tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-325777672024-02-20T15:36:35.430-08:00The Coalition for Science After SchoolEvery day, millions of American children attend after-school programs, and more would if they could. This blog is about the potential for science and technology learning opportunities to enhance the excitement and educational experiences of youth.Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.comBlogger264125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-25472260541866131162014-06-30T08:13:00.000-07:002014-06-30T08:13:50.568-07:00The Coalition for Science After School Concludes Operations<b>The Coalition for Science After School concludes operations today, June 30th, 2014.</b>
The decision to sunset CSAS reflects the tremendous growth of
programming and attention to STEM in out-of-school time opportunities on
a national level. CSAS leadership is deeply grateful to the funders,
partners, supporters, and constituents that worked together to advance
the STEM in out-of-school time movement during our decade of operations
and that make up today’s rich STEM in out-of-school time landscape. As
this work continues to expand and deepen, the many organizations that
have emerged as leaders will continue to lead the critical work that
remains to be done.<br />
<br />
CSAS history and resources (reports, white papers, conference proceedings, etc.) have been archived as a project on <a href="http://informalscience.org/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">informalscience.org</a>, along with a record of CSAS contributors and leadership. You can access <a href="http://informalscience.org/projects/ic-000-000-009-493/The_Coalition_for_Science_After_School" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">the CSAS archive on </a><a href="http://informalscience.org/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">informalscience.org</a><a href="http://informalscience.org/projects/ic-000-000-009-493/The_Coalition_for_Science_After_School" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"> here.</a><br />
<br />
After today this blog and our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionForScienceAfterSchool" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SciAfterSchool" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
accounts will become inactive, but will be archived such that the
information they contain can still be accessed by those interested in
the work of CSAS.<br />
<br />
<span class="il">The National After School Science Directory (<a href="http://www.connectamillionminds.com/connectory.php" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><b>Connectory</b></a></span>)
will continue to be available after the CSAS sunset of operations. The Directory is in the process of transitioning to a new host
organization--Directory members will not experience any
disruption during this transition process. Users will continue to be able
to update their organization's opportunities via the <a href="http://afterschoolscience.org/" target="_blank">CSAS website</a>, new
organizations will be able to join the database, and parents will still
be able to search the system through the <a href="http://www.connectamillionminds.com/connectory.php" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Connectory portal</a>.<br />
<br />
We at CSAS have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with many people and organizations over the last decade in building the STEM in out-of-school time
movement. We are excited about the great momentum around STEM in
out-of-school time, and look forward to the good work ahead!Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-77548937129978631022014-06-20T14:38:00.001-07:002014-06-20T14:38:58.172-07:00Report and Call to Action from 2014 CSAS Summit Now Available!
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From March 26-28, 2014, the Coalition for Science After
School hosted our final summit, <i>Passing the Torch: Advancing
Opportunity for Quality Science Learning</i>. The Summit was intended to: (1)
celebrate a decade of progress in strengthening and expanding STEM learning
opportunities in out-of-school time; (2) call attention to critical issues in
ensuring that all young people have opportunities for quality STEM experiences
in their local communities; and (3) stimulate ideas, strategies, partnerships
and commitments to continue to increase opportunities for quality STEM
experiences across settings. The report of the summit proceedings, <i>A
Call to Action from the 2014 Coalition for Science After School Summit,</i> focuses
on 11 areas to continue to advance the STEM in out-of-school time field after
CSAS sunsets its operations on June 30, 2014. The report is <a href="http://informalscience.org/research/ic-000-000-009-440/A_Call_to_Action_From_CSAS_Summit" target="_blank">available for download here</a>, via informalscience.org!</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-19003449663632314122014-05-08T09:46:00.000-07:002014-05-08T09:46:53.890-07:00Honoring and Remembering Dr. Alan J. Friedman<div class="MsoNormal">
We were very saddened to hear that Dr. Alan J. Friedman,
former director of the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) and great contributor
to after school science and informal science education, passed away on Sunday
May 4<sup>th</sup>, 2014. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a coalition
we work through the activities of our members, to which Alan was an active
contributor and supporter. In that spirit, below we’ve compiled some of the
many remembrances, memorials, and tributes to Alan that have popped up across
the country in the last days. The warmth, reverence, depth, and sincerity of
these offerings emulate his infectious spirit and convey the incalculable
influence he had on the field of informal science education.</div>
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Trained as a physicist, Alan served as the director of the
NYSCI from 1984-2006, where he transformed the museum from “an <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">empty
shell, the old exhibits removed and an inch of water on the floor” to a dynamic
institution full of exhibits that ranged from “microscopes to windmills to the
