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, April 24, 2013

Third Annual Conference on Integrated Computing and STEM Education Scheduled for 5/18 at UC Davis

Registration is now open for the 3rd annual Conference on Integrated Computing and STEM Education; early bird registration ($25) closes 2 May, and regular registration ($30) is due by 14 May 2013.  The conference will address issues in K-14 education, including increasing student numbers in C-STEM education.  Keynote addresses by Dr. Ralph J. Hexter (Provost of UC Davis), Dr. Debra Richardson (Prof. of Informatics at UC Irvine), Jonathon Raymond (Superintendent of Sacramento City Schools), and a panel of STEM teachers and principal from the School of Engineering and Sciences in the Sac City Union School District and moderated by Karen Shores of the CDE, are among the sessions on tap.  Teachers, business partners, and others will share best practices in break-outs, and the C-STEM Teacher of the Year awards will be presented.  For more information, visit http://c-stem.ucdavis.edu/activities/conference/.

California Students Honored at White House Science Fair

Among the 100 students from 40 states recently honored at the White House Science Fair, three hailed from California:  eleven year old Sylvia Todd from Auburn, who demonstrated her drawing maker-bot; junior high student Jessika Baral from Fremont, for her eye exercise device which reduces eye fatigue and strengthens peripheral vision; and fifteen year old Jonah Kohn from San Diego, whose project won a top honor at the Google Science Fair, who created a device which allows hearing-impaired people to enjoy music through tactile vibration.  http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/2013_scifair_students.pdf

I-Squared Act Proposes Additional Funding for STEM Education

According to Roll Call, the I-Squared Act includes a proposal by the tech industry to double their fees for visas and green cards for additional foreign workers, with the increased funding raised to be designated for US STEM education.  Due to the severe shortage of qualified tech workers for many open positions across the nation, the need to fill the pipeline is seen as being at a critical stage.  Public awareness campaigns to draw students to computer science and ICT careers include a very popular video by code.org Code Video.  http://www.rollcall.com/news/reed_tech_industry_ready_to_do_its_part_for_stem_education-223901-1.html?pos=oopih

Well-Paying Science Careers Without a Ph.D.

Brazen Life has published a feature by Annie Favreau on "7 Cool Science Jobs That Don't Require a Ph.D."  While all require some post-secondary education, these jobs fit within the higher-paying, higher-growth categories of STEM careers.  The job titles include:  environmental scientist; sonographer; veterinary technician; geotech; nurse; forensic science tech; and biomedical engineer.  7 Cool Science Jobs That Don't Require a Ph.D.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

HP Catalyst Academy to Offer Free Summer Professional Development Sessions on STEMx Topics

Leila Meyer of THE Journal reports that ISTE, New Media Consortium, and HP are partnering to offer 15 free summer on-line professional development modules on STEMx (x=other subjects such as computer science, nanotechnology, biotech, etc., incorporating 21st century skills) beginning in June 2013.

"The first 15 online mini-courses available through HP Catalyst Academy include:
  • Building a Framework for Digital Fabrication;
  • ClassroomSalon.org: Social Textbooks;
  • Computational Thinking in Secondary Schools;
  • Connecting Students to their World;
  • Game Design for Learning;
  • Geospatial Tech for STEMx Learning;
  • Helping Students Change their World through App Design;
  • InkSurvey: Graphical Response Tool for Real-Time Formative Assessment;
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary STEMx Teaching;
  • Planning Enriching ICT-Mediated STEMx Experiences;
  • Polar Bears in a Changing Climate;
  • Project-Based Learning with Real-World Problems;
  • Remote Labs;
  • Weaving Social Media into STEM Teaching; and
  • Strategies for Formative Assessment through e-Portfolios.
"Further information about HP Catalyst Academy can be found at catalyst-academy.org."

Read more at http://thejournal.com/articles/2013/04/18/hp-catalyst-initiative-offers-free-online-professional-development-courses-for-stemx-educators.aspx#f9OuYGWi1PEUmcBU.99

Monday, April 22, 2013

On-Line Registration for Summer Gateway Academy Now Available



On-line registration is now available for the AVUHSD Summer Gateway Academy sessions.  The first will be held 17-21 June 2013 at Lancaster High School, and the second 29 July through 2 August 2013 at Knight High School in Palmdale.  Please visit http://www.avrop.avhsd.org/Summer to complete the registration forms.  The deadline to submit registration is 23 May 2013 or until each camp is filled (35 slots), first-come, first-served (a waiting list for each site will be held).

