Pacific Northwest Girls Collaborative Project Newsletter

July 2013

The Pacific Northwest Girls Collaborative Project (PNWGCP) brings together organizations in the Pacific Northwest that are committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
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PNWGCP Updates   

Project Splash: Girls Designing Robots for a Better World 

From programming lessons to building robot structures, and team building activities to lunch with female role models, the Project Splash camp held July 8-12, 2013 in Seattle, WA was a busy five days!

 

Sixteen high school girls from the greater Seattle area and two from Idaho attended a five-day course called "Project Splash: Girls Designing Robots for a Better World." Hosted by the UW Summer Youth Program and taught by instructors with the Pacific Northwest Girls Collaborative Project, this camp is part of a larger national initiative designed to encourage girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) using the WaterBotics curriculum.  

 

PNWGCP_Enews_Project Splash Camp Photo

 Camp participants steer underwater robots  during Project Splash

camp at UW campus.

 

Working in teams of four, girls built four underwater LEGO robots and completed various missions, including building a remotely operated robot that could descend to the bottom of the pool and collect objects. The girls also visited a nearby university lab which builds underwater robots for remote ocean exploration. They also had lunch with seven role models--graduate-level women in various science departments throughout the university.

 

After completing four missions and a series of learning activities that explored the engineering design process, the girls prepared for a final showcase for parents and friends at the end of the week. They demonstrated their engineering accomplishments and shared lessons learned about team work and communication. When a group of elementary school-aged campers came to visit, the girls excelled with their new found confidence and expertise and taught the younger visitors about the technology behind their robots and how to drive them in the pool.

 

The Pacific Northwest Girls Collaborative Project trained educators earlier this year to implement Project Splash camps throughout the region. Five camps have already been completed this summer in Washington and Oregon, with four more scheduled in the coming weeks.

 

Check out this great photo essay from a Project Splash camp recently completed by the Washington County Museum in Hillsboro, OR.

 

For more information about Project Splash camps, please email Nimisha Ghosh Roy at [email protected].

 

FabFems Spotlight

FabFems are enthusiastic about the science and technology work they do and want to inspire our future generations. Encourage girls to visit FabFems to search profiles, connect with role models, and find resources on career pathways. To get more involved, 'like' our Facebook page, 'follow' our Twitter feed, and/or help fill our boards on Pinterest. 

Paige Gutierrez_FabFems Spotlight_July 2013 PNWGCP enews  

Meet Paige Gutierrez, a third-year Biology student at the University of California, Chico. Paige is passionate about working with animals and has volunteered at a sanctuary near her university. Even though there was a lot of poop scooping and bloody meat handling, Paige says she still enjoyed every single moment! Through this experience, she realized that her passion was specifically to work with marine mammals. Since the University of California, Chico is landlocked, each summer she applies to internships all over the country to gain more experience with marine life.

 

FabFems Logo

This summer she is in Olympia, WA working at the Intel Corporation in their E-Waste department, an opportunity that ties in with her interests in sustainability. She is working with customers to improve electronic waste recycling processes to keep this waste and dangerous metals out of landfills. She currently volunteers with Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. She says that volunteering there has given her more knowledge about the zoo and aquarium business and that it has only made her more passionate about it! To learn more about Paige visit her FabFems profile at: http://www.fabfems.org/users/paige-gutierrez

 

If you are a role model, submit a profile on FabFems.org to show girls what you do and what you are passionate about.

Events and Opportunities    

Amgen Bruce Wallace Biotechnology Program Workshop

Shoreline, WA

August 1-3, 2013

This program supports the goal of achieving scientific literacy through a hands-on approach to learning. It not only provides a thoroughly tested and robust curriculum, but also provides a full suite of transportable, research-grade equipment and supplies to allow teachers to conduct advanced and contemporary activities within their high school or middle school classroom. Incorporating biotech concepts prepares students for the exciting world we live in, and encourages some to pursue this career path.

Register: E-mail Adrienne Houck at [email protected] TechStart_Logo

 

TechStart Education Foundation SuperQuest Summer Workshops 

TechStart offers three-day professional development workshops to K-12 teachers in Oregon.  Workshops will equip teachers with the skills and tools to develop hands-on technology lessons for the classroom and after school activities. Workshops focus on Lego NXT and Tetrix Robotics, Scratch programming, GameMaker, and building mobile apps.  

 

Eugene, OR

August 7-9, 2013

Register: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6984325305?ref=ebtnebregn

 

The Dalles, OR

August 21-23, 2013

Register: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6871698435?ref=ebtnebregn

 

Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Summer Conference

Yakima, WA

August 11-14, 2013

This year's conference incorporates relevant speakers and workshops to create a rich professional development opportunity. Topics include a policy and legislation update, Common Core math requirements, and Washington's ten-year strategic plan for workforce development.

