Recursos de Million Girls Moonshot
El trabajo de la Iowa Active Learning Community Partnership es posible gracias a la financiación de STEM Next y la subvención Million Girls Moonshot Innovator. La misión de MGM es ampliar las oportunidades STEM, específicamente en el campo de la ingeniería, para las niñas en los Estados Unidos, lo que es posible gracias a estas asociaciones estatales individuales. Esta página tiene un enlace directo al sitio web Million Girls Moonshot, así como recursos a los que puede acceder para compartir con su personal.
Resources
Click the buttons below to view each month's resources.
February 2023
Professional Development
WEBINARS
ACRES Training Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions Mondays: 2/13/2023, 2/27/2023 & 3/13/2023 10:00 AM-12:00 PM EST
Questions begin a path towards 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. REGISTER HERE: Use the code AC227PQ
Click2Engineering Winter Community of Practice February 1st, 15th, March 1st and 15th 4:00-5:30 PM ET
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 sessions are as follows: 1) Using a Systematic Engineering Design Process; 2) Work in Teams; 3) Identify as Engineers; 4) Equity. REGISTER HERE.
Click2Engineering Virtual Workshop:
Connecting Computational Thinking and the Engineering Mindset
February 21st 11:30 AM-12:30 PM ET
Out-of-school programs have the capacity to encourage youth
to engage in computational thinking and practices that support
an engineering mindset. This virtual workshop explores how the
practices that support computational thinking intersect and support
the practices for developing and engineering mindset,
and how both provide problem-solving strategies that help
prepare youth for their future. REGISTER HERE
Girls in STEM: A (Data-based) Tale of Confidence & Satisfaction
with National Girls Collaborative Project February 21st 9:00-10:30 am PST / 12:00-1:30 pm EST.
What attracts female-identifying students to STEM fields, particularly those that use digital technologies, and what distances them from these fields? Join NGCP in collaboration with Gender Scan on 2/21/23 as we explore what data tells us about the importance of educators, parents, and peers in order to engage, retain, and fulfill women and girls in technology fields, and STEM in general. REGISTER HERE.
ENGAGING GIRLS IN HANDS ON ENGINEERING with Scientific Adventures for Girls February 21st 9:00-10:15 am PST / 12:00-1:15 pm EST
Join Scientific Adventures for Girls (SAfG) in a three part curriculum training series focused on their no cost, open-sourced curriculum aimed to engage and excite more girls in engineering and design.
In this first session, participants will learn strategies to:
-
Build a high quality afterschool STEM
program specifically for girls in K-6th grades -
Plan for inquiry and components of the
engineering design process — hands-on planning,
creating, testing, redesigning, and reflection -
Design a youth centered environment
with a strong SEL - STEM component
Participants will leave the series with four engineering design projects and a materials list that they can implement with youth immediately. Participants will also be given access to additional engineering and design projects through SAfG. REGISTER FOR THE FIRST SESSION HERE.
February 28th 9:00-10:15 am PST / 12:00-1:15 pm EST
Join Scientific Adventures for Girls (SAfG) in a three part curriculum training series focused on their no cost, open-sourced curriculum aimed to engage and excite more girls in engineering and design.
In this second session, participants will walk through two specific, no cost, hands on Product Design Lessons. In the first lesson, “Light Up Your Art”, students will learn about circuits and use that knowledge to design a piece of light up art or greeting card. In the second lesson, “Your Cookies Have Shipped”, students will gain understanding of product packaging & design and work to create packaging for cookies that will pass three stress tests. They will also learn about constraints during the design process having limited “money” for materials and limited materials supply - incorporating math concepts into the lesson. Participants will leave this session with two specific Product Design Lessons with a materials list that can be implemented immediately with youth. First session recording here. ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION GIVEN AFTER ATTENDING FIRST SESSION.
March 7 9:00-10:15 am PST / 12:00-1:15 pm EST
Join Scientific Adventures for Girls (SAfG) in a three part curriculum training series focused on their no cost, open-sourced curriculum aimed to engage and excite more girls in engineering and design.
In this third session, participants will walk through two specific, no cost, on Product Design Lessons. In the first lesson, the “Toy Design Challenge,” students will have to design and prototype a toy that can effectively pass through a “maze” and ring a bell. This lesson will focus on redesign and testing. For the second lesson, “Bionic Hand”, students will be supported by the teacher to understand the basic design of a bionic finger and use that experience to create their own bionic hand that can function during testing at the end of the lesson. Participants will leave this session with two more specific Product Design Lessons with a materials list that can be implemented immediately with youth. First session recording here, second session recording here. ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION GIVEN AFTER ATTENDING FIRST SESSION.
Exploring Engineering as a Career with Jobs for the Future March 13th 11:00-12:15 pm PST / 2:00-3:15 pm ESTT
Join Jobs for the Future (JFF) as they unpack Possible Futures, a no cost career exploration curriculum for learners in grades 6 through 10, consisting of six units that help learners: develop essential employability skills, explore STEM occupations, and better understand themselves and the world of work. In this webinar, participants will dive into the Engineering unit — a series of twelve lessons that help youth explore the role of engineering professionals as they tackle engineering challenges based on relevant, real-world problems. Participants will leave with everything you need to implement the lessons with youth: digital copy of the 12 lessons, facilitator guide, lesson materials, and youth worksheets. REGISTER HERE.
ACRES Training Cohort: Facilitating Engineering Practices Thursdays: 3/16/2023, 3/30/2023, and 4/13/2023 10:00 AM-12:00 PM EST
Engineering has become a staple of STEM programming for youth.
How can we confidently bring engineering into our programming
and support youth as they engage in problem-solving? In this module,
you’ll gain first-hand experience with engineering by solving a design problem.
As a participant, you’ll examine the components of the engineering
design process and discuss ways to model the process with youth.
Asking Purposeful Questions is a prerequisite to this skill.
*The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. REGISTER HERE.
No Cost Activities
Activity Playlist
Looking for a sequence of 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. Note: The following two sets of activities last 5-8 sessions. The first requires hardware and the second does not in case your program does not have access.
-
Lesson 1-3: Educator Guide: Explore Mars With Scratch | NASA/JPL Edu Grades 3-8, requires hardware, multiple sessions - This activity is divided into multiple sections. The first section is an introduction to setting up a Mars rover game using the Scratch programming language. It can be completed as a stand-alone lesson, or in conjunction with several other sections, depending on student and teacher familiarity with Scratch and block-based programming languages.
-
Lesson 4-6: Educator Guide: Mars Rover Driver Board Game | NASA/JPL Edu
Grades 3-8 No hardware required, multiple sessions. In this board-game lesson,
students play the roles of a Mars rover, scientist, and engineer to make
exploration decisions and accomplish science goals. Students learn to write
basic command sequences, which lay the groundwork for developing computer
programming skills. Includes a variety of videos and other resources to learn about computing and Mars.
Looking for EVEN More Activities at NASA?! Activity Toolkit: Engineering is Elementary's NASA Partnership free units - A suite of free NASA-funded STEM resources for students in grades 3-8. All resources are research-based and classroom-tested. They are designed to support students’ understanding of space, while helping them see themselves as capable problem solvers.
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!
VolunteerMatch attracts more than 1M site visits each month, and is easily one of the best ways to find strong role models for the youth you serve.
The Moonshot has partnered with VolunteerMatch to connect STEM experts with OST programs! Create a free VolunteerMatch account and post volunteer opportunities to work with your youth today! Register here to find role models and mentors in STEM.
Engineering Week
-
Discover Engineering Downloadable Resources - A Collection of resources for your Engineers Week and Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day events and activities! Download logos, ads, graphics, certificates, bookmarks, and customizable language you can share.
-
NGCP "10 Ways to Support Girls in STEM in 2023" - A list of 10 simple ways you can support girls in STEM in 2023, along with the necessary resources to help you. Information for addressing stereotypes, introducing role models, exploring coding, and more are included in this helpful NGCP resource that can be used to kickstart your Engineering Week and beyond.
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National Science Foundation’s Engineering Classroom Resources - This collection of lessons and web resources curated by the NSF is aimed at classroom teachers, their students, and student's families.
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The STEAM Playbook - NGCP partnered with The Genius of Play to bring this collection of play ideas and ready-to-use activities to help spark a child’s interest in these critical subjects. Check out the activities specific to Engineering to help plan your Engineering Week
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PBS Kids Engineering Games - Collection of free engineering-focused games from PBS Kids
Special Opportunites
NASA Inspires Futures for Tomorrow’s Youth (NIFTY) Applications due February 18, 2023
Looking to leverage your STEM programs for youth (ages 9-14) by connecting with NASA STEM Role Models?The NIFTY project is seeking 20 partners to provide NASA-themed STEM programs for underrepresented youth ages 9-14 (with a focus on girls and youth of color). Selected partners will receive $5,000, professional development for two staff, space science STEM activities and materials to support running two programs, one July-December 2023 and the other January-June 2025. The NIFTY project is funded by NASA.
Transformative Practices
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Professional Development Guide For Staff: The National Center for Quality Afterschool Math in Afterschool - The National Partnership for Quality Afterschool Learning developed professional development guides for four content areas of the toolkit: literacy, math, technology, and the arts.
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Activity Toolkit: Growing Math - Provides ready-to-roll-out lessons and games combining math, agricultural science and Indigenous history and culture that can be easily used in classrooms, via hybrid models or through distance learning. The project will provide resources, curriculum, training and tech support to teachers and students in Grades 3-8 at schools in six states: Arizona, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon and South Dakota. For schools in the region, all participation and resources are supported through USDA funds.
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Toolkit: Engaging Families in Mathematics Education - Families are a child’s first educator and this role does not halt on day one of school. Families lay the foundation for future educational success. Researchers have identified four best practices for engaging families effectively in mathematics education.
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Educator Guide: STEM Activities for Families - Easy to implement engaging activities for families (as a follow up to after school activities.)
-
Toolkit: Brokering Youth Pathways: A Toolkit for Connecting Youth to Future Opportunity from the Hive Research Network - This toolkit 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.
ASSETS FROM THE IF/THEN® COLLECTION
These assets feature IF/THEN® Ambassadors like J’Tia Hart, Nuclear Engineer, Catie Cuan, Roboticist (Mechanical Engineer) and many more! These ambassadors and can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and conference presentations. See more media content here.
