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

Monday, January 23, 2012

YELC in the Antelope Valley 1/21/12

Approximately 70 students from Antelope Valley schools participated in the AV Youth Environmental Leadership Conference at Mariposa Elementary School on Saturday, 21 January 2012, presented by MEEC and sponsored by area companies such as Boeing and Lockheed.  Thirteen teams from middle and high schools took part in a general session presentation by Joel Greene of PBS Curiosity Quest fame (http://www.curiosityquest.org/whos.html ), followed by break-out sessions on Robotics, Recycling, Water, Energy, Women in Mining, and School Gardening, among others.  The theme for the event was STEM service learning, and teams must complete projects over the year in order to receive seed funding.

Spaced Out Sports Design Challenge Submissions Due by 3/16/12

NASA's Spaced Out Sports Design Challenge 2012 is now open for registration; teams from grades 5-8 (maximum of one team per school or organization, 3-15 team members) may register to submit a new game for astronauts to play aboard the International Space Station.  Winning teams will be selected nationally by Stennis Space Center, and will receive a range of awards/prizes.  All contributing schools will participate in a Digital Learning Network program.  Submissions must include a playbook and video.  For more information and requirements and registration information, see http://education.ssc.nasa.gov/spacedoutsports.asp.

NASA Undergraduate Summer Internship Applications Due by 1/30/12

Senior undergraduates (class of 2012) who are interested in planetary geoscience are invited to apply for the NASA Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program for summer internships around the country; applications are due by no later than 30 January 2012, and it is anticipated that participants will be notified by late February.  For more information on the PGGURP program and application requirements, visit http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~tgregg/pggurp_info.html

DOE's STAR Aspiring Teacher Internship Applications Due by 1/31/12

The Department of Energy's "STAR" (STEM Teacher and Researcher) internships are available for aspiring secondary math and science teachers (enrolled in a CSU education program with a math or science undergrad major); applications are due by no later than 31 January 2012.  A recording of a live webcast regarding the program and general and eligibility information is posted at http://starteacherresearcher.org/about.html and the application information at http://starteacherresearcher.org/application.html .

Wells Fargo Grants Available for PreK-12 Education

Wells Fargo is offering corporate grants to preK-12 institutions serving low- to moderate-income students in California.  Grants are available on a rolling basis throughout the year, and may take up to 120 days for applications to be processed.  Funds may *not* be used for travel, including student trips, and requests for equipment receive lower priority.  For more information on eligibility and the application process, see https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/charitable/ca_guidelines .

AIAA Classroom Grants Available

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics has $200 classroom grants available to K-12 teachers for projects applying science, math, or technology.  To submit the short proposal form, one must be a teacher affiliate of AIAA (free).  For guidelines on allowable projects and more information, visit http://www.aiaa.org/Secondary.aspx?id=4184&terms=teacher%20grants .

High Desert Chapter of ASMC Scholarship Applications Due by 3/16/12

The High Desert Chapter of the American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) is offering a scholarship to a deserving, college-bound high school senior; two scholarships are available in the amount of $500 each.  Winners will be forwarded to the national ASMC headquarters to compete for one of 11 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.  Nominees must be entering a field of study related to financial/resource management, and must have two letters of recommendation from:  (1) high school principal, academic dean, or guidance counselor; and (2) a high school teacher.  Applications must be mailed to ASMC High Desert Chapter at PO Box 547, Edwards AFB, CA 93523-0547 or e-mailed to Nancy Wachter at nancy.wachter@edwards.af.mil .  For more information on the application form, please contact Ms. Wachter by e-mail or call at (661) 275-9144.

Harvey Mudd College Spring *FAST* Program Applications Due by 3/9/12

The 4th annual spring "Future Achievers in Science and Technology" session at Harvey Mudd College will be held on 2 April 2012.  High-achieving high school juniors from populations which are under-represented in math and science are invited to apply for the free opportunity by no later than 9 March 2012.  Participants will sit in on a class, take a campus tour, complete a hands-on workshop, interact with present students and professors, and receive a freshman application fee waiver.  For more information and the link to the downloadable application, visit http://www.hmc.edu/admission1/fastprogram/fast.html .

