Welcome to the AV STEM Center Blog

This blog will provide information about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics efforts within the Antelope Valley, as well as links to helpful STEM sites and info from beyond. Check back periodically for updates.

Connect a Million Minds Tagline

Connect a Million Minds Tagline

Friday, July 29, 2011

International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology

The new edition of the International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology is now available on-line at http://genderandset.open.ac.uk/index.php/genderandset/issue/current .  It includes several articles about women in engineering and computer and communications technology education and careers.

4-H Publishes Promising Practices Guide for Science in Urban Communities

The 4-H Club has published a guide relating to promising practices for science education in urban communties.  It includes case studies, and resources in 15 different areas for out-of-school science programs.  To see the guide, visit http://urban4hscience.rutgers.edu/

National Academy of Sciences Introduces "iWAS Wondering" Website

The "iWASwondering.org" website from the National Academy of Sciences showcases women's adventures in science, including stories, biographies, games and a question function.  A teacher resource tab is also available.  http://www.iwaswondering.org/ [also see our Helpful STEM Links section here]

Microsoft's "Kodu" Programming Tool Introduces Youngsters to Game Design

Microsoft has introduced "Kodu," a visual programming language which operates from an XBox controller.  The tool is for game design, and is kid-friendly.  For more information, see http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/kodu/

NCTM Grant Proposals for 6th-8th Grade Math Teachers Due by 11/11/11

The National Council on Teachers for Mathematics has announced its grant program for members who teach math to grades 6 through 8.  The grant's purpose is to engage students and show the connection of math to other fields and the world around us.  Proposals from NCTM members must be postmarked by no later than 11 November 2011, and the activities must be completed between 1 June 2012 and 31 May 2013.  For information on qualifications and grant proposal materials, visit http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=1320.

"Summer 101" Program Includes STEM Components

Satellite classes from the nearby Columbia Memorial Space Center were highlights of the "Summer 101" program sponsored by Downey Adult School over the last few weeks.  "Rocks to Rockets" and "Engineeering and Robotics" classes were quite popular "as they introduced advanced science and math concepts in a real-world setting. Students were also able to experience NASA missions at the space center, as well as build their own rockets, which they were able to drop from the center’s second-floor level."   http://thedowneypatriot.com/bookmark/14875531-Open-house-makes-fitting-end-to-Summer-101

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Cal Lutheran Opens Scientific Computing Center

According to the Ventura County Star, Cal Lutheran University has just opened a scientific computing center for middle school to college students.  The university center will host workshops on STEM and scientific computing for middle schoolers, and will eventually offer a minor in applied scientific computing.  The Hugh and Hazel Darling Center was funded through a $250,000 grant.  http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jul/26/clu-opening-scientific-computing-center/

Silicon Valley Op-Ed Piece Promotes "Stepping Up to Science" Intervention

In an opinion piece in the San Jose Mercury News, Muhammed Chaudhry, CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, and Don Macleod, CEO of National Semiconductor, decry the fall of science education in the 50 years since President Kennedy challenged the US to get to the moon and back within a decade.  The writers cite lagging budgets and No Child Left Behind mandates for the losses.  The SVEF and National Semiconductor paired up locally to host a free summer science intervention program to bridge the gap for graduating middle schoolers called "Stepping Up to Science."  Two hundred forty low-scoring students from the East Side Union High School District attended the first session this summer, focusing on biology and lab; the donation from National Semiconductor to cover the program also plans to provide 120 teachers with professional development over the next three years.  http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_18554795?nclick_check=1

Monday, July 25, 2011

Robotics Workshops for Middle School Teachers and Students 7/29 and 8/3/11

NASA AERO Institute in Palmdale will offer two free workshops for middle school teachers and students (grades 4-9) using LEGO Mindstorm kits.  Teams of 4-6 teachers and students will learn about the history of robotics and how to start a team, as well as gain hands-on experience in programming and building a robot; teams will demonstrate their work before the group.  Laptops will be available for programming, but kits will not be given away.  The workshops will be held on Friday, 29 July, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Palmdale Boys and Girls Club, or on Wednesday, 3 August, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, location TBD (East Lancaster tentative).  The deadline to register is Wednesday, 27 July 2011.

