"Diverse" Blogger Posts on STEM Diversity

Dr. Lorelle Espinosa posts in her "Diverse" blog [http://diverseeducation.com/blogpost/337/a-reflection-on-the-need-for-achievement-minded-approaches-to-diversifying-stem.html ] that an appreciative inquiry approach is necessary to document the successes of diverse students in STEM education, not only to focus on the barriers that they face.  She points to a new publication New Directions in Institutional Research:  Students of Color in STEM as one good example of this approach (see Helpful Links section of this blog).

CTE Month Tour Visits Business and Engineering Programs in the AV

On 23 February 2011, as part of the Antelope Valley Union High School District's commemoration of Career-Technical Education month, seventeen community members, educators, counselors, and administrators visited math, business, and engineering-related courses at Lancaster High School, Amargosa Creek Middle School, Antelope Valley College, Cal State Bakersfield-AV, and the Lancaster University Center/AV Engineering Programs.  Instructors Duane Robertson and Kevin Spoelstra at Lancaster High School, Bobbie Mitchell at Amargosa Creek Middle School, Mary Holcomb at Antelope Valley College, and Dr. John Emery of CSUB-AV welcomed the participants to their classrooms, hosted by Principals Steve Radford, Julianne Vela, Deans Drs. Tom O'Neil and Les Uhazy, and Drs. Jess Deegan and Ken Santarelli of the respective institutions.  Through the tour, participants were able to see the connections among courses in the business pathway, and engineering program of study from middle school, through high school and college.

Funding for bus transportation was provided through Tech Prep, and for refreshments through the regional SB70 grant collaborative.

AV Astronomy Club "Youth Exploring Astronomy" Essay Contest 4/1/11

The 11th annual Antelope Valley Astronomy Club's "Youth Exploring Astronomy" essay contest is being held, with submissions due by no later than 1 April 2011.  Fifth through eighth grade students are invited to participate, writing a 500-word typed essay on one of four topics; winners will have the opportunity to interact with AV scientists and industry leaders, and have a "behind-the-scenes visit with senior science staff at the Pasadena Jet Propulsion Laboratory."  For more information and the application form, please contact Debora Pedroza at debora.pedroza@gmail.com  or (661) 609-3923.

Webinar on Cognitive Beliefs and Cultural Variables in STEM Career Development on 3/22/11

The STEM Equity Pipeline is offering a free webinar entitled "Cognitive Beliefs and Cultural Variables Matter in STEM Career Development" on 22 March 2011 at 9:00 a.m. PST.  Dr. Angela Byars-Winston from University of Wisconsin Madison will review data on under-represented STEM populations at the undergraduate level, as well as discuss social cognitive theory and examples of strategies to increase minority STEM interest.  For more information and to register for the webinar, visit https://www106.livemeeting.com/lrs/8001043798/Registration.aspx?pageName=548sl3k8d45t8bfr .

Edison Scholars Program Scholarship Applications Due By 3/15/11

Edison International is offering $2,500 scholarships to qualified graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing full-time studies majoring in math, physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science, or computer science/information systems at an eligible four-year university or college, and who demonstrate financial need; preference is given to first-generation college students and those overcoming significant challenges.  Applications must be postmarked by no later than 15 March 2011.  For more information and requirements, see www.edison.com/edisonscholars.

UC Riverside Team Honored in Hydrogen Student Design Contest

Four chemical engineering majors and one business student from UC Riverside teamed up and entered the 6th annual Hydrogen Student Design Contest.  The students designed a home-based fuel cell that could power a car for 50 miles a day and have enough energy left over for 80% of an average family's electricity needs. The design was recognized in third place out of 54 international teams, and used photovoltaic panels and nickel or silver to split water into hydrogen and oxygen components.  http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_fuel17.274fe15.html

Free Energy Workshop for Teachers at CalPortland Cement 3/24/11

CalPortland Company, in conjunction with Women in Mining, is offering a free workshop for teachers on 24 March 2011, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Mojave CalPortland location.  Teachers will not only learn the difference between cement and concrete, but will also tour the site, which includes large wind turbines providing renewable power to the location, and receive free energy curriculum and dinner.  Only 20 spots are open, so register early by calling (760) 245-1661 ext 6101 or email Christie Robinson, MEEC Program Specialist at: christier@mdaqmd.ca.gov .  For more details, visit http://www.meeconline.com/ .