Thursday, January 19, 2012

More American Students Taking Advanced Math and Science Courses

In his STEM Education blog for US News, Jason Koebler informs readers about the National Center for Education Statistics report [ http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2012/2012026.pdf ] showing that more American students took Algebra 2 courses in 2009 (75 percent) than compared to students in 1982 (40 percent).  This trend is a step in a positive direction toward the goal proposed by Tom Luce, former CEO of the National Science and Math Initiative in September 2011.  Additionally, the number of students taking calculus classes has increased by 4.3% since 2000, and those taking pre-calculus is up 8% since 2000.  High school graduates taking chemistry increased from 33% in 1982 to over 70% in 2009, while approximately 33% of graduates took physics, and nearly all took biology.  http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/stem-education/2012/01/18/american-students-are-taking-harder-math-science-courses

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012 Sign-ups Underway

Microsoft's "Imagine Cup 2012" three team competitions related to software design, game design (XBox/Windows and Phone categories), as well as an individual IT competition are now available for high school student participant sign-up.  Deadlines for each of the categories, as well as the Windows Azure and Windows Phone Challenges, are set beginning 26 January 2012 (some categories in February and March).  There is a three-year $3million competitive grant program in place to help competitors bring their ideas to fruition.  For an overview of the competitions, with links to rules and registration forms, visit https://www.imaginecup.com/CompetitionsContent/GetStarted.aspx.

Microsoft Innovative Educators Train-the-Trainer Seminar in Silicon Valley 3/21-22/12

Microsoft Innovative Educator Program is hosting an intensive two-day "train-the-trainer" seminar in the Silicon Valley on 21-22 March 2012.  This session is designed for those who provide technology training to teachers on a large scale, and requires that successful applicants deliver professional development to 100-500 teachers over a year, as well as provide three best practices for the Partners in Learning Network.  For more information on the session, visit http://www.microsoft.com/education/en-us/Training/Innovative_educator/Pages/default.aspx .

Word has it that the 2012 Microsoft US Innovative Educators Forum will take place 30 July - 1 August 2012 in Redmond, Washington, and that applications will be available sometime in January 2012 (applications due in spring?).  Here is updated info on the application process - webinar on 8 February:  http://www.microsoft.com/education/en-us/Training/events/Pages/2012_US_Forum.aspx

Monday, January 16, 2012

Community Forum Slated for 1/19/12

The Palmdale Aerospace Academy will be providing information about its program, and soliciting community input at a forum to be held on Thursday, 19 February 2012, from 5:30 to 7:00pm at The AERO Institute, located at the Palmdale City Hall complex on Sierra Highway.  For more information, contact Matt Winheim at mcwinheim@palmdalesd.org .

Thursday, January 12, 2012

AV Math Council Symposium 4/21/12

The Antelope Valley Math Council will be offering its second annual symposium on Saturday, 21 April 2012, beginning at 9:00am at Highland High School in Palmdale.  The focus will be on the Standards of Math Practice in the Common Core State Standards.  Stay tuned for further details; contact Matt Winheim for information at MCWinheim@palmdalesd.org .

Update as of 3/26/12:  Brad Fulton of TTT Press will be presenting on Common Core, with grade-specific breakout sessions (K-6, 6-8, 9-12).  The price to attend is $20 for members of the AVMC, and $30 for non-members (includes $10 membership through December 2012).

Women In Mining to Host Mineral Workshop on 2/9/12

Women in Mining will present a free teacher workshop on commonly used minerals at the Mojave Desert AQMD in Victorville on Thursday, 9 February 2012, from 3:45 to 6:00pm.  Registration is first-come, first-served, and is limited to 25 participants.  Attendees will learn to make toothpaste, will receive a curriculum kit and standards, and get free dinner.  To receive further information and to register, contact Christie Robinson, MEEC and STEM SL Program Specialist, at (760) 245-1661 ext 6101, or via e-mail at christier@mdaqmd.ca.gov .  Visit the MEEC website at http://www.meeconline.com/ .

NASA-ISTE Magnetosphere Project Applications Due By 1/15/12

NASA is partnering with ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) to select 25 middle and high school teachers to "work collaboratively  to create learning and educational artifacts that teachers or students can use to gain a deeper understanding of the Earth's magnetosphere."  Projects may be presented at an upcoming ISTE conference and/or published on the NASA website.  Applicants (teachers from any content area) should have experience in and be interested in using social media tools, as well as be willing to create and test artifacts related to the mission.  A Learning Lab for the project will run beginning 6 February 2012. 


Applications are due by Sunday, 15 January 2012.  For more details and to access the application, visit:  http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/Learning_Laboratory_Description_for_Flyer.sflb.ashx .

