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

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Intermediate Space Challenge Events Held in Greater Antelope Valley

A rocketry event for elementary and middle school students was held in Tehachapi, CA in May, under the umbrella of the larger annual Intermediate Space Challenge competition hosted by Fiberset and other corporate sponsors in Mojave, CA in early June.  Over five hundred students attend the annual rocket launch, which is the culminating event for school activities including rocket design, essays, and rocket decoration.  Students and teachers eat a hot dog lunch and receive awards after adults launch their rockets and determine whose travels the highest.

Lancaster Summer Gateway Academy A Success


Bottle Rocket Launching on Final Day of Lancaster SGA
Twenty-three middle school students from around the Antelope Valley (and even one from Arizona!) took part in the second annual Summer Gateway Academy held at Lancaster High School 20-24 June 2011.  Students learned about CAD drawing, rocketry, aviation/aerospace, robotics, and computer graphics during their week-long experience, taught by Kevin Spoelstra and Duane Robertson, and assisted by student members of Eagle Robotics and Eagle Graphix.  During one session, the students were also visited by an outreach team, including a U-2 pilot, from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Palmdale, one of the financial contributors to the academy.  Some of the students will be participating in pre-engineering courses in the Lancaster School District and AV Union High School District beginning in the fall semester.

President Touts Need for 10k New Engineers Annually

Citing the lower-than-average unemployment rate compared to other jobs during the Great Recession, along with the workforce need for increased numbers of engineers in the future, President Obama set the national goal of graduating 10,000 new engineers yearly.  The President asks corporations to partner in the effort through promoting STEM education, offering students incentives for completing the necessary education, and funding university programs, thus reducing the need for federal assistance to reach the benchmark.  http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9217624/Obama_We_don_t_have_enough_engineers_

Use of Simulations and Virtual Labs in Secondary Science Education Increasing

In an article from Education Week, the increasing use of simulations and virtual labs in high school science education is addressed.  With the availability of free or low-cost shared virtual and simulation sites on the rise, the intersection of limited teacher understanding and facility of using the technology, as well as students' sophisticated appetites for it, is seen as one sticking point in expanding the labs' use in high schools.  The article also references a number of resources for the simulations and labs.  http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/06/15/35mm-science.h30.html?tkn=RTLFN%2F2EVFsfja4Yy7htG9tgDXotI%2BVvn3V2&cmp=clp-edweek&intc=EW-MM11-EWH

"Math Midway" Exhibition Precursor to Manhattan Math Museum

Glen Whitney, a former hedge fund financier, is now raising capital to open the Museum of Mathematics in mid-town Manhattan in 2012.  Until that goal is realized, a "Math Midway" exhibition is traveling the country, including a stint at the Discovery Center for Science and Technology in Thousand Oaks, CA from 18 June through 12 August 2011 [ http://www.discoverycntr.org/].  The goal of the exhibition is to "add mirth to math" and engage students to help turn the tide of decline in American math testing results.  http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/06/13/6851255-exhibits-add-mirth-to-math

Calls for More Linked Learning to Bridge Gap in California STEM and Middle-Skill Careers

Citing a recently-released report from America's Edge [http://www.americasedge.org/ - see also "Helpful Links" section on this blog], columnist Tapan Munroe of the Contra Costa Times calls for increased numbers of Linked Learning Alliance programs throughout California in order to reverse the trend of insufficient numbers of trained workers for STEM and middle-skill jobs (those requiring some post-secondary education); nearly one-half of California's jobs fall within the latter category.  Munroe opines that without such wide-spread initiatives promoting both college and career readiness, the health of California's economy will continue to decline.  http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_18240936?nclick_check=1

Teachers Participate in TASTES Program in Modesto

Approximately 25 teachers of second grade through high school, mostly from the Central Valley of California, participated in the Teacher Agricultural Science Technology Education Seminars, or TASTES, program in Modesto.  The fourth annual event had teachers tour businesses, sample plant DNA,  learn about pest monitoring, review seed and soil sampling, as well as learn how to engagingly incorporate STEM through agriculture into their regular lessons.  Read more at: http://www.modbee.com/2011/06/08/1724548/the-science-of-ag-teachers-are.html#ixzz1QgLhtz00

Women Scientists Applying for Fewer Research Grants Than Male Counterparts

In the Chronicle of Higher Ed, it is reported that while women scientists receive as much money as men in initial grants from the National Institutes of Health, they apply less frequently and get less money in subsequent grant renewals.  The NIH is investigating the phenomenon.  http://chronicle.com/blogs/ticker/female-scientists-lag-in-research-grant-renewals-nih-says/33683

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Menifee, CA School Receives Grant to Initiate STEM Class

A team of five teachers at a Menifee, CA school received a $30,000 two-year grant from UC Riverside Extension, Cal State University San Bernardino, and Coachella Valley Unified School District to design and implement a STEM elective class for seventh and eighth graders.  The students will be using hands-on, project-based learning, including designing a running trail, in curriculum designed by the teachers to expose the students to STEM concepts and careers.  http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_sscience07.3b3163c.html