‘world’s first three-dimensional dynamic model of an atom,” according to his <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/07/nyregion/alan-friedman-71-dies-revived-hall-of-science.html" target="_blank">obituary in the New York Times</a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><a class="msocomanchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=32577767#_msocom_1" id="_anchor_1" name="_msoanchor_1"></a><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and
a <a href="http://nysci.org/the-physicist-who-saved-the-hall-of-science/" target="_blank">recent NYSCI blog post</a> on the subject</span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><a class="msocomanchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=32577767#_msocom_2" id="_anchor_2" name="_msoanchor_2"></a><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prior to his tenure at NYSCI, Alan
worked for twelve years at the Lawrence Hall of Science. As recounted in the <a href="http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/story/remembering_dr_alan_j_friedman" target="_blank">Hall’s touching tribute to Alan</a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><a class="msocomanchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=32577767#_msocom_3" id="_anchor_3" name="_msoanchor_3"></a><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,
he established their planetarium and its interactive format, which served as a
model for science centers worldwide. The Hall honored him with an <a href="http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/get_involved/engaging_events/galas/global_groove_gala/awards" style="mso-comment-date: 20140507T1128; mso-comment-reference: L_4;" target="_blank">Excellence in
Science Education award in 200</a></span><a href="http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/get_involved/engaging_events/galas/global_groove_gala/awards" target="_blank"><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"></span></span></a><a class="msocomanchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="_anchor_4" name="_msoanchor_4"></a><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/get_involved/engaging_events/galas/global_groove_gala/awards" target="_blank">8</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alan also served on the board of
trustees for the Noyce Foundation, and recently presented on <a href="https://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2013/webprogram/Session6081.html" target="_blank">an AAAS panel on science after school</a> </span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><a class="msocomanchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=32577767#_msocom_5" id="_anchor_5" name="_msoanchor_5"></a><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">with
Coalition leaders Carol Tang and Elizabeth Stage.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In honor of Alan’s legacy at NYSCI and
in the larger field of informal science education, his NYSCI colleagues created
a site, <a href="http://nysci.org/thinking-of-alan/" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thinking of Alan</i></a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><a class="msocomanchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=32577767#_msocom_6" id="_anchor_6" name="_msoanchor_6"></a><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">which has served as a
powerful sounding board for the many people whose lives Alan touched over the
years. Many CSAS leaders, members, and contributors have added remembrances to
this site, including Lucy Friedman of TASC, Dennis Bartels of the
Exploratorium, Elizabeth Stage of the Lawrence Hall of Science, Anita
Krishnamurthi of the Afterschool Alliance, Ron Ottinger of the Noyce
Foundation, and Carol Tang, former CSAS director and now program officer at the
S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, among many others. These leaders’ reflections
span Alan’s extraordinary work as an innovator in and champion of science
education, and as a mentor to many. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Dennis Bartels noted in his post on
the NYSCI site, Alan was a giant in our field. He will be sorely missed, but
his legacy continues to be advanced through the many people he inspired and the
organizations he guided.</span></div>
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A memorial service for Alan will take place on Saturday,
June 14<sup>th</sup> 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP to Nancy Schenk, <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">nschenk@nysci.org.</span></div>
Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-90752378639927600752014-05-05T18:18:00.001-07:002014-05-05T18:18:02.715-07:00Passing the Torch: Advancing Opportunity for Quality Science Learning
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">After 10 years of work, the Coalition for Science After
School will sunset operations at the end of June. To celebrate the
accomplishments of the STEM in OST field and (more importantly) to advance the
next decade’s work, in March the Coalition held a Summit that brought leaders in
the field together for three days of reflection and discussion to envision the
next decade of STEM in out-of-school time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Summit was a great opportunity for networking and
forging connections across the field. Some attendees had been involved in the
Coalition since its inception, while for others, the meeting was their first
exposure—all were forward-thinking and committed to advancing more
opportunities for quality STEM learning in out-of-school time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Together, we co-created
a history of the field over the last 10 years. Lots of great work has happened
over the past decade, but a few things came through loud and clear: 1) The expansion
and impact of state and regional after school networks is a significant
development that has momentum; 2) There is an emerging conceptual framework
that describes supportive ecosystems for STEM learning across settings; 3) While
great strides have been made in connecting out-of-school STEM learning and
