CCSS Math Workshop Offered in Palmdale 6/16-6/17, 6/24/14

Math: Implementing CCSS in the 6-12 Classroom
LACOE - Math: Implementing CCSS in the 6-12 Classroom Registration

June 16, 17 & 24, 2014, 8:00am-3:30pm | Palmdale Conference Center, 1156 East Avenue "S" | Registration Deadline is June 9, 2014 ($250 per person)

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;
• An understanding of “Career and College Ready” and its implications for high school course pathways; and
• Implications for English Learners and other special needs populations.

STEM 2.0 "Elevating Essential Career Capabilities" Town Hall Presentation Now Available on YouTube

STEMConnector's STEM 2.0 Town Hall presentation regarding the inauguration of "Elevating Essential Career Capabilities for Tomorrow's STEM Workfoce," which originally aired via Google Hangout on 8 April is now available via YouTube.  To view the presentation, go to STEMConnector STEM 2.0 TownHall .

Clean Air Month Poster Contest Entries Due 5/16/14

The MDAQMD is sponsoring a Clean Air Month poster design contest answering the question "how can you protect your health by preventing bad air days?"  Prizes, including up to $100 and a bike, are available in different age categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  The original posters must be on 8.5 x 11" horizontal, white paper, using colored pencils, pens, markers, or crayons only, drawn free-hand, provide entrant's contact information, and will be judged based on creativity, originality, and adherence to the theme.

For more information, visit Clean Air Poster Contest 2014. 

NASA Educator Workshop on Pressure Suits On Tap for 5/14/14

NASA Armstrong is offering a free workshop on astronauts' pressure suits on Wednesday, 14 May 2014, from 4:00-5:30pm PST, to K-12 formal and informal educators at the AERO Institute, 38256 Sierra Highway, Palmdale.  The workshop, featuring NASA Life Support subject matter experts, will explain how the suits deal with pressure issues at high altitude, and will provide resources and explanations of how to implement real-world projects in classrooms, aligned with CCSS. and NGSS. 

Spaces in the workshop are limited.  To register, please contact Sondra Geddes at sondra.l.geddes@nasa.gov or call 661.276.2359 .

US STEM Still in the Shallow End of the Talent Pool

According to the US News and Raytheon STEM Index recently released, the numbers of students pursuing STEM disciplines has increased somewhat since the year 2000, however, the ratio of STEM degrees to total degrees granted in that time period remains fairly flat.  This results in too few students in the pipeline to meet current and future STEM workforce demands.

"The Index is made up of 93 sub-indices and thousands of data points divided into eight components: ACT math and science scores, Advance[d] Placement (AP) test scores in STEM subjects, college and graduate degrees granted, U.S. employment in STEM fields, Program for International Student Assessments (PISA) math and science scores, SAT math scores, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) math scores and interest in STEM at the high school level."  US News/Raytheon STEM Index

Joe Walker Middle School in VEX Robotics World Championships - Updated 4/28

Team 4073A, the VEX Jets, from Joe Walker Middle School in Quartz Hill are competing at the VEX Robotics World Championships in Anaheim this week.  Qualifying rounds began Thursday afternoon, 24 April 2014, and continue on Friday, with additional rounds and awards on Friday, and playoffs and championships plus final awards on Saturday.  For more information and to stream live TV feed of the event, visit VEX Robotics World Championships 2014 .

Congrats to JWMS, which won the "Create Award," and had several students volunteer as PLTW Ambassadors during the championships!

Cal Poly Pomona YES Program Hosts AV Students

Among approximately 400 middle and high school students, nearly 50 students from the Palmdale area attended the Youth Engineering Success (YES) event hosted by Cal Poly Pomona's chapter of Society of Women Engineers.  This annual event promotes engineering education and careers for young women by engaging activities and exposing them to information about the STEM field they might not otherwise receive.  Daily Bulletin Education - YES Program .  US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan praised the event, as recounted by the CDE in a recent tweet:  CTE That Works for California RT @ArneDuncan .

