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, December 18, 2013

Advanced STEM Service Learning Workshop 2/13/14 in Palmdale

MEEC, with generous grant funding from Boeing, will be offering an Advanced STEM Service Learning Workshop for teachers of grades 3-12 in the High Desert on Thursday, 13 February 2014, from 4:30 to 7:30pm, at the AVUHSD Palmdale Conference Center in Palmdale.  The workshop will show how to integrate CCSS and NGSS into STEM service learning projects, using hands-on activities.  Attendees will receive a free copy of the resource book Integrating Scientific Practices and Service Learning: Engaging Students in STEM ($35 value), and dinner will be provided. 

Register by 6 February 2014 by contacting Samantha Murray, MEEC Program Specialist, at (760) 245-1661 x 6717 or e-mail at smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov .

Other sessions will be available on 29 January in Victorville, and on 5 February in Yucca Valley.  See Advanced STEM Service Learning Workshop for further details.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

AHORA STEM Day Held at Eastside High School

Co-sponsored by the Antelope Valley Union High School District and LATINO Magazine, approximately 150 students of under-represented populations in STEM from AV, Eastside, Knight, and Palmdale High Schools attended the AHORA Student Day at Eastside High School on 16 December 2013.  Students heard from two panels, the first on careers and majors in STEM, including Lupe Delgado, manufacturing engineer from Northrop Grumman, Katya Guevara, a UC Davis freshman and recent grad from KHS, Manny Sanchez, a 40-year veteran engineer from Lockheed Martin, and Mike Huggins, Chief of Propulsions Division at AFRL/EAFB.  The second panel, "The Table of Brotherhood," addressing diversity issues, was comprised of  Eric Peterson, General Motors VP, Joseph Velasquez an attorney and founder of OjoOido, Sandra Johnson of the Lancaster City Council and UAV, and Hernando Marroquin, a prominent local businessman.  The MC for the event was Alfredo J. Estrada, Editor of LATINO Magazine, with additional addresses by Lou Gonzales of AV Chevy, and Dr. David Vierra, AVUHSD Superintendent.  Students interacted during Q&A sessions with the panelists and by speaking with local STEM professionals during breaks.


Eric Peterson, Joseph Velasquez, Sandra Johnson, Hernando Marroquin
address students from the "Table of Brotherhood"




Lupe Delgado, Katya Guevara, Manny Sanchez, and Mike Huggins
explain the benefits of STEM education and take student questions.
 

Monday, December 16, 2013

Upcoming LA County Office of Education STEM Trainings

Thanks to Anthony  Quan of the STEM Unit at LACOE for the following info:


STEM in the Elementary Classroom (http://lacoe.k12oms.org/1542-76698)

Jan 8, 2014 | LACOE EC 107 | $75 | 8:00am-3:30pm

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics and Next Generation Science Standards were designed to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn in mathematics and science. This calls to attention the need for students to begin working toward 21st Century skills to become better prepared for STEM related careers and experiences. This workshop is a blend between the use of technology for learning and face-to-face experiences.

This one-day training is designed to provide participants with the following knowledge, skills, and resources:

  • A brief overview of the STEM Initiative;
  • An understanding of the depth of knowledge required of students;
  • An overview of the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards;
  • Lessons infused with the Standards focused on modeling;
  • Effective instructional strategies to increase student proficiency with the standards.

Implications of Common Core State Standards on Next Generation Science Standards (http://lacoe.k12oms.org/1542-78444)

Jan 22 & 23, 2014 | Castaic Union School District | $175| 8:00am-3:30pm

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Next Generation Science Standards were designed to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn in mathematics. The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects calls attention to the importance of informational text, expository writing, and text complexity in preparing students for college, career, and citizenship in the 21st Century.

This two-day training is designed to provide participants with the following knowledge, skills, and resources:

  • A brief overview of the Common Core State Standards for Math and English Language Arts;
  • An understanding of the depth of knowledge required of students;
  • An overview of the Next Generation Science Standards;
  • Lessons infused with the Standards focused on modeling; and
  • Effective instructional strategies to increase student proficiency with the standards.

 Implementing Common Core State Standards Math in the K-2 Classroom (http://lacoe.k12oms.org/1542-76617)

Jan 13, 14 & 24, 2014 | San Jose Charter Academy, West Covina | $250| 8:00am-3:30pm

8:00am-8:30am Networking and Continental Breakfast
8:30am-3:30pm Workshop

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics were designed to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn in mathematics. It is considered robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need in preparation for college, career and citizenship in the 21st Century. Implementation of the Mathematics Standards requires a shift in classroom instruction and assessment practices.


This three-day training is designed to provide participants with the following knowledge, skills, and resources:

  • An understanding of the Standards of Mathematical Content and Practice and implications for teaching and learning;
  • Requirements for student success with assessments aligned to the standards;
  • An understanding of the depth of knowledge required of students;
  • Lessons infused with the Standards of Mathematical Practice with a focus on modeling;
  • Effective instructional strategies to increase student proficiency with the standards;
  • The progressions of each domain of the standards across the grades; and
  • Implications for English Learners and other special needs populations.