science-rich institutions, important work remains to be done.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXLAboZTkxKpvYN_G0SNM7LLVEQHFa0jvVgYUei6_HBcQbJy-WbzYHQeYMgEFQJABiHO6YtMJIxx-neSVfNjWnag70CVRB3tFTwkg79D6sO8UpMqDjMg7czB2ERWfcfDY5lPW5A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-23+at+1.18.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXLAboZTkxKpvYN_G0SNM7LLVEQHFa0jvVgYUei6_HBcQbJy-WbzYHQeYMgEFQJABiHO6YtMJIxx-neSVfNjWnag70CVRB3tFTwkg79D6sO8UpMqDjMg7czB2ERWfcfDY5lPW5A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-23+at+1.18.36+PM.png" height="532" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Diagram that maps conversation at the Summit regarding the last decade of work in the STEM in out-of-school time field. </em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Looking toward the future, the meeting also illuminated some
important opportunities and challenges facing us moving forward. As a movement,
we need to: </span></span></div>
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</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Define
and implement quality STEM programming in out-of-school time</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
– to make quality programming a reality in every local community, program staff
need effective professional development.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ensure
that STEM learning experiences are equitably distributed</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
to young people across the country – in order to accomplish this, we need clarity
on what<b> equity looks like</b>,
responding to local needs in different communities</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Confront
the leadership gap </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">– emerging leaders at the program
level need professionalization, training and support to achieve quality STEM
learning for all young people; leadership at all levels of the field should
also be nurtured.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Produce
more research and evaluation </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">to help make the case about the
importance of STEM in out-of-school time settings for both cognitive and
non-cognitive outcomes. <b>Research
findings must be communicated</b> to practitioners and funders to advance the field
through evidence-based practices.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Deploy
savvy advocates </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">at the state and national level to champion
quality STEM learning, and create <b>shared
messages and a vision</b> <b>for the future
of the movement </b>that will help make the case to the right people at the
right time.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meaningfully
engage important stakeholders </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">like scientists and other STEM
content experts as volunteers and mentors for youth and program staff. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pursue <b>concerted collaboration with formal education</b> systems, especially
in light of the new Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core
Standards.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Increase<b> collaboration in online offerings</b>—to ensure they build upon and
work in concert with each other</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">vest
in capacity building</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and
strategies to sustain successful initiatives </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keep
talking</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – the field needs sustained communication and connections to
encourage deep cross-pollination of ideas. <span> </span>Periodic gatherings of leaders are needed to
illuminate differences in perspective and generate ways in which different part
of the field can work together.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lots of ideas and connections came out of the Summit that
may lead to work to address many of these challenges.<span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the Coalition for Science After School passes the torch
on advancing the cause of STEM in out-of-school time to the many other
organizations engaged in this important work, now is the time for each of us to
ask, “How can I chip away at these opportunities in my daily work?” And as a
collective movement, how can we contribute to providing access for all young
people to quality STEM experiences in their local communities?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-71543463764182751472013-07-16T07:00:00.000-07:002013-07-16T07:00:02.855-07:00The Coalition for Science After School Sunsets After a Decade of Success<style>
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</style><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Coalition for Science After
School (CSAS) would like to announce that after nearly a decade of helping to lead and
organize the after school science movement, it will sunset its operations in
2014. This decision comes after a decade of agenda-setting and cross-sector
partnership development. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Established in 2004, the Coalition
for Science After School championed the mission to make science, technology,
engineering and math integral components of afterschool and summer programming
by bringing together the experience and commitment of thousands of individuals
and organizations across the country. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By bridging the afterschool and youth development community
with science-rich institutions such as museums, science centers, universities
and corporations, the Coalition has worked to increase the quality and quantity
of science engagement in afterschool and summer learning settings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over the last several
years, the field has experienced tremendous growth of programming and attention
to science-related out-of-school time opportunities on a national level, due to
both the work of advocates like CSAS and other social and political factors.