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Camp CHLA Applications Available 1/30/12

The new Camp CHLA (Children's Hospital of Los Angeles) applications for high school students to spend five days job shadowing nursing and health professionals will be available beginning 30 January 2012, and are due for the August session by no later than 9 March 2012.  To obtain further details and to download the application materials, visit:  http://www.chla.org/site/c.ipINKTOAJsG/b.5049537/k.1180/Camp_CHLA__Observe_Nursing__Healthcare_Professions__Student_Healthcare_Opportunities.htm

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Marine Ecology Teacher Workshop Scholarship Application Due by 4/15/12

The application period is now open for the Marine Ecology Teacher Workshop scholarship through MEEC.  The workshop, sponsored by a grant from the Boeing Company, will be held 11-13 June 2012 at the *rustic* Campus by the Sea on Catalina Island.  Scholarships are available for 16 High Desert (including San Bernardino, Victor Valley/Mojave Desert, and Antelope Valley within the MEEC service area) teachers, covering a $50 transportation stipend, transportation to and from Catalina Island, basic lodging (campers bring their own sleeping bags, etc.), meals served family-style, and curriculum materials; applications are due to Christie Robinson at MEEC by no later than 15 April 2012.  For more information about the workshop, as well as scholarship application materials, visit http://www.meeconline.com/catalina-island-marine-ecology-teacher-workshop-scholarship-announcement/

Mission 2 Announced for Student Spaceflight Experiment Program to ISS

The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education has announced competition for Mission 2 to the International Space Station for the Student Spaceflight Experiment Program.  Designed to be a community-based process, SSEP allows students to participate in local competitions and then to submit their micro-gravity experiment proposals for consideration to fly aboard the International Space Station.  The Mission 2 competition will run from March to September 2012, with the winning experiments flying aboard Soyuz 32 to the ISS in September.  For more details, visit http://ssep.ncesse.org/2011/11/announcing-communities-participating-in-ssep-mission-1-to-iss-and-new-flight-opportunity-mission-2-to-iss/.  The twelve Mission 1 teams participating include San Marino and West Hills, California, with winners scheduled to fly on Soyuz 30 in early 2012.

Engineering Exploration Class Offered at Lancaster University Center 1/30 to 5/14/12

Cal State Long Beach/Antelope Valley Engineering Program is offering the Engineering Exploration class for high school juniors and seniors at the Lancaster University Center beginning 30 January 2012 from 4:00 to 7:00pm.  Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, have completed Algebra 2 or higher, be enrolled in college prep English, be on-track to complete minimum UC a-g requirements, and have the recommendation signature of either a counselor or Project Lead the Way instructor.  For more information regarding fees, schedule, requirements, and to register, visit http://www.ccpe.csulb.edu/continuinged/course_listing/programdescription.aspx?Course_ID=25868&Course_Version=1 .

Monday, January 9, 2012

Workshop on Inquiry-Based Science on 1/23/12

A workshop on inquiry-based teaching of science will be offered in Gardena on Monday, 23 January 2012.  "Inquiry-based science engages students in the processes of formulating predications, organizing and interpreting data, and communicating results using science terminology."  The presenter is Dr. Molina Walters; with a background in primary and secondary education, Dr. Walters is now a professor at Arizona State University.  For more information on costs of attending and to register, visit https://secure.peakpresenters.com/ViewEvent.aspx?wsID=1874 .

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Arizona High School Offering STEM Diplomas

In addition to standard high school diplomas, Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona will be offering STEM diplomas and STEM Scholar diplomas to students beginning in 2012-2013.  In order to receive the enhanced diploma and recognition, students must take five math courses, including AP Statistics, as well as six science and engineering courses; to receive the Scholar diploma, students will also have to participate in summer workshops and job shadowing or college coursework at Arizona State University Polytechnic program (for an additional fee).  STEM graduates will be automatically admitted to ASU. Dual enrollment will also be provided through Chandler Gilbert Community College.  http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/stem-education/2011/12/30/arizona-high-school-to-offer-stem-degrees

College Scholarships for Under-Represented Students in STEM

Jason Koebler of US News has published a list of scholarship resources for African-American students studying STEM subjects:  http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/stem-education/2011/12/29/scholarships-for-african-americans-studying-stem  Related articles posted on the sidebar also note scholarships for Hispanic and women students in STEM.

