Lancaster MPAF STEAM Scholarship Essays Due 10/1/15

The Lancaster Museum and Public Art Foundation is accepting essay submissions for a new STEAM scholarship.  Open to high school juniors and seniors throughout the Antelope Valley, the 500-650 word essays will address the topic: "How art and technology will impact the future of the Antelope Valley."  Submissions, due by October 1, 2015,  will be judged on their demonstration of skills in writing, critical thinking and creativity.  The winner will receive a $500 scholarship and a tour of ABC 7 television studio.  The student and his/her family will be honored at the October 17, 2o15 MOAH gala.

For further information, visit:  www.lmpaf.org

MEEC STEM Grants and Upcoming Activities in the High Desert!

Thanks to Samantha Murray for these items:

MEEC Grant-writing Workshop 9/24/15 in Victorville:

Join MEEC on September 24, 2015 for a FREE two-hour workshop spotlighting MEEC funding opportunities available to High Desert teachers!  During the workshop, teachers will have the opportunity to review MEEC’s grant application processes and walk away knowing the requirements for each of MEEC’s available funding sources.   Participants will  view sample applications for each program and have their application questions answered for the following grant opportunities:
EnviroBus Bucks Transportation Grants, School Garden Grants, EE Mini Grants, YELC and STEM Service-Learning Grants.

WHEN:  September 24, 2015
TIME: 4:30 PM-6:30 PM
WHERE:  Mojave Desert AQMD Offices, 14306 Park Ave., Victorville, CA 92392

Seating is limited, so early registration is recommended.  To reserve your space today, contact MEEC Program Specialist, Samantha Murray at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717 or email: smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov.  Registration Deadline is September 16, 2015.  For more info, visit:  MEEC Grant Workshop.


Energy from the Sun Teacher Workshop 10/1/15 in Palmdale:

Thanks to a generous grant from The Boeing Company, MEEC’s “Energy From the Sun”  teacher workshops will  equip educators with the tools to enable their students to conduct scientific research utilizing solar energy, draw conclusions, and develop critical thinking skills while learning how to reach logical conclusions and solutions about our future energy usage.

Each participating teacher will receive a kit that contains a Solar Oven, Solar Panel Kit, UV beads PLUS standards-based curriculum from the National Environmental Education Development Program (NEED).  NEED curriculum includes four levels: Primary, Elementary, Intermediate, and Secondary.  The NEED Project curriculum includes Teachers’ Guides and Student Lab Books for hands-on activities as well as a variety of resources to learn about renewable energy and their applications. Student Lab Book activities are designed for group learning, which promotes interaction among students. NEED's   K-12 curriculum helps schools meet the Common Core State Standards, develops student leadership, and brings the latest technology into the classroom.  Each kit is valued at over $200!!

When and where:  October 1, 2015, 4:00-6:00pm - AVUHSD Palmdale Conference Center, 1156 East Ave S, Palmdale, CA 93550.  RSVP by September 23, 2015 (currently full, but waitlist being taken); for details visit:  Energy from the Sun Workshop

Youth Environmental Leadership Conference 10/24/15 in the Victor Valley area: 

 Once again, the event will feature the "STEMFest" in addition to 3 workshops that the teams will rotate through. "STEMFest" is an opportunity for teams to rotate through the arena engaging with experts, mentors and other exhibitors to learn more about STEM environmental careers and projects while having fun with hands-on activities. Topics will focus on "green" themes such as water conservation, solar oven construction, robotics, composting, and school garden projects. The "technical" activities will be with the exhibitors in STEMFest, which provides a well-balanced program with something for everyone.  Attendees will hear a motivational address from Garner Holt, President and founder of Garner Holt Productions, Inc., an international design and manufacturing company that creates animatronics and special effects for theme parks, museums, shopping malls and restaurants.

Lunch, snacks, re-usable water bottles, YELC T-Shirts, and all conference materials are provided free of charge. Additionally, teams participating in YELC are eligible to apply for a project grant up to $250 to implement or further their environmental service learning project! By applying for and accepting these grant funds, you also agree to come back and participate with your team in the follow-up Spring 2016 YELC Showcase to share your project (regardless of what stage it's in) with other teams.  Transportation Reimbursement funds may be available upon request (if applicable) for participating teams in the Antelope Valley.

Teams of two to eight students, in grades 3 through 12, along with an attending teacher/advisor, from schools throughout the Mojave and High Desert, are invited to take part in this unique and FREE Conference.  Have parents complete the necessary participation forms and return them to MEEC by the October 5, 2015 Deadline.   Applications and transportation grants will be available online at: MEEC YELC 2016.

