Journey to Mars Workshop for Teachers at the AERO Institute 4/6/16

Final days to register:

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 Being Mobile on Mars. Through hands-on experiments and physical demonstrations, educators will learn how to design and construct a rover for Mars using the Beginning Engineering Science & Technology (BEST) curriculum and the Engineering Design Process. Engage in hands-on, standards-aligned mathematics, science and engineering activities as you construct a rover, predict its performance and its chance of mission success, and test drive the rover. Learn about real world connections with NASA research and our Journey to Mars.

 Target Audience: K-12 Formal and Informal Educators

 When: Wednesday, April 6, 2016, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

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

Register Online: http://goo.gl/forms/SIlPY87fPi

 Questions? Call Sondra Geddes 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. All participants must be 18 years old or older.

Free Teacher Energy Workshop Offered 3/3/16 in Victorville

Join MEEC for a FREE workshop about energy!  Share in the fun of learning about the basics of energy production while touring the High Desert Power Project as part of "Energy - Watts Up!"

Did you know that energy exists in several forms such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, electrical, and other forms? Participants of this workshop will learn first-hand from a High Desert Power Project Engineer how the different states of energy are converted into the power that we use in our everyday lives.

Each educator will receive  Project Learning Tree’s “Energy & Society” Program kit  (a $45 value) designed to help students develop critical thinking skills to make decisions about their personal energy use.  In addition to hands-on activities, the kit integrates music and dance to enhance the study of energy and correlates with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

WHEN:  Thursday, March 3,  2016

RSVP by February 25, 2016

TIME:  4:00PM-6:00PM

(registration begins at 3:45PM)

WHERE: High Desert Power Project

19000 Perimeter Rd, Victorville (located at the Southern Calif. Logistics Airport)

Space for this workshop is limited to the first 20 teachers who sign up so reserve your spot today!   To register: Contact Samantha Murray, MEEC Program Specialist at: (760) 245-1661 x 6717 or email at: smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov

Solar Oven Challenge Registration Now Open Until 4/30/16

MEEC is pleased to announce the 4th Annual “Solar Cook-Off Challenge!” which will be held on 14 May 2016.

This event provides students in grades 4-12 the perfect opportunity to utilize their STEM and critical thinking skills working as a team to design, build, and create a solar cooker and winning recipe.

This year, through an ongoing partnership with San Bernardino County First District Supervisor, MEEC will be hosting the event at the Victor Valley Museum located in Apple Valley. With this new prominent public location, MEEC is anticipating an increased number of registered teams and a large number of the general public on hand to enjoy the event and learn more about solar and solar cooking. A large shade tent, tables, and chairs will be provided for the teams. Lunch, snacks and event T-Shirts will also be provided for all participants in the event. Family and friends are welcome to attend the event but will not be allowed in the competition areas or eligible for meals. There are many fast food and restaurants in the immediate area that they are welcome to visit. MEEC also encourages visitors to tour the newly remodeled Victor Valley Museum. Students and advisors will be admitted for free. 

At the Solar Oven challenge, teams will demonstrate the performance of their solar cookers by creating an original dish(es) of food for the challenge. Three awards will be given in each age division for the BEST OVEN DESIGN and TOP RECIPES. Grade Divisions are: 4-6; 7-9; and 10-12.

Awards are:

Construction: 1st: $250 2nd: $150; 3rd: $75

Recipe: 1st: $200 2nd: $100; 3rd: $50

A total of $2,475 in Prizes will be awarded!!!! We are looking forward to a huge event this year!

This is one sizzling hot event that you don’t want your students to miss out on!  Applications are available for download at: http://meeconline.com/solar-oven-cook-off/.  The deadline to register is 30 April 2016.

For more information on this event, please contact event coordinator Christie Robinson at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6101 or email at christier@mdaqmd.ca.gov 

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.

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 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" .

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.

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  

 

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

Loss of a STEM Pioneer

Antelope Valley STEM Education has lost a pioneer with the passing of Bob Johnstone on Saturday, 8 November 2014.  A retired engineer from Edwards AFB, Director of The Aerospace Office at the City of Lancaster, and Chairman of the AV Math Science Engineering and Technology  Consortium, among many other positions and accomplishments, Bob was one of the leaders of the "homegrown engineer" effort for his beloved Aerospace Valley, which helped bring Project Lead the Way pathways to many schools in the area, as well as facilitating degree completion programs with AVC and CSULB-AV.  One of his most recent efforts was to help coordinate the move to create and grow the AV East Kern STEM Learning Network.  Bob will be sincerely missed by his many colleagues and friends.  Services will be held Friday, 14 November 2014, at 10:00am PST, at the Joshua Memorial Park in Lancaster.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to DELTA Rescue, PO Box 9, Glendale, CA 91209.

Google RISE Award Applications Due 9/30/14

Programs with a focus in computer science are invited to submit proposals before 30th September 2014 for the Google RISE Awards. With grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 and an invitation to attend the RISE Global Summit, selected programs will be able to use the funding to expand their impact on student populations by widening access to and interest in computer science education. Programs aiming to improve education for girls, underrepresented students, and low-income students under age 18 (not already enrolled in university) are also eligible to apply. Award winners are expected to demonstrate growth, report back to Google on achievements, and share resources with neighboring communities. 

For more information, and to apply, visit Google RISE Awards Applications .

Conrad "Spirit of Innovation" Challenge Open for Registration Until 11/3/14

The 2015 Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge is open through 3 November 2014 for registration of student teams from kindergarten through university levels.  With a basic registration cost of $95, teams may choose one of four categories to compete in:  Aerospace & Aviation; Energy & Environment; Cyber Technology & Security; or Health & Nutrition.  There is an optional category (for an additional registration fee) of Giant Leap to Mars.  Once registered, students research problems facing that sector and begin to develop innovative solutions.  An on-line "Investor Pitch" round is conducted on-line, with written and video submissions due by 4 November 2014; winners will go on to the on-line semi-final "Draft Development Plan" round, with a business proposal, technical plan, and graphic representation due by 16 January 2015.  Teams judged to have the top Development Plan will be selected to go on to the Innovation Summit, where they will make in-person presentations, be honored as Pete Conrad Scholars, and compete for $500,000 in sponsored awards.  Final submissions are due in March of 2015, and the Summit will be held in April.

For further details and to register, visit the competition website at Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge .

Aerospace Valley Science Olympiad Event To Be Held 2/14/15

The fourth annual Aerospace Valley Science Olympiad will take place on Saturday, 14 February 2015, at Antelope Valley College.  This year, in addition to middle school teams (Division B) and high school teams (Division C), events will be held for elementary school teams from grades 4 through 6 (Division A) from throughout Los Angeles and Southeast Kern Counties.

Event supervisors are currently being sought.  If you would be interested in supervising an event (which may include creating a paper and pencil test or other hands-on activity to be judged, as well as supervising the event on 2/14/15), please visit AV Science Olympiad Event Supervisor Registration.

Registration is also open for team coaches and other upcoming events (including coaches' meeting on 10/8/14):  AV Science Olympiad Event Registration .

For a list of public events related to AV Science Olympiad, visit:  AV Science Olympiad List of Upcoming Events .


 

Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Applications Due by 11/20/14

Thanks again to Sondra Geddes:


Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program 2015-2016 Applications (Deadline Nov. 20)

The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (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 20, 2014, and must be submitted through an online application system.

For information about the Fellowship Program, visit: http://science.energy.gov/wdts/einstein/