August 2013

PNWGCP Updates   

Redmond, WA

The Pacific Northwest Girls Collaborative Project invites program managers, guidance counselors, business partners, technical professionals, K-12 teachers, and representatives from professional organizations and higher education to join us for a full-day conference with workshops, panels, and an inspiring plenary at the Microsoft Campus in Redmond on December 4, 2013. More details soon.

TECH TREK: Engaging Girls in Washington State in STEM Activities

Fifty campers, representing 14 branches of AAUW Washington, spent an action packed week at Pacific Lutheran University engaged in a variety STEM activities.

During TECH TREK, July 21-27, 2013, the girls attended a core class and two labs each day. Participants attended core classes such as "Clean" Chemistry, CSI Tech Trek, Real World Math, and Rocketry. Labs included Using Online Tools, Ionic and Covalent Bonds, Dry Ice Ice Cream, Meiosis, Math in Nature, DNA Extraction, Model Hand and Neuron, and Science Olympiad.

Viewing Saturn, its rings, and one of its moons was the highlight of an evening trip to the Keck observatory on the PLU campus. Other evening activities included team-building and a student-produced talent show. In addition, six women STEM professionals talked about their careers, educational background, and the diverse opportunities open to women with STEM degrees.

The girls also visited the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and participated in a marine biology boat trip on the Puget Sound where they did water quality testing, observed catches from a plankton net, and learned how to navigate. At the Zoo, the girls touched sting rays, saw the playful Sumatran tiger and Clouded Leopard cubs, and observed penguins.

Tech Trek is a week-long science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) camp aimed at developing girls' interest, excitement, and self-confidence in STEM through classes, workshops, hands-on activities, and field trips. For more information about Tech Trek, contact techtrek@aauw-wa.org.

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.

Meet Bethany Yollin, Research Intern at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Bethany lives in Mercer Island, WA and works in the Energy & Environment group at PNNL. While she was an officer in the Bellevue College Physics Club, she enjoyed providing hands-on demonstrations for children. Bethany hopes to continue to volunteer within her community and encourage young men and women to embrace the challenges of STEM majors and careers.

To learn more about Bethany, visit her FabFems profile at: http://www.fabfems.org/users/bethany-yollin. 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    

Girls Guide Training

At this training session volunteers will learn how to develop girls' enthusiasm for and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Volunteers will also learn how to inspire and interact with a group of girls.

Register: http://girlsincnworegon.org/events/girls-guide-training-2

Mentor at REEL GRRLS

REEL GRRLS seeks mentors who are committed to empowering young women through media production. REEL GRRLS welcomes mentors with a wide variety of skills and experience, including specialized filmmaking skills such as cinematography, lighting, audio, editing, and also in youth development, media literacy, women's studies, and media arts. All new Mentors must attend Mentor Camp. The next Mentor Camps are:

Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA

Saturday, September 21, 2013; 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

 RSVP: Email Bronwyn Lewis at blewis@reelgrrls.org

Northwest Mathematics Conference

Bellevue, WA

Oct. 11-12, 2013

Attendees will learn about best practices in Math Education, implementing the new Common Core State Standards, how to leverage technology to improve student achievement, and new activities and practices to implement in the classroom.

Register: https://center.uoregon.edu/NWMC/2013/registration

GeekGirlCon 2013

Seattle, WA

October 19-20, 2013

GeekGirlCon features programming, panels, workshops, and gaming as well as special events.

Register: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/296956

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

Oregon Afterschool Conference: Health, Safety and Nutrition

Salem, OR

November 8-9, 2013

Participants will network, learn about available resources, and attend training sessions. Conference sessions include Increasing STEM engagement for Girls: Strategies & Resources, SciGirls Live Healthy: Hands-on Activities to Engage Girls in STEM, Traveling Circuits Teaching Computer Science Without Fear/Makerspace, Using Role Models to Engage Girls in STEM, Getting your Hands On, Arms and Mind Around STEM, and FIRST Robotics.

Register: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e7icbfdp6626e249&llr=ugr9b8dab

Resources   

Google Roots in Science & Engineering (RISE) Awards

Google RISE is offering awards to organizations that promote access to Computer Science education and give students ages 7-18 the opportunity to become creators of tomorrow's technological innovations. Google RISE awards funding to organizations that run programs that inspire, engage, and retain students on a long-term path in the field of computing. In particular, Google seeks organizations that specifically target girls and currently have the potential to scale their efforts and reach more girls around the world. Submission deadline is: September 30, 2013; 6:00 PM Pacific.

Apply: https://googlegiving.eresources.com/app/rise/login.asp

Informal Science

http://informalscience.org

iSTEM

iSTEM provides educators quick and easy access to standards-based instructional tools, curriculum, professional development opportunities, and other information relevant to STEM education and 21st century skills. The resources complied are designed to provide information on teaching and learning opportunities and support for K-12 educators in alignment with ongoing statewide initiatives that promote STEM Education in Idaho.

http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/istem

http://www.womenintech.com

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

The EdLab Group is a private, non-profit organization with funding from federal and state governments, private foundations, corporations, and individuals. Our mission is to leverage the power of technology and diversity to transform teaching and learning.