Interview with David Drew

In the 16 December 2011 issue of the Hechinger Report, Nick Pandolfo interviews David Drew, former professor and dean of Claremont Graduate University, about increasing the number of STEM students and professionals.  Drew posits several factors in the article (citing his new book Stem the Tide: Reforming Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education in America), including casting the net wider at an earlier age so that children perceive that a STEM career is an option for them, mentoring, and academic and peer support in school.  Of note is the fact that Drew believes that every student is capable of learning math and science sufficient to succeed in college, although not all students wish to pursue a four-year STEM degree - some prefer to enter the workforce after post-secondary technical training; he takes a broader view of what constitutes a STEM job than do many.  http://hechingerreport.org/content/qa-with-david-drew-broadening-stem-education-and-debunking-its-myths_7186/

National Governors Association Releases STEM Agenda

In December 2011, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices released "Building A Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education Agenda:  An Update of State Actions."  The report, written by John Thomasian of Black Point Policy Solutions with the assistance of education staff, reviews the goals of increasing the numbers of students and professionals in STEM fields and increasing STEM proficiency for all students, as well as methods to implement a supporting agenda.  Among the action items are to adopt rigorous math and science standards and improved assessments, recruit and retain more qualified teachers, provide more rigorous preparation for post-secondary STEM education, enhancing the use of informal STEM education, and to set goals for post-secondary institutions to meet STEM job needs.  To view/download the report, visit http://www.nga.org/files/live/sites/NGA/files/pdf/1112STEMGUIDE.PDF;jsessionid=CC905C5294F348DC62BD60C135BC12F2

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Women Inventors Given Fewer Tech Licenses for Spinoffs

University tech transfer officers grant fewer university tech licenses to female inventors than males.  As a consequence, the women are not benefiting financially from the technology that they create.  Theories for the disparity include the fewer numbers of female STEM faculty, and tech licensing officers dissuading women inventors from pursuing start-ups based upon their tech inventions.  Scott Shane of Case Western Reserve University did a blind study showing potential hidden bias in the tech transfer offices.   http://www.businessweek.com/small-business/how-universities-fail-women-inventors-12282011.html 

STEM Fields Once Again Within "10 Hot Careers for 2012" List

CNN Money reports from Fortune that the "10 Hot Careers for 2012 and Beyond" include many positions in the STEM fields, such as information technology, health care professionals, health care management and support staff, engineers, industrial skills, and biotech and life sciences.  Rounding out the list are sales, accounting and finance, discount retailers, and private equity firms.  http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/12/27/10-hot-careers-for-2012-and-beyond/

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring Conferred

Nine individuals and eight organizations received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring on 12 December 2011.  Among those receiving the award were two California programs:  The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program, Stanford University, Calif., represented by Marilyn Winkleby; and University of California San Francisco Science & Health Education Partnership High School Intern Program, Calif., represented by Rebecca Smith.  Nominated by students, colleagues, or administrators, the award recipients are honored at the White House and receive a  $25,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to further their efforts.  http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/50066/

STEM Projects Receive i3 Grant Awards

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/i3-projects-receive-18-million-matching-funds-private-sector  and the US Department of Education announced the newest round of recipients of the Investing in Innovation (i3) grant on 20 December 2011.  Among the twenty-three highest-ranked applications, five (22%) addressed Absolute Priority 2: STEM Education, receiving $48 million in grant funding (33% of the total awarded).   http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/12/20/investing-innovation-creates-stem-awards

In the STEM category, award recipients were:  Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, for a technology-facilitated scale-up of a proven model of math instruction in high schools; National Math and Science Initiative for a partnership to increase student achievement and college readiness in STEM education in Dallas, TX; New York City Board of Education for "Innovate NYC"; New York Hall of Science for "SciGames," a techology-enhanced bridge between formal and informal education; and Baltimore City Public Schools for a middle school summer STEM learning program. 

Within California, Fresno County Office of Education received an award to enhance an expository reading and writing course for college readiness, while Aspire Public Schools in Oakland received a grant on transforming teacher talent for effective teaching in low-income schools, Oakland Unified School District received an award for "Oakland Accelerates," and Del Norte Unified School District in Crescent City received an award for "REACT" (Responding Effectively to Assessments with Curriculum and Teaching).

