Special Opportunities 

Techbridge Girls Curriculum Program with Training and Kits

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Join us at an upcoming Techbridge Girls Information Session to learn more about our program offering for this Fall! Each of our services equips educators with gender- and culturally-responsive teaching tools and full program kitting materials to support youth persistence in STEM and expose girls to BIPOC peers and role models from STEM fields. Participation includes educator training, all materials and a stipend. 

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE by September 6th!

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First Woman Camp Guide and Set of Hands on Activities

As NASA prepares to put the first woman on the Moon in the next few years through the Artemis Missions, join us in an opportunity to imagine the possibilities of future lunar exploration with your upper elementary and middle school students. This set of hands-on activities accompanies NASA’s “First Woman” graphic novel series, which tells the story of Callie Rodriguez, the first woman to explore the Moon. While Callie is a fictional character, the first female astronaut and person of color will soon set foot on the Moon. Intended for uses in afterschool and summer settings, this First Woman Camp Experience Guide will bring the excitement of NASA’s science and technology. Read the fictional story of Callie, the first woman and person of color on the Moon. Download the interactive graphic novel and mobile apps.

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1. Access the Guide and Graphic Novel

2. Register for Live Professional Development Webinar:

   1. September 19th 3:00pm ET

   2. October 17 5:00pm ET

3. Use the Materials with Your Students

4. Register for a Live Q&A with Scientists and
   Engineers working on the Artemis Mission

   1. November 9 at 3:30pm ET

   2. December 7 at 6pm ET

   3. Jan 24 at 4pm ET

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Surprisingly STEM Video Series

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Surprisingly STEM is a video series that highlights exciting and unexpected careers at NASA. This series is designed to inform students about the broad range of career opportunities at NASA – outside of the typical associations of rocket scientists and astronauts – and to break down perceived barriers for working at the agency.

• Monthly Release of new prerecorded 5-minute career episode

• Associated STEAM Activities

• Monthly Live Session with NASA expert to answer Student Questions

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October 2023 - Thermal Blanket Technician

You’ll surely get wrapped up in this episode of Surprisingly STEM featuring Paula Cain, a thermal blanket technician at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. She covers why things sent into space need to be protected by a thermal blanket and shares how two of her passions – fashion design and Star Trek – were interwoven into an exciting career at NASA!

 

• View the Episode

• Explore the Activity

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Click to register for a live Q&A on October 26 at 4pm ET

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November 2023 - Wind Tunnel Engineers

We’re big fans of Sam Zauber and Frank Quinto – two wind tunnel test engineers at NASA’s Langley Research Center! You’ll be blown away as you learn how NASA uses its 14-foot by 22- foot subsonic wind tunnel. See some of the fascinating things Frank and Sam have tested there and learn what propelled them into their exciting STEM careers.

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• View the Episode

• Explore the Activity

 

Click to register for the live Q&A on November 15 at 5pm ET

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December 2023 - Marine Biologists

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is known for its launch pads, rocket launches and cutting-edge technology -- it’s also a national wildlife refuge! NASA has a team of biologists whose mission is to protect and preserve threatened and endangered species living near launch sites. Biologists Eric Reyier, PhD, and Bonnie Ahr share how their ecological work contributes to the agency’s larger mission and how they personally ended up on a boat in the Florida wetlands doing exciting work for NASA.

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• View the Episode

• Explore the Activity

 

Click to register for the live Q&A on December 6 at 5pm ET

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2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipse

Are you ready for the 2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipses that will be visible across the US on October 14, 2023, and April 8, 2024. Connect with NASA to engage students and families:

• Find local viewing events using this listing or
  creating your own opportunity.

• Use NASA Resources, Videos, Lessons and Materials
  with students.

• Ensure Safe viewing

Everyone MUST wear solar eclipse glasses or use an
alternate viewing method to look at any eclipse.
Read more about eye safety during an annular eclipse
on our web page and on this safety flier.

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NGCP is looking for girl-serving organizations located along
the path of totality for the 2024 total solar eclipse to participate
in Einstein's Incredible Universe. This new project includes a
citizen science program aiming to capture and broadcast
solar images during the eclipse. ☀️ 🕶️ Organizations that cater
to high school or college girls in select cities are encouraged to apply.
Visit https://ngcproject.org/einsteins-incredible-universe to learn more.
Applications are due by September 20, 2023. 