Environmental Education Mini-Grant Applications Due 10/30/15:

For a limited time, MEEC is accepting applications for environmental education school project and material mini-grants.   Recipients will be notified in early November and grants will be awarded by November 30th. Projects must be implemented/materials must be used in classrooms located in the High Desert portion of San Bernardino County, the Antelope Valley or the Palo Verde Valley of Riverside County.  Applicants must also teach within these jurisdictions.

Funded projects must be completed/purchased by June 18, 2016.  Average grant amount will vary from $100 to $500, but may be higher.  Individual award amounts to be determined by MEEC. Only one grant will be awarded per teacher per school year.

Application deadline is 5:00 PM October 30, 2015.  The EE Mini Grant Application is attached and can also be downloaded from MEEC’s website at MEEC EE Mini-Grants.   Completed applications may be mailed to MEEC/EE Mini Grants, 14306 Park Avenue, Victorville, CA 92392 or faxed to (760) 241-6271. For questions, contact Christie Robinson at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6101.

"A Garden in Every School" Grant Applications Due by 10/30/15:

Through the generous support of MEEC’s  sponsors and a special grant from MEEC partner Alliance for Water Awareness and Conservation (AWAC), schools may apply for a grant to provide them with the basic tools necessary to start or sustain a school garden.  This grant opportunity is now open to schools in the Antelope Valley.

Interested teachers must submit a completed application form that includes the proposed project, desired materials , a budget cost breakout based on the actual material costs, including shipping and handling, if applicable (labor costs are not eligible for funding)  and how the project will address educational standards.  Recipients will be notified in early November and grants will be awarded by November 30th.  Grant Applications are attached and also available on MEEC’s website at MEEC School Garden Grants .

The maximum grant amount is $500.00. Individual award amounts will be determined by MEEC. Only one grant will be awarded per school per school year. To date, MEEC has awarded school garden grants to 29 schools in the High Desert.  The application deadline is 5:00 PM October 30, 2015. Completed applications may be mailed to MEEC/School Garden Program, 14306 Park Avenue, Victorville, CA 92392 or faxed to (760) 241-6271. For questions, contact MEEC Program Specialist Samantha Murray at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717. 

New NASA/AERO Educator Opportunities!

Thanks to Sondra Geddes for the following information:

Please join the NASA Armstrong Educator Resource Center in bringing the Apollo legacy
to your classroom by attending the Lunar Meteorite Sample Disk Certification workshop.  Learn hands-on activities that can be used in your classroom and give your students access to view and explore some small portions of these “extraterrestrial” materials.
NASA has actual lunar samples from the historic Apollo missions available to lend to
K-12 formal educators upon successful completion of the Lunar Meteorite Disk Certification
Workshop.

NOTE: To be eligible for certification, educators must be currently employed at an
accredited school as a formal K-12 classroom teacher or as a pre-service teacher
enrolled at a teaching institution.

WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2015, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm PT
Location: NASA Armstrong Educator Resource Center at the AERO Institute, 38256 Sierra Hwy., Palmdale, CA 93550.  Register Online: http://aeroi.org/ercForm/index.html

There is no charge for the workshop. Free NASA educational materials will be provided. Seats are very limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Questions? Call Sondra Geddes at 661-276-2359 or email at sondra.l.geddes@nasa.gov


The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program is now accepting applications for the 2016-2017 Fellowship Year!

The AEF Program provides a unique opportunity for accomplished K-12 educators in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to serve in the national education arena. Fellows spend 11 months working in a Federal agency or U.S. Congressional office, bringing their extensive classroom knowledge and experience to STEM education program and/or education policy efforts.

Program applications are due November 19, 2015, 8:00pm EST, and must be submitted through an online application system.

To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens, be a current employed full-time in a U.S. public or private elementary or secondary school or school district, and must have taught full-time in a public or private elementary or secondary school for at least five of the last seven years in a STEM discipline.

Current sponsoring agencies include, but may not be limited to, the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The DOE also sponsors up to four placements in U.S. Congressional offices.

The AEF Program is managed by the DOE Office of Science, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists, in collaboration with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

Information about the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program, including eligibility requirements, program benefits, application requirements, and access to the online application system can be found at http://science.energy.gov/wdts/einstein/.

