Declining Percentage of Women Entering Computer Science Majors

Despite being sought-after in technology careers due to their team and project-management skills, a declining percentage of women are entering computer science majors.  The number has reduced since 1984, with a current rate of 13%.  Growth in technology jobs is expected to be high over the next six years; an NSF grant is targeting increasing the numbers of females pursuing computer careers.  http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/jobs/chi-women-bridge-computerscience-gap-20120803,0,659958.story  Perhaps the recent appointment of Marissa Mayer as the new "top geek" at Yahoo will bring renewed attention to this pathway for young women.  http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/16/tech/web/marissa-mayer-bio/index.html?hpt=hp_bn5 .

Raytheon's "MathMovesU" Site Provides Resources

Raytheon's "MathMovesU" site, primarily targeted at the middle school age bracket, has math games, worksheets, and other classroom resources, as well as student scholarship and teacher grant applications.  It also provides links to other initiatives.  Visit at MathMovesU .

Science of the Summer Olympics

As an update to the 3/16/12 post here about "Pizza, Pi and Pucks," the NBC network, in partnership with the National Science Foundation, has added to its "NBC Learn" features to include the "Science of the Summer Olympics."  As of this post, ten videos are posted on such subjects as "Designing Safety Helmets" for boxing, "Designing a Fast Pool" and "Fluid Dynamics" on swimming, and "Engineering for Mobility" on para-olympics; some math topics are also incorporated.  Lesson plans are expected to be posted in August. Visit the link at NBC Science of the Summer Olympics .

Google RISE Award Applications Due 9/30/12

The Google RISE (Roots in Science and Engineering) Award applications are now available and are due by no later than 30 September 2012.  Designed to inspire increased K-12 and university participation in STEM and/or computer science, the awards range from $5,000 to $25,000.  For further information on eligibility requirements and the application, visit http://www.google.com/edu/rise/index.html .

Data On STEM Student Performance

The US Department of Education's "Data Dashboard" contains charts, detail, and reports regarding STEM performance both as a nation, and with state comparisons.  For example, the data tends to show that the percentage of bachelor's degrees conferred in STEM fields has declined by 1.2% from 1998-1999 to 2008-2009, while it has declined .8% in California during the same time period.  California currently ranks in the bottom third of states in this category.  For more information and to view this set of data indicators, visit US ED Data Dashboard STEM Degrees .

Additionally, the Center for American Progress has recently released a report following up on the NAEP's Student Report Card, including results related to math and science study.  The report discusses the fact that many students do not feel challenged in their math or science courses, do not understand what their math or science teachers are asking them in class, and do not routinely write long assignments for school.  Recommendations include mandating more rigorous standards for students to meet, as well as providing more rigorous learning activities.  To read or download the full report, see Do Schools Challenge Our Students?

Teachers Participate in San Diego Project Lead the Way Training

KPBS education reporter Kyla Calvert filed a story about approximately 20 high school teachers from states ranging from Alaska to Florida attending the Project Lead the Way (c) Summer Training Institute at San Diego State University in late July.  Among them were teachers from Quartz Hill and Palmdale High Schools locally, who will go back to their classrooms and facilitate the Introduction to Engineering Design courses.  Professor Bruce Westermo of SDSU cited the need for California to grow the STEM students and workforce, which PLTW is suited to do through project-based learning.  http://www.kpbs.org/news/2012/jul/23/summer-training-prepares-teachers-inspire-future-e/

Teachers Participate in STEM Service Learning Institute

According to the Contra Costa Times, approximately 150 Southern California teachers from 30 districts recently participated in a free three-day STEM Service Learning Institute held in San Bernardino.  Led by USC Professor Robert de Groot, some of the teachers took a geology walk above CSU San Bernardino to learn about plate tectonics as compared to taking apart an Oreo cookie.  Other presenters included staff from South Coast AQMD, Indio high school students, UC Davis's Afterschool Network program director, and NASA/JPL Educator Resource Center in Pomona.  http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_21102840/teachers-learn-about-science-earthquakes-at-cal-state 

STEM Master Teacher Corps On the Horizon

Jason Koebler reported in the US News and World Report that The White House announced the availability of a grant opportunity in mid-July as part of the Teacher Incentive Fund application for districts to create a STEM Master Teacher Corps.  Among other requirements, the grant provided that teachers, who could receive up to $20,000 annual compensation over four years, have to teach in designated high-need schools; the district would be required to change teacher compensation and evaluation systems district-wide, and determine new teacher recruitment and retention strategies.  http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/07/18/white-house-announces-1-billion-master-teacher-program

How to Increase Numbers of STEM Students

Rodney C. Adkins, Sr. VP of IBM's Systems and Technology Group, recently wrote a piece in Forbes about three ways to increase the number of STEM students in the US to keep pace with attrition and to fuel economic growth.  First, public-private partnerships can create and maintain the enthusiasm of students in STEM subjects through mentorships and assisting in early-college high school or dual enrollment programs.  Second, more under-represented students, such as females and students of color, need to be included in the STEM pipeline through continued public and private initiatives.  Finally, students need local role models to work with and encourage them to succeed.  Forbes - America Needs More STEM Students .

In a similar vein, Alicia Abella of AT&T Labs addresses the same type of issues regarding the need to promote STEM majors and careers to women.  See her recent interview by Katy Hopkins in US News and World Report at http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2012/07/10/how-to-encourage-women-to-consider-stem-majors. 

Regarding Adkins's final point, results from a recent study by the University of Wisconsin indicate that parents can play a pivotal role in having their students take more advanced math and science classes; the study provided additional materials to some parents of 10th graders - the children of those who received the materials took more courses than those who didn't.  http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/extra-credit/extra-credit-teach-your-children-well-about-stem/article_c734cd64-cb87-11e1-8bea-0019bb2963f4.html .

Project Learning Tree Offers GreenWorks Grants - Applications Due by 9/30/12

Any teacher who is Project Learning Tree trained is eligible to apply for a grant from GreenWorks to implement environmentally-related service learning projects in their schools and communities.  Awards are offered in two categories:

1. up to $1,000;
2. up to $3,000 for Project Learning Tree registered GreenSchools.

For more information about eligibility requirements, to obtain a guidebook, and to apply for a grant, visit http://www.greenworks.org/ at the "Apply for a Grant" tab.  Applications are due by no later than 30 September 2012.