January 2023
Professional Development
ACRES
ACRES Training Cohort: Facilitating Engineering Practices Dates: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM EST on the following Tuesdays: 1/10/2023, 1/24/2023 & 2/7/2023
Engineering has become a staple of STEM programming for youth. How can we confidently bring engineering into our programming and support youth as they engage in problem-solving? In this module, you’ll gain first-hand experience with engineering by solving a design problem. As a participant, you’ll examine the components of the engineering design process and discuss ways to model the process with youth. Asking Purposeful Questions is a prerequisite to this skill. Register: Use the code AC285EP
ACRES Training Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions Dates: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM EST on the following Mondays: 2/13/2023, 2/27/2023 & 3/13/2023
Questions begin a path towards 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. Register: Use the code AC227PQ
Click2Computer Science Virtual Workshop: Developing Computational Thinking in Afterschool January 17th 1:30-2:30 PM ET
Computational thinking builds problem-solving strategies
to help youth prepare for their future.
Computational thinking can be a game changer for young people
when they learn problem solving skills with computers.
This virtual workshop focuses on practice strategies for developing a
computationally rich environment in afterschool – with or without
computers – and resources so you can get started right away.
Quality STEM Webinar: Dimensions of Success Program Planning Tool
January 23rd and 25th 10:30 - 12:00 PM PT 1:30 - 3:00 PM ET
(register by January 5, 2023)
The DoS-PPT is a free resource for facilitators of out-of-school and in-school STEM learning programs. The planning tool provides a brief introduction to each dimension of the DoS framework, sample videos,
and examples to guide the use of DoS when preparing activity plans for youth.
During this training, participants will:
-
Develop high-level understanding of the DoS Framework, dimensions of quality
-
Working with the PPT learn how to plan high quality STEM learning experiences using the DoS Program Planning Tool
-
Work with the newly revised DoS Program Planning Tool to identify and plan for high-quality program and activity planning practices.
Click2Engineering Winter Community of Practice February 1st, 15th and March 1st and 15th 4:00-5:30 PM ET
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 sessions are as follows:
1) Using a Systematic Engineering Design Process; 2) Work in Teams; 3) Identify as Engineers; 4) Equity.
Click2Engineering Virtual Workshop: Connecting Computational Thinking and the Engineering Mindset
February 21st 11:30 AM-12:30 PM ET
Out-of-school programs have the capacity to encourage youth to engage in
computational thinking and practices that support an engineering mindset.
This virtual workshop explores how the practices that support
computational thinking intersect and support the practices for developing
and engineering mindset, and how both provide problem-solving strategies
that help prepare youth for their future.
No Cost Training on Curriculum
ENGAGING GIRLS IN HANDS ON ENGINEERING with Scientific Adventures for Girls February 21st 9:00-10:15 am PST / 12:00-1:15 pm EST
Join Scientific Adventures for Girls (SAfG) in a three part curriculum training series focused on their no cost, open-sourced curriculum aimed to engage and excite more girls in engineering and design.
In this first session, participants will learn strategies to:
-
Build a high quality afterschool STEM
program specifically for girls in K-6th grades -
Plan for inquiry and components of the
engineering design process — hands-on planning,
creating, testing, redesigning, and reflection -
Design a youth centered environment
with a strong SEL - STEM component
Participants will leave the series with four engineering design projects and a materials list that they can implement with youth immediately. Participants will also be given access to additional engineering and design projects through SAfG. REGISTER FOR THE FIRST SESSION HERE.
February 28th 9:00-10:15 am PST / 12:00-1:15 pm EST
Join Scientific Adventures for Girls (SAfG) in a three part curriculum training series focused on their no cost, open-sourced curriculum aimed to engage and excite more girls in engineering and design.
In this second session, participants will walk through two specific, no cost, hands on Product Design Lessons. In the first lesson, “Light Up Your Art”, students will learn about circuits and use that knowledge to design a piece of light up art or greeting card. In the second lesson, “Your Cookies Have Shipped”, students will gain understanding of product packaging & design and work to create packaging for cookies that will pass three stress tests. They will also learn about constraints during the design process having limited “money” for materials and limited materials supply - incorporating math concepts into the lesson. Participants will leave this session with two specific Product Design Lessons with a materials list that can be implemented immediately with youth. First session recording here. ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION GIVEN AFTER ATTENDING FIRST SESSION.
March 7 9:00-10:15 am PST / 12:00-1:15 pm EST
Join Scientific Adventures for Girls (SAfG) in a three part curriculum training series focused on their no cost, open-sourced curriculum aimed to engage and excite more girls in engineering and design.
In this third session, participants will walk through two specific, no cost, on Product Design Lessons. In the first lesson, the “Toy Design Challenge,” students will have to design and prototype a toy that can effectively pass through a “maze” and ring a bell. This lesson will focus on redesign and testing. For the second lesson, “Bionic Hand”, students will be supported by the teacher to understand the basic design of a bionic finger and use that experience to create their own bionic hand that can function during testing at the end of the lesson. Participants will leave this session with two more specific Product Design Lessons with a materials list that can be implemented immediately with youth. First session recording here, second session recording here. ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION GIVEN AFTER ATTENDING FIRST SESSION.
Possible Futures Possible Selves: Engineering Module March 13th 11:00-12:15 pm PST / 2:00-3:15 pm EST
Join Jobs for the Future (JFF) as they unpack Possible Futures, a no cost career exploration curriculum for learners in grades 6 through 10, consisting of six units that help learners: develop essential employability skills, explore STEM occupations, and better understand themselves and the world of work. In this webinar, participants will dive into the Engineering unit — a series of twelve lessons that help youth explore the role of engineering professionals as they tackle engineering challenges based on relevant, real-world problems. Participants will leave with everything you need to implement the lessons with youth: digital copy of the 12 lessons, facilitator guide, lesson materials, and youth worksheets. REGISTER HERE.
No Cost Activities
Activity Playlist
Looking for a sequence of 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. Note: The following two sets of activities last 5-8 sessions. The first requires hardware and the second does not in case your program does not have access.
-
Lesson 1-3: Educator Guide: Explore Mars With Scratch | NASA/JPL Edu Grades 3-8, requires hardware, multiple sessions - This activity is divided into multiple sections. The first section is an introduction to setting up a Mars rover game using the Scratch programming language. It can be completed as a stand-alone lesson, or in conjunction with several other sections, depending on student and teacher familiarity with Scratch and block-based programming languages.
-
Lesson 4-6: Educator Guide: Mars Rover Driver Board Game | NASA/JPL Edu
Grades 3-8 No hardware required, multiple sessions. In this board-game lesson,
students play the roles of a Mars rover, scientist, and engineer to make
exploration decisions and accomplish science goals. Students learn to write
basic command sequences, which lay the groundwork for developing computer
programming skills. Includes a variety of videos and other resources to learn about computing and Mars.
Looking for EVEN More Activities at NASA?! Activity Toolkit: Engineering is Elementary's NASA Partnership free units - A suite of free NASA-funded STEM resources for students in grades 3-8. All resources are research-based and classroom-tested. They are designed to support students’ understanding of space, while helping them see themselves as capable problem solvers.
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!
VolunteerMatch attracts more than 1M site visits each month, and is easily one of the best ways to find strong role models for the youth you serve.
The Moonshot has partnered with VolunteerMatch to connect STEM experts with OST programs! Create a free VolunteerMatch account and post volunteer opportunities to work with your youth today! Register here to find role models and mentors in STEM.
Supported by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen is available at no cost to afterschool professionals!
You’ll find it in Mizzen here.
Featured Activities & Playlists
-
Mizzen Activity: Beach Ball Math
-
Mizzen Playlist: STEM Activities for 9-12th Grades - Students engage in science and engineering activities that contain accessible materials.
-
Mizzen Playlist: STEM Activities for K-5th Grade in Small Groups - This playlist is a great mix of engineering and science activities that are easy and fun for small groups of kids K-5th.
No Cost Additional Resources
-
Educator Guide: Educator Guide: STEM Activities for Families | NASA/JPL Edu Easy to implement engaging activities for families (as a follow up to after school activities.)
-
Resources for Mentoring Month
-Career Girls - A comprehensive video-based career exploration tool for girls featuring diverse women STEM role models. It's free to use and contains 16,000 videos, as well as career quizzes and resources.
-FabFems - A collection of resources for role models, educators, and parents to inspire and educate girls about science, computer science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses and careers. The website includes Resources for Role Models and Resources for Girls.
-National Mentoring Resource Center - A collection of mentoring resources including handbooks, curricula, manuals, and other resources that practitioners can use to implement and further develop program practices.
-Techbridge Role Model Training and Resources - These resources are for adult or near-peer role models to develop skills for engaging girls and historically excluded youth in STEM through guides, videos, and questions.
ASSETS FROM THE IF/THEN® COLLECTION
These assets feature IF/THEN® Ambassadors Afua Bruce,
Computer Engineer and Allison Fundis, Ocean Explorer, and can
be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and conference presentations.
-
Ambassador Profile,
Will Computers Take
Over the World?!
Make a Change with Data Activity, Afua Bruce
December 2022
COMPUTER SCIENCE WEEK - HOUR OF CODE
It’s Computer Science Week December 6-12th! The Million Girls Moonshot is excited to partner with Code.org, to expand the Hour of Code into afterschool. During Computer Science Week, tens of thousands of Hour of Code events will happen around the world. Afterschool programs in your state can join this effort by registering as an official event and adding their location to the global map. Access the Hour of Code resources and register here!
Organized by Code.org, the annual Hour of Code campaign is a global movement in 180+ countries that introduces young people to computer science through fun, age-appropriate learning activities. The Moonshot’s partnership with Code.org aims to expand that reach into afterschool.
Learn more about the Hour of Code, download the Afterschool Guide for Hour of Code to explore activities and tutorials, and encourage programs to register as an official Hour of Code site to globally engage and take advantage of the full Hour of Code experience.