Implementing Common Core State Standards Math in the 3-5 Classroom (http://lacoe.k12oms.org/1542-76618)

Feb 4, 5 & 24, 2014 | LACOE EC 281 | $250| 8:00am-3:30pm

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics were designed to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn in mathematics. It is considered robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need in preparation for college, career and citizenship in the 21st Century. Implementation of the Mathematics Standards requires a shift in classroom instruction and assessment practices.

This three-day training is designed to provide participants with the following knowledge, skills, and resources:

  • An understanding of the Standards of Mathematical Content and Practice and implications for teaching and learning;
  • Requirements for student success with assessments aligned to the standards;
  • An understanding of the depth of knowledge required of students;
  • Lessons infused with the Standards of Mathematical Practice with a focus on modeling;
  • Effective instructional strategies to increase student proficiency with the standards;
  • The progressions of each domain of the standards across the grades; and
  • Implications for English Learners and other special needs populations.

 Implementing Common Core State Standards Math in the 6-8 Classroom (http://lacoe.k12oms.org/1542-76619)

Feb 6, 7 & 27, 2014 | LACOE EC 202 | $250| 8:00am-3:30pm

 

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics were designed to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn in mathematics. It is considered robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need in preparation for college, career and citizenship in the 21st Century. Implementation of the Mathematics Standards requires a shift in classroom instruction and assessment practices.

 This three-day training is designed to provide participants with the following knowledge, skills, and resources:

  • An understanding of the Standards of Mathematical Content and Practice and implications for teaching and learning;
  • Requirements for student success with assessments aligned to the standards;
  • An understanding of the depth of knowledge required of students;
  • Lessons infused with the Standards of Mathematical Practice with a focus on modeling;
  • Effective instructional strategies to increase student proficiency with the standards;
  • Options for eighth-grade courses and the CCSS assessments; and
  • Implications for English Learners and other special needs populations.

 CCSS and TMEL:  Teaching Math to English Learners 6-12 (http://lacoe.k12oms.org/1542-76712)

Feb 20, 21, Mar 14, 2014 | LACOE EC 202 | $250| 8:00am-3:30pm

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics were designed to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn in mathematics. These sessions provide participants with effective research-based differentiation strategies that ensure access to standards-based elementary mathematics for all students, specifically English Learners.

The Region XI California Network will share materials and strategies that can be used district-wide to improve English learner mathematics outcomes.

This three-day training is designed to provide participants with the following knowledge, skills, and resources:

  • Develop an understanding of the implications of the Standards for Mathematical Practice for teaching English learners;
  • Build connections between prior knowledge and the mathematics standards using multiple representations to foster comprehension;
  • Discuss flexible groupings of students for maximum use of language as a tool for learning mathematical content;
  • Make use of CELDT data and language development performance indicators to differentiate mathematics instruction and bridge to the Common Core Standards for Mathematical practice; and
  • Promote 21st Century skills by addressing communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and making connections across and between disciplines.

AV Science Olympiad Training Dates

Additional dates have been scheduled for training for teams registered to compete in the Aerospace Valley Science Olympiad (event date 8 March 2014 at Antelope Valley College):

11 January 2014 - Discovery - earth science training;
18 January 2014 - AVC - anatomy and biology training;
25 January 2014 (re-scheduled from 12/14/13) - AVC - engineering events training;
8 February 2014 - AVC - chemistry events training.

For additional details, see AV Science Olympiad 2014

Buick Achievers Scholarship Applications Open 1/6-2/28/14

Sponsored by General Motors, the Buick Achievers Scholarship application period will be open from 6 January through 28 February 2014.  The scholarships, which focus on automotive and related STEM fields, offer $25,000 renewable funding for 100 students.  For further information, visit Buick Achievers Scholarship .

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

LEGO Children's Fund Grant Application Due by 1/15/14

The LEGO Children's Fund offers grants, typically between $500 and $5,000 (average $3,000), for collaborative efforts of 501(c)(3) and educational agencies, particularly in support of early childhood education related to creativity, and technology and communication projects that advance learning opportunities.  While preference is given to efforts in CT and Western MA, grants are available nationwide.  Applications are due quarterly on the 15th of January, April, July, and October.  For more information and to download the application form, visit LEGO Children's Fund Grant .

Project Lead the Way Conference Early Bird Registration Open Until 12/13/13





The third annual Project Lead the Way statewide conference will be held on 20-21 February 2014 at the Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel.  Early bird registration is available for $150 until Friday, 13 December 2013 (increase to $175 on 14 December).  The fee includes snack and cocktail reception Thursday, and breakfast and lunch Friday along with the conference sessions.  Hotel rooms are available for $150 per night at the Sheraton, after registering for the conference.  For further information and to register, visit PLTW Statewide Conference Registration .