GLAMC Mini-Conference Set for 5/17/14

The Greater LA Math Council is hosting a mini-conference on Saturday, 17 May 2014, from 8:30am to 12:30pm at Porter Ranch Community School in Chatsworth.  The theme of the event is "Transitioning to the Common Core Together."  The cost for members is $20, and for non-members $35, which includes a one-year membership.  For further information and to register, visit GLAMC Mini-Conference. 

Air Force Times Article Discusses Engineer Recruitment and Retention Issues

In an article published in the Air Force Times this week, Air Force Chief Scientist Mica Endsley discusses the critical need to recruit and retain qualified engineers and scientists for the service, pointed up following a recent poll at Air Force Research Labs around the country.  There has been a loss of 30% of senior scientists over the last two years, and the largest percentage of current engineering and scientific personnel is over 35; at the same time it has become more difficult to recruit younger scientists and engineers.  Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James explained the efforts to protect science and technology budgets, but Endsley notes that sequester cuts, civilian worker furloughs, and a resulting dip in morale among staff have effected them.  Air Force Faces Shortage of Engineers .

Congressional "App Challenge" Deadline for Submissions is 4/30/14

Congressman Bob Goodlatte and Congress Member Anna Eshoo are co-chairs of the 2014 Congressional App Challenge, which is modeled after the Congressional Art Challenge.  Designed to promote interest in STEM and coding, the competition allows high school students in districts where the member of Congress has opted in to submit an app that they create by no later than 30 April 2014.  For further information and to register for the competition, visit 2014 Congressional App Challenge .

STEMJobs Magazine Highlights STEM Career Options for Students

 A new print and digital publication, "STEMJobs," provides information to teachers and students about options available in the STEM fields.  Visit STEMJobs for more information and to sign up or follow the publication.

"Basics of Telescopes and NASA Missions" Webinar 4/9/14

Thanks to Sondra Geddes of NASA for this announcment:


Audience: Grades 5-12 in-service, pre-service, informal and home school educators.

Join this webinar and learn about basic principles of telescope design and how NASA missions use the same design principles. Examine how NASA works within technological constraints, just as your students are expected to do with Next Generation Science Standards or Common Core State Standards activities.

This webinar is appropriate for grades 5-12 science teachers.  The focus will be on basic principles rather than a mathematical treatment of lenses and mirrors. Let’s have some fun and see how there really is a clear link between that $350 Dobsonian telescope you can buy and the incredible science going on at NASA. Wrap-up the webinar with a quick look at the “citizen science” movement and see how you and your students can be part of genuine astronomical research projects.

The free webinar (hosted by Dr. Richard Chapleau) will be held from 3:30pm-4:30pm PST.  To register, go to Basics of Telescopes and NASA Missions Webinar .

Dow "STEMtheGAP" Teacher Challenge Entries Due by 5/16/14

Dow is offering grants of $1,000 to winners of the "STEMtheGAP" Teacher Challenge.  Teachers are asked to submit up to 300 word answers each to two questions:

1. What is the biggest gap in STEM education that you face as a teacher?
2. If you could change one thing about STEM education, what would that be?  How would you apply it in your classroom?

Application entries are due on-line to Dow by no later than 16 May 2014.  Teacher answers will be reviewed by a panel of scientists and educators from The Center for Science Teaching and Learning in New York.  For further information and to enter, visit Dow "STEMtheGAP" Teacher Challenge .

Columbia Memorial Space Center "Spring Break Workshops" On Tap 4/17-4/19/14

The City of Downey and the Columbia Memorial Space Center are providing spring break workshops for students in 3rd through 8th grades at a cost of $22 per person ($18 for members).  Columbia Memorial Space Center .  Located at 12400 Columbia Way in Downey, the workshops will be:

• Robotics, 17 April 2014, 10:00am-noon PST
• Rocketry, 18 April 2014, 10:00am-noon PST
• Space Science, 19 April 2014, 10:00am-noon PST

For further details, call (562) 231-1200, or e-mail info@downeyspacecenter.org .