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Professional Development 

WEBINARS

ACRES Coaching: Facilitating Science Practices

Wednesdays: 09/13/2023, 09/27/2023 10:30 am - 12:30 pm EST/ 7:30 - 9:30 am PST

How can we make sure that our ‘hands-on’ science experiences for youth are also ‘minds on?’ In this module, participants learn how to support youth as they engage in science practices to learn science ideas, including planning and conducting investigations around testable questions. They’ll talk about the similarities and differences between questioning in science versus questioning in engineering contexts. 
*The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort.  Recordings are not available if you are unable to attend.  Completion of the Asking Purposeful Questions module is a prerequisite for this module. REGISTER HERE Code: AC251VC

 

ACRES Coaching: Nurturing STEM Identity and Making Career Connections
Wednesdays: 09/20/2023, 10/04/2023, 10/18/2023 11:00 am - 1:00 pm EST/ 8:00 - 10:00 am PST

How do you help youth recognize their role in STEM? How do you help youth learn about STEM careers? Participants experience several easy-to-implement strategies, including a photo-elicitation activity that can help youth form STEM identities, and then learn how to conduct related activities with youth.

*The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort.  Recordings are not available if you are unable to attend.  Completion of the Asking Purposeful Questions module is a prerequisite for this module. REGISTER HERE Code: AC360ID

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ACRES Coaching: Asking Purposeful Questions

Wednesdays: 10/4/2023, 10/18/2023, 11/1/2023 6:00 - 8:00 pm EST / 3:00 - 5:00 pm PST
Questions begin a path toward discovery, imagination, and STEM exploration. How can we help youth expand and clarify their thinking and develop their reasoning through the questions we ask them? This module is a great way to train staff on how to facilitate STEM learning. Experienced educators also love being part of a cohort as a way to connect with other educators across the country, to learn new lesson plans, and to reflect on practice.  This is our introductory module and a prerequisite to other opportunities. *The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. Recordings are not available if you are unable to attend.

*The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort.
REGISTER HERE Code: AC321PQ

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ACRES Coaching: Make Math Engaging

Mondays: 11/13/2023, 11/27/2023, 12/11/2023 2:00 - 4:00 pm EST / 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PST

Are you looking for fun ways to help youth build number sense
and problem-solving skills? Math can take on new meaning when
it is integrated into daily routines in our afterschool programs.
In this module, afterschool educators will explore and practice
strategies for making math engaging and accessible.

 

*The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and
an active member of this coaching cohort. Recordings are not
available if you are unable to attend. Completion of the
Asking Purposeful Questions module is a prerequisite for this module.
REGISTER HERE Code: AC343MP

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ACRES Coaching: Nurturing STEM Identity and Making Career Connections Mondays: 11/6/2023, 11/20/2023, 12/4/2023 3 - 5PM EST / 11:00 am - 1:00 pm PST

How do you help youth recognize their role in STEM? How do you help youth learn about STEM careers? Participants experience several easy-to-implement strategies, including a photo-elicitation activity that can help youth form STEM identities, and then learn how to conduct related activities with youth.

 

*The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort.  Recordings are not available if you are unable to attend.  Completion of the Asking Purposeful Questions module is a prerequisite for this module. REGISTER HERE Code: AC323ID

 

You’re a Computational Thinker Wednesday September 20th 12:00-1:00 PM EST / 9:00 - 10:00 AM

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REGISTER HERE

Learn what computational thinking means and
reflect on the ways in which you are already a
computational thinker. Learn how you can help
youth develop as computational thinkers and
leave with strategies you put into use right away.

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Click2Engineering: Engineering Mindset Fall Community of Practice
Thursdays September 14, September 28, October 12, and October 26 2:30 - 3:30 EST / 11:30 AM - 12:30PM PST

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REGISTER HERE

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The Click2Engineering community of practice (CoP) introduces out-of-school time educators to the basics of engineering and leading engineering activities with youth. The CoP is organized around the 10 Practices for an Engineering Mindset, and includes hands-on engineering activities, developing engineering experiences for youth, and learning skills to facilitate engineering practices.  The CoP is 4 meetings over 6 weeks.