ASEE K-12 Workshop on Engineering Education in Vancouver, BC 6/25/11

The American Society for Engineering Education is sponsoring a day-long pre-convention workshop on 25 June 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia, presented by Dassault Systemes, entitled "Collaboration Can Improve Engineering Education."  It "will provide a fast-paced, interactive, results-oriented overview of engineering education for the K-12 classroom.  Attendees will discover valuable best practices, new contacts for collaboration, and the latest take-away tools for effective teaching about engineering education."  On-line registration begins 1 April and is complimentary for teachers until 10 June ($25 thereafter).  For more information about the workshop, view http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/2011-workshop-overview/.

Proposals for the workshop (requesting highly interactive, hands-on activities, with take-home materials) are being accepted until 18 March 2011 at 2:00 p.m. PST.  Visit http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/category/workshop/workshop-call-for-proposals/ for more details.

So Cal Aviation Mentoring Program Fund-raiser at LPAC on 4/10/11

The Southern California Aviation Mentoring Program, through AV Partners for Health, is presenting a benefit concert by The Folk Collection on 10 April 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center.  Funds will go towards the youth mentoring program which "is dedicated to teaching youth math, science and engineering through practical applications of building and flying aircraft."  For more details, see http://www.avscamp.org/ .  For further information on the fundraiser, call Nancy at 661.942.4719 x 461.

AV Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Applications Due 5/13/11

The Antelope Valley Society of Women Engineers is offering a $500 scholarship to a high school senior or transferring college student who will be matriculating at an ABET-accredited engineering program or computer science program.  Completed applications from AV residents, including transcript/s, essay, and letter/s of recommendation, are due by no later than Friday, 13 May 2011.  For more details and application instructions, view the document at http://www.scribd.com/doc/48960306. 

"Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists" Webinar on 3/10/11

Jean Lim Terra, President of the Amgen Foundation, and Chancellor Robert Birgeneau of UC Berkeley, will present during a free webinar on the subject of "Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists" on 10 March 2011 at 11:00 a.m. PST.  They will discuss the Amgen Scholars program and other initiatives partnering business and education "that are deepening scientific literacy and successfully engaging students to pursue degrees in the sciences."  To register for the event, visit https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=284370&sessionid=1&key=6DFE67FEEAEF0B77666D41F0A82B3DB1&sourcepage=register

Samsung Techwin America's Digital Preparedness Grant Program Applications Due 4/30/11

Fifty Samsung SAMCAM 860 digital presenters will be awarded to U.S. teachers through its Techwin America Electronic Imaging Division.  "Applicants must detail their need and answer the question:  Will new technology in the classroom better prepare our students?"  The deadline for applications is 30 April 2011.  http://www.samsunggrants.com/

Grant Application for Agriculture Integration Due 3/31/11

The Realize Science Technology Grant for Agriculture in the Classroom from School Technology Resources will award science education equipment to K-12 teachers who integrate agriculture into their lessons; 14 video microscope kits will be awarded to 10 grant winners (3 each to the top 2 winners).  Grant recipients must propose innovative and educationally-sound uses for the handheld video microscopes in teaching about agriculture.  Deadline for the applications is 31 March 2011.  http://schooltr.com/Teacher_Resources/realize_science_grant.html

Mojave Desert Supplemental Environmental Project Scholarship Application Due 4/5/11

The Mojave Desert Supplemental Environmental Project provides $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors planning to attend any accredited institution of higher learning and who have demonstrated "a serious interest in or commitment to the environmental issues during the course of his/her high school education."  For more information or to download an application, please click on this link: http://www.thecommunityfoundation.net/downloads/scholarships/2011/MDSEP.doc

MEEC Student of the Year and Teacher of the Year Nominations Due by 4/15/11

MEEC (Mojave Environmental Education Consortium) is sponsoring its annual Student of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards.  Nominations from each school site are due by no later than 15 April 2011.  The awards will be made at MEEC's annual High Desert banquet on 5 May 2011 at Spring Valley Lake Country Club.  For details on the nomination processes and applications, visit http://www.meeconline.com/2010-environmental-student-of-the-year-nominations/ and http://www.meeconline.com/20102011-teacher-of-the-year-nominations-now-being-accepted/. 

MEEC Scholarship Available for Engineering Students - Application Due 4/15/11

The Mojave Environmental Education Consortium (MEEC) is once again offering five $1,000 scholarships for the 2011-2012 academic year for High Desert students who declare a major in environmental science, environmental engineering, or other STEM-related field.  Applications, including transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and 500-word essay on the topic "My Career Goals and Why I would like a Career in the Environment, Science, or Engineering field"  are due to MEEC by no later than 15 April 2011.  For more details and the application, visit http://www.meeconline.com/20102011-hs-environmental-science-scholarship-announcement/.