Plutopalooza Scheduled for Thursday Night on the Square 7/16/15

Join Dr. Dana Backman, NASA's SOFIA Outreach Director, at "Plutopalooza" on Thursday, 16 July 2015, at Poncitlan Square in Palmdale.  Solar system-themed hands-on activities and a special presentation will be made on "SOFIA:  Chasing Pluto's Shadow."  Presentations are at 6:00pm and 6:45pm.  Poncitlan Square is located at the City of Palmdale Civic Center.  For further information about TNOTS, visit:  Thursday Night On the Square .  For additional information about NASA/AERO Institute programs, go to:  AERO Institute Palmdale .

Hacienda Elementary School Wins 2015 Mojave Intermediate Space Challenge

Congratulations to Cal City's Hacienda Elementary School students who placed first overall in the 2015 Intermediate Space Challenge at the Mojave Air and Spaceport on 15 May 2015.


View video of the day at 2015 Mojave Intermediate Space Challenge .

Journey to Mars Workshop Scheduled 5/2/15

Are you ready to go on a Journey to Mars? Join NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Office of Education for an educator professional development workshop on Rocketry. Through hands-­on experiments and physical demonstrations, educators will select a mission and learn how to design and construct a high-­powered paper rocket that will achieve the mission. Engage in hands-­on, standards-­aligned mathematics, science and engineering activities as you construct a rocket, predict its performance and its chance of mission success, fly the rocket, and file a post-­‐flight mission report. Missions include achieving high-­‐ altitude records, landing on a “planetary” target, carrying payloads, testing a rocket recovery system, and more. Instructions are provided for different paper rocket construction techniques. Learn about real world connections with NASA research and our Journey to Mars. 

 WHEN:  Saturday, May 2, 2015, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PT

 Target Audience: K-­‐2 Formal and Informal Educators

 Location: NASA Armstrong Educator Resource Center at the AERO Institute, 38256 Sierra Hwy., Palmdale, CA 93550

 Register Online: aeroi.org/ercRegister/index.html   

 Questions? Call Sondra Geddes at 661-­‐276-­‐2359 or email at sondra.l.geddes@nasa.gov

 There is no  charge  for  the  workshop.  Free NASA educational materials  will  be provided.  Seats are limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

NASA Hubble Telescope Event Planned for 4/23/15

To commemorate this quarter century of success in engineering, science and culture, NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Office of Education will host an educator workshop to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope. Since its launch, Hubble has allowed astronomers to observe the universe in stunning clarity, revealed properties of space and time, and shed light on many of the great mysteries of the universe making conjectures certainties. Learn about NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) aircraft that also explores the universe with an onboard infrared telescope. Educators will interact with subject matter experts and make connections between Hubble and SOFIA as well as enjoy a tour of the SOFIA aircraft at Hangar 703 in Palmdale.

 When:  Thursday, April 23, 2015, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Pacific

Eligibility: US Citizens who are K-12 Educators (Formal, Informal, Pre-service)

Location: NASA Armstrong Hangar 703, 2825 East Ave P, Palmdale, CA 93550

Registration: 1) Apply at aeroi.org/ercForm/index.html ; 2) Submit Personal Information for Visitor Request and Hangar Access:  -Full Name; -Email address; -Country of Citizenship; -Date of Birth; -Place of Birth (City, State); -Driver's license number and state of issue’ -Last six digits only of your social security number.

Questions: Call Barbie Buckner at 661-276-2966 or email barbie.buckner@nasa.gov

 There is no charge for the workshop. Free NASA educational materials will be provided. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis.

Northrop Grumman Fab School Lab Contest Open 5/4/15

Northrop Grumman Foundation is launching an online contest to encourage STEM innovation through updated labs in middle schools.  The "Fab School Labs" competition is open from 4 May through 28 August 2015, and will offer 5 grants of up to $100,000 to update science, technology, or engineering spaces.  Teachers in eligible public middle or charter schools (grades 5-8) may apply with a video and essay, one per contestant per school site.  Communities will vote for 25 selected finalists to determine grant winners.  For more information on eligibility, rules, etc., visit Northrop Fab School Labs Rules .

Antelope Valley AIAA to Host Career Night 4/23/15 at AVC

The Antelope Valley Chapter of AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics) is hosting a Career Night for students from 8th grade to college and their parents in celebration of National Engineering Week.  The event will be held on 23 April 2015, from 6:00-7:30pm in the Board Room (SSV151) at Antelope Valley College in Lancaster.  A panel discussion of what engineers do will be featured, along with FREE PIZZA!

For more information, visit AV AIAA Facebook or email aiaa.av@gmail.com .

MEEC "Slow Your Flow of H20" Video Contest Submissions Due by 5/5/15

With the Governor's new announced water restrictions due to California's drought, this contest is particularly timely.