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Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum Training
Tuesdays: September 19, October 17, and November 28, 2023, 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST

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REGISTER FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SESSION HERE

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September 19th 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST

• MusicMath: Unexpected Math, Creating Rhythms, and Making Rhythm Patterns
  Create musical patterns, then repeat the patterns and think about how to represent the patterns using words, pictures, and symbols.

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October 17th 1:00-2:00pm EST

• MusicMath: Composing Music (with Math!)
  Experiment with repeating patterns and create new arrangements using similar sounds in different sequences.

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November 14th 1:00-2:00pm EST

• MusicMath: Discovering Music Fractions
  Identify and represent parts of fractions using music and explore combinations and permutations, or ways of creating variety while still using the same elements.

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December 12th 1:00-2:00pm EST

• MusicMath: Orchestration
  Use fractions to create musical compositions, then perform the compositions using found instruments (pans, boxes, pencils, whistles). Create new combinations and permutations for the music fractions.

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Note: Each webinar will include strategies to support a positive Math Identity (e.g., role models, career connections, family connections, literacy connections).

Previous Training Recordings: April, May, June, July, and August

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Scientific Adventures for Girls Math Curriculum Training

October 3, 10, and 17th 12:00-1:00PM EST / 9:00-10:00AM PST

 

Harnessing the Magic of Math

Join us for a dynamic three-part virtual training series designed to breathe life into math through games, through meaningful, kid-friendly data analysis, and nature exploration. Our sessions focus on strategies that accommodate multiple grade levels and ability levels, helping you meet each student where they are. Prepare to turn your after-school program into a vibrant and engaging mathematical journey!

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• Session 1: Let’s Play

October 3rd 12:00-1:00PM EST / 9:00-10:00AM PST

Delve into the world where play meets mathematics. In this session, we'll explore how common game pieces, such as dominoes and dice, can be transformed into effective math teaching and exploration tools. You'll learn strategies for presenting math concepts in a playful, engaging manner, catering to different grade levels and ability levels. We'll discuss how games can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and cooperative learning among students.

• Session 2: Data Detectives

October 10th 12:00-1:00PM EST / 9:00-10:00AM PST

In our second session, we'll focus on strategies to collect and analyze data in fun and meaningful ways. From measuring the bounce of different balls and exploring exponential decay by eating M&M’s, we'll demonstrate how students can become active participants in the world of gathering and interpreting data.

• Session 3: Nature’s Numbers: Exploring Shapes & Patterns

October 17th 12:00-1:00PM EST / 9:00-10:00 AM PST

In our final session, we will explore the geometric patterns and three-dimensional shapes that exist in the natural world, demonstrating how these can be used to enrich math learning. This session will equip you with strategies to engage all students, from the youngest to the oldest, and from beginner to advanced levels.

 

About Scientific Adventure for Girls: Scientific Adventures for Girls is a non-profit based in the Bay Area that’s

working to change the face of science by introducing girls in elementary school to hands-on STEM learning and removing systematic barriers.

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STEM Flights

 

STEM Flights is a national nonprofit organization that combines STEM education with a free flight experience for middle and high school students.  They pair students with Pilot Mentors in their geographic area to receive a flight experience, learn about aviation and STEM careers, and connect with local aviation enthusiasts. Students complete the STEM Flights application, study online aviation and STEM curriculum, and submit a letter of recommendation before they are matched with a pilot.  Student applications are accepted year-round and in all 50 states. 

Our mission is to create positive experiences in aviation and inspire America’s youth to pursue STEM and aviation careers.  If you know a 6th-12th grade student who is interested in the world of STEM or aviation, encourage them to apply today!  To learn more, please visit our website or reach out to stemedu@stemflights.org for additional information.

 

STUDENTS APPLY HERE!  Student Application

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:  www.stemflights.org

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No Cost Activities

Activity Playlist

Looking for activities you can implement in your afterschool program today? Say goodbye to googling or searching on Pinterest. Use the following activities in sequence to support youth in building an engineering mindset.

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• Build a Pizza Box Solar Oven - Use easily found materials to create an oven where students can cook s’mores.  The activity answers the question “What has engineering got to do with me?” in a way that is fun.

