Tech Trek Nominations Due 12/2/11

Science and math teachers of 7th grade young women in Antelope Valley public schools have the opportunity to nominate them to attend Tech Trek camps during the summer of 2012.  At camp, the girls attend STEM classes, go on field trips, meet professional female role models, and more, all on a college campus.  The American Association of University Women's AV Chapter selects students from nominees based upon the nomination, an application essay, and an interview.  Each school may nominate up to three students.  Nominations are due by 2 December 2011 to avtechtrek@gmail.com.  For more information, contact AV Tech Trek Coordinator Connie Harney at the above e-mail or at 661-943-4231 or 661-400-1787.

"Understanding Gender Equity in STEM Education" On-line Course Available Beginning 10/5/11

The New Hampshire e-Learning for Educators Project and the STEM Equity Pipeline are partnering to offer a graduate-level on-line course entitled "Understanding Gender Equity in STEM Education" beginning 5 October 2011 and continuing through 22 November 2011.  The course costs $130, with graduate credit available for an additional $520 fee.  To obtain further information and to register, go to http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=996020 (Course BP-16; other offerings are available).

Free Webinar on Retaining Underrepresented Genders/Ethnicities in Undergraduate Engineering Programs on 10/6/11

STEM Equity Pipeline is sponsoring a free webinar to publish the results of a PACE study on recruiting and retaining more female and minority undergraduate engineering students on Thursday, 6 October 2011, from 9:00 to 10:00am PST, with Dr. Elizabeth Litzler from the University of Washington.  "Join the webinar to learn about student experiences in engineering, understand how experiences could impact educational outcomes, and hear about some targeted interventions that can help retain underrepresented women. "  To register for the webinar, go to https://www106.livemeeting.com/lrs/8001043798/Registration.aspx?pageName=gbh1bw8wd25sqgwv 

STEM Service Learning Workshop on 10/11 or 10/25/11

The Mojave Environmental Education Consortium (MEEC), with generous sponsorship from Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, is hosting its first-ever, free STEM Service Learning Workshop for teachers in grades 3-12 from 4:30 to 7:30pm on 11 October 2011 (RSVP by 5 October) at Mariposa Elementary in Lancaster and 25 October 2011 (RSVP by 17 October) at the MDAQMD in Victorville.  Attendees will be provided with tips and tools to organizing service learning projects to engage and extend the learning of their students, as well as environmental education curriculum, the opportunity to obtain a grant for their project, and free dinner!  Participants will also be prepared to attend the Youth Environmental Leadership Conference in spring, with keynote Joel Greene of Curiosity Quest.  A refundable $10 deposit is required to attend, along with the application.  http://www.meeconline.com/science-technology-engineering-mathematics/.  For additional info, contact Cindi Wray at MEEC (760) 245-1661.

As an example of such a project, consider the 2011 California K-12 Schools Recycling Challenge running between 17 October and 12 November 2011, sponsored by "Keep California Beautiful."  For more information on this project, contact Christine Flowers at 916-368-9301.  Register at http://greencaschools.org/ .

Science Fair Expo Hosted by RCOE on 10/29/11

The Riverside County Office of Education will host a Science Fair Expo for Riverside and San Bernardino County teachers and students on Saturday, 29 October 2011, from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the RCOE Conference Center, 3958 Twelfth St., Riverside.  There will be several breakout sessions related to such topics as how to run a science fair, judging, good science projects, and preparing for the interview.  Consultations with scientists will be available during the entire session.  Parking space will be limited.  For more information, contact Yamileth Shimojyo, Coordinator, Riverside County Office of Education, (951) 826-6304 or Rick Hall, Coordinator, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, (909) 386-2611.

NASA Hydroponics Workshop to be Held 11/8/11

NASA/AERO Institute will be holding a teacher workshop on hydroponics - growing plants without soil - covering a variety of disciplines.  It will target grades 2-12, and will be held on 8 November 2011 from 4:30 to 6:00pm at the Educator Resource Center in Palmdale.  For more information, contact Sara Cutts at sara.cutts@nasa.gov or at 661-276-3992.

Vernier/NSTA Technology Award Applications Due 11/30/11

The Vernier/National Science Teacher Association Technology Awards will provide seven (7) K-college science teachers $3,000 for the innovative use of data-collection technology using a graphing calculator, computer, or other handheld device in the science classroom.  The award consists of $1,000 cash, $1,000 in Vernier products, and $1,000 towards expenses to attend the NSTA annual convention.  Applications are due by 30 November 2011, and can be found with further details at http://www.vernier.com/grants/nsta/

Applied Technology Center HS Opens in Montebello

Montebello Unified School District opened a new $30 million Applied Technology Center high school for the 2011-2012 academic year; it features five academies: engineering; construction trades; health and human services; law and government; and hospitality and tourism.  The principal of the new school is Trish Lockhart, formerly of Antelope Valley High School.  http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_18838197

For a follow-up article on the community partnerships in place at the site, visit http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_18974538

MEEC Desert Studies Workshop Scholarship Application Due 9/30/11

MEEC, through the generous sponsorship of Boeing, is holding its two-day Desert Studies Workshop in Joshua Tree National Park and Morongo Preserve on 22-23 October 2011.  Fifteen (15) teacher scholarships are available to cover meals, lodging, transportation, curriculum, and an autographed book by the presenter, David Lamfrom.  Applications are due by 30 September 2011.  For more details and to obtain the application, visit http://www.meeconline.com/announcementapplication-for-2011-joshua-tree-desert-studies-scholarship/

Engaging Students in Engineering Classrooms Webinar Set for 9/14/11

ENGAGE Project, ASEE, and NSF are sponsoring a free webinar on Wednesday, 14 September 2011, from 11:00 to 12:00 noon PDT, entitled "Engaging Students Using Everyday Engineering Examples in the Classroom."  The session will be presented by Eann Peterson, Ph.D., among others.  Participants will receive a complimentary .pdf with examples.  To register, visit https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/581628881.