The Mojave Water Agency invites you to take part in the “Slow Your Flow of H2O” water conservation video contest!  Students in grades 3-12 can create a 30-second to one minute video demonstrating the unique ways they are taking their water conservation techniques to the next level in and around their homes.   

When it comes to conserving water, even the smallest adjustments can have a big impact.  Taking shorter showers and watering your lawn less often are effective ways to reduce our water footprint, but what else can you do to conserve water? 

There are THREE Prize categories:  Grades 3-5; Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12.   First, second, and third place winners will be awarded in each category.  All awards are gift cards.

First place winners will receive $150, second place $75, and third place will receive $50.

 

CONTEST CRITERIA

• Create an innovative 30-second to one minute video promoting water conservation.
• Videos may be submitted as a DVD/CD, SchoolTube/YouTube/PowToon link,  or Media File.
• Your video will be judged on uniqueness, creativity and the best portrayal of how you conserve water indoors or outdoors.   Additional Judging Criteria: Does your video encourage others to conserve water? Is it entertaining? Does is demonstrate how you are conserving water?  Providing a “title” for your video is optional.
• Video links  and Media Files may be emailed to  smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov
• DVD/CD entries may be mailed or hand delivered to: MEEC, 14306 Park Ave, Victorville, CA 92392
• Individual entries only.  Each entry must contain the student’s name, grade, school and contact phone number to be considered.
• Deadline for submission is May 5, 2015 at 5:00 PM.
• Winners will be notified by phone and invited to attend the Red Carpet Award Ceremony presentation on May 21, 2015 at The Mojave Water Agency.

For further information, please call Samantha Murray, at: (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717 or visit Meec/MWA Slow Your Flow of H20 Video Contest
All submissions become the property of MEEC and The Mojave Water Agency

MEEC Environmental/Engineering Scholarship Available for Graduating HS Seniors - Applications Due by 4/3/15

Calling all graduating high school seniors! $2000 Scholarship Opportunity!

The Mojave Environmental Education Consortium is pleased to announce its 2014/2015 Environmental/Science Scholarship Program. MEEC will be awarding five $2000 scholarships to qualifying applicants for the 2014/2015 academic year. Graduating high school seniors attending high school within MEEC’s boundaries are encouraged to apply.

MEEC’s boundaries consist of the High Desert portion of San BernardinoCounty, the Palo Verde Valley of Riverside County and the High Desert region of North Los Angeles County, including the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale.

Eligible students must declare a major in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or other closely related Science or Engineering field.

Applicants are required to provide the following:
1. A completed application form (available at MEEC Environmental/Engineering Scholarship 2015 )
2. Transcripts and SAT/ACT scores (unofficial copies accepted)
3. 500 word personal essay on – “My Career Goals and Why I would like a Career in the Environment, Science, or Engineering field ”
4. Application packages must be received no later than 5 PM, on April 3, 2015. Applicant packet may be mailed or dropped off at:

MEEC – ATTN: Scholarship Committee
14306 Park Ave, Victorville, CA 92392

Applications may also be faxed to (760) 241-6271 or emailed to Samantha Murray, MEEC Program Specialist at smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov

Young Women Take Part in Third AV STEM Conference

Over 100 young women from regional middle and high schools, along with approximately 50 of their parents, took part in the third annual STEM Conference for Girls on 14 March 2015 at the AVUHSD Palmdale Conference Center.  The day's activities began with an industry panel presentation MC'd by Krysti Papadopolous from XCOR and panelists Shana Blakley from Rio Tinto, Arielle Duen from Northrop Grumman, Ana Esquivel from the AVC STEM Club, Latosha Imani from Lockheed Martin, and Christos Valiotis from AVC. 

Each girl participated in two hands-on workshop sessions, ranging from the body's use of calories and the medical use of robots, to making solar cell-phone chargers and catapults, among others.

Parents also participated in a hands-on activity on hydrolysis facilitated by students from Palmdale High School, as well as financial aid planning, STEM programs and activities, and presentations from local post-secondary institutions.

The day was capped off with a motivational presentation by renowned speaker JJ DiGeronimo from Tech Savvy Women from Cleveland, Ohio, and Pi Day fun and games.

PHS Students Explain Activity to Parents

Testing solar cellphone charger

Distance test on catapult

Preparing experiment on body's use of calories

 

Chevron/USC Viterbi School of Engineering Summer Camp Applications Due by 4/10/15

Chevron will be selecting 20 outstanding high school students (rising juniors and rising seniors are eligible to apply) from across the U.S. to attend the Chevron sponsored summer educational camp, "Frontiers of Energy Resources", hosted at the University of Southern California July 5 - 10, 2015.