For further information and to register, contact Cecilia Cordova at cecilia.cordova@nasa.gov and provide your full name plus the name of the school/organization affiliation.

Teachers, Students Pair in CSUB STEM Project Course

The Central Valley Times reports on a summer course beginning this week at Cal State Bakersfield Central Valley campus, funded through a $400,000 grant from Chevron, where 89 students and 25 high school teachers will work together for four weeks on STEM projects.  "Some of the research includes antimalarial drug development, digital watermarking to protect images and videos, robotics design and programming, predicting valley fever outbreaks using satellite image tracking of environmental changes, and analyzing sediment cores from local groundwater sources."  It will give students the opportunity to earn college credit while learning how scientific research is conducted, and allowing professors to advance their work.   http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=18905

Monday, July 18, 2011

Middle Schoolers Enjoy Summer Gateway Academy at KHS


Retired AFFTC Engineer Helps Students Assemble Solar Cars

Students Experiment with Solar Cars
 Thirty-two enthusiastic, local Antelope Valley middle school students participated in the third annual Summer Gateway Academy at Knight High School 11-15 July.  Among the activities they completed included bottle rockets, "Eggstronauts," robotics, bridge-building, and solar cars.  Volunteers from Lockheed Martin and NASA made presentations and assisted students with projects.  Instructor Bill Lewis hosted an open house with astronomy and rocket launching on Thursday evening, and there was a "culmination" ceremony on Friday afternoon, both of which were attended by parents. 

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Three Young Women Top Google Global Science Fair

Three young women won top honors in the first Google Global Science Fair held recently, in which 10,000 students competed.  Shree Bose, 17, from Texas, won the grand prize for her work on drug resistance in treating ovarian cancer.  For her efforts, she is receiving a $50,000 scholarship and a trip to the Galapagos Islands.  Another investigated how marinades could be modified to reduce carcinogens in grilled chicken, and a third examined the effect of air pollution on asthma.  http://www.npr.org/2011/07/12/137783968/google-announces-global-science-fair-winner

New STEM Teachers from Industry In High Demand

KGO-TV reports that teachers of STEM subjects beginning second (or subsequent) careers are in high demand; programs such as Aspire Teacher Residency Program and California Teacher Corps are providing opportunities for members of industry to begin teaching using alternative certification procedures.  http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/education&id=8249297  Aspire allows teachers to undergo a one-month intensive training program, and then to be mentored by a veteran teacher for one year while teaching, with up to four years in the induction program.  In return for reaching in a high-need school as they work on their credential and master's degrees, the new teachers may receive reduced tuition, stipends, and deferred loans. http://www.aspirepublicschools.org/?q=ATR

STEM Jobs Expanding

In a report issued by the US Commerce Department today, data tends to show that STEM careers pay an average of 26% more than those in other fields, and grew three times faster in the last decade.  http://www.usatoday.com/MONEY/usaedition/2011-07-14-Tech-jobs_ST_U.htm

Similarly, "green jobs" enjoy median wages 20% higher and clean tech jobs outpace those in the oil industry.  http://www.usatoday.com/MONEY/usaedition/2011-07-13-Green-jobs--_ST_U.htm  The Los Angeles Times reports that California continues to lead the nation in the number of green jobs held, according to the Brookings Institution.  http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-green-jobs-20110713,0,1142707.story

Monday, July 11, 2011

Nuclear Energy Industry Faces Labor Shortage

It is estimated that nuclear utilities need to recruit nearly 25,000 qualified workers to fill positions scheduled to open due to retirements through 2016.  However, US universities awarded only 715 degrees in related fields in 2009, and the number of degree-granting institutions has shrunk to 32.  In an article in Bloomberg Business Week, the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, along with the weak economy, have retarded those employment efforts.  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/a-labor-shortage-for-us-nuclear-plants-07072011.html