Please contact instructor Bob Fenbers for questions regarding the Lancaster session at rfenbers@avhsd.org and instructor Bill Lewis for questions regarding the Knight session at blewis@avhsd.org .

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Crafton College Implements "Left Lane Program" to Bridge Student Gaps

Crafton College in the Victor Valley area is implementing a new "Left Lane Project" to assist high school students to transition more effectively to community college by helping them to create education plans, use tutors for subjects needing remediation, and participate in summer bridge programs, in return for giving successful students priority registration.  Other efforts include use of the K16 Bridge program at Victor Valley College (and Antelope Valley College's own  S-MAP [Senior Math Acceleration and Preparation] and counseling/matriculation project), all prior to a 2014 mandate for all California Community Colleges.  http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_22971027/community-colleges-work-help-students

For a look at related challenges for students working to get through a community college in two years, see:   http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_22971077/few-finishing-community-college-courses-time.html

Annual Range and Natural Resources Camp Scholarship Applications Due by 5/10/13

The 29th Annual Range and Natural Resources Camp will be held for students aged 15-18 at the Elkus Youth Camp in Half Moon Bay, CA from 16-21 June 2013.  The event "will address the importance of such topics including, plant identification, livestock production, wildlife management, forestry, fire ecology, geology, soils, water resources, rangeland ecosystems, technologies used in natural resource science and management."  Top rated student/s at the end of the camp evaluation are eligible for expense-paid trips to the national conference in Orlando, FL.  Four scholarships to the California camp will be offered for students within the boundaries of MEEC's high desert California service area; the scholarships will cover tuition and airfare of up to $350 per person.  Applications are due to MEEC via fax or mail by no later than 10 May 2013.  For more information, contact Samantha Murray of MEEC at smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov.

Public Comment Period on New California Math Framework 4/17 to 6/17/13

The CDE Common Core Team is seeking public input on the new draft Mathematics Framework from 17 April through 17 June 2013.

To access the draft Mathematics Framework and Online Survey, visit: CDE Mathematics Framework and Survey
E-mail longer or more in-depth comments to: MATHFRAMEWORK@cde.ca.gov
For more information, please contact:  Deborah Franklin, Lead Consultant, dfrankli@cde.ca.gov

Final Next Generation Science Standards Released 4/9/13

"On Tuesday, April 9, the final Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)—a new set of voluntary, rigorous, and internationally benchmarked standards for K–12 science education—were released. The standards identify science and engineering practices and content that all K–12 students should master in order to be fully prepared for college, careers, and citizenship. The NGSS and supporting Appendices can be found on the Achieve, Inc. NGSS Web site.

"New California science standards, based on the NGSS, will be presented to the State Board of Education (SBE) in July 2013, with adoption in November 2013 pending SBE approval. For more detailed information about the development process and timeline for adoption of new science standards in California, please visit the CDE NGSS Web Page."

Information courtesy of the CDE Common Core Team

Webinar on New CCSS Standards for Math Practice Set for 4/25/13


"On Thursday, April 25, 3:30 p.m. PDT, the California Mathematics Project will present a detailed outline of how potential leaders and professional development providers can facilitate a session or series of sessions using the K–12 Standards for Mathematical Practice Professional Learning Module. The webinar will include an overview of the module, overview of the instructional guide for facilitators, and materials available for use."

URL: https://cde.webex.com/cde/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=922562848
Event #: 922 562 848
Event Password: 69905
Teleconference Call-in: 1-650-479-3207
Access Code: 922562848


Information courtesy of CDE Common Core Team

PLTW CEO Inspires Antelope Valley Crowd

Invited by Bobbie Mitchell, Algebra teacher at the school, Dr. Vince Bertram, President and CEO of Project Lead the Way (c) , spoke at Amargosa Creek Middle School in Lancaster on Tuesday, 16 April, regarding not only his own personal background as a student, teacher, and administrator, but also about the 21st Century skills, opportunities, and experiences that are crucial for our students.  Some highlights of his talk included stories about faculty and staff who made a difference in his young life, providing both material goods and emotional support when they were needed, and about Bertram's son being willing to make sacrifices in his own life when his dad took over PLTW and about the decision to become a teacher, both in order to make a significant difference in the lives of others.  As part of the prelude to the speech, local STEM advocates and business partners, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, AFRL, Edwards Air Force Base, NDEP, and others, were introduced to the crowd of parents, students, and school staff.  The event received front section coverage in today's Antelope Valley Press, courtesy of Julie Drake.