 

The Frontiers of Energy Resources Summer Camp offers a preparatory, interactive training program focusing on various energy resources including fossil fuels, solar, biofuels, nuclear energy, and information technologies for energy efficient operations. This unique program is designed to introduce exceptional high school juniors and as many as 5 high school science or math teachers to the opportunities and career possibilities available in the global energy resources industry.

 

Students must submit a sealed teacher recommendation, upload an unofficial transcript, and compose a statement of purpose with their application. Teachers are required to compose a statement of purpose with their application. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, April 10, 2015.

 

For more information and to download the application, visit Chevron/USC Frontiers of Energy Resources Summer Camp .

Range and Natural Resources Camp Scholarship Applications Due By 4/24/15

The 31st Annual Range and Natural Resources Camp will be taking place June 21-26, 2015 at the beautiful Elkus Youth Ranch in Half Moon Bay, California. The camp offers students between the ages of 15-18 the opportunity to work with peers from throughout the state and is designed to offer an appreciation of the extent, importance and value of California’s rangelands and natural resources. Range Camp fosters an appreciation for several fields of applied science and management through interaction with university faculty and experienced professionals in classroom and field activities.

Students will address the importance of such topics as plant identification, livestock production, wildlife management, forestry, fire ecology, geology, soils, water resources, rangeland ecosystems, technologies used in natural resource science and management.

At the end of the week, students will be evaluated on their understanding of the materials, with the top two campers being awarded an all-expense-paid trip to represent California and the Pacific Islands at SRM’s High School Youth Forum (HSYF) held in conjunction with its national science meeting in Corpus Christie, Texas, from January 30- February 6, 2014. The third highest camper will be invited to attend as well, but will need to find other means of paying for the trip. (Delegates must still be in high school through Feb 2015.)

MEEC is offering four student scholarships that will be awarded to attend Range Camp this summer. Scholarships include tuition and roundtrip airfare up to $350 per person. To apply, students must be enrolled in a school located within the MEEC boundaries of San Bernardino County’s High Desert Region, the Antelope Valley or Riverside County’s Blythe Region and be age 15-18 by the start date of camp. The deadline for application submission to MEEC is April 24, 2015 at 4:00 PM.

Application must be submitted to MEEC in order to be considered for the scholarship. Any applications directly submitted to range camp cannot be guaranteed to be reviewed for the scholarship.  Please mail application to:  MEEC, 14306 Park Ave., Victorville, CA 92392.
 
 
 

MEEC Solar Oven Cook-Off Challenge Registration Deadline 4/30/15

MEEC is hosting the third annual Solar Oven Cook-Off Challenge for High Desert students in grades 4-12.  The competition will be held on Saturday, 16 May 2015, from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley.  The deadline to register for this yummy event is 5:00pm on 30 April 2015.  Teams of 2-5 students work together to design and build solar cookers, and demonstrate their performance by creating an original dish of food to be judged.  Three awards are given in each age division (grades 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12) for construction and for the recipe. 

Team registration forms, rules and guidelines are available at MEEC.  For further information, contact Christie Robinson at christier@mdaqmd.ca.gov or call 760.245.1661 x 6101.

MEEC and Lockheed to Host Environmental Education Curriculum Workshop in Palmdale 4/28/15

FREE teacher workshop introducing the California “Education and the Environment Initiative” Curriculum developed by CalRecycle’s Office of Education & the Environment. This professional development workshop will provide participants with an overview of this dynamic standards-based curriculum designed to increase academic learning and benefit students and the community.

 

Attendees of this workshop will receive hands-on training in the EEI Curriculum designed to prepare educators to:

· Cultivate students' understanding of their relationship with the environment.

· Prepare students to be critical thinkers and 21st century problem solvers.

· Teach science standards to mastery and support California Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-12 

In addition, all attendees will qualify to receive a FREE EEI Curriculum unit of their choice for   their classroom.

When: April 28, 2015 

Where:  Logix Credit Union– Conference Room A&B, 1011 Lockheed Way, Palmdale, CA 93599.

Time: 4:00—6:00PM

Workshop will include a special multimedia presentation highlighting the many accomplishments of Lockheed Martin throughout the years!  Workshop Registration begins at 3:45 

 RSVP by April 20, 2015!