Department of Energy Facilitates Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Activities

According to Industry Week, The US Department of Energy has announced that it is creating the "National Training and Education Resource (NTER), [which] will provide students with highly interactive and engaging materials in a variety of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) areas, as well as virtual technician training."  The NTER is designed to complement the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, and is created in partnership with the  Manufacturing Institute, an affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, and Macomb Community College.  Each of the partner organizations will utilize the technology tools to promote manufacturing skills and curricula.  http://www.industryweek.com/articles/doe_creating_partnerships_to_provide_it_tools_to_workforce_25033.aspx?SectionID=1

Antelope Valley Astronomy Club

Antelope Valley Astronomy Club meets monthly on the second Friday of each month except December, at 7:00pm, at the SAGE Planetarium, 38060 20th Street East, Palmdale.  Additionally, there are events and presentations.  The next is a moonlit walk at the Prime Desert Woodlands in Lancaster, on 16 July 2011 at 8:30 pm.  For more information about the Club and its events, visit http://www.avastronomyclub.org/index.php .

Friday, July 8, 2011

SMART Scholarship Applications Open 8/1/11

The Science, Mathematics & Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship for service program, was created by the Department of Defense to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DoD laboratories.  It is open to students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in aeronautical or astronautical engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering, to receive a full scholarship and gainful employment upon graduation.  For more information about the program, eligibility, terms and conditions, and the application process for 2012 opening 1 August 2011, visit http://smart.asee.org/.

Science Teaching Award Nominations Due

Shell Oil Company, in partnership with the National Science Teachers Association, is accepting nominations for one outstanding K-12 science teacher "who has had a positive impact on his or her students, school, and the community through exemplary science teaching;" the winner will receive $10,000 and be recognized at the annual NSTA Awards banquet.  Ten finalists will receive certificates of distinction.  Nominees must teach science and have at least eight years of experience.  Nominations are due by no later than 17 October 2011.  For further information and qualifications, visit http://www.nsta.org/pdfs/awards/Shell.pdf

Similarly, the NSTA and The Drug, Chemical and Associated Technologies Association (DCAT) are offering the "Making a Difference Award" for grade 6-12 science programs:  "Entries must show effective teaching strategies combined with a science program that have influenced students to initiate or extend their interests in the exploration and investigation of science and its application to global problems. Entries must demonstrate that the science program can be replicated and used as a model in other middle or high schools."  Winners receive $2,500 plus attendance at the national conference.  Completed applications are due by 30 November 2011.  For more information, see http://www.nsta.org/pdfs/awards/DCAT.pdf

The Delta Education/Frey Scientific-Neo/CPO Science Awards for Excellence in Inquiry-Based Science Teaching provides a $1,500 award plus paid attendance at the NTSA annual conference to a K-12 teacher who successfully uses inquiry-based science to enhance classroom teaching and learning.  Application packets are due by 30 November 2011.  For details, visit http://www.nsta.org/pdfs/awards/Delta.pdf

Various other awards are outlined at http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx

Government Challenges in Science & Technology

If you're looking for a science or technology challenge to solve, with the potential to gain prizes, take a look at http://challenge.gov/search?cat=29.  In addition to these (with different submission dates and objectives), there are challenges available in different categories (such as health, education, defense, etc.), and posted by a variety of government agencies (e.g., Department of State).

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Aero Club Scholarship Applications Due by 7/19/11

The Aero Club of Southern California is offering $2,500 scholarships to high school students who plan to pursue studies in aviation or aerospace, or $5,000 grants to students currently pursuing aviation or aerospace studies in college, univerity, or a nationally-accredited technical school.  Applications and supporting materials from qualified students are due by no later than 19 July 2011.  For qualifications and further information, visit http://www.aeroclubsocal.org/scaascholarships.html or e-mail questions to John Durant at jdurant9@msn.com .

