"Science: It's A Girl Thing" - Two Divergent Approaches

Carolyn Johnson of the Boston Globe reports on two very different approaches by two organizations (European Commission and Dartmouth University) on "selling the idea" that science is "a girl thing,"  providing links to their two videos.  The Science in Mind blog points out the need for increasing the numbers of women in STEM, referencing a Yale University study on scientific biases impacting gender disparities in the field.  http://www.boston.com/news/science/blogs/science-in-mind/2012/12/20/science-girl-thing/gfzk6sZFOheQFx7ugBZphO/blog.html

SBAC Releases Draft Common Core Assessment Blueprints

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), of which California is a participant, has released its draft Common Core State Standards assessment blueprints for both English/Literacy and Math.  These assessments will begin being used by states in the 2014-2015 school year.  To view the draft, visit http://www.smarterbalanced.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Smarter-Balanced-Preliminary-Test-Blueprints.pdf

On a related note, the Next Generation Science Standards second round of public review is expected to be announced in January 2013.  California is also one of the states which is participating in this effort.  For more information, go to http://www.nextgenscience.org/.

Happy Holidays from AV STEMCenter!

How many STEM activities can you find in this scene?  :)

Digital STEM Mentorship Program for Girls - Applications Due by 1/31/13

The Huffington Post is sponsoring a new digital STEM mentorship program for young women aged 14-21 years old.  Through an application process, girls will be matched with female engineers, scientists, or science writers as mentors, with opportunities to connect digitally.  Both participants are then encouraged to blog about their experiences for the HuffPost.  Applications for the program are due by 31 January 2013 - the program officially runs through April 2013, but continuing contact is at the discretion of the participants.  To apply, visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-searles/stem-mentorship-program_b_2288918.html and follow the "apply here" link.

"Greening STEM" Theme for National Environmental Week

The National Environmental Education Foundation has set the theme for National Environmental Education Week on 10-14 April 2013 - it will be "Greening STEM:  Taking Technology Outdoors."  Teachers of grades K-12 and organizations may register to participate in the week-long commemoration, and have access to a number of resources and apps related to the theme.  To get more information (including an infographic on Green STEM), and to register, go to http://www.eeweek.org/ .

ExploraVision Team Entries Due by 1/31/13

Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association are partnering to offer the "ExploraVision" competition, which is open to student teams of 2-4 members in grades K-12 of all skill levels.  Entries will address a particular type of technology and envision what it will look like in 20 years, as well as research and simulate what it will take to advance it to that point.  Submissions are due by no later than 31 January 2013.  For more information about the competition criteria and to register a team to participate, go to http://www.exploravision.org/about/.

Advanced STEM Service Learning Workshop Scheduled for 2/20/13 in Palmdale

MEEC, sponsored by the generosity of Boeing, will be presenting a teacher Advanced STEM Service Learning Workshop at the Palmdale Conference Center, 1156 East Avenue S, from 4:30 to 7:30pm, on 20 February 2013.  Participants will receive free materials (including a copy of a new book, Integrating Scientific Practices and Service Learning, valued at $35, plus dinner!  Registration closes on 12 February - spots are limited - sign up early.  For more information, visit http://www.meeconline.com/2013-workshops/

MEEC is also offering workshops on the new Environmental Education Initiative curriculum and Earth Science standards in the high desert on 13 February - information on the MEEC website shown above. 

President's Environmental Youth Award Applications Due 12/31/12

The annual President's Environmental Youth Award regional awards applications are due by no later than 31 December 2012.  Projects, completed by students at the K-12 level, are considered for awards based upon criteria such as the extent of the student's initiative in beginning the project, environmental need/appropriateness, positive environmental impact, and sound approach.  Proposals must be submitted, not exceeding 300 words.  For more information on eligibility requirements and the application process, visit http://www.epa.gov/peya/#PIAEEreqs=0 .

"NASA Johnson Style" Video

Scientists from NASA's Johnson Space Center are seen dancing and rapping about their careers in a new "Gangnam" style video.  "NASA Johnson Style".

Homeland Security National Lab Internship Applications Due by 1/15/13

The Department of Homeland Security has announced 10-week summer internships at National Labs for college undergraduate and graduate students; stipends are available for $5,000 to $7,000.   

Placements are available at labs such as Argonne, Lawrence Livermore, Scandia, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge, as well as  Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Coast Guard Research and Development Center, and Plum Island.   

 Applications are due by no later than 15 January 2013; applicants must be US citizens, and
areas of interest for these internships for undergraduates include engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological/life sciences, environmental science, emergency and incident management, social sciences. For graduates, the areas of interest include nuclear engineering, physics, mathematics, statistics, computer sciences, systems engineering, electrical engineering and material science.

For more information and to apply, visit DHS STEM Summer Internships.