New Model for STEM Mentoring

The University of Pennsylvania received funding from the National Science Foundation for a mentoring program in which college, high school and middle school students learn with and from each other. This “cascading” mentoring program will integrate a new course in Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science with the teaching and mentoring of high school and middle school students to spur interest in computer science after school and in the summer. The programs will also use innovative technologies, all in an effort to increase interest in engineering, as well as outreach to women and minorities.

Read the article: http://media-newswire.com/release_1115145.html

New Study on Afterschool STEM

A recent survey by the Lemelson-MIT Program found that youths ages 12-17 are enthusiastic about STEM—77% indicated they were interested in pursuing a STEM career. This is great news, but there is still work to be done to transition the positive intention into reality. The study lists a few tips: get outside the classroom, take a hands-on approach, and find strong mentors. Each of these is an important advantage of afterschool science. Participating in science after school helps students maintain an interest in science over time, which can lead to more STEM professionals in the future.

Read the article: http://www.napsnet.com/articles/63536.html

Journey for Sustainability

In an attempt to educate and inspire students across the country and the world, two men—Ray Zahab and Kevin Vallely—are trekking across the length of Russia's frozen Lake Baikal. As they battle snowstorms and temperatures 40 degrees below zero, the duo is communicating with more than 8,000 students to educate them about sustainability. You can learn more about their mission and track their progress at: http://impossible2possible.com/siberia/?s=experience&e=tracker.

Also: you can read the full article: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/05/local/la-me-siberia6-2010mar06

Students Win Big for STEM Inventions

Two orange county students, one in elementary and one in middle school, won an impressive prize for their entries into the Astounding Inventions competition. For their inventions, the winning students will be receiving a provisional patent application—valued at more than $10,000! The competition, meant to promote creativity and interest in STEM education, turned out some amazing ideas from the 350 student participants, including the "Scogo Stick," a combination scooter and pogo stick, the “Y-Knot 2 Person Dog Leash” and the "SOS Balloon," which will help lost hikers to be rescued.

Read the article: http://www.ocregister.com/news/irvine-236579-students-school.html

Science Fairs and the Future

Last week in Rochester, MN, more than 450 middle and high school students demonstrated the power of STEM learning to transform the future at a regional science fair. Focusing largely on alternative energy, students’ projects have the potential to make a real difference in environmental sustainability.

Read the article: http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S1425968.shtml?cat=10151