"Inspire Elementary Students with Engineering" On-Line Course for K-6th Teachers Begins 26 Jan. 2011

PBS Teacher Line is offering a 30-hour on-line course created by Purdue University entitled "Inspire Elementary Students with Engineering" beginning 26 January 2011.  The course, which costs $295, is designed to strengthen K-6th grade teaching strategies in STEM topics by infusing standards-based engineering principles into science and math curriculum using model-eliciting activities with problem-solving and critical thinking skills.  http://www.pbs.org/teacherline/catalog/courses/STEM420/

Spark Minority Girls' Interest in Engineering Webinar 27 Jan. 2011

A webinar regarding the Female Recruits Explore Engineering (FREE) program aimed at minority girls will be held at 10:00 a.m. PST on 27 January 2011.  This webinar, sponsored by the STEM Equity Pipeline, will feature Dr. Monica Bruning from Iowa State University, who will outline the program and an on-line tool kit available to implement its strategies, as well as discuss research-based data.  Register now at https://www106.livemeeting.com/lrs/8001043798/Registration.aspx?pageName=h2qh7tkg0bbhk4sf

Update on 1/14/11:  View an archived webinar from ACTE/NAPE on Engaging Girls in STEM Careers at http://www.acteonline.org/uploadedFiles/Publications_and_Online_Media/files/EngagingGirlsinSTEM_ACTEWebinar_Jan132010.pdf

International Technology and Engineering Educators Conference in Minneapolis 24-26 March 2011

The 73rd Annual International Technology and Engineering Educators Conference is slated to be held in Minneapolis, MN on 24-26 March 2011.  Featued speakers for the conference, with the theme of "Preparing the STEM Workforce:  The Next Generation," include Dr. Rich Feller, Susan Lim, Ethan Lipton from CSULA, and Dr. Jay Zwischenberger.  http://www.iteea.org/Conference/conferenceguide.htm

CyberLearning Tools for STEM Education Conference in Berkeley, CA 8-9 Mar. 2011

The NSF-sponsored CyberLearning Tools for STEM Education Conference will be held in Berkeley, California on 8-9 March 2011.  It will feature keynote addresses, interactive breakout sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and expert panels, among others.  http://cyberlearningstem.org/

eCYBERMISSION Competition for 6th through 9th Grades - Applications Due by 7 Jan. 2011

Student teams in 6th through 9th grades may compete in an on-line STEM competition by registering no later than 7 January 2011.  After submitting their registration, teams must choose a mission challenge, and submit their mission folders by no later than 25 February 2011.  https://www.ecybermission.com/public/About/About_ECM.aspx

"War" for Top Engineering Talent in Silicon Valley

The Wall Street Journal reported (12/29/10 article by Deborah Gage) that there is a "war" on for top engineering talent in the Silicon Valley, despite higher than national unemployment averages in the region.  Companies such as SF-based software start-up Okta Inc. report difficulties in finding sufficient numbers of engineers with the most desirable, current skills, and the area is offering top salaries to qualified candidates.  Interestingly, the owner opines that engineers are ten times more effective when working together in groups.  http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2010/12/29/the-war-for-top-talent-in-silicon-valley/

ACE Mentor Program for Students

A national mentorship program is available for students interested in architecture, construction and/or engineering fields.  The ACE Mentor Program offers resources to educators and students, as well as scholarships and a spring design competition.  Visit http://www.acementor.org/344 for details about the national organization and http://www.acementor.org/579 for information regarding the Los Angeles area affiliate.

Jennifer Anastasoff Speaks on "Transitioning Scientists and Techies" to Education

On 9 December 2010, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing heard a presentation by Jennifer Anastasoff on "Transitioning Scientists, Techies, Engineers, and Math (STEM) Professionals in Teaching," regarding the EnCorps teacher recruiting program.  The effort plans to place an additional 200 professionals in classrooms by June 2011.  http://www.ctc.ca.gov/pdf/PR-2010-11-30-main.pdf 

"Focus Your Future" Event for Middle School Girls/Parents 3 Feb. 2011

The AVUHSD CTE staff will host a "Focus Your Future" informational event for middle school girls and their parents on 3 February 2011 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Highland High School Theatre in Palmdale.  The event will provide information on the pre-engineering, technology and other STEM-related programs available across the Antelope Valley Union High School District.  For further details, please contact Kathy Hunn, ROP/CTE Counselor, at khunn@avhsd.org .

LEAD Engineering Camp for 10th & 11th Grade Students of Color - Applications Due 1/25/11

LEAD Engineering camp for a residential college experience is available for 10th and 11th grade students of color who have at least a 3.2 GPA and strong interest in math and science.  Applications are due by 25 January 2011.  Visit http://www.leadengineeringsite.org/ for details.  (Opportunities are also available for business-oriented students at http://www.leadbusinesssite.org/ and for students interested in global studies at http://www.leadglobalsite.org/ ).