The decision to sunset reflects a consensus among CSAS Steering Committee
members that given the robust and exciting status of the science OST field,
CSAS leadership is no longer needed</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">– Judy Nee, Chair of
CSAS Steering Committee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">The
leadership of CSAS feel that the field has moved into a new phase, one that
presents new challenges and opportunities. Though science in OST has grown in
prevalence, much work remains to be done to ensure the high quality of
opportunities and provide equitable access to youth nationwide. We're
confident that this work has taken root, but are concerned about the need to
ensure that communities with a high concentration of poverty are not left out
of the integration of science and after-school. It is our belief that much of
the work necessary to address these challenges will take place at the local
level. We strongly believe that the organizations and leaders who have emerged
over the past decade in the science OST community are fully capable of addressing
these challenges and continuing to propel the field forward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">In
addition to fulfilling current commitments to our partners and collaborators, a
major component of CSAS work in the next year will be to identify and train new
partners who will continue to advance the work that CSAS has historically undertaken,
including maintaining and growing a national directory of science-related OST
opportunities. This project has been and will continue to be generously
supported by our partner, Time Warner Cable, and their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Connect a Million Minds</i> initiative. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bernadette Chi will lead CSAS through the
sunset work in the year ahead. Bernadette brings extensive experience in
science program development and evaluation of OST programs and science
education. She holds a PhD from UC Berkeley and has been recognized as a leader
in the out-of-school science research community. Bernadette will take over for
Carol Tang, who recently transitioned to a role as program officer at the S.D.
Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">CONTACT:
Bernadette Chi at </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:coalitionsas@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">coalitionsas@gmail.com</span></a></span></div>
Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-45217594078620660882013-03-15T14:39:00.001-07:002013-03-15T14:52:30.124-07:00Midwest After School Academy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just got back from the Midwest After School Academy in Kansas City, MO. I had a great time meeting folks from all over the midwest, hearing the latest about equity in STEM after school, and learning about the importance of evaluation in after school settings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I presented a workshop on free resources for after school science providers. Here's a roundup of the sources that the Coalition recommends:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://afterschoolscience.org/" target="_blank">The Coalition for Science After School</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course we wanted to highlight the benefits of becoming a member of the Coalition, which include receiving our monthly newsletter, being listed on our website, and potentially being featured in our blog. If you're not already a member, here's where you can join today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://afterschoolscience.org/directory/index.php" target="_blank">The National After School Science Directory</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Directory is a great way to promote your after school science program. Because of our partnership with Time Warner Cable's Connect A Million Minds initiative, your program gains national exposure through their Connectory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://afterschoolscience.org/pdf/member_publications/Frontiers_in_Urban_Science_Education_Resource_Guide.pdf" target="_blank">Frontiers in Urban Science Exploration</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This report from <a href="http://www.expandedschools.org/" target="_blank">The After School Corporation</a> (TASC) is one of the many reports the Coalition draws upon to help define what is quality in after school science programming.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ngcproject.org/" target="_blank">National Girls Collaborative Project</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're fired up about inquity in STEM education, the NGCP is a great place to find like-minded partners to help work towards closing the gender gap. Almost every state has a collaborative and their vision is to bring together organizations committed to informing and encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://fabfems.org/">FabFems.org</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This organization was developed out of the NGCP in response to a national concern over the lack of women in STEM. Through the NGCPs years of service and outreach we now understand the importance of using role models and mentors to increase girls' engagement in and understanding of STEM. Use FabFems.org to search for female role models for your girl-serving program.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://techbridgegirls.org/">Techbridgegirls.org</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Techbridge is an Oakland, CA based organization dedicated to training STEM role models for girls and under represented students. They have excellent resources available for free on their website and they also offer an annual summer institute for educators interested in addressing equity in their programs.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://pbskids.org/scigirls/" target="_blank">SciGirls</a></span></div>