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Two-Part Webinar on Integrated STEM Learning and Student Engagement Begins 7/13/11

Education Week is offering a two-part webinar series beginning 13 July 2011.  The first session is entitled:  "The STEM Teacher as Project Manager:  Leveraging Outside Knowledge and Resources," presented by Susan Pruet and Deborah Ives, and the second is:  "Engaging Girls and Other Underrepresented Populations in STEM,"  featuring Dr. Mary Kirchhoff and Regis Goode.  Each session is offered for $49, or both for $89.  For further information or to register, visit https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=322003&sessionid=1&key=311E40BD3636F9416AD953979F6B8736&partnerref=EM6.29&sourcepage=register

Salute to Youth on 9/23/11

US Forest Service exhibit at STY 2010 - photo courtesy of Mike Mitsch, QHHS
The 20th annual Salute to Youth: A Career Connection will be held on Friday, 23 September 2011 at Site 9 in Palmdale.  Sponsored by the AV Career Prep Council members, LA World Airports, and Air Force Plant 42, among others, approximately 3,000 high school and middle school students will participate in the event; interactive exhibits will give students the opportunity to obtain information about post-secondary careers and education in the region.  For more information, follow the Salute to Youth blog at http://avsty2011.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Bakersfield College Students Learn STEM As They Build Guitars

Approximately 12 Bakersfield College students are taking a class to design and build their own electric guitars as a way to learn about STEM subjects.  Funded by a $15,000 grant through Cal State Bakersfield, the summer workshop taught by Steve Hageman was inspired to help increase enrollment in local engineering programs.  http://www.turnto23.com/news/28414139/detail.html

National Manufacturing Certification In the Offing

In response to the dearth of qualified applicants for current, technically complex manufacturing jobs in the United States, more than 30 states, supported by federal government and industry partners, are introducing a new national credentialing system for community college students and employers across manufacturing sectors.  The Manufacturing Skills Certification System, in association with certificate-granting entities such as the American Welding Society, is offering a portable, uniform system so that employers will know what they are getting.  This initiative complements the Obama Administration's call for additional funding for manufacturing jobs training; however, not all believe that such efforts are enough - some cite off-shoring as another reason that jobs are not filled.  http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/06/29/how-to-train-u-s-workers-back-into-manufacturing-jobs/?section=magazines_fortune

E-Mentoring Program for Diversity in Engineering and Science

MentorNet is an on-line mentoring program for diversity in engineering and science.  Organized in 1997 by Dr. Carol Muller to help women engineers, the award-winning, non-profit initiative matches students with mentors in its "mission to diversify the global talent workforce [which] has expanded to more than 70 science, engineering and technical fields and to serve all eligible students, with a focus on those who are underrepresented in their chosen fields."  To learn more, visit   http://mentornet.net/about_us.aspx

Registrations for the Siemens Competitions in Math, Science & Technology Due by 10/3/11

The prestigious annual Siemens Competition in Math,  Science & Technology will be accepting applications from high school students until 3 October 2011.  Scholarship awards for higher education in the amount of $1,000 to $100,000 will be given to the winners in a variety of categories.  For more information and full requirements, see http://www.collegeboard.com/siemens/.

"Angela Award" Applications Due by 11/30 for Elementary Science Students

The "Angela Award" from the National Science Teacher Association is given to a full-time American or Canadian female student in grades 5 through 8 who has a strong connection/involvement in science, with sustained accomplishment.  The award includes a $1,000 savings bond.  Nomination and application materials are due by 30 November.  For more details, see http://www.nsta.org/pdfs/awards/Angela.pdf .  Other awards are also available.  http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx?lid=tnavhp#angela

Sluggish Economy Prompts Women to Pursue Computer Science Jobs

Beginning to reverse a long-standing trend, larger percentages of women are now seeking more secure jobs in computer science as a way to outwit the sluggish economy.  In a field which they might otherwise not have chosen, the number of women, particularly from more prestigious universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Carnegie-Mellon, is increasing.  Many are taking introductory courses, and it remains to be seen whether they will continue their studies; universities have been bolstering efforts to recruit and retain women in this, and other, non-traditional areas.  http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2011/0627/Worried-about-jobs-college-women-go-geek/(page)/2
To see the NCWIT Scorecard on the Status of Women in Computing, visit http://ncwit.org/resources.scorecard.html