Supreme Court Rules Against Stanford Patent Claim

As a follow-up to a December 7, 2010 posting on this blog:

The US Supreme Court recently ruled against Stanford University in a case involving the patent rights of faculty members and private companies involved in technology transfers.  In a 7-2 ruling in Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University v. Roche Molecular Systems Inc., et al., 000 U.S. 09-1159 (2011), the Court held that the existence of federal funding for research does not automatically result in grant of patent or invention rights under the Bayh-Dole Act.  http://chronicle.com/article/Supreme-Court-Rebuffs/127776/

Four Women Scientists Discuss What It Takes to Succeed

In a round-table interview with the New York Times, Elena Aprile, Joy Hirsch, Mary-Claire King and Tal Rabin, four top women scientists who recently participated in the World Science Festival, discussed the challenges and rewards of rising to success within their fields (including physics, neuroscience, medical genetics, and cryptography).  All agreed that they needed to be "women of steel (or titanium)" and deeply committed to their work, often at the sacrifice of long hours away from family.  Dr. King and Ms. Hirsch also stressed the need for support systems, and understanding of the different methods of communication by men and women.  To read an excerpt and access the interview, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/07/science/07women.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1 .

Parents Use Internet Resources to Pique Youngsters' Interest in STEM

Parents are increasingly turning to Internet resources to teach their children about scientific method and STEM subjects.  By using sites such as Google and YouTube when teachable moments arise, even in children not old enough to read, parents can explain information and concepts in a way that their children can understand.  A wide variety of resources are available, only a smattering of which are listed in this article from the North Carolina News Observer's Science and Technology column.   http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/06/06/1250727/parents-find-fun-online-for-kids.html

Cybersecurity Education Firm to Begin With Shuttle Engineers

Education in the growing field of cybersecurity is set to begin with NASA engineers after the conclusion of the space shuttle program.  The nonprofit Global Institute for Cybersecurity and Research (GICSR), in connection with  NASA, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, the US Department of Homeland Security and the US National Security Agency, as well as security certification companies and academia, is beginning a cybersecurity certification program in Florida; it is hoped that the program will expand to other states to help staff the unfilled positions across the country [SC Magazine  http://www.scmagazine.com.au/Feature/259366,cybersecurity-the-next-frontier-for-nasa-engineers.aspx ].

Dow Chemical Among Companies Contributing to STEM Education Efforts

Dow Chemical is among many major corporations in the US contributing toward STEM education efforts.  As part of a coalition of 110 companies with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and in conjunction with an April 2011 report entitled "The Case for Being Bold," [ http://www.aei.org/paper/100211 ] Dow has enabled its employees to act as volunteers at local high schools, and has partnered with a Michigan community college to create an associate's degree tailored for workforce needs at its local plant.  http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2011/06/01/major-corporations-promote-stem-education

For a related article about similar initiatives by the National Association of Manufacturers, the Dyson Foundation, and ExxonMobil, among others, see http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304563104576355230583773702.html.html . 
The President announced he is designating $500 million towards the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership efforts, as recommended by recommended by the President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology.  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-24/obama-directs-500-million-to-help-boost-manufacturing-jobs.html .  The Partnership is to be headed by Georgia Tech President G.P. "Bud" Peterson.  http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2011/06/28/1636908/obama-names-georgia-tech-president.html

IBM is also working with colleges to create curricula related to service science, management and engineering.  http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2011/06/16/to-keep-america-great-students-must-be-taught-to-innovate?PageNr=2

"Biohackers" Want DIY Science for Knowledge, Quicker Advances

USA Today reports on a growing movement of "biohackers" who are learning and implementing science in their own basements and backyards.  The "biopunks" are likened to those using chemistry sets in the 1950's, but with much more powerful, and sometimes dangerous, tools and elements; with a generally idealistic approach, the popular scientists are looking for solutions to global problems such as disease and pollution control without having to devote years to academic study.  Proponents in some communities, such as Mountain View, CA, have begun community labs, and others are creating relatively inexpensive equipment for home use.  Several books on the trend are now available, and a conference was recently held on the topic at UCLA.  A presidential commission has issued a report on bioethics, which acknowledges the growing field.  http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2011-06-01-science-biopunk-hacker_n.htm

Monday, June 6, 2011

NGCP Webcast on Enhancing STEM Education with SWE and 4-H Scheduled for June 16

The National Girls Collaborative Project is sponsoring a webcast slated for 16 June 2011 from 11:00 am to noon entitled "The Society of Women Engineers and 4-H: Resources and Partnerships to enhance girl-focused STEM programming."  Resources will be shared on the local and regional level to involve more young women in STEM education.  For registration information, visit http://www.ngcproject.org/events/events.cfm?eventid=193.