Professional Development
ACRES
ACRES Training Cohort: ACRES Taster Workshop Dates: 6:30 PM- 8:00 PM EST on Thursday December 8, 2022
Come together to experience a sampling of ACRES skills. This 1-hour virtual taster session will have you reflecting on when you give youth a voice, and thinking about how you can embed math into your daily routines and will showcase lots of virtual tools. Join this live, free, hands-on, and very engaging session and you'll be sure to leave with lots of strategies to help you facilitate STEM in your afterschool programs. Register: Use the code AC290WS
ACRES Training Cohort: Facilitating Engineering Practices Dates: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM EST on the following Tuesdays: 1/10/2023, 1/24/2023 & 2/7/2023
Engineering has become a staple of STEM programming for youth. How can we confidently bring engineering into our programming and support youth as they engage in problem-solving? In this module, you’ll gain first-hand experience with engineering by solving a design problem. As a participant, you’ll examine the components of the engineering design process and discuss ways to model the process with youth. Asking Purposeful Questions is a prerequisite to this skill. Register: Use the code AC285EP
ACRES Training Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions Dates: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM EST on the following Mondays: 2/13/2023, 2/27/2023 & 3/13/2023
Questions begin a path towards 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. Register: Use the code AC227PQ
Quality STEM Webinar: Dimensions of Success Program Planning Tool January 23rd and 25th 10:30 - 12:-00 PM PT 1:30 - 3:00 PM ET (register by January 5, 2023)
The DoS-PPT is a free resource for facilitators of out-of-school and in-school STEM learning programs. The planning tool provides a brief introduction to each dimension of the DoS framework, sample videos, and examples to guide the use of DoS when preparing activity plans for youth. During this training, participants will:
-
Develop high-level understanding of the DoS Framework, dimensions of quality
-
Working with the PPT learn how to plan high quality STEM learning experiences using the DoS Program Planning Tool
-
Work with the newly revised DoS Program Planning Tool to identify and plan for high-quality program and activity planning practices.
No Cost Training on Curriculum
Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum Training
After-School Math PLUS is an evidence-based program that provides
fun, real-world mathematics activities for students in grades 3 through 8.
Each unit emphasizes identity development, careers, role models,
strategies for family involvement and inclusion of students with disabilities.
In this workshop series, will be trained on the implementation and activity
guides designed around four thematic units that engage young people.
The workshop series is best suited for program front-line staff, site leaders, and staff trainers. It is equally appropriate for those with prior math teaching experience and those who are new to it. Sessions will meet on December 13th 9:30-10:45 PST / 12:30-1:45 EST. Register Here
No Cost Activities
Computational Thinking and Coding Activities
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Home Activities: Girls Who Code - Code at Home Activities - These activities help girls and youth build computer science skills through interdisciplinary topics with real-world application, each featuring a pioneering woman in technology. Activities include unplugged and online options of varying levels of difficulty.
-
Home or Program Activities: Hour of Code Activities - A collection of one-hour tutorials designed for all ages in over 45 languages. Join millions of students and teachers in over 180 countries starting with an Hour of Code!
-
Program Activities: PBS Kids: Teaching Coding Resources - A collection of PBS Kids support videos and a self-paced educator workshop to explore the why, what, and how of creative coding for children ages 5-8.
-
Program Activities: Common Sense Media's list of Cool Coding Apps and Websites for Kids - This list offers ways to jump-start a coding adventure. It also encourages kids to become creators and not simply consumers of technology. Teaching everything from simple commands to complex programs, Common Sense Media's favorite coding apps and websites come in a range of formats designed for different ages and abilities.
NASA Engineering Playlist
Looking for a sequence of 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 with NASA activities.
-
Lesson 1: How Can the Little Moon Hide the Giant Sun? (Engineering Design Process Activity) - This activity targeted for grades 3-8th offers great hands-on exploration of how distance can affect the way we perceive the size of an object. It makes a good introduction to solar eclipse as well as Sun and Moon's sizes and distances from Earth. The idea behind this activity is very simple and the activity itself is easy to do, making it accessible even for young kids.
-
Lesson 2: Design a Crew Exploration Vehicle (Engineering Design Process Activity) - Using the engineering design process, students will design, build, test and improve a crew exploration vehicle capable of carrying two 2-centimeter-tall "passengers" and floating in water for one minute without leaking.
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Lesson 3: Hubble Telescope and Careers (Career Connection) -Hubble careers are as diverse as the people who hold the jobs. Members of the Hubble team, both past and present, have come from small towns and big cities, worked in the military and in factories, knew from a young age what they wanted or slowly discovered their calling. Meet the Hubble scientists and engineers! Great videos and activities on the Hubble site.
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Lesson 4: Women @ NASA (Role Models and Mentor Connection) - Meet Rachel Hsiong, an engineer at NASA. She is designing components of the upcoming Artemis mission to put a woman on the moon. She is proud and happy to be part of a larger team that will accomplish this great feat.
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Lesson 5: Women @ NASA (Role Models and Mentor Connection) - Meet Annette Moore, an engineer at NASA Meet Annette Moore and hear her inspirational story of success. Watch the video and have a discussion with the students about how they are the same/different from Ms. Moore and how they can use some of her strategies to be successful.
Looking for EVEN More at NASA?! Activity Toolkit: Engineering is Elementary's NASA Partnership free units
A suite of free NASA-funded STEM resources for students in grades 3-8. All resources are research-based and classroom-tested. They are designed to support students’ understanding of space, while helping them see themselves as capable problem solvers.
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!
VolunteerMatch attracts more than 1M site visits each month, and is easily one of the best ways to find strong role models for the youth you serve.
The Moonshot has partnered with VolunteerMatch to connect STEM experts with OST programs! Create a free VolunteerMatch account and post volunteer opportunities to work with your youth today! Register here to find role models and mentors in STEM.
Supported by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen is available at no cost to afterschool professionals!
You’ll find it in Mizzen here.
Featured Activities & Playlists
-
Mizzen Activity: Beach Ball Math
-
Mizzen Playlist: STEM Activities for 9-12th Grades - Students engage in science and engineering activities that contain accessible materials.
-
Mizzen Playlist: STEM Activities for K-5th Grade in Small Groups - This playlist is a great mix of engineering and science activities that are easy and fun for small groups of kids K-5th.
No Cost Additional Resources
-
Website: You For Youth // Computer Science for All — Computer Not Required — This 21CCLC resources covers it all—activities, curricula, fact sheets. There’s information for practitioners, parents, and families. The ready-to-use resources for educators have links to everything including a variety of curricula for k-12 students and recommendations for best practice.
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Framework: K-12 Computer Science Framework — The Association for Computing Machinery, Code.org, Computer Science Teachers Association, Cyber Innovation Center, and National Math and Science Initiative have collaborated with states, districts, and the computer science education community to develop conceptual guidelines for computer science education.
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Article: ‘I’m not just a mom’: Parents as creators, collaborators, and learners in creative computing by Ricarose Roque - Social support from parents can play an important role in engaging and sustaining young people’s participation in computing. The authors identified many supportive roles for parents, including collaborating with their children on projects, providing resources and finding new opportunities.
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Coding Websites: Scratch - The world’s largest coding community for children and free coding language designed for children ages 8+. With a simple visual interface, Scratch easily allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations.
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Coding Websites: ScratchJr - A free application for young children (ages 5-7) to get their first introduction to coding. With ScratchJr, children code their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer.
ASSETS FROM THE IF/THEN® COLLECTION
These assets feature IF/THEN® Ambassadors Kim Swennen, Software Engineer and Sarah Wilson, Biomechanical Engineer, and can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and conference presentations.
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Ambassador Profile, Long Profile, Activity Sheet: Binary Code Bracelet, Kim Swennen
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Ambassador Profile, STEM Journey, Educator Guide, Sarah Wilson
November 2022
Professional Development
ACRES
ACRES Moonshot Virtual STEM Coach
Receive a $500 stipend to attend training plus $1000 for every cohort you coach. Applications due November 23rd — Sign up today!
Are you an afterschool leader and looking to build capacity for STEM engagement in your afterschool program? Would you like to train your staff through a live, nationally recognized coaching program? In partnership with the Million Girls Moonshot, the ACRES team is looking for job-secure afterschool program leaders (i.e. Site Directors, Site Coordinators, STEM Specialists, Professional Development and Training staff) who work directly with frontline staff to be trained to become an ACRES Virtual STEM Coach. As an ACRES Virtual STEM Coach, you will build your organization's capacity by training 3 to 6 members of your staff in at least 2 ACRES modules. This is your chance to be part of an educational change on how we train and support educators to facilitate high quality, engaging STEM that reaches all youth.
ACRES Training Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions
Dates: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST on the following Mondays: 11/07/2022, 11/21/2022, 12/05/2022
Questions begin a path towards 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 new summer 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. Register: Use the code AC224PQ
ACRES Training Cohort: Facilitating Science Practices Dates: 6:30 PM- 8:30 PM EST on the following Tuesdays: 11/8/2022, 11/29/2022, 12/13/2022
How can we make sure that ‘hands on’ science experiences for youth are also ‘minds on?’ In this module, participants learn how to support youth as they engage in the science practices to learn science ideas, including planning and conducting investigations around testable questions. They’ll talk about the similarities and differences of questioning in science versus questioning in engineering contexts. Register: Use the code AC283SP
ACRES Training Cohort: ACRES Taster Workshop Dates: 6:30 PM- 8:00 PM EST on Thursday December 8, 2022
Come together to experience a sampling of ACRES skills. This 1-hour virtual taster session will have you reflecting on when you give youth a voice, and thinking about how you can embed math into your daily routines and will showcase lots of virtual tools. Join this live, free, hands-on, and very engaging session and you'll be sure to leave with lots of strategies to help you facilitate STEM in your afterschool programs. Register: Use the code AC290WS
ACRES Training Cohort: Facilitating Engineering Practices Dates: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM EST on the following Tuesdays: 1/10/02023, 1/24/2023 & 2/7/2023
Engineering has become a staple of STEM programming for youth. How can we confidently bring engineering into our programming and support youth as they engage in problem-solving? In this module, you’ll gain first-hand experience with engineering by solving a design problem. As a participant, you’ll examine the components of the engineering design process and discuss ways to model the process with youth. Asking Purposeful Questions is a prerequisite to this skill. Register: Use the code AC285EP
Techbridge Girls Equity Cohort
Research tells us that responsive learning environments can make all the difference in girls’ sustained interest in STEM. To that end, we created the STEM Equity Learning Community intensive training to equip OST program managers and site directors so that more equitable learning spaces are available for girls, especially Black, Indigenous, and Latina girls, across the U.S. Through the STEM Equity Learning Community participants will:
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Explore how to use asset-based frameworks and practices to create inclusive OST STEM spaces for all youth.
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Experience culturally relevant and gender-responsive strategies that increase STEM belonging and persistence for all youth.
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Develop STEM equity action steps for their OST program.
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The 2-hour, virtual STEM Equity Learning Community sessions are scheduled from January to May on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am Pacific | 1pm Eastern. Each participant will receive a $1500 stipend to participate. Apply here by December 1st.