To register for this workshop , please contact:  Samantha Murray, MEEC Program Specialist at  (760) 245-1661 x 6717 or email: smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov

"Winging It" NASA Is With You When You Fly Workshop Set for 4/8/15

Did you know that NASA is with you when you fly? Join NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Office of Education for an educator professional development workshop on Axes and Control Surfaces. Through hands-on experiments and physical demonstrations, educators will learn about motions and forces, transfer of energy, and the abilities of technological design. Engage in hands-on, standards aligned mathematics, science and engineering activities with the basic concepts of flight, including the three axes of flight and the control surfaces that guide the aircraft. Learn real world connections with NASA research and the airplanes that are flying today. Hear from a subject matter expert about cutting-edge research happening right now at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center through the X-56A Multi-Utility Technology Testbed.

 

There is no charge for the workshop. Free NASA educational materials will be provided.  Seats are limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

WHEN:  Wednesday, April 8, 2015, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm PT
Target Audience: K-12 Formal and Informal Educators
Location: NASA Armstrong Educator Resource Center at the AERO Institute, 38256 Sierra Hwy., Palmdale, CA 93550
Register Online: aeroi.org/ercRegister/index.html
Questions? Call Sondra Geddes at 661-276-2359 or email at sondra.l.geddes@nasa.gov

 

 

"Waiting for a Rainy Day" Essay Contest Deadline 4/3/15

In honor of Earth Day, The Boeing Company’s  “Waiting for a Rainy Day” essay contest deadline has been extended to April 3, 2015. With California experiencing one of the most severe droughts on record, this is an excellent way for your students to dive into an investigation on the status and current events related to the drought.   With Earth Day just around the corner, it’s a good time to think about one of California’s most priceless resources and the vital role it plays in our lives. 

 In 500 words or less, can you describe at least three environmental impacts from the California drought?  If you can, you might win a $50, $25 or $15 gift card! This competition is open to students in grades K-12, with  FIVE Prize categories:

Kindergarten: Can you draw a picture with 2-3 sentences about the concept?
Elementary School (grades 1-2) Middle School (grades 6-8)
Elementary School (grades 3-5) High School (grades 9-12)

First, second, and third place winners will be awarded in each category. All awards are gift cards.
First place winners will receive $50, second place $25, and third place will receive $15. Kindergarten winners will receive a $10 award for all places.

CONTEST CRITERIA
Essays should be no more than 500 words in length. Each essay must contain the author’s name, grade, school and contact phone number to be considered.
Deadline for submission is March 26, 2015 at 5:00 PM.
Winners will be notified by phone and invited to attend an Award Ceremony presentation
on April 21, 2015 at the Antelope Valley AQMD at 43301 Division Street, Suite 206, Lancaster, CA 93535.
Submissions may be mailed or delivered to:  MEEC, 14306 Park Ave,  Victorville, CA 92392
You may also fax your submissions to (760) 241-6271 or email to smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov
All submissions become the property of MEEC and The Boeing Company.   For further information, please call Samantha Murray, at: (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717.

 Help  celebrate  Earth  Day  2015  and  submit  your  entries  TODAY!!!  For more information, visit MEEC's website at: MEEC Boeing Essay Contest "Waiting for a Rainy Day" .

MEEC Student of the Year Nominations Due By 4/3/15

In 2015, MEEC is proud to sponsor its tenth MEEC “Student of the Year” Awards. Each Student of the Year recipient will receive $60 in cash, as well as a $60 Staples gift card. The awards banquet will be held on May 14, 2015 at 6 PM at Spring Valley Lake Country Club in Victorville.

 

MEEC is soliciting one Student of the Year nomination from each Antelope Valley/Mojave Desert school site in its service area. The nomination can come from either a principal or teacher. When selecting the student nominee, the nominator must take into consideration the work that the student has done in leadership toward environmental issues and stewardship. The following stipulations will serve as a guide for assisting in the nomination process:

 

• The student will be nominated by a teacher or principal from his/her school.
• The student nominee must have spent a minimum of 12 hours in conservation and environmental education activities.
• The student has educated peer students, school employees or community in environmental issues or conservation.
• The student must have above average academic standing (>2.0 GPA for secondary, and the equivalent for primary grades).
•  The student must display leadership qualities, possess good character and a good reputation among peers, and not be a disciplinary problem.

Download and complete the nomination form from MEEC Student of the Year, and mail your submission to MEEC, 14306 Park Ave., Victorville, CA 92392. Forms may also be faxed to (760) 241-6271 or emailed to smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov. Deadline for entries is 5:00 PM April 3, 2015.