• Hands-On Math: Fraction Math Trees - This fun hands-on, kinesthetic and visual approach to learning about fractions produces “math art”.

• Welcome to Space Math @ NASA - A collection of math videos, books, and activities that are sorted by grade level, science topic, NASA missions, and engineering topics. All activities are based on NASA Mission and projects.

• STEM Lessons From Space: Mathematics - A collection of math and engineering activities, videos, and resources with a focus on the International Space Station.

• The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers - A collection of fun and easy activities for ages 4-18 that cover a broad spectrum of activities—everything from designing devices to address climate change to coding.

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MIZZEN BY MOTT

Supported by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen is available at no cost to afterschool professionals! Download the Mizzen By Mott app to access STEM activities at your finger-touch!  You’ll find it in Mizzen here.

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Featured Activities & Playlists

• Playlist: STEAM Activities for Middle School at Home

• Playlist: STEM Activities for K-5th Grade

• Balloon Rockets Challenge

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RECRUIT STEM EXPERTS AS VOLUNTEERS

 

Less than 50% of high school girls know a woman in a STEM career. Let’s change that - recruit STEM professionals to support the youth you serve today! 

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The Moonshot helps to connect STEM experts with OST programs! Share your program’s volunteer opportunities for STEM experts to work with your youth today! Register here to find role models and mentors in STEM.

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Transformative Practices

• Equity and Inclusion: NGCP Webinar - Breaking Stereotypes through Children's Books - Children benefit greatly from seeing themselves represented in the stories they read. Children's books have the power to counter stereotypes, challenge gender norms, and open minds to new perspectives and ideas. But it can be challenging for educators and caregivers to find quality children’s books that are diverse and representative, especially when it comes to STEM. This webinar recording features Dr. Dieuwertje “DJ” Kast, Ed.D. from the University of Southern California who will talk about her work diversifying STEAM picture books by collaborating with Room to Read on the STEAM-Powered Careers Book Collection, a 10-book series on a variety of groundbreaking and diverse careers in STEAM. This webinar also features Katherine Locke, author of the picture book What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns. What Are Your Words? is a simple and poignant story about finding yourself and serves as a perfect introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns.

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• Equity and Inclusion: NGCP Blog - Picture Books to Break Stereotypes in STEM (and Beyond!) - Find a list (with links) to the best STEM picture books for young learners featuring diverse characters and girl-centered stories.

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• Engineering Mindset: NGCP Blog - Supporting Space STEM Education: Resources to Spark Curiosity and Inspire STEM Learning - This blog post shares a list of resources put together based on NGCP's experience at the National Space Council's Space STEM Forum along with the ongoing work of NGCP supporting gender equity in STEM.

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• Engineering Mindset and Math: Elementary & Middle School Math Club Ideas And Activities: From Set Up To Running It If you have always wanted to set up a math club but aren’t quite sure how to do it or what kind of math club activities you could use, then this blog should set you on the right path. Packed with math club ideas, tips and tricks from a teacher with over 20 years experience, after reading this post you will be in good shape to start your own club in no time at all.

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• Role and Models Resource: Hispanic Scientists and Engineers - This site lists the biographies several scientists who are Hispanic with bonus information including career connections and hands-on, minds-on activities for youth

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• Role Models and Mentor Resource: 10 Amazing Latina Women In STEM - To celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, Raising Smart Girls has listed 10 Amazing Latina Women In STEM.

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• STEM Handoffs and Transitions: Brokering Youth Pathways: A Toolkit for Connecting Youth to Future Opportunity from the Hive Research Network shares ways in which various out-of-school educators and professionals have approached the challenge of brokering. We provide a framework, practice briefs and reports that focus on a particular issue or challenge and provide concrete examples, as well as illustrate how our partners worked through designing new brokering routines in partnership with our research team.

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ASSETS FROM THE IF/THEN® COLLECTION

These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and Spaceflight Engineer, Dana Bolles, and can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and for conferences presentations.

 

• Paula Garcia Todd, Ambassador Profile 

• Minerva Cordero, Ambassador Profile

• Jessica Taaffe, Ambassador Profile

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