Attend an informational webinar November 9th 10 am Pacific | 1pm Eastern. Register here
Quality STEM Webinar: Dimensions of Success Program Planning Tool January 23rd and 25th 10:30 - 12:-00 PM PT1:30 - 3:00 PM ET (register by January 5, 2023)
The DoS-PPT is a free resource for facilitators of out-of-school and in-school STEM learning programs. The planning tool provides a brief introduction to each dimension of the DoS framework, sample videos, and examples to guide the use of DoS when preparing activity plans for youth. During this training, participants will:
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Develop high-level understanding of the DoS Framework, dimensions of quality
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Working with the PPT learn how to plan high quality STEM learning experiences using the DoS Program Planning Tool
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Work with the newly revised DoS Program Planning Tool to identify and plan for high-quality program and activity planning practices.
No Cost Training on Curriculum
After-School Math Plus Curriculum Training
November 22 9:30-10:45 PST / 12:30-1:45 EST Register Here Meeting ID: 931 5017 3110
December 13th 9:30-10:45 PST / 12:30-1:45 EST Register Here Meeting ID: 931 5017 3110
Are you a program looking for an engaging math curriculum and resources you can implement in your afterschool program immediately? In this workshop series, participants will be introduced to After-School Math Plus, an evidence-based curriculum to support students in developing a positive math identity by exploring mathematics in everyday experiences. The highly engaging, hands-on curriculum also builds students’ awareness of the importance of math skills for future educational choices and career options. The program engages students in grades 3-8 who are attending out-of-school-time programs.
No Cost Activities
NASA Engineering Playlist
Looking for a sequence of 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 with NASA activities.
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Lesson 1: Build An Airplane (Engineering Design Process Activity) - Build an airplane that has ailerons, elevators and a rudder.
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Lesson 2: Build a Satellite (Engineering Design Process Activity) - This lesson provides students with an understanding of satellites, their use and structure, and power systems. In this potentially multi-day activity, students will use the engineering design process to design, build, test and improve a model satellite.
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Lesson 3: Women@NASA: Role Models (Role Models and Mentors Connection) Watch a video of one of the women who are engineers and work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab. After watching a video, have the youth write a paragraph about the engineer, one wondering what they have about the engineer, and one question they would ask the engineer.
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Lesson 4: Make a Soda Can Engine (Engineering Design Process) - Students will investigate the action-reaction principle (Newton's third law of motion) by creating a water-propelled engine. By observing the device in action and changing certain variables, students will explore the properties of engines and the dynamics behind directionality and thrust.
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Lesson 5: Women@NASA: Careers (Role Models and Mentor Connection) - Many people dream of careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Hear about the fascinating careers at NASA. After watching the short video, youth write a paragraph about the career they might want in STEM.
Looking for EVEN More at NASA?! Activity Toolkit: Engineering is Elementary's NASA Partnership free units
A suite of free NASA-funded STEM resources for students in grades 3-8. All resources are research-based and classroom-tested. They are designed to support students’ understanding of space, while helping them see themselves as capable problem solvers.
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See IT to Be IT: Pathways to Computer Science Careers
Calling all K-12 educators, mentors, corporate employers with community mentoring programs, and aspiring community scientists! In preparation for Computer Science Education Week (#CSEdWeek), please join Million Women Mentors for See IT to Be IT: Pathways to Computer Science Careers, a virtual event on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 2 pm ET/ 11am PT.
During the virtual event, Infosys Foundation USA and Learning Blade® will present meaningful and engaging ways in which K-12 educators and mentors can support girls in pursuing a computer science education and computer science careers. Attendees will receive free educational and career awareness resources produced by Learning Blade and funded by Infosys Foundation USA to be used with K-12 students during CSEdWeek. Register Here
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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! VolunteerMatch attracts more than 1M site visits each month, and is easily one of the best ways to find strong role models for the youth you serve.
The Moonshot has partnered with VolunteerMatch to connect STEM experts with OST programs! Create a free VolunteerMatch account and post volunteer opportunities to work with your youth today! Register here to find role models and mentors in STEM.
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Supported by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen is available at no cost to afterschool professionals! Encourage partners to download the Mizzen By Mott app to access STEM activities at your finger-touch! You’ll find it in Mizzen here.
Featured Activities & Playlists
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Mizzen Playlist: STEM Activities for K-5th Grade in Small Groups - This playlist is a great mix of engineering and science activities that are easy and fun for small groups of students.
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Mizzen Playlist: Science Notebooks for 3rd - 12th Grade - Keeping a notebook can help your students think and act like scientists and engineers. Sample these easy-to-implement strategies and lessons to bring science notebooking into your program.
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Mizzen Module: S.INQ Up Earth and Space for 6-8th Grade - Earth and Space is an inquiry and exploration-based curriculum that uses hands-on activities focused on the relationships between the earth, the solar system, and human impacts on our global environment.
No Cost Additional Resources
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Broadening STEM: Pride in STEM - Pride in STEM is a charity run by an independent group of LGBTQIA+ scientists & engineers from around the world. On this website, find resources, blog posts, events, and more.
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Broadening STEM: 500 Queer Scientists - A database of LGBTQ+ researchers, professors, program managers, and students in a range of STEM fields: engineering, data science, chemistry, psychology, and many more disciplines. There are 1,591 people and counting profiled on this website. This database provides students, educators, and practitioners with an easy way to identify LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM in order to highlight their work and/or network with them.
ASSETS FROM THE IF/THEN® COLLECTION
These assets feature IF/THEN® Ambassadors Nicole Jackson, LGBTQIA+ identifying health technologist and Dana Bolles, LGBTQIA+ identifying spaceflight engineering and advocate for disabled people in STEM. These assets can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and conference presentations.
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Ambassador Profile, Long Profile, Nicole Jackson
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Ambassador Profile, Long Profile, Dana Bolles
National STEM Day resources
We are kicking off November with a blast on #NationalSTEMDay! Explore
@NASA challenges, #STEM toolkits, and virtual field trips! @NASASTEM
has plenty of resources for K-12 classrooms. Inspire students to reach for the stars. ✨ https://www.nasa.gov/stem
Webinar: The Genius of Play and STEAM.
When: November 8th, 2022 at 9am Pacific / 12pm Eastern
This webinar presented by The Toy Association in collaboration with NGCP will introduce you to free resources available through The Genius of Play initiative. This initiative provides parents, caregivers, and educators with research, expert advice, and ready-to-use ideas and activities to engage kids of all ages in a fun and skill-building play.
Registration: https://ngcproject.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/ngcproject/event.jsp?event=707
Resources for #NativeAmericanHeritage Month
This #NativeAmericanHeritage Month, meet Ahna Skop, a geneticist, artist, science communicator, and champion for the underrepresented in science. She studies how cells divide, knowing that failures lead to cancer and neurodegeneration. | IF/THEN® Collection (ifthencollection.org)
Anha Skop, #NativeAmerican scientist, shares with us how a day is on the job of a geneticist. Watch to learn how she uses her art skills to visually communicate science. IF/THEN® Collection (ifthencollection.org)
Astronaut @AstroDuke became the first #NativeAmerican woman in space. Nicole Mann from the Wailacki tribe of the Round Valley Indian Tribes hopes her experience will inspire indigenous youth to shoot for the stars. Learn more about this role model here: https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/nicole-a-mann
October 2022
Professional Development
ACRES
ACRES Training Cohort: Facilitating Engineering Practices
Dates: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST on the following Tuesdays: 10/4/2022, 10/18/2022, 11/01/2022
Engineering has become a staple of STEM programming for youth. How can we confidently bring engineering into our programming and support youth as they engage in problem solving? In this module, participants gain first-hand experience with engineering by solving a design problem. They examine the components of the engineering design process and discuss ways to model the process with youth. Asking Purposeful Questions is a prerequisite to this skill. *The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. Register: Use the code AC281EP
ACRES Training Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions
Dates: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST on the following Wednesdays: 10/19/2022, 11/02/2022, 11/16/2022 - Questions begin a path towards 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 new summer 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. . Register: Use the code AC241PQ
Best Practice Webinar: Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Youth and Young Adults
October 13, 2022 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST / 2:00 - 3:00 PM EST - This webinar, the first of a two-webinar series, will dig deeply into research and best practices related to addressing STEM stereotypes with older youth and young adults. Researchers and educators will share strategies and resources to counter and break down STEM stereotypes. Speakers include: Claudia Fracchiolla, American Physical Society (APS), Michelle Higgins, The University of Arizona, Corinne Okada Takara, Bioartist and STEAM Educator. (Register and learn more via link above).
Best Practice Webinar: Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Young Children
October 20th 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST / 2:00 - 3:00 PM EST - This webinar, the second in the series, will dive into research and best practices related to addressing STEM stereotypes with young children beginning in preschool. Researchers and educators will share strategies and resources for discussing and addressing STEM stereotypes with young children. Speakers include: Dr. Allison Master, University of Houston College of Education, Carmelo Piazza, Brooklyn Preschool of Science, Kim Collazo, Public School Educator & Author. (Register and learn more via link above).
Quality STEM Webinar: DOS Certification Training
October 19-20 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM PST / 10:00 - 4:00 PM EST (register by October 5) - The training process involves a two-day live webinar training, completion of video calibration exercises, a one-hour live calibration session, and successful completion of two practice observations in the field. PEAR staff offer live, webinar DoS training monthly and in-person training for state networks or organizations can be arranged as needed for an additional cost. PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification.
Best Practice Webinar: Creating Inclusive Computer Science Learning: A Virtual Workshop
October 25 3:00 PM EST - Join the Click2ComputerScience team as they
review specific strategies to create an inclusive computer science
learning environment in out of school time. You will leave the workshop
with specific tactics to implement, computer science activities and
resources to continue your professional learning on computer science.
Best Practice Webinar: Preparing yourself to Lead Computer Science: A Virtual Workshop November 8 3:00 PM EST - Join the Click2ComputerScience team as they review specific strategies and ways out of school time educators can prepare themselves, their programs, and space to lead computer science with youth. You will leave the workshop with specific tactics to implement, computer science activities and resources to continue your professional learning on computer science.
Quality STEM Webinar: Recertification Training for DOS Observers November 8, 2022 7:00 - 10:00 AM PST / 10:00 - 1:00 PM EST (register by October 25) - Please note that observers that have been certified for two or more years need to complete recertification to make sure they are continuing to use the tool reliably.
ACRES Training Cohort: Facilitating Science Practices Dates: 6:30 PM- 8:30 PM EST on the following Tuesdays: 11/8/2022, 11/29/2022, 12/13/2022
How can we make sure that ‘hands on’ science experiences for youth are also ‘minds on?’ In this module, participants learn how to support youth as they engage in the science practices to learn science ideas, including planning and conducting investigations around testable questions. They’ll talk about the similarities and differences of questioning in science versus questioning in engineering contexts. Register: Use the code AC283SP.