SOAR Students to Visit White House 3/23/15

Two students from SOAR High School's Lemelson-MIT competition InvenTeam will participate in the Fifth White House Science Fair on Monday, 23 March 2015.  The students helped create a miniature breathalyzer bracelet.  For more information on the team and the bracelet, visit SOAR InvenTeam .


The White House Science Fair will be streamed live through links at White House Science Fair.

Local coverage of the event from the AV Times can be found here:  SOAR Students at White House - AV Times .

NASA Is With You When You Fly - Teacher Workshop 3/11/15

Did you know that NASA is with you when you fly? Join NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Office of Education for an educator professional development workshop on Bernoulli’s Principle and how it relates to flight. In this inquiry-based workshop, teachers will learn about energy transfer as well as motions and forces as they engage in hands-on, standards-aligned mathematics, science and engineering activities, each of which will demonstrate the Bernoulli Principle. We will explore Bernoulli’s Principle and how it relates to flight and make real world connections with NASA research and the airplanes that are flying today. Hear from a subject matter expert about cutting-edge research happening right now at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center through the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE) Project.

When:  Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm PST

Target Audience: K-12 Formal and Informal Educators

Location: NASA Armstrong Educator Resource Center at the AERO Institute, 38256 Sierra Hwy., Palmdale, CA 93550

Register Online:  http://aeroi.org/ercRegister/index.html

Questions? Call Sondra Geddes at 661-276-2359 or email at sondra.l.geddes@nasa.gov

There is no charge for the workshop. Free NASA educational materials will be provided.  Seats are limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Southern Kern Pi Day 5k Run Scheduled for 3/14/15

Everyone is invited to go out and get "a good stretch of the legs" in the Rosamond HS St. Paddy's Pi Day 5K Fun Run.  The event will raise funds for cross-country and JROTC programs at the school.  For more info and to register, visit:  SKUSD Pi Day 5K Run  or contact Caleb Schroeder at tcaleb.schroed@gmail.com. 

IISME Summer Teacher Fellowships Available in LA County - Register Now!

The IISME Summer Fellowship Program places eligible K-16 teachers from all disciplines into high-performance corporate and research environments for the summer. Teachers work full-time for eight weeks, complete a project for their host organization, and are paid for their work. Teachers devote 10% of their paid time to focus on how they will transfer their Summer Fellowship experience back to their students and colleagues. 

For more information about the IISME Summer Fellowship Program and to apply, visit their website at IISME Teacher Fellowship. Applications are open and educators are encouraged to apply by mid-February to increase their chances of being selected in this competitive process. 

Next Gen Science Standards State Rollout Symposium in San Diego and Camarillo

The State Rollout Symposium for the Next Generation Science Standards will be held on 17-18 April 2015 in San Diego, and on 1-2 June 2015 in Camarillo.  For more information, with links to the agenda and registration, visit:  Next Gen Science Standards Rollout Symposium .

Upcoming Next Gen Science Standards Webinars

Thanks to Carol Fry Bohlin and the COMET for this info:

(a) “Literacy for the Science Classroom: Think, Read Talk, and Write Like a Scientist”

Date: Wednesday, 25 February 2015

Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Registration: http://schoolsmovingup.wested.org/literacy-for-the-science-classroom-think-read-talk-and-write-like-a-scientist/

 

Description:  The presenters will explore how reading, writing, listening, and speaking are used to develop knowledge of scientific ideas, as well as the ways in which scientists develop that knowledge. Particular emphasis will be given to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) practices of "Constructing Explanations" and "Engaging in Argument Form Evidence" and the relationship of these practices with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts/Literacy in Science.

 

Examples will be drawn from middle and high school students' writings of scientific explanations and how argumentation strengthened those explanations. Furthermore, scientific literature will be shown that provides opportunities to compare writing requirements and address classroom strategies. For more information (speakers, registration), please visit the website above.

 

(b) “The Keys to Success in K-6 NGSS Implementation: Webinar II, Cross-cutting Concepts and CCSS Alignment in NGSS”

Date: Friday, 20 February 2015

 Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Description/Registration: http://bit.ly/NGSS2-20-15

 

This webinar and the one immediately below focus on effective strategies for preparing elementary teachers for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The webinars are co-hosted by California State University (CSU) and WestEd. Early registration is encouraged. For more information, please visit the websites listed or CSU’s NGSS website: http://teachingcommons.cdl.edu/ngss

 

(c) “The Keys to Success in K-6 NGSS Implementation: Webinar III, Exemplars of Learning through Scientific and Engineering Practices”

Date: Friday, 13 March 2015

Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Description/Registration: http://bit.ly/NGSS3-13-15  

 

CCSS Math Symposium To Be Held on Pi Day 3/13-3/14/15

The Central Section of the California Math Council will hold a Common Core Math Symposium on 13-14 March 2015 at CSU Stanislaus in Turlock, with the theme being "Communicating Mathematically."  Guest speakers include Cathy Carroll and Greg Tang.  Special activities will celebrate Pi Day, including the once-per-century minute of 3.14.15 9:26:53.