Contra Costa Office of Ed Holds Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing Camp

Approximately 60 high school students attended a recent summer day camp focusing on providing information regarding jobs and hands-on skills related to construction, engineering, and manufacturing.  The free camp had students participating in a “nail-off” competition, building sheds and bird houses.  They also visited Lawrence Livermore Lab, SunPower in Milpitas, the USS-POSCO Manufacturing & Engineering Plant in Pittsburg and a carpenters' apprenticeship training center in Dublin.  The camp was sponsored by the state, the County Education Office, Chevron, the Contra Costa Economic Partnership and Diablo Valley College, among others, and taught by local K-12 and community college instructors and community members; students received one unit of college credit for attending.  http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18343385?nclick_check=1

Inaugural AV Summer Math Symposium Held

The Antelope Valley Mathematics Council hosted a summer math symposium at Palmdale’s Highland High School in June.  President Matt Winheim and Vice President Matthias Vehru opened the session with information related to the Common Core standards and 21st Century skills.  Brad Fulton, a nationally-respected mathematics educator from Redding, CA, presented on techniques related to multiplication and algebra (to view resources, visit www.tttpress.com and go to “Download Conference Materials.”)  A Texas Instruments consultant also presented, and several vendors provided information on texts and supplemental resources.  Local K-12 teachers, administrators, and other interested parties attended.  Visit the AV Math Council on Facebook.

NRC Issues Report on Effective K-12 STEM Education

The congressionally-chartered National Research Council has issued a report calling for more testing of science learning and calling upon policymakers to devise more assessments for deeper understanding in all STEM disciplines.  The group will also release a new framework for 21st Century science education later this summer.  http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/06/23/36nrc.h30.html?tkn=LSMFFSNEnn4u9dcUx74ZZoblFeRWsGQLg4sS&cmp=clp-edweek

Update 7/25/11:  The framework can now be found at:  http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13165 .  The next step will be for Achieve, Inc. to create standards around the framework.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/20/science/20curriculum.html?_r=1

To view the report, visit http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13158

In a related matter, the STEM Education Coalition, comprised of over 100 member organizations, has called upon Congress to make science achievement of equal standing with math and English as part of the re-authorization of "No Child Left Behind" (the Elementary and Secondary Education Act).  Several recommendations included more STEM teacher preparation and professional development, state-developed STEM action plans, and diversity initiatives, among others.  http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2011/06/stem_ed_advocates_outline_idea.html?cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS2

Friday, July 1, 2011

Local Summer of Innovation Activities Underway

NASA's Summer of Innovation activities targeting middle school students' involvement in STEM education have been underway in the local area.  Russ Billings, NASA Dryden's pre-college programs manager at the AERO Institute in Palmdale, was quoted in the Bakersfield Californian after model rockets were flown at CSUB to culminate 200 students' experiences in the second annual eight-day summer program:  "There are endless problems to be solved.  These kids will be the ones to work on those problems in a few years."  http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x2131987846/Student-made-rockets-take-to-the-sky-in-NASA-program  Similar launches took place at Westmorland Union Elementary School in the Imperial Valley through its MESA program.  Twenty-four students took part in the launch, which was part of a two-week program involving 225 students, many of whom are visiting NASA Dryden as a culminating event.  http://www.ivpressonline.com/news/ivp-news-westmorland-mesa-students-have-fun-with-nasa-rockets-20110624,0,362752.story

Joe Walker Middle School in Quartz Hill has also hosted week-long robotics and rocketry workshops during the month of June, including over 100 students.  Eastside, Lancaster, and Palmdale School Districts have also provided events for their students.  Each of the programs will continue with extended activities for the students during the upcoming school year.