ACRES Training Cohort: ACRES Taster Workshop
Dates: 6:30 PM- 8:00 PM EST on Thursday December 8, 2022
Come together to experience a sampling of ACRES skills. This 1-hour virtual taster session will have you reflecting on when you give youth a voice, and thinking about how you can embed math into your daily routines and will showcase lots of virtual tools. Join this live, free, hands-on, and very engaging session and you'll be sure to leave with lots of strategies to help you facilitate STEM in your afterschool programs. Register: Use the code AC290WS
Quality STEM Webinar: Dimensions of Success Program Planning Tool January 23rd and 25th 10:30 - 12:-00 PM PT1:30 - 3:00 PM ET (register by January 5, 2023)
The DoS-PPT is a free resource for facilitators of out-of-school and in-school STEM learning programs. The planning tool provides a brief introduction to each dimension of the DoS framework, sample videos, and examples to guide the use of DoS when preparing activity plans for youth. During this training, participants will:
-
Develop high-level understanding of the DoS Framework, dimensions of quality
-
Working with the PPT learn how to plan high quality STEM learning experiences using the DoS Program Planning Tool
-
Work with the newly revised DoS Program Planning Tool to identify and plan for high-quality program and activity planning practices.
Role Models Matters Training for STEM Volunteers
Ready to train volunteers and role models in your Network, school, or afterschool program? COMPLETE THIS REGISTRATION FORM to gain access to the Role Models Matter training developed by Techbridge Girls.
💡 More graphics for your newsletters, social media and more and HERE.
No Cost Training on Curriculum
Youth Engineering Solutions (YES) Out of School Field Testing Opportunity
Wondering how you might infuse engineering into your afterschool program, and are you especially interested in materials that are designed with English learners in mind? Dr. Christine Cunningham and her team at Penn State University are inviting 22 educators across the US to help develop afterschool engineering curricular materials for youth ages 9-13. Selected educators will be supported through asynchronous professional learning, will receive all curricular materials, and will be asked for their insights and reflections to improve the experience for youth. Access the educator recruitment letter from Dr. Cunningham and apply by October 22, 2022 through this link.
No Cost Training
ACRES Moonshot Virtual STEM Coach
Are you an afterschool leader and looking to build capacity for STEM engagement in your afterschool program? Would you like to train your staff through a live, nationally recognized coaching program? In partnership with the Million Girls Moonshot, the ACRES team is looking for job-secure afterschool program leaders (i.e. Site Directors, Site Coordinators, STEM Specialists, Professional Development and Training staff) who work directly with frontline staff to be trained to become an ACRES Virtual STEM Coach. As an ACRES Virtual STEM Coach, you will build your organization's capacity by training 3 to 6 members of your staff in at least 2 ACRES modules. This is your chance to be part of an educational change on how we train and support educators to facilitate high quality, engaging STEM that reaches all youth.
You will receive a $500 stipend to attend the training plus $1000 for every cohort you coach. Applications due November 23rd — Sign up today!
Featured Webinars
Leveraging Collective Impact to Support STEM Programs and Resources
September 29, 2022 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT / 3:00 - 4:00 PM ET - In this webinar, learn how NGCP and other organizations leverage collective impact in order to provide the opportunity for programs to increase their ability to maintain interest and participation of girls in STEM through collaboration. Hear from a dynamic panel of speakers on strategies for successful STEM collaborations and how to nurture and scale effective STEM learning opportunities for all young people. (Register and learn more via link above).
Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Youth and Young Adults
Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Young Children Part 2:
October 20, 2022 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT / 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET - This webinar, the second in the series, will dive into research and best practices related to addressing STEM stereotypes with young children beginning in preschool. Researchers and educators will share strategies and resources for discussing and addressing STEM stereotypes with young children. Speakers include: Dr. Allison Master, University of Houston College of Education, Carmelo Piazza, Brooklyn Preschool of Science, Kim Collazo, Public School Educator & Author. (Register and learn more via link above).
No Cost Activities
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! VolunteerMatch attracts more than 1M site visits each month, and is easily one of the best ways to find strong role models for the youth you serve.
The Moonshot has partnered with VolunteerMatch to connect STEM experts with OST programs! Create a free VolunteerMatch account and post volunteer opportunities to work with your youth today! Register here to find role models and mentors in STEM.
Supported by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen is available at no cost to afterschool professionals! Encourage partners to download the Mizzen By Mott app to access STEM activities at your finger-touch! You’ll find it in Mizzen here.
Featured Activities & Playlists
-
Mizzen Playlist: STEM Activities for K-5th Grade in Small Groups - This playlist is a great mix of engineering and science activities that are easy and fun for small groups of students.
-
Mizzen Playlist: Science Notebooks for 3rd - 12th Grade - Keeping a notebook can help your students think and act like scientists and engineers. Sample these easy-to-implement strategies and lessons to bring science notebooking into your program.
-
Mizzen Module: S.INQ Up Earth and Space for 6-8th Grade - Earth and Space is an inquiry and exploration-based curriculum that uses hands-on activities focused on the relationships between the earth, the solar system, and human impacts on our global environment.
Activity Toolkit: STEM Educators Academy Activity Toolkit from ExpandED Schools — This Activity Toolkit offers hybrid learning engineering design challenges, STEM facilitation skill builder videos, and engineering design activities categorized by content areas.
Activity Toolkit: Engineering is Elementary's NASA Partnership free units - A suite of free NASA-funded STEM resources for students in grades 3-8. All resources are research-based and classroom-tested. They are designed to support students’ understanding of space, while helping them see themselves as capable problem solvers.
No Cost Additional Resources
Space Week Resource: NGCP Archived Webinar: Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA Free Resources - In this webinar, presenters provide an overview of the Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA program and free resources, including a range of computer-based and paper-based activities, print products, and a Program Cookbook for facilitators.
Space Week Resource: NASA's STEM Resources for K-12 Educators - NASA lesson plans, resources, and opportunities for K-12 educators.
Space Week Resource: NASA: A Day in the Life Aboard the International Space Station - Follow astronauts on the International Space Station in a series of videos as they explain their daily routines. Educators can use this series of videos and resources to enhance K-12 STEM curricula.
Space Week Resource: Museum of Aviation: 2022 Space Week Resources - Find information on the Museum of Aviation's live virtual astronomy presentations, virtual presentations and workshops for educators, and more in celebration of Space Week.
ASSETS FROM THE IF/THEN® COLLECTION
Space Week and World Architecture Day
These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil, Postdoctoral Researcher, Steward Observatory, and can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and conference presentations
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STEM Journey, Long Profile, Ambassador Profile, Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil
World Architecture Day
These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador Emily Pilloton, Founder and Director of Girls Garage, and can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and conference presentations
STEM Journey, Long Profile, On-the-Job, Emily Pilloton
September 2022
Inventors and Inventions
Myria Perez
Hey! I am Myria Perez and I am a paleontologist. Just like most young kids, I caught fossil fever. That obsession with dinosaurs and prehistoric life only grew when I began volunteering at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at twelve years old. It was the museum’s annual Dino Days event where I met the paleontology curators and asked about volunteering. I had brought them my drawings of dinosaurs I did during my spare time to show off to them. They allowed me to volunteer as long as my mother came along with me and so I did.
For the next few years, my mother drove me into Houston, an hour away from where we lived, almost every weekend to learn how to prepare delicate fossils including my favorite, dinosaurs, and share my passion through hall tours to museum visitors. When I turned sixteen, I immediately took my driving test so I could then drive myself through Houston traffic and be a part of the museum’s paleontology crew during my free time. I loved learning hands-on at the museum about the subject I was so passionate about and having supportive mentors. I felt like I belonged at a museum, where I could be myself and use my creativity for science.
Today, I work as a fossil preparator at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, in my dream career. Not only do I get to prepare fossils from Alaska and be an integral part in the active research, I show off my job to the public daily in the visible fossil lab. I am the person that uncovers fossils that have not seen light since they were buried millions of years ago. Through fossil preparation, I am able to discover something new and exciting every day. Being a paleontologist means I am creative, ambitious, and living that dream I had those many years ago.
IF/THEN Collection
The IF/THEN® Collection is a free digital library with photos, videos, posters, and more, featuring diverse women STEM innovators – all available for educational and other non-commercial use. You’ll find thousands of assets showcasing inspiring women whose jobs include training Olympic athletes, creating cosmetics, exploring space, working with animals, and designing everything from buildings and museum exhibits to electronics and medical equipment. Don’t know where to start in the IF/THEN Collection? Here are some tools to help you!
Featured Webinars
Leveraging Collective Impact to Support STEM Programs and Resources
September 29, 2022 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT / 3:00 - 4:00 PM ET - In this webinar, learn how NGCP and other organizations leverage collective impact in order to provide the opportunity for programs to increase their ability to maintain interest and participation of girls in STEM through collaboration. Hear from a dynamic panel of speakers on strategies for successful STEM collaborations and how to nurture and scale effective STEM learning opportunities for all young people. (Register and learn more via link above).
Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Youth and Young Adults
Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Young Children Part 2: October 20, 2022 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT / 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET - This webinar, the second in the series, will dive into research and best practices related to addressing STEM stereotypes with young children beginning in preschool. Researchers and educators will share strategies and resources for discussing and addressing STEM stereotypes with young children. Speakers include: Dr. Allison Master, University of Houston College of Education, Carmelo Piazza, Brooklyn Preschool of Science, Kim Collazo, Public School Educator & Author. (Register and learn more via link above).
Quality Trainings
Preparing yourself to Lead Computer Science: A Virtual Workshop
November 8 3:00 PM EST - Join the Click2ComputerScience team as they review specific strategies and ways out of school time educators can prepare themselves, their programs, and space to lead computer science with youth. You will leave the workshop with specific tactics to implement, computer science activities and resources to continue your professional learning on computer science.
Creating Inclusive Computer Science Learning: A Virtual Workshop
October 25 3:00 PM EST - Join the Click2ComputerScience team as they review specific strategies to create an inclusive computer science learning environment in out of school time. You will leave the workshop with specific tactics to implement, computer science activities and resources to continue your professional learning on computer science.
Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum and Training
In this workshop series, participants will be introduced to evidence-based strategies to support students in developing a positive math identity by exploring mathematics in everyday experiences. The highly engaging, hands-on experiences of After-School Math Plus (ASM+) also build students’ awareness of the importance of math skills for future educational choices and career options. The program engages students in grades 3-8 who are attending out-of-school-time programs.
PEAR- DoS Certification Training
PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification.