AVC Hosting "Women in STEM" on 4/11/14

Antelope Valley College's STEM Club will be hosting "Women in STEM," featuring exciting presentations and panels, including keynote speaker Dr. Adrienne Brundage, a forensic entomologist and lecturer at Texas A&M University.  The event, which will be held from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on 11 April 2014 in the AVC Cafeteria (3041  W. Avenue K, Lancaster, CA), is open to all ages; refreshments will be available.

March STEM-Madness in the Antelope Valley

March 2014 saw many different STEM-centric happenings in the Antelope Valley.  Among them were 3rd Annual Aerospace Valley Science Olympiad, the 2nd Annual STEM Conference for Girls, and the Lockheed-sponsored STEM Display at the LA County Air Show.  Here are a few pictures from the events, and a link to video from the Air Show, compliments of the Highland High School Video Production class taught by Pavel Vogler:

Families wait for student Science Olympians on 3/8 at AVC

Students compete at Science Olympiad

Science Olympians compete at AVC

Parents hear from industry panel at STEM Conference for Girls 3/15

AV middle and high schoolers at STEM Conference for Girls 3/15 at PCC



AVHS GE Academy at STEM Exhibit 3/21

HHS PLTW Pathway at STEM Exhibit

PHS FAST Academy Solar Car Testbed at STEM Exhibit

KHS DD&E Academy at STEM Exhibit

QHHS PLTW Pathway at STEM Exhibit

                    Blue Angels Air Show Music Video - Highland HS

Free NAPE Non-Trad Webinar on 4/15/14 "Engage Parents to Support Nontraditional Careers--An Open Forum for Sharing Local Outreach Strategies "

NAPE's STEM Equity Pipeline is offering a free webinar on 15 April 2014 at 10:00am PDT on the theme of "Engage Parents to Support Nontraditional Careers - An Open Forum for Sharing Local Outreach Strategies."  The session will be moderated by Jeanette Thomas from the Iowa Department of Education in a discussion format.

" The webinar will be hosted by a facilitator and will be conducted in a discussion format versus a presenter/presentation format. This is an opportunity for you to showcase successful parent-education partnerships in promoting nontraditional careers.

"Five programs will be selected to start the conversation. Then the discussion will be open to all participants on the webinar. Each of the five programs selected will be given a total of 3 minutes to share its ideas and program information, as well as one key strategy that makes the program a success. 

"If you would like to be considered as one of the five programs to start the conversation, then please submit a one-page summary and contact information by April 9, 2014, to Nancy Tuvesson at ntuvesson@napequity.org."

To register for the webinar, visit NAPE Non-Trad 4/15 Webinar

Range and Natural Resources Youth Camp Scholarship Applications Due 4/18/14

MEEC is offering scholarships to students aged 15-18 in its Antelope Valley/High Desert service areas to attend the Range and Natural Resources Youth Camp at Elkus Youth Camp at Half Moon Bay, California from 15-20 June 2014.  The applications are due directly to MEEC by no later than 18 April 2014 (applications submitted directly to the Range Camp are not eligible for consideration).

"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 Sacramento, CA, 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.)"

The scholarships include tuition and airfare of up to $350.  For further details on eligibility, scholarship requirements, and to download the application materials, visit MEEC Range Camp Scholarships .

Physics and Modeling Summer Institute Hosted by Whittier Union High School District

Whittier Union High School District will be hosting a summer institute for pre-service or in-service physics teachers, "Modeling Physics," taught by Mark Hughes and Ben Balarie. The institute will be held at Pioneer High School from 9 June through 27 June 2014, 8:00am to 3:00pm each weekday.  The $1,000 registration fee includes curriculum materials, and lunch each day.  "This 3-week summer workshop uses scientifically researched & based instructional techniques to address physics content and pedagogy for 1st semester high school physics: mechanics.  Modeling instruction provides training to improve classroom practices and student academic achievement through effective instructional strategies, methods, and skills."

For reservations and further information, contact Cindy Frith at (562) 698-8121 ext. 1190, or via e-mail at cindy.frith@wuhsd.org  .