UC Irvine Study Touts Math in Kindergarten For Future Academic Success

Professor Greg Duncan of UC Irvine recently reported out on a study which links kindergarten students' learning of math skills with later academic success.  Reading skills ranked closely behind, with social skills following thereafter.  The analysis of studies involving 20,000 kindergartners in later elementary school years showed that, after accounting for differences in IQ and family income, students who learned the most math in kindergarten had the best math and reading scores later on.  http://www.gse.uci.edu/research/achieve_attent_behave.php 

The math skills which should be addressed include using number lines to determine cardinal patterns, and learning shapes, perhaps by playing cards and board games.  Some detractors feel that the stronger academic emphasis in kindergarten is creating more stress on young children, and a move away from needed social skills, the lack of which may also lead to dropping out of school.  http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/23/kindergarten-math-skills-key-to-later-success-rese/?page=1#article

Soft Skills Plus Technical Know-How Key to Tech Workforce Preparation

In a guest blog spot in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Bruce Johnson of Google Atlanta writes:

"There is no single set of discrete skills one can learn that will last an entire career in high-tech.  Companies typically care much more about hiring the right kind of person. Ideal recruits are creative, adaptable and autonomous, and they have achieved a deep understanding of core subjects such as math, physics and computer science that make it possible to have a razor-sharp intuition and an ability to assimilate new subjects and technologies quickly, without even the expectation of being trained; they train themselves on the skills du jour as the need arises and with minimum help or structure."

Johnson explains that their typical hiring process requires screening thousands of resumes to interview hundreds of people to hire a dozen or so new employees.  In order to create the deep pool of qualified applicants for this process, children need to be exposed to computer science, technology, engineering and be instilled with a love of learning, including of math and science, beginning at an early age.  To aid in those efforts, Google sponsors Computer Science for High School (http://www.cs4hs.com/) and Google Science Fair, and recommends Computer Science Ed ucation Week events (http://www.csedweek.org/ ).

"America Needs More Geeks"

Annie Murphy Paul writes in Time that "America needs more geeks."  She believes that relieving the short-fall of STEM professionals "begins with persuading students that scientists are people, too" rather than un-approachable, labcoat-wearing, beaker-toting folks who speak in an unintelligible language.   Paul cites various studies regarding making STEM subjects more approachable, as well as the learning process scientists use, and the relationship to engagement and achievement by students.  http://ideas.time.com/2011/12/21/america-needs-more-geeks-how-to-make-science-cool/?xid=gonewsedit  To assist with the "humanization" of scientists, NOVA has an award-winning program, available on-line, called "The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers" which profiles professionals and has blog entries catering to students.  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/secretlife/.

In a related story in the Washington Post's Ideas@Innovation blog, Emi Kolawole notes that attracting students to STEM fields had similar roadblocks in the late 1940's and early 1950's.  As a result, GE began printing comic books with titles such as "Adventures in Jet Power," Adventures Inside the Atom," and "Adventures in Electricity."  Parents expressed some displeasure, similar to efforts using video games to entice today's students.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/post/teaching-stem-from-comic-books-to-video-games/2011/12/20/gIQAF6jF9O_blog.html

FIRST Robotics Kickoff Show on NASA TV on 1/7/12

NASA-TV (channel 289 on DirecTV, channel 212 on Dish Network, check with your cable provider for other channels - also available streamed on-line) will host the FIRST Robotics Kick-off Show from Manchester, NH on Saturday, 7 January 2012, at 10:00am EST (check local listings). 

Local AV teams include:  #399 Lancaster High School, Eagle Robotics, mentor/educator, Ms. Lorri Reinhart and NASA/David Voracek; #2339 Antelope Valley High, Robolopes, mentor/educator, Dr. Layne Heiny; and #585 Tehachapi High, Cyberpenguins, mentor/educator, Danielle Evansic.

Local robot roll-out dates are:
  • #2339 Robolopes, 16 February 2012 at 2:30pm in the AVHS Library
  • #399 Eagle Robotics, 17 February 2012 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at LnHS
  • #585 Cyberpenguins, Saturday, 18 February 2012
Completion/ship date for all teams is 21 February 2012.

Competition dates for local teams are: 
  • San Diego Regional, 2-4 March 2012:  Eagle Robotics (LnHS) and Robolopes (AVHS)
  • Utah Regional, 15-17 March 2012:  Eagle Robotics (LnHS)
  • Los Angeles Regional, 15-17 March 2012, Long Beach Arena
  • Denver Regional, 22-24 March 2012:  Eagle Robotics (LnHS)
  • Seattle Regional, 22-24 March 2012:  Cyberpenguins (THS)
  • Las Vegas Regional, 5-7 April 2012:  Cyberpenguins (THS)
  • Eagle Robotics at Super Science Saturday 10 Dec. 2011
  • Championship:  Robolopes
Stay tuned for updates on team news.