The training process involves a two-day live webinar training, completion of video calibration exercises, a one-hour live calibration session, and successful completion of two practice observations in the field. PEAR staff offer live, webinar DoS training monthly and in-person training for state networks or organizations can be arranged as needed for an additional cost. PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification. Dates and times are:
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October 19-20; 10-4pm ET. (register by October 5)
Recertification Training for DOS Observers
Please note that observers that have been certified for two or more years need to complete recertification to make sure they are continuing to use the tool reliably. Dates and times are:
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August 9, 2022; 10-1pm ET (register by July 26)
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November 8, 2022; 10-1pm ET (register by October 25)
ACRES
ACRES is a nationally acclaimed coaching program that builds knowledge and skills so after school educators, librarians and anyone who works with youth in out-of-school settings can confidently facilitate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) experiences for youth. More information found here.
September Cohort: Modeling Math Practices
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.
DATES: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern Time on the following Wednesdays: 9/28/2022, 10/12/2022, 10/26/2022
REGISTER: Use the code AC240MP in this form www.tinyurl.com/registeracres
October Cohort: Modeling Engineering Practices
Engineering has become a staple of STEM programming for youth. How can we confidently bring engineering into our programming and support youth as they engage in problem solving? In this module, participants gain first-hand experience with engineering by solving a design problem. They examine the components of the engineering design process and discuss ways to model the process with youth. Asking Purposeful Questions is a prerequisite to this skill. *The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort.
DATES: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern Time on the following Tuesdays: 10/4/2022, 10/18/2022, 11/01/2022
REGISTER: Use the code AC281EP in this form: www.tinyurl.com/registeracres
Transformative Practices
Volunteer Match
Create a free VolunteerMatch account and post volunteer opportunities to connect STEM role models and mentors to work with your youth today! To find role models and mentors in STEM REGISTER HERE
This toolkit contains resources Networks or large organizations can use to introduce programs to the VolunteerMatch/STEM Next platform, get them registered, and begin posting volunteer opportunities!
More graphics for your newsletters, social media and more and HERE.
Space Place by NASA (in Spanish)
Aims to inspire and enrich upper-elementary-aged youth’s learning of space and Earth science through games, hands-on activities, informative articles, and videos. Includes resources for parents and educators.
Welcome Back to Afterschool 2022 Five Big Ideas to Spark Family Engagement in STEM
STEM can spark a curiosity in children that can inspire a lasting love of learning. Interest may come from a hands-on science investigation, a role model who codes for good causes, or words of encouragement from a teacher or afterschool instructor. Learn about five ideas to spark family engagement in your program and community.
21 Scientists and engineers to learn more about!
To encourage youth to learn more about these scientists and to explore related science projects and careers for scientists they find interesting, for each scientist, we have included a short biographical summary, links to 1-2 hands-on science projects related to the scientist's area of study, links to relevant science career profiles, and a link to a biography below.
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/hispanic-scientists-engineers
Celebrating Latinx Scientists and Their Work: Resources for your Afterschool Program
National Hispanic Heritage Month offers a great opportunity for students to learn about the many Latinx contributions to STEM. During this month (which runs September 15 to October 15)—and all year—you can use the groundbreaking discoveries of Latinx scientists as the foundation for STEM learning activities.
4 Read Alouds and STEM Challenges for Hispanic Heritage Month
Latina Girls Code
Community Math Night Facilitators’ Toolkit
Activities for Programs
STEM Educators Academy Activity Toolkit from ExpandED Schools
This Activity Toolkit offers hybrid learning engineering design challenges, STEM facilitation skill builder videos, and engineering design activities categorized by content areas.
Engineering is Elementary's NASA Partnership free units
A suite of free NASA-funded STEM resources for students in grades 3-8. All resources are research-based and classroom-tested. They are designed to support students’ understanding of space, while helping them see themselves as capable problem solvers.
30 Active Math and Activities for Kids Who Love to Move
When kids think of math, they usually picture worksheets and flashcards. But math doesn’t have to be dull! These active math games get kids up and moving, using their whole bodies to learn facts and skills. Lots of these ideas can be adapted to suit a variety of math concepts, so choose a few to try out with your math students soon.
Try Engineering Lesson Plan: Take Flight!
This lesson for ages 8-12 explores how flight is possible and how engineers have improved glider designs and materials to improve flight accuracy and distance.
Additional Professional Development
Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Youth and Young Adults - Join us to learn how to combat pervasive STEM stereotypes with youth and young adults. Back by popular demand! This webinar is the first of a two-webinar series on addressing STEM stereotypes with children and youth. This webinar will dig deeply into research and best practices related to addressing STEM stereotypes with older youth and young adults. Speakers include researchers and educators who will share strategies and resources to counter and break down STEM stereotypes.
October 13, 2022 11:00 - 12:00 PM PST; REGISTER HERE.
PBS Kids Free PD Experience on Connecting with Families - In this professional development experience, participants look at effective strategies for using technology to enhance communication with families.
Mizzen By Mott: Moonshot Connection
The Mizzen By Mott app delivers inspiring and engaging activities that spark learning in young people. Supported by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen is available at no cost to afterschool professionals! Encourage partners to download the Mizzen By Mott app to access STEM activities at your finger-touch! You’ll find it in Mizzen here.
Featured Activities & Playlists
Mizzen Playlist: STEM Activities for K-5th Grade in Small Groups - This playlist is a great mix of engineering and science activities that are easy and fun for small groups of students.
Mizzen Playlist: Science Notebooks for 3rd - 12th Grade - Keeping a notebook can help your students think and act like scientists and engineers. Sample these easy-to-implement strategies and lessons to bring science notebooking into your program.
Mizzen Module: S.INQ Up Earth and Space for 6-8th Grade - Earth and Space is an inquiry and exploration-based curriculum that uses hands-on activities focused on the relationships between the earth, the solar system, and human impacts on our global environment.
August 2022
Inventors and Inventions
Beata Edyta Mierzwa
Beata Edyta Mierzwa is a molecular biologist who combines science, art and fashion to share the beauty of biology with the world. Her award-winning PhD research at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology revealed that the final step in cell division works differently than people thought! Now, working at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at UCSD, she studies how different types of cells divide to broaden the world’s understanding of cell division and improve cancer therapy. When not doing experiments, Beata creates science art and fashion.
Her drawings portray scientific concepts in intuitive ways, while her science fashion celebrates the beauty of the tiny universe within us. Making artwork for journal covers, conferences and even space mission patches, her unique approach to science communication has been recognized by multiple awards around the world. As an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador, Beata’s mission is to combine art and science to inspire creative and unconventional minds who will change the world with innovative research and groundbreaking discoveries.
Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young
Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young is a U.S. Senior Executive scientist. In high school she excelled in the classroom and athletics. As a collegiate athlete at North Carolina State University (NCSU), she was a three time ACC track champion and three time STEM graduate. In 1998, she became the Nation’s first African American Ph.D. in Paper Science and Engineering. Dr. Jacobs-Young was faculty at the University of Washington (1995-2002). In 2002, she joined the USDA and
then the White House as a Senior Policy Analyst for agriculture (2008-2010). In 2010 she led the establishment of the USDA Office of the Chief Scientist. Dr. Jacobs-Young then served as Acting Director for USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (2011-2012). She joined the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in 2012 as Associate Administrator and named Administrator in 2014, becoming the first female and person of color to lead the agency. Dr. Jacobs-Young is
a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academy of Public Administration and a Presidential Rank Award winner.
IF/THEN Collection
The IF/THEN® Collection is a free digital library with photos, videos, posters, and more, featuring diverse women STEM innovators – all available for educational and other non-commercial use. You’ll find thousands of assets showcasing inspiring women whose jobs include training Olympic athletes, creating cosmetics, exploring space, working with animals, and designing everything from buildings and museum exhibits to electronics and medical equipment. Don’t know where to start in the IF/THEN Collection? Here are some tools to help you!
Featured Webinars
Take a Deep Dive into each Engineering Mindset Practice with Dr. Christine Cunningham in this three-part webinar recording.
Christine Cunningham is a Professor of Practice in Education and Engineering in the College of Education whose work aims to make engineering and science more relevant and equitable, especially for populations underrepresented and underserved in engineering and science. She aims to create a next generation of innovators and problem solvers by developing research-based and field-tested engineering curricula and professional learning resources for preK-12 education.
RECORDING 1, RECORDING 2, RECORDING 3
Quality Trainings
Click2Engineering Community of Practice
This community of practice is a component of Click2Engineering, an asynchronous, module-based online professional development program for after-school educators. Participants in this community of practice get to be a part of developing future learning experiences and will have special access to existing Click2Engineering resources, including new curriculum and one-on-one coaching opportunities! Online meetings will include learning, working with materials, reflection, and sharing your ideas with others. You will grow your understanding of engineering and increase your confidence and ability to lead engineering sessions with youth
DiscoverE Future City
Throughout the fall, participants work in teams of at least three students, an educator, and volunteer mentor to bring their vision of their future city to life. What do they see, hear, smell, and feel? From this starting point, they will design a futuristic city with innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing sustainability issues. This strategy enables organizational partners, volunteers, and educators to effectively reach millions of students, parents, and young adults with the message that engineers work with smart, inspiring people to invent, design, and create things that matter.
Techbridge Girls Curriculum & Training
Techbridge Girls (TBG) is an award-winning national nonprofit bringing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to all girls across the U.S. For 20+ years, TBG has reengineered the way STEM education is taught, centering our girls’ brilliance and potential, emphasizing increasing STEM access, belonging, and persistence for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color) youth from systematically marginalized communities. TBG will offer three different curriculum training programs for afterschool staff: 1) Ignite for 3-8th grade youth, 2) Inspire for 4-5th grade girls, and 3) Changemakers for 6-8th grade girls.
Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum and Training
In this workshop series, participants will be introduced to evidence-based strategies to support students in developing a positive math identity by exploring mathematics in everyday experiences. The highly engaging, hands-on experiences of After-School Math Plus (ASM+) also build students’ awareness of the importance of math skills for future educational choices and career options. The program engages students in grades 3-8 who are attending out-of-school-time programs.
Teen Science Cafe
Teen Science Café programs are a free, fun way for teens to engage in lively conversations with STEM experts that explore the advances in science and technology that affect their lives. In these events, teens socialize over teen-friendly food and drink and have a lively conversation with local scientists and engineers about current cutting-edge developments in their fields, all in a relaxed and informal out-of-school setting. Teen Science Cafés are for teens, by teens. A core group of Teen Leaders, with the committed mentorship of an Adult Leader, plan and run the café programs. They welcome as diverse of a teen crowd as possible—diverse in ethnicity, culture, gender, and motivations for learning about science. Teen Science Cafés are not just for the science geeks; they are for all curious teens. Along the way, teen organizers gain a host of leadership skills. Cafés are typically run about an hour and a half once per month during the school year. Stipends are provided to selected sites to support the implementation of Teen Science Cafes.