GM and Buick Offer Scholarships to College-Bound STEM Students - Applications Due by 3/31/11

The General Motors Foundation and Buick are offering scholarships for up to 1,100 college-bound students nation-wide who excel in the classroom and the community.  Renewable scholarships of up to $25,000 per year will "target students pursuing careers in science, technology, math and engineering, and give special preference to children of military families and students who are the first to attend college in their family,"  according to a piece in the Detroit News citing GM CEO Daniel Akerson.  An additional 1,000 renewable scholarships of up to $2,000 per year will be available to students with academic majors in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, design, marketing and business administration.  http://www.detnews.com/article/20110210/AUTO01/102100446/1361/Ford-plans-to-cut-debt-by-$3B/$4.5M-GM-scholarship-program-to-reward-1-100-students

Scholarship applications are due by 31 March 2011 for the 2011-2012 year.  See http://www.buickachievers.com/ for more information and applications.

Transportation Sector and Technology Grants Available - Grant Application Due by 2/22/11

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, has let a request for grant proposals related to improving curriculum and participation by girls and minorities in STEM skills in transportation sector programs at the elementary and high school levels.  Grant proposals are due by no later than 22 February 2011.  For more information on the grant requirements, view http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=60553 

Lancaster School District STEM Academies Parent Information Meeting 3/16/11

Lancaster School District will be hosting a parent information meeting regarding their two new STEM Academies planned for Endeavour and Discovery Middle Schools.  It is anticipated that the Academies will feature Project Lead the Way's Gateway to Technology curriculum beginning in fall of 2011.  The information night will occur on Wednesday, 16 March 2011, at 5:30 p.m., at Endeavour Middle School, 43755 45th St. West, Lancaster, CA 93536.  For more information, send an e-mail inquiry to stemacademy@lancsd.org or look for upcoming links at the district website at http://www.lancaster.k12.ca.us/ .

ITEST Grant Letter of Intent Due by 3/11/11

The Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) grant application through the National Science Foundation has been released.  Letters of intent to apply are due by 11 March 2011 and full proposals by 13 May 2011.  Approximately twenty awards, ranging from $300,000 to $2.1 million, may be given to qualifying proposals. 

"The ITEST program is interested in addressing such questions as:  What does it take to effectively interest and prepare students to participate in the STEM workforce of the future?  How do students acquire the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they need in order to participate productively in the changing STEM workforce?  How can we assess and predict students' inclination to participate in the STEM fields, and how can we measure the impact of various models that encourage that participation?"  For full details regarding the grant, visit http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2011/nsf11525/nsf11525.htm

Engineering Academy at Oakland Technical High School Boasts Closing Gender Gap

A story by Laura Flynn of KALW-FM shows how one Bay Area school has been successful in increasing the number of young women completing STEM-related courses in its Engineering Academy.  Focusing on spatial reasoning skills and aligning physics assignments to local college requirements has assisted students to become more proficient.  Noting that the number of women engineering undergraduates at MIT has increased to 35%, the school has added seven of its students to that number in recent years, attributing it to innovative educational techniques used.  http://kalwnews.org/audio/2011/02/09/closing-engineering-gender-gap-oakland-tech_834543.html

Cyber-Security Forum Cites Future Workforce Needs

Daniel Sernovitz of the Baltimore Business Journal reports that, at a cyber-security workforce development forum held in Laurel, Maryland on 8 February 2011, government and industry representatives noted that 1,800 new hires would be made before the end of this year.  However, concerns exist as to the availability of sufficient numbers of future workers versed in appropriate math, science, and technology skills who can also obtain security clearances necessary to fill jobs vacated by retiring Baby Boomers.  Steps taken locally to prepare future workers included a financial literacy program, as well as a security clearance overview.  http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/blog/2011/02/government-private-industry-convenes.html

New Student Spaceflight Experiment Program Opportunity Announced

The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education has announced a new opportunity for students and communities to participate in the final Space Shuttle mission (STS-135) aboard Atlantis in August of 2011 through the Student Spaceflight Experiment Program (SSEP).  The deadline for signing a contract for participation is March 15, 2011,  with five-page proposals regarding the micro-gravity experiments due by May 12, 2011.  For more details on the funding and other requirements to participate, visit http://ssep.ncesse.org/ and http://ssep.ncesse.org/2011/01/how-to-participate-in-ssep-on-the-final-flight-of-the-u-s-space-shuttle-program-shuttle-atlantis-sts-135/ and follow the links on SSEP.