Investing in Innovation Grant Proposals Due by 8/2/11

The next round of Investing in Innovation (i3) grant applications is due to the Department of Education by no later than 2 August 2011 at 4:30pm EDT.  A call for peer reviewers has also been made.  http://www2.ed.gov/programs/innovation/index.html  [Absolute Priority 2--Promoting STEM Education.  Under this priority, the Department provides funding to support projects that are designed to address one or more of the following areas: (a) Providing students with increased access to rigorous and engaging coursework in STEM; (b) Increasing the number and proportion of students prepared for
postsecondary or graduate study and careers in STEM; (c) Increasing the opportunities for 
high-quality preparation of, or professional development for, teachers or other educators of STEM subjects; 
(d) Increasing the number of individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM, including 
minorities, individuals with disabilities, and women, who are provided with access to rigorous and engaging 
coursework in STEM or who are prepared for postsecondary or graduate study and careers in STEM; 
(e) Increasing the number of individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM, including 
minorities, individuals with disabilities, and women, who are teachers or educators of STEM subjects and have increased opportunities for high-quality preparation or professional development.]

ScienceBuddies Offers Teacher Resources

An award-winning site sponsored by Northrop Grumman and Symantec among others, ScienceBuddies offers teachers (and students and parents) resources related to science projects.  For more information, visit http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/teacher_resources.shtml?From=Tab.  The site also provides information about many careers in STEM fields.

MIT President Seeks Inclusive Approach to STEM

Susan Hockfield, MIT's first woman president, noting that 43% of the institution's students are women, of whom 85% will earn a degree in science or engineering, acknowledges the need to seek an inclusive approach to faculty selection in the STEM fields; ideally her goal would be to have 50% women professors.  Her advice for young women:  "If young women want to help invent the future--and change lives and change societies--there's no better way to do it than through science and engineering."  Hockfield also discusses green energy projects being undertaken at the university, as well as the need for energy policy reform.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-dakotah/women-in-power-susan-hock_b_881881.html

California Robotics Teams Score at Marine Advanced Technology Event

A team from Aptos High School's robotics club won at the international Marine Advanced Technology competition recently held at NASA's Johnson Space Center Neutral Buoyancy Lab.  The team of ten students spent six months designing, building, and implementing a remotely operated vehicle.  http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_18331426  Jesuit High School robotics from Carmichael won the overall team award in the advanced Explorer class at the competition, one of only two high schools to compete among college teams in the division.  http://carmichael.patch.com/articles/jesuit-robotics-team-wins-first-place-at-international-competition

SPHERES Zero Robotics Program Student Registrations Due by 9/5/11

NASA and DARPA have announced a high school student competition known as the Zero Robotics Challenge.  Bowling ball sized spherical satellites are flown inside the International Space Station; high school students will be required to write an algorithm for the flight, and 27 winners will be chosen to have them executed by ISS scientists at a future date, after a final ground testing by MIT in October.  High school student teams must register for the competition by no later than 5 September 2011.  For more details, visit http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/jun/HQ_11-189_Zero_Robotics.html and http://zerorobotics.mit.edu/.

Toshiba Exploravision Award Winners Feted

The annual Toshiba/National Science Teacher Association Exploravision Awards ceremony was held in Washington, D.C. recently.  First and second prizes are awarded in four categories depending upon grade level.  Some of the winners this year included an "intelligent streets" design by a third-grader in Texas (windshield film giving traffic updates, etc.), and a tracheal filter breathing system by a  Minnesota seventh-grader.  Bill Nye and Arthur Eisenkraft, sponsors and co-creator of the awards, discussed the need for sparking the interest of children in science.  http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/19/young-scientists-highlight-need/?page=all

For more information on the annual team competition, visit http://www.exploravision.org/

Missouri Passes Bill To Provide Math, Science Scholarships

Missouri House Bill 223 was recently enacted, providing scholarships to students who pursue degrees in math and science.  Gov. Jay Nixon signed the legislation, citing the need to align curricula with "industries poised for growth."  http://www.kspr.com/news/local/kspr-mo-governor-jay-nixon-signs-new-law-to-add-scholarships-for-math-science-majors-also-helps-college-nursing-programs-20110616,0,4647662.story  The law also targets funding for increased numbers of nurses in the state.