Carnegie Learning Math Webinar Series

Carnegie Learning is hosting a series of free webinars related to math and the Common Core:

• What's the Value of Math Discourse and How Do I Create It?  3 April 2014, noon PST
• Data-Driven Instruction:  What Gets Measured, Gets Done.  17 April 2014, noon PST
• "More Than Meets the Eye:"  Seeing Structure in Graphical Transformations Across the Curriculum.  24 April 2014, noon PST

For more information and to register, go to Carnegie Learning Math Webinar Series

Youth Environmental Leadership Conference Registration Now Open

MEEC has announced the availability of Youth Environmental Leadership Conference registration materials for the event on 4 October 2014.  In addition to the STEMFest, breakout sessions will be held at the annual free STEM Service Learning event in the Victorville area.  Topics will focus on “green” themes such as water conservation, solar oven construction, robotics, and school garden projects. Transportation grants and project grants will be available for High Desert, California teams which register to participate.  Due to the registration deadline of 15 September 2014, teams will be allowed to bring some students from the 2013 competition team.  For more details, to access registration forms, and mini-grant forms, please visit YELC 2014 Applications.

NASA Aeronautics Educator Workshop Scheduled for Palmdale 4/17/14

NASA Education Office will be holding an aeronautics educator workshop (formal educators grades 2-12) on "Seeing Sound and the FPG-9 Glider" on 17 April 2014, from 4:00pm-5:30pm at the AERO Institute in Palmdale.  Participants in the free workshop will join NASA Armstrong Education Specialist Dr. Richard Chapleau in constructing a simple waveform monitor and an "FPG-9 glider" from grocery store materials for use in the classroom, with connections to CCSS and NGSS.  Seating is limited.  Please call or e-mail to register:  Sondra Geddes, 661.276.2359, sondra.l.geddes@nasa.gov .

2014 Cassini Scientist for A Day Essay Contest Submissions Due by 4/17/14

Teachers of students in grades 5-12 are invited to submit student essays of not longer than 500 words to NASA's 2014 "Cassini Scientist for A Day" competition.  In commemoration of the Cassini spacecraft's 10-year anniversary, NASA is seeking essays on one of three topics:  1) Saturn's F ring; 2) Saturn's moon, Titan; or 3) the north polar region of Saturn, answering the questions: why should Cassini take this photo; and what questions will be answered through the photo.

For information on submission rules, eligibility, and prizes (including a possible visit with  Cassini scientists), visit 2014 Cassini Scientist for A Day Essay Contest

Boeing Essay Contest Entries Due By 4/10/14

"Oceans: Preserving the Earth's Liquid World" is the theme of this year's Boeing spring essay contest, sponsored by MEEC.  Students in grades K-12 may enter the contest, with kindergarten students able to offer a drawing plus 2-3 sentences about the theme, and other essays not to exceed 250 words in length about the subject.  Winners in each age category (K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) will receive gift cards.  "EACH ESSAY MUST CONTAIN THE
AUTHOR’S GRADE, SCHOOL AND HOME PHONE NUMBER TO BE CONSIDERED.  Submissions may be mailed, delivered or faxed by 10 April 2014 to:MEEC, 14306 Park Ave, Victorville, CA 92392 or (760) 241-6271.  All submissions become the property of MEEC and Boeing. 
"Winners will be notified by phone and invited to attend the Award Ceremony presentation
on April 23, 2014 at the Antelope Valley AQMD located at 43301 Division St, Suite 206, Lancaster.  For further information, please call Samantha Murray, at: (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717."

AV Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Deadline 4/25/14

Applications for two $1,000 scholarships, funded by Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, are now being accepted by the AV chapter of the Society of Women Engineers.  Female high school seniors, community college transfer students, and current undergraduates with permanent residency within the Antelope Valley, California (zip codes beginning 935**) and who are/will be pursuing an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited institution are eligible to apply by providing official transcripts and application documents to the AV chapter of SWE at SWE.AntelopeValley@gmail.com by no later than 25 April 2014.  For further information regarding eligibility and application requirements, visit AV SWE Scholarship .