Middle Schoolers' Essays Show Connections Between STEM and Careers

A series of entertaining and insightful essays written by middle school students about their favorite classes (math and science, in many cases) shows how the courses are relevant to their future career plans.  The essays relate how real-life application can enhance the STEM experience.  http://www.courierpress.com/news/2011/feb/08/what-current-class-is-going-to-prepare-you-best/

Webinar on Inspiring Girls to Participate in Information Technology 2/9/11

The National Center for Women & Information Technology is sponsoring a webinar on 9 February 2011 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on inspiring girls to participate in information technology.  The "webcast will highlight free materials and information for attracting more girls and underrepresented groups to computing and information technology and share how formal and informal educators are using these resources to strengthen programming for girls."  To register, go to http://www.ngcproject.org/events/register.cfm?eventid=186 .

CSUS/UCD Receive NSF Grant for STEM Education Efforts

The Sacramento Bee reports that CSU Sacramento and UC Davis's MESA (Mathematics, Science, Engineering Achievement) program has received an approximately $740,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to teach forty students from Twin Rivers Unified School District to design and use computer games to teach math concepts to elementary school students.  The games will be tested in local schools.  http://www.sacbee.com/2011/02/03/3374953/csusucd-educational-prgram-receives.html

Key Issues Institute Applications Due by 4/1/11

MEEC, AVAQMD, AVC and the SB70 Collaborative, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and the LA County Sanitation District are offering full scholarships to three grade 5 through 8 teachers in the Antelope Valley to the five-day Key Issues Institute in Silverthorne, Colorado during June or July.  The institute addresses issues relating to environmental and STEM education.  Teachers must teach at least one section of a core subject (math, science, social science, or English).  Applications are due to Violet Roberts by no later than 1 April 2011.  For more information about the institute, visit http://www.keystone.org/cfe/pel/services.  For the application and further information regarding the scholarship, visit http://www.meeconline.com/key-issues-teacher-scholarship-program/.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Math and Engineering Mentoring

Maja J. Mataric of USC has been named a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Math and Engineering Mentoring, and was honored at a White House ceremony last week.  Candidates are nominated by colleagues, administrators and students (elementary grades through graduate school) at their home institutions, according to the White House website.  Honorees receive a $10,000 award to advance their mentoring efforts in recognition of the "crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science or engineering—particularly those who belong to groups that are underrepresented in those fields."  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/21/president-honors-outstanding-science-math-engineering-mentors

Free Webinar Regarding Implicit Bias in STEM 2/16/11

Dr. Fred Smyth from the University of Virginia will present a webinar, sponsored by the STEM Equity Pipeline, on "Implicit Bias in STEM:  The Power of Automatic, Unintended Mindsets."  The free webinar, to be held at 10:00 a.m. PST on 16 Feb. 2011, will address evidence of implicit bias and its effects on STEM outcomes such as choice of major and high-stakes testing results.  To register for the webinar, visit https://www106.livemeeting.com/lrs/8001043798/Registration.aspx?pageName=hxh237qvj003jp80

New iPad Free App Aims to Boost Teen Interest in Mechanical Engineering

CNET has recently reviewed a new Autodesk free app for iPad known as "Tinker Box," which aims to boost teens' interest in mechanical engineering.  Reportedly similar to "The Incredible Machine," the app has several different training and simulation levels with 13 puzzles to work on.  The app also allows one to link to others' inventions.  http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31747_7-20030247-243.html

Santa Monica-Malibu District Adopts New Environmental Curriculum

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is adopting up to 85 units of environmental curriculum prepared by the California Environmental Protection Agency, thanks to grant funding by the Sempra Energy Foundation.  Funding will cover teacher professional development and instructional materials.  For full details of the story, go to http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2011-02-01-71237.113116-District-hailed-for-adopting-environmental-curriculum.html

NACME President Calls for Increased Minority Participation in STEM

In a recent "Washington Post" commentary, Irving Pressley McPhail, President of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, calls upon business leaders and policy-makers to focus more on increased participation by under-represented minorities and women in STEM education and career fields in order to optimize American competitiveness in the global marketplace.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/28/AR2011012805974.html

On a related note, according to "Inside Higher Ed," Howard University has reduced its offerings by 71 out of 171 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to focus more on STEM-related, Africana, and diaspora studies.  http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/02/01/howard_university_spares_philosophy_and_african_studies_the_axe_but_guts_or_changes_71_others