Bobbie Mitchell introduces An Evening of Inspiration

Dr. Vince Bertram addresses Antelope Valley audience

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

CSULB College of Engineering Dean Urges "Wright Sisters" to Take Flight

In his March newsletter message, the Dean of the CSULB College of Engineering commemorates Women's History Month by noting that the contributions of women to the engineering profession are not only worthwhile, but also necessary to future success.  He urges parents and faculty to foster their interest in STEM/engineering, and to encourage them to use their collaborative, communication, and analytical skills to the betterment of engineering and society as a whole.  CSULB COE March Newsletter - "Wright Sisters Must Take Flight!"

MEEC - Key Issues Scholarship Applications Due 4/19/13

MEEC, through the generosity of its sponsors, is once again offering scholarships to teachers to attend the Key Issues Institute this summer in Silverthorne, Colorado.  Three Antelope Valley teachers and one from the San Bernardino County high desert/Riverside County Blyth region will be awarded scholarships.  Applications for the one-week environmental issues conference are available for 5th-8th grade core subject teachers who will implement the curriculum into their content during the school year; they must be submitted by no later than 19 April 2013.  For more information, visit MEEC Key Issues Scholarship.

Micro RC Fly-in Scheduled for Tehachapi 4/19/13

Join fellow Remote Control aircraft enthusiasts and aerospace engineers for a micro fly-in at Monroe High School gym (Tehachapi Blvd. and Snyder Road) in Tehachapi on Friday, 19 April 2013, from 7:00 to 9:00pm PDT.  For more information regarding aircraft and insurance requirements, contact Danielle Evansic at devansic@teh.k12.ca.us.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

SOAR Prep and AAV Applications Now Available

SOAR Prep Academy is now accepting applications for 7th and 8th grade students for the 2013-2014 school year.  Information nights will be held on 9 April 2013 at Knight HS, 11 April 2013 at Highland HS, and 16 April 2013 at Quartz Hill HS, each beginning at 6:00pm.  Registration dates are on 10 April 2013 and 1 May 2013 at the AAV Westside Resource Center adjacent to Quartz Hill HS, from 3:00 to 6:00pm.  


The Virtual Academy of the Academies of the Antelope Valley is also registering for on-line/blended classes for students in grades 7 through 12.  Information nights will be held on 24 April 2013 and 15 May 2013 at the AAV/CTE Resource Center, each beginning at 6:15pm.  Registration sessions will be held at the AAV/CTE Resource Center on 10 April 2013 and 1 May 2013, and at the AAV Westside Resource Center on 11 April 2013 and 2 May 2013.  Go to AAV Registration for more details.  Completed and signed applications must be delivered to one of the AAV Resource Centers, located at  AAV Westside Resource Center – 6300 W. Ave. L, Lancaster, CA – 661-943-3031, AAV/CTE Resource Center – 1156 East Avenue S, Palmdale, CA 93550 - 661-575-1004, or AAV Eastside Resource Ctr. – Eastside HS 3200 East Ave. J-8, Lancaster – 661-946-3800 ext. 1199, by no later than 17 May 2013.

Applications and information may be obtained from Natasha Kirk, nkirk@avhsd.org, or by calling (661) 943 – 2091 Ext. 105.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Niles, You Will Be Missed

"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
 And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
 Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
 of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
 You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
 High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
 I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
 My eager craft through footless halls of air....

" Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
 I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
 Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
 And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
 The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
 - Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."



- "High Flight" by John Gillespie Magee

Our sincerest condolences to his wife, Majella, and his loving children and family.  Services will be held Friday, 12 April 2013, 11:00 a.m., at Joshua Memorial Park and Mortuary, 808 East Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA.


Niles Nilo assisting high school students with Bridge Building Workshop

Niles Nilo - Lockheed Martin Engineer
AV STEM Advocate - working with child at ArtSTEM Fair 2011