PEAR- DoS Certification Training
PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification.
The training process involves a two-day live webinar training, completion of video calibration exercises, a one-hour live calibration session, and successful completion of two practice observations in the field. PEAR staff offer live, webinar DoS training monthly and in-person training for state networks or organizations can be arranged as needed for an additional cost. PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification. Dates and times are:
-
October 19-20; 10-4pm ET. (register by October 5)
Recertification Training for DOS Observers
Please note that observers that have been certified for two or more years need to complete recertification to make sure they are continuing to use the tool reliably. Dates and times are:
-
August 9, 2022; 10-1pm ET (register by July 26)
-
November 8, 2022; 10-1pm ET (register by October 25)
ACRES
ACRES is a nationally acclaimed coaching program that builds knowledge and skills so after school educators, librarians and anyone who works with youth in out-of-school settings can confidently facilitate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) experiences for youth. More information found here.
August Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions
Questions are the beginning of a path towards 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 new 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.
DATES: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Eastern Time on the following Wednesdays: 8/10/2022, 8/31/2022, 9/21/2022
REGISTER: Use the code AC145PQ in this form www.tinyurl.com/registeracres
September Cohort: Modeling Math Practices
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.
DATES: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern Time on the following Wednesdays: 9/28/2022, 10/12/2022, 10/26/2022
REGISTER: Use the code AC240MP in this form www.tinyurl.com/registeracres
October Cohort: Modeling Engineering Practices
Engineering has become a staple of STEM programming for youth. How can we confidently bring engineering into our programming and support youth as they engage in problem solving? In this module, participants gain first-hand experience with engineering by solving a design problem. They examine the components of the engineering design process and discuss ways to model the process with youth. Asking Purposeful Questions is a prerequisite to this skill. *The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort.
DATES: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern Time on the following Tuesdays: 10/4/2022, 10/18/2022, 11/01/2022
REGISTER: Use the code AC281EP in this form: www.tinyurl.com/registeracres
Transformative Practices
Volunteer Match
Create a free VolunteerMatch account and post volunteer opportunities to connect STEM role models and mentors to work with your youth today! To find role models and mentors in STEM REGISTER HERE
This toolkit contains resources Networks or large organizations can use to introduce programs to the VolunteerMatch/STEM Next platform, get them registered, and begin posting volunteer opportunities!
More graphics for your newsletters, social media and more and HERE.
Role Models Matters Training for STEM Volunteers
Ready to train volunteers and role models in your Network, school, or afterschool program? COMPLETE THIS REGISTRATION FORM to gain access to the Role Models Matter training developed by Techbridge Girls.
Unveiled at the Girls Build Solutions event, access to the revised STEM Framework can be found here.
The STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education Center
Provides evidence-based resources and strategies for practitioners and families to engage children with disabilities in STEM learning.
Toolkits, including lesson plans featuring diverse women role models for educators, mentors, and families to learn about youth’s interests and to engage youth in empowering STEM-learning activities.
Activities for Programs
After-School Science PLUS - Download Building with Wonderful Junk and take the challenge! Build a bridge or a platform that meets a set of requirements and test it. Challenge the kids to add to the activity (For example build a bridge that will hold a student up 6 inches from the floor).
Take Flight - Using everyday materials, youth engineer a glider that can fly straight for 15 feet.
Keep Your Cool! Design Your Own Cooler Challenge - Youth design a cooler that will keep a bottle of water cool using the engineering design process. They test their prototype and graph their results to determine the effectiveness of the solution.
Get it Write! - Youth engineering a writing device (pen) using everyday materials. They think about both the (water soluble) "ink" and the delivery mechanism.
Additional Professional Development
Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Youth and Young Adults - Join us to learn how to combat pervasive STEM stereotypes with youth and young adults. Back by popular demand! This webinar is the first of a two-webinar series on addressing STEM stereotypes with children and youth. This webinar will dig deeply into research and best practices related to addressing STEM stereotypes with older youth and young adults. Speakers include researchers and educators who will share strategies and resources to counter and break down STEM stereotypes.
October 13, 2022 11:00 - 12:00 PM PST; REGISTER HERE.
PBS Kids Free PD Experience on Connecting with Families - In this professional development experience, participants look at effective strategies for using technology to enhance communication with families.
July 2022
Inventors and Inventions
Dana Bolles
Dana Bolles began working for NASA in 1995. The first 13 years of her career were as an engineer in regulatory compliance, from payload safety to environmental protection, and she worked at 3 centers: Kennedy Space Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, and Ames Research Center. Her most recent opportunity, communicating NASA’s exploration of life beyond Earth, added another center under her belt, NASA Headquarters. Dana’s diverse work experience has given her a great appreciation not only for the programs/projects side of NASA, but also for the mission support functions.
In addition to her official duties, Dana volunteers for employee resource groups for women, people with disabilities, and LGBT communities. She is a firm believer of the value of diversity and is committed to raising awareness, especially of the unique challenges people with disabilities face in their daily lives. She also has a passion for outreach, encouraging youth, especially girls, to excel and be their best in life. Dana has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and lives with her partner Shelly and their cats in San Francisco.
Jess Cramp
Jess Cramp is a shark researcher who specializes in conservation policy and engaging communities in the management of their ocean. Jess co-championed a grassroots campaign that resulted in the Cook Islands Shark Sanctuary in 2012, an area exceeding 770,000 square miles. Jess has since advised communities, national governments and international organizations on conservation policy, led marine research expeditions through various island nations, and mentored local youth interested in science. She is the founder and executive director of Sharks Pacific, a non-profit organization that conducts research, outreach and advocacy throughout the Pacific Islands region. Her work focuses on improving fisheries management, human-wildlife conflict prevention, community empowerment, and the development of policies that consider people and the environment in equal measure. She is currently a PhD candidate at James Cook University. An accomplished speaker, Jess was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2015 and an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador in 2019.
IF/THEN Collection
The IF/THEN® Collection is a free digital library with photos, videos, posters, and more, featuring diverse women STEM innovators – all available for educational and other non-commercial use. You’ll find thousands of assets showcasing inspiring women whose jobs include training Olympic athletes, creating cosmetics, exploring space, working with animals, and designing everything from buildings and museum exhibits to electronics and medical equipment. Don’t know where to start in the IF/THEN Collection? Here are some tools to help you!
Featured Webinars
Take a Deep Dive into each Engineering Mindset Practice with Dr. Christine Cunningham in this three-part webinar recording.
Christine Cunningham is a Professor of Practice in Education and Engineering in the College of Education whose work aims to make engineering and science more relevant and equitable, especially for populations underrepresented and underserved in engineering and science. She aims to create a next generation of innovators and problem solvers by developing research-based and field-tested engineering curricula and professional learning resources for preK-12 education.
RECORDING 1, RECORDING 2, RECORDING 3
Quality Trainings
Click2Engineering Community of Practice
This community of practice is a component of Click2Engineering, an asynchronous, module-based online professional development program for after-school educators. Participants in this community of practice get to be a part of developing future learning experiences and will have special access to existing Click2Engineering resources, including new curriculum and one-on-one coaching opportunities! Online meetings will include learning, working with materials, reflection, and sharing your ideas with others. You will grow your understanding of engineering and increase your confidence and ability to lead engineering sessions with youth
DiscoverE Future City
Throughout the fall, participants work in teams of at least three students, an educator, and volunteer mentor to bring their vision of their future city to life. What do they see, hear, smell, and feel? From this starting point, they will design a futuristic city with innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing sustainability issues. This strategy enables organizational partners, volunteers, and educators to effectively reach millions of students, parents, and young adults with the message that engineers work with smart, inspiring people to invent, design, and create things that matter.
Techbridge Girls Curriculum & Training
Techbridge Girls (TBG) is an award-winning national nonprofit bringing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to all girls across the U.S. For 20+ years, TBG has reengineered the way STEM education is taught, centering our girls’ brilliance and potential, emphasizing increasing STEM access, belonging, and persistence for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color) youth from systematically marginalized communities. TBG will offer three different curriculum training programs for afterschool staff: 1) Ignite for 3-8th grade youth, 2) Inspire for 4-5th grade girls, and 3) Changemakers for 6-8th grade girls.
Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum and Training
In this workshop series, participants will be introduced to evidence-based strategies to support students in developing a positive math identity by exploring mathematics in everyday experiences. The highly engaging, hands-on experiences of After-School Math Plus (ASM+) also build students’ awareness of the importance of math skills for future educational choices and career options. The program engages students in grades 3-8 who are attending out-of-school-time programs.
Teen Science Cafe
Teen Science Café programs are a free, fun way for teens to engage in lively conversations with STEM experts that explore the advances in science and technology that affect their lives. In these events, teens socialize over teen-friendly food and drink and have a lively conversation with local scientists and engineers about current cutting-edge developments in their fields, all in a relaxed and informal out-of-school setting. Teen Science Cafés are for teens, by teens. A core group of Teen Leaders, with the committed mentorship of an Adult Leader, plan and run the café programs. They welcome as diverse of a teen crowd as possible—diverse in ethnicity, culture, gender, and motivations for learning about science. Teen Science Cafés are not just for the science geeks; they are for all curious teens. Along the way, teen organizers gain a host of leadership skills. Cafés are typically run about an hour and a half once per month during the school year. Stipends are provided to selected sites to support the implementation of Teen Science Cafes.
PEAR- DoS Certification Training
PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification.
The training process involves a two-day live webinar training, completion of video calibration exercises, a one-hour live calibration session, and successful completion of two practice observations in the field. PEAR staff offer live, webinar DoS training monthly and in-person training for state networks or organizations can be arranged as needed for an additional cost. PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification. Dates and times are:
-
October 19-20; 10-4pm ET. (register by October 5)
Recertification Training for DOS Observers
Please note that observers that have been certified for two or more years need to complete recertification to make sure they are continuing to use the tool reliably. Dates and times are:
-
August 9, 2022; 10-1pm ET (register by July 26)
-
November 8, 2022; 10-1pm ET (register by October 25)
ACRES
ACRES is a nationally acclaimed coaching program that builds knowledge and skills so after school educators, librarians and anyone who works with youth in out-of-school settings can confidently facilitate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) experiences for youth. More information found here.
6/17/ 2022,7/1/2022, 7/22/2022; REGISTER HERE
July Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions
Questions are the beginning of a path towards 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 new summer 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. Stipends are offered to participants who complete feedback surveys before and after a module.