 

For more information and for the link to register (cost beginning at $110 for one day), visit: CMC Common Core Math Symposium Flyer .

STEM Conference for Girls On-Line Registration Now Open!

Update 3/9/15:  Conference registration is now full!


Registration is now open for the third annual STEM Conference for Girls co-sponsored by the AV Union High School District and Antelope Valley College (with funding from the HSI STEM Grant).  The conference will be held on Saturday, 14 March 2015, from 9:00am to 3:00pm, at the AVUHSD Palmdale Conference Center, 1156 East Avenue "S," Palmdale, CA.

The event will be open to a maximum of 50 middle school young women, and 50 high school young women, with speakers and hands-on STEM workshops.  There will also be a parent strand for a maximum of 50 parents whose daughter is registered and attends the event.

Registration is free, and lunch will be provided.  Photos and video will be taken of the attendees of the event for future promotional use.  To complete the registration form, go to STEM Conference for Girls Registration .

STEM Mania in Sports Virtual PD Offered by NASA Beginning 2/23/15

Kick off your classroom activities with NASA STEM Mania and discover the sports in NASA with a free virtual educator professional development.  Sessions take place every Monday through Thursday from 1-2pm Pacific time.  Pre-game sessions begin at 12:30pm Pacific time. 

K-5th grade topics include: Rainout or Game On - Clouds and Weather; Robo-Arm and Weightlifting; Space, Satellites and Sports; and STEM is Newton's Laws at Play.  Sixth through 12th grade topics include: Energizing the Arena; Hydration Station; It's All in Your Head; and Robotics as a Competitive Sport.

Earn a certificate for completing 5 educator PD sessions.

For more information contact kelly.a.hartford@nasa.gov and/or Lester Morales - lester.morales@nasa.gov or visit:  NASA STEM Mania Information

To register fill out the form at:  NASA STEM Mania Registration
 

Lunar and Meteorite Disk Certification Offered at AERO Institute 2/21/15

Thanks to Sondra Geddes for this info:

Please join the NASA Armstrong Educator Resource Center in bringing the Apollo legacy 

to your classroom by attending the Lunar Meteorite Sample Certification workshop. 

Learn hands-on activities that can be used in your classroom and give your students 

access to view and explore some small portions of these “extraterrestrial” materials. 

 
NASA has actual lunar samples from the historic Apollo missions available to lend to 

K-12 formal educators upon successful completion of the Lunar Meteorite Disk Certification

Workshop. 

 NOTE: To be eligible for certification, educators must be currently employed at an accredited school as a formal K-12 classroom teacher or as a pre-service teacher enrolled at a teaching institution. 

 WHEN: Saturday, February 21, 2015, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm PST 

 Location: NASA Armstrong Educator Resource Center at the AERO Institute, 38256 Sierra Hwy., Palmdale, CA 93550 

 Register Online: http://aeroi.org/ercForm/index.html

 Questions? Call Sondra Geddes at 661-276-2359 or email at sondra.l.geddes@nasa.gov

 There is no charge for the workshop. Free NASA educational materials will be provided. Seats are 

very limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

NASA Principles of Flight Workshop for Teachers 1/21/15

Did you know that NASA is with you when you fly? Join NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Office of Education for an educator workshop on the principles of flight. Come explore aeronautics, the parts of an airplane, and the four forces of flight that allow an aircraft to fly. There will be hands-on, standards-aligned mathematics, science and engineering activities and interactive multimedia that you can take back to your classroom. Make real world connections with NASA research and the airplanes that are flying today. Hear from a subject matter expert about cutting edge research happening right now at NASA Armstrong through the Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the National Airspace System, or UAS in the NAS, project. 

When: Wednesday, January 21, 2015, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm PST

Target Audience: K-12 Formal and Informal Educators
Location: NASA Armstrong Educator Resource Center at the AERO Institute, 38256 Sierra Hwy., Palmdale, CA 93550

Register Online: http://aeroi.org/ercForm/index.html

Questions? Call Sondra Geddes at 661-276-2359 or email at sondra.l.geddes@nasa.gov