Register: http://wa-acte.org/confsummer.php

 

Back-to-School with STEM at the Museum of Flight

Seattle, WA

August 24-25, 2013

The Museum of Flight is hosting a full weekend of programs, workshops, and presentations about STEM education, just in time for back-to-school. The weekend will be dedicated to informing students and their parents about new STEM opportunities in education and careers. Parents will learn more about how to help their children develop their interests in STEM topics and help them make better choices about future careers in STEM.

More information: http://www.museumofflight.org/event/2013/aug/24/stem-back-school-weekend-sponsored-honeywell

 

Back-to-School with STEM Weekend: Seeking participation from girl-serving STEM organizations

The Museum of Flight is looking for presenters who can do 30 minute presentations on relevant topics and businesses and organizations interested in setting up activity and informational tables during the event. If you are interested in participating, please contact Julia Cannell at [email protected] or (206) 768-7162.  Please include your organization name, a brief description of what you do, and how you would like to participate in the event. 

More information: http://www.museumofflight.org/event/2013/aug/24/stem-back-school-weekend-sponsored-honeywell

 

Family Science Fest at the Museum of Flight

Seattle, WA

August 24, 2013

At this day-long, family-friendly event local companies, organizations, schools, and universities will offer hands-on activities, displays, and demonstrations with the focus on STEM. Roam the museum's Side Gallery and watch teams compete in a special robotics competition; visit Robot Alley and the Gadget Gallery; participate in a special STEM Scavenger Hunt; and learn about the Space Elevator and its importance to mankind at Space Elevator 101 and 201 presentations.

Register: http://www.isec.org/sec/index.php/family-science-fest

 

The International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC) Space Elevator Youth Robotics Competition

Seattle, WA

August 24, 2013; 9:00AM - 5:00PM

At the Space Elevator Youth Robotics Competition students will take on the challenge of designing, building, and programing autonomous robots that simulate carrying satellites into orbit. Robots must defy gravity and climb a 22-foot "space elevator ribbon" while carrying a payload. There are two robot classes to choose from: "LEGO Only Prebuilt" and "(Almost) Anything Goes." This project encourages creativity and engages kids in learning basic physics concepts, mechanical and electrical engineering principles, computer programming, and more.

Register: http://www.isec.org/sec/images/docs/2013%20space%20elevator%20rules.pdf

 Bridge Conference_Logo

The Bridge From School to Afterschool and Back Conference:

Illuminating Possibilities for All Youth

Seattle, WA

October 21-22, 2013

This conference brings together education and community leaders serving youth both in and out of school. The conference aims to strengthen partnerships between the formal education system and afterschool and youth development (AYD) programs at all levels. 

Register: http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1228672&lbrd=1&rtypeid=204833

 

Resources   

Jackson High School Students Win Awards at WSU STEM Fair

Ten students from the Henry M. Jackson High School's Engineering and Research club participated in the Imagine Tomorrow STEM fair hosted by Washington State University in Pullman. Three students earned first place in the Biofuels Challenge and all ten students were awarded Best Project by a Team from a Newly Participating School. For earning first place in the Biofuels Challenge students were awarded $1,000 and Jackson High School was awarded $5,000. For earning Best Project by a Team from a Newly Participating School all ten students were awarded $100 each and the school was awarded $500. The next STEM fair will be May 16-18, 2014 in Pullman,WA.

http://www.newsofmillcreek.com/content/jackson-high-school-students-win-awards-and-cash-wsu-stem-fair

 

Maker Camp on Google+

Maker Camp is a free, six-week virtual summer camp for teens. The camp guides kids through daily do-it yourself (DIY) projects and connects campers to their peers using the Google+ social network. Each week has a different theme, and kids are encouraged to share their creations and ask questions during daily video broadcasts.

http://makezine.com/maker-camp Portland Metro STEM Partnership_Logo

 

Portland Metro STEM Partnership Grant for Energy Conservation

The Portland Metro STEM Partnership is accepting applications for participation in their new program that encourages collaboration between STEM classroom teachers (physics, chemistry, math, etc.) and CTE teachers (engineering, computer science, etc.) to create hands-on instructional units on Energy Conservation. Applicants must apply as a team of 2-4 teachers from a single school, and each team must include at least one STEM teacher and one CTE teacher. Successful applicants will receive up to $500 compensation for participation, and at least $1,000 per school for materials and supplies related to the project.

Deadline: August 23, 2013

Apply: http://pdxstem.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/PMSP-STEM-CTE-RFP.docx

 

NGCP Program Directory - Register your Program Today!
The online Program Directory lists organizations and programs that focus on motivating girls to pursue STEM careers. The purpose of the directory is to help organizations and individuals network, share resources and collaborate on STEM-related projects for girls. When you sign up for the Program Directory you will enter your program description, resources available within your organization, program and/or organizational needs and contact information.
http://www.ngcproject.org/programs

 

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