Google Science Fair Submissions Due By 5/12/14 - FAQ Hangouts 4/4, 4/7, 4/11

Calling all Google science aficianados:  Google is once again hosting its annual Science Fair for students ages 13-18 from around the world.  Students register for free at GoogleScienceFair.com, then carry out an experiment or test a subject of their interest, and submit their project by 12 May 2014; 90 regional finalists will be chosen and their work reviewed by judges, with that field narrowed to 15 finalists who will go to the Google HQ in Mountain View, CA to compete for a range of prizes.  There will be Google Hangouts in early April, as well as website resources for competitors.  For further information on critical dates, to register, and view resources, go to Google Science Fair Competition Overview .

Solar and Renewable Energy Workshop in Palmdale - Register by 4/4/14

Boeing and MEEC are hosting a "Solar and Renewable Energy" workshop for 25 teachers at the Palmdale Conference Center, 1156 East Avenue "S," on 16 April 2014, from 4:00-6:00pm; the registration deadline is 4 April.  A second session will be held 4/24/14 at the Mojave Desert AQMD in Victorville (registration deadline 4/10).  Participants will receive free curriculum, free tools, and free dinner!  The information provided will enable students to "conduct scientific research on renewable energy sources, 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 Hydropower Kit, Solar Oven, Solar Panel Kit, Wind Turbine Kit, PLUS 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 solar, hydropower, wind, geothermal, and biomass 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, develop student leadership, and brings the latest technology into the classroom. "  Each kit is valued at $400.  For further information and to register, visit Solar and Renewable Energy Workshop 2014 .

MEEC Solar Cook-Off Competition Registration Due By 5/1/14

The second annual MEEC solar oven cook-off competition is back and hotter than ever!  Teams of students in grades 4-12 are invited to register by 1 May 2014 to compete on 14 June 2014 at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley.  Students will design, build, and create/fix original recipes involving their solar cookers.  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three in each age division (4th-6th, 7th-9th, 10th-12th) for construction (Best Oven Design) and recipe (Top Solar Chef).  For more information and to register, visit MEEC Solar Oven Cook-Off .

NGSS Rollout Symposium Meetings Slated for May

The OC Office of Education, in partnership with CDE, CSP, WestEd, and CSTA,  is presenting a Next Generation Science Standards Rollout Symposium for teachers and administrators of grades K-12 from 8:00am-4:30pm on 22 and 23 May 2014 at the Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center.  Districts and schools are encouraged to bring teams to the event to learn more about the standards, performance expectations, connections with CCSS, lesson explorations, action plans, and more.  Registration fees include symposium materials, continental breakfast, and lunch.  To register, go to NGSS Rollout Symposium .


Update:  NGSS Rollout  Symposium also offered May 27-28, 2014, Crafton Hills College, Yucaipa 11711 San Canyon Rd., Yucaipa, CA 92399, Registration/Continental Breakfast - 7:30 a.m. Meeting - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (day two 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.).  NGSS Rollout Symposium Locations

State of STEM and ARTS 5/21/14

The LA Regional STEM Hub will host "The State of STEM + Arts" at the Los Angeles Times Building on 21 May 2014.  Registration begins at 7:30am, and the event runs from 8:30 to 11:40am.  The convening will focus on multi-industry collaborations to advance STEM and arts education for workforce development.  For more information and to register, go to State of STEM + Arts .

On a related note, Vital Link of Orange County will be hosting the 2014 STEM and the Arts Career Showcase at the OC Fair and Event Center on 11-13 April 2014.  For more information, see OC STEM and the Arts Career Showcase .

AV Summer Gateway Academy Registration Available Until 5/23/14



The AVUHSD will offer two sessions of the PLTW (c) Summer Gateway Academy in 2014.  Designed to introduce incoming 7th and 8th graders to STEM principles related to engineering and robotics, the free week-long camp sessions will take place 23-27 June 2014 at SOAR Prep Academy in Quartz Hill, and 21-25 July 2014 at Knight High School in Palmdale.  Each session will accept approximately 35 students on a first-come, first-served basis; students must have their own daily transportation and lunch.  For further information and to apply, please visit the red tab at Summer Gateway Academy - Middle School Registration 2014.  Registration will be open until 23 May 2014 or until filled (classes may waitlist).