Project K-NECT Using Smartphones to Help Teach Math Concepts

A program initially funded by a grant from QualComm currently in operation in North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio, Project K-NECT uses HTC smartphones as teaching tools in math classes, accompanied by teacher and student training in project-based learning and technology use issues.  Students are able to access the Internet for math resources, connect to a school math blog, view videos, and are even creating video and movie math tools on school-issued smartphones.  Teachers participating in the project cite increased confidence and deeper understanding of math concepts by students, who are generally socio-economically disadvantaged.  Students are awarded incentive points for active participation, which is tracked by teachers.  Follow-up studies have shown that students participating in the project are more likely to test proficient in Algebra I and II than others in their districts or state.  http://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2011/04/04/02smartphones.h04.html

Study Finds Limited Impact of Teacher Professional Development on Student Learning

A recent federally-funded study conducted by the American Institutes of Research and MDRC found little impact on student learning from a two-year sustained professional development math series.  Despite well-planned and executed summer institutes, one-day workshops, and follow-up coaching sessions with teachers over two years, the professional development "failed to discern a measurable impact on either teacher knowledge or student achievement."  Researchers cautioned that not all teachers were able to participate in all sessions (114 hours), but there was still not the expected beneficial result.  Similar results have been found in other studies.  http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2011/05/new_study_shows_little_benefit.html

Women Engineers Likely to be Drawn to CleanTech Jobs

Sonitah Lontoh, women's issues columnist for Forbes Magazine, believes that cleantech jobs may be appealing for women engineers, unlike other disciplines.  While still a male-dominated field with leaders coming from the oil and gas industry, Lontoh opines that women will be drawn to the effective social issue represented by cleantech; this view is substantiated by NSF research reports on women in engineering.  In order to boost this trend, young women need to be encouraged to excel in math and science, and see female role models within the field.  http://blogs.forbes.com/85broads/2011/05/26/green-tech-finally-a-female-friendly-engineering-tech-energy-field/?partner=yahootix

Interview with IEEE President Moshe Kam

Campus Technology magazine recently interviewed Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers president Moshe Kam (also department head of electrical and computer engineering at Drexel University).  Among the topics discussed was how engineering education had changed in the last 30 years.  Kam outlined the new inter-disciplinary nature of engineering education, systems engineering approaches, and computer-assisted design.  He compared US engineering education with that in India and China, while addressing the dwindling numbers of STEM students in the US, as well as their depleted entry skill level, which could result in importing large numbers of engineers to the US and/or the loss of engineering jobs to other countries.  Kam noted that the low percentage of women in engineering fields is a hugely untapped potential.  For access to the article, visit http://campustechnology.com/Articles/2011/05/24/Saving-Engineering-Education-An-Interview-with-IEEE-President-Moshe-Kam-Part-1.aspx?Page=1

Tips for High School Students Interested in Pursuing Engineering Degrees

Columnist Purvi Mody of the San Jose Mercury News provides 8 tips for high school students who believe they want to pursue engineering degrees in college, including:  take rigorous courses and do well in math and science; find an internship experience allowing practical applications; research potential colleges and their admissions requirements; and look at all career options.  http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_18126477

Science Student Winners Primarily Children of Recent Immigrants

The San Jose Mercury News recently reported that the National Foundation for American Policy documents that two-thirds of the finalists at May's Intel Science Fair and talent search are children of recent immigrants from China or India.  Only 12 of the 40 finalists had parents who were born in America (the winner was a home-schooled youth of American parents from Danville, CA).  "The benefit America derives from the children of immigrants in science and math is an additional advantage the country reaps from being open to talent from around the world," said author Stuart Anderson, director of the organization and a former head of policy at the Immigration and Naturalization Service.  http://www.mercurynews.com/health/ci_18124146?nclick_check=1

Engineering Degrees A Predictor of Future Earnings

In a study released by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce on 23 May 2011, of the top 10 majors with graduates attaining the top median salaries, 8 were held by engineering disciplines.  "As a group, engineering majors of all disciplines reported the highest median earnings at $75,000, the study showed."  The study also showed that race and gender still play a part in parity of earnings, with under-represented ethnicities and women earning less than others, even with high-paying majors.  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-24/engineering-undergrads-reap-top-salaries-among-college-majors.html

Lunar and Meteorite Disk Certification Workshop for Teachers Set for July 26th

NASA Dryden ERC will be hosting a lunar and meteorite disk certification workshop for formal K-12 teachers on 26 July 2011 from 9:00 am to 12:30pm at the AERO Institute in Palmdale.   Space is limited.  Please contact Sara Cutts at sara.cutts@nasa.gov or call at 661-276-3992 if you are interested in getting further information and applying.

SOFIA Teacher Ambassador Blog

Kathleen Fredette from Desert Willow MS in Palmdale is taking part in an airborne astronomy project aboard SOFIA this summer.  Follow her blog at http://web.me.com/kathdette/SOFIA_teach_ambassador/Hi_Guys%21.html.  There are pictures and video, as well as answers to student questions.