Cohort dates and times are: 10:00 to 12:00 EST on the following Tuesdays
7/26/ 2022, 8/9/2022, 8/23/2022; REGISTER HERE
Transformative Practices
Black Girls Create
Black Girls Create: Developing a Culturally Responsive Maker Program for Black Girls article describes the development and pilot implementation of a culturally responsive maker afterschool program for Black girls.
Activities for Programs
After-School Science PLUS - Download Building with Wonderful Junk and take the challenge! Build a bridge or a platform that meets a set of requirements and test it. Challenge the kids to add to the activity (For example build a bridge that will hold a student up 6 inches from the floor).
Additional Professional Development
NGCP Archived Webinar: Families & STEAM: Strengthening Relationships & Building Partnerships - Family engagement in STEAM can come in many forms — STEAM nights, science fairs, family newsletters, etc. But how can you move into a deeper partnership with families in the service of STEAM learning? In this webinar, we’ll hear from practitioners and researchers who are working to deepen engagement with youth and their families to intentionally support equity in and access to STEAM opportunities. You will hear about strategies, examples, and current research, and will have the opportunity to ask questions.
June 2022
Inventors and Inventions
Dr. Ciara Sivels is a nuclear engineer at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where she works on a variety of projects using radiation detection and modeling. Her past research focused on nuclear explosion monitoring and treaty verification, resulting in 4 first authored publications as well as numerous research awards, including the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration’s University Program Review National Laboratory Impact Award. Among the many outreach and mentorship programs that she participated in during her time at Michigan, she helped found the Women in NERS (Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences) group, a space for women in the department to commune, share stories, and discuss issues. Ciara obtained her PhD in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan in 2018, becoming the first black woman to do so at Michigan. She also holds a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan and MIT, respectively. She is originally from Chesapeake, VA.
Featured Webinars
Webinar: The M in STEM: Making Math Meaningful
This webinar will focus on engaging and supporting youth in mathematics. We will learn from an AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassador who uses mathematics to positively impact society and share best practices and resources to help make the M in STEM meaningful and accessible in afterschool. Click here for the webinar recording.
Quality Trainings
Role Models Matters Training for STEM Volunteers
Ready to train volunteers and role models in your Network, school, or afterschool program? COMPLETE THIS REGISTRATION FORM to gain access to the Role Models Matter training developed by Techbridge Girls.
PEAR- DoS Certification Training
PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification.
The training process involves a two-day live webinar training, completion of video calibration exercises, a one-hour live calibration session, and successful completion of two practice observations in the field. PEAR staff offer live, webinar DoS training monthly and in-person training for state networks or organizations can be arranged as needed for an additional cost. PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification. Dates and times are:
-
·July 13-14, 2022; 10am-4pm ET. (register by June 29)
-
October 19-20; 10-4pm ET. (register by October 5)
Recertification Training for DOS Observers
Please note that observers that have been certified for two or more years need to complete recertification to make sure they are continuing to use the tool reliably. Dates and times are:
· August 9, 2022; 10-1pm ET (register by July 26)
· November 8, 2022; 10-1pm ET (register by October 25)
Transformative Practices
Equity and Inclusion:
We Rep STEM - STEM Profile - Joy James - We’ve said it time and again: Representation matters. That’s especially true for children, whose perceptions of the world are based, in part, on the things they see. When Joy James set out to write her book, 101 Brilliant Black Inventors and their Inventions, she wanted to create something that would inspire her young children. The end result – an in-depth celebration of the achievements of Black innovators.
Activities for Programs
Engineering a Fix for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch - This activity encourages youth to use engineering to take care of the planet.
After-School Science PLUS - Download Building with Wonderful Junk and take the challenge! Build a bridge or a platform that meets a set of requirements and test it. Challenge the kids to add to the activity (For example build a bridge that will hold a student up 6 inches from the floor).
Engineering Ocean Currents - This is a fun and interactive activity that is designed to enhance student understanding of the engineering design process.
Design Squad: Invent it, Build It: Making the world a better place - Research tells us that when kids think their activity helps others it increases engagement. Activities encourage kids to think of themselves as inventors, discuss inventing and engineering, and dispels the stereotype that engineering is boring.
4 Great Outdoor Activities to Do With Kids This Summer - These easy activities are designed to be suitable in a COVID conscious environment. Young children play outdoor games, plant a garden, make ice cream, and participate in a scavenger hunt.
May 2022
Inventors and Inventions
Why Inventing For Diversity and Inclusion is So Essential
What would the world look like if there was more diversity and inclusion in inventing? Over the past few years, academic research has identified significant disparities in the rate at which people obtain patents. Women (especially African American and Hispanic women), people of color, and individuals from lower income families obtain patents much less often than their counterparts. Learn more and read the Forbes article here.
Utilizing IF/THEN Collection
The IF/THEN® Collection is a free digital library with photos, videos, posters, and more, featuring diverse women STEM innovators – all available for educational and other non-commercial use. You’ll find thousands of assets showcasing inspiring women whose jobs include training Olympic athletes, creating cosmetics, exploring space, working with animals, and designing everything from buildings and museum exhibits to electronics and medical equipment. Don’t know where to start in the IF/THEN Collection? Here are some tools to help you!
Featured Webinars
The M in STEM: Making Math Meaningful
Thursday, May 19, 2022 11:00AM Pacific / 12:00PM Mountain / 1:00PM Central / 2:00PM Eastern
This webinar will focus on engaging and supporting youth in mathematics. We will learn from an AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassador who uses mathematics to positively impact society and share best practices and resources to help make the M in STEM meaningful and accessible in afterschool.
Quality Trainings
Role Models Matters Training for STEM Volunteers
Ready to train volunteers and role models in your Network, school, or afterschool program? COMPLETE THIS REGISTRATION FORM to gain access to the Role Models Matter training developed by Techbridge Girls.
PEAR- DoS Certification Training
PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification.
The training process involves a two-day live webinar training, completion of video calibration exercises, a one-hour live calibration session, and successful completion of two practice observations in the field. PEAR staff offer live, webinar DoS training monthly and in-person training for state networks or organizations can be arranged as needed for an additional cost. PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification. Dates and times are:
-
July 13-14, 2022; 10am-4pm ET. (register by June 29)
-
October 19-20; 10-4pm ET. (register by October 5)
Recertification Training for DOS Observers
Please note that observers that have been certified for two or more years need to complete recertification to make sure they are continuing to use the tool reliably. Dates and times are:
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August 9, 2022; 10-1pm ET (register by July 26)
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November 8, 2022; 10-1pm ET (register by October 25)
ACRES
ACRES is a nationally acclaimed coaching program that builds knowledge and skills so after school educators, librarians and anyone who works with youth in out-of-school settings can confidently facilitate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) experiences for youth. More information found here.
May Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions
Questions are the beginning of a path towards 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 new summer 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. Stipends are offered to participants who complete feedback surveys before and after a module.
Cohort dates and times are: 10:00 to 12:00 EST on the following Thursdays
5/26, 6/9, 6/23; REGISTER HERE
June Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions
Questions are the beginning of a path towards 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 new summer 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. Stipends are offered to participants who complete feedback surveys before and after a module.
Cohort dates and times are: 3:00 to 5:00PM EST on the following Wednesdays
6/15/2022, 6/29/2022, 4/20/2022; REGISTER HERE
June Cohort: Modeling Engineering Practices
Engineering has become a staple of STEM programming for youth. How can we confidently bring engineering into our programming and support youth as they engage in problem solving? In this module, participants gain first-hand experience with engineering by solving a design problem. They examine the components of the engineering design process and discuss ways to model the process with youth. Asking Purposeful Questions is a prerequisite to this skill. *The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. Stipends are offered to participants who complete feedback surveys before and after a module.
Cohort dates and times are: 1:00 to 3:00 EST on the following Thursdays
6/17/ 2022,7/1/2022, 7/22/2022; REGISTER HERE
July Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions
Questions are the beginning of a path towards 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 new summer 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. Stipends are offered to participants who complete feedback surveys before and after a module.
Cohort dates and times are: 10:00 to 12:00 EST on the following Tuesdays
7/26/ 2022, 8/9/2022, 8/23/2022; REGISTER HERE
Transformative Practices
Equity in Math Class: 5 Tips for Teachers - WeAreTeachers
Ways to Build Equity into Your Math Lessons discusses how equity and social justice play a critical role in math instruction.
Critical Issue: Remembering the Child: On Equity and Inclusion in Mathematics and Science Classrooms (ncrel.org)
The North Central Regional Education Laboratory (NCREL) addresses equity and inclusion in STEM classrooms as a critical issue in a paper that includes six effective practices for equity.
Incorporating the Stories of Women, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ Scientists Into the Physics Classroom
Short article from NSTA about the contributions of women, people of color, and other diverse scientists to the field of Physics. Includes a link to lesson plans for lesson plans that could be adapted for K9-12.
Activities for Programs
Math Communities
Students, parents, and educators coming together to play with math! Math Communities creates a virtual community that provides free access to joyful collaborative activities designed by professional mathematicians and math educators for K-12 students, educators, and families. There are lots of ways to communicate with other folks interested in math.
After-School Science PLUS
Download Building with Wonderful Junk and take the challenge! Build a bridge or a platform that meets a set of requirements and test it. Challenge the kids to add to the activity (For example build a bridge that will hold a student up 6 inches from the floor).
Design Squad: Invent it, Build It: Making the world a better place
Research tells us that when kids think their activity helps others it increases engagement. Activities encourage kids to think of themselves as inventors, discuss inventing and engineering, and dispels the stereotype that engineering is boring.
10 Simple Yet Thrilling Invention Ideas For Kids
These are highly engaging activities for students including directions and videos. These activities use materials that are easy to find and can be done in a family setting.
8 Best Invention Ideas for Children
Try some fun and silly inventions that are very engaging: These activities are free, easy to set up, and use materials familiar to kids.
17 Innovative Mathematics Projects that Inspire Students | by Ali | However, Mathematics
A list of some unique, hands-off, and fun mathematical projects for any blooming mathematician.
Additional Professional Development
NGCP Archived Webinar: Families & STEAM: Strengthening Relationships & Building Partnerships
Family engagement in STEAM can come in many forms — STEAM nights, science fairs, family newsletters, etc. But how can you move into a deeper partnership with families in the service of STEAM learning? In this webinar, we’ll hear from practitioners and researchers who are working to deepen engagement with youth and their families to intentionally support equity in and access to STEAM opportunities. You will hear about strategies, examples, and current research, and will have the opportunity to ask questions.