<div>
<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SciGirls is<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> an animated series directed at young
girls and </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">tweenagers</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> and
helps to recast girls as capable, curious, science smart, and action
oriented. The show is based on lots of
research about the career readiness of girls and women in STEM, and you can
find it on the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/teachers/scigirls/philosophy/" target="_blank">Educational Philosophy page</a> of their website.</span><!--EndFragment-->
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://pbskids.org/designsquad/" target="_blank">Design Squad Nation</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Design
Squad Nation is another PBS show, this one starring real life teenagers working</span><span style="font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline;"> on real life engineering problems. Their online activities and guides are
designed as companion pieces to the show but they can be used independently to
either support a unit that kids are interested in or to get them interested in
new topics. The website also has trainings to help adults get more familiar with leading
engineering challenges.</span></span><br />
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><a href="http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/" target="_blank">Afterschool Alliance</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">The Alliance recently came out with a report called <a href="http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/STEM_Outcomes_2013.pdf" target="_blank">"Defining Youth Outcomes for STEM learning in Afterschool."</a> It was complied by talking to afterschool directors, service providers
and stakeholders. These are the outcomes
that afterschool providers reported as being realistic in terms of what they
want to see as a result of their STEM after school offerings. We also recommend <a href="http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/STEM-toolkit.cfm" target="_blank">the </a></span><a href="http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/STEM-toolkit.cfm" target="_blank">Alliance's</a><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/STEM-toolkit.cfm" target="_blank"> toolkit</a> for advocating
for STEM afterschool. </span><!--EndFragment--></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://y4y.ed.gov/">Y4Y.ed.gov</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You
For Youth recently redesigned their website and it’s all geared towards
providing</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline;"> PD and technical assistance to 21</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; vertical-align: super;">st</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline;">
Century Community Learning Centers. Even
if you’re not a 21</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; vertical-align: super;">st</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline;"> CCLC
you can use all of the resources on their website for free. They have an entire section devoted to STEM
training including PowerPoint trainings to go, Training starters that help you
develop your own trainings on different topics, and customizable tools for goal
setting and program planning.</span><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://informalcommons.org/" target="_blank">Informal Commons</a></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<!--StartFragment-->The
Informal Commons is a powerful search engine that allows ISE professionals to
search for digital resources across ISE web sites. Access it through the <a href="http://caise.insci.org/" target="_blank">Center for advancement of informal science education.</a><!--EndFragment--></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.pearweb.org/atis/" target="_blank">Assessment Tools in Informal Science</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline;">If you’re looking to take on some
evaluation of your program you can find lots of free evaluation tools on the
ATIS website. At MASA </span><span style="font-size: large;">I</span><span style="font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline;"> heard a lot of excitement about involving students in evaluating the programs that serve them, and there
are lots of evaluation tools on this site that will help you get at how much
kids enjoy science, or how much they identify themselves as scientists or
science-capable. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<!--EndFragment--><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><!--EndFragment--></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.sedl.org/afterschool/guide/science/" target="_blank">Science After School Consumers Guide</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Coalition presents The Science After School Consumers
Guide as an online collection of after school science programs that we have identified as exceptionally high quality. It includes curricula, kits, guides and
websites with content for after school science programs. The guide is searchable by subject, grade and
c</span><span style="font-size: large;">ost.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.4-h.org/" target="_blank">4-H</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4-H has</span><span style="font-size: large;"> tons of great science
curriculum, and it’s not just about cows and cooking. If you <a href="http://www.4-h.org/my4h/Search.aspx?categoryId=59408" target="_blank">search their directory</a> you’ll find
activities about ecology, wind power, native animals and habitats, chemistry
and more.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://howtosmile.org/">HowToSmile.org</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Howtosmile