
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Michigan Tech Mind Trekkers
National Museum of Health and Medicine
North Carolina State University
NumbersAlive!
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)
Soil Science Society of America
The Mars Society
The Pennsylvania State University
Thirty Meter Telescope
United States Naval Academy
University of Florida
University of Rochester
VCU School of Engineering
In-Kind Sponsors:
American Elements
Wolfram
|
|
|
|
Visit us online at
http://www.usasciencefestival.org/
Science Spark is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization responsible for creating the USA Science & Engineering Festival and several regional Festivals including the San Diego Science & Engineering Festival, Bay Area Science & Engineering Festival, Boston Science & Engineering Festival, Los Angeles Science & Engineering Festival, Chicago Science & Engineering Festival, Houston Science & Engineering Festival, Miami Science & Engineering Festival and the Philadelphia Science & Engineering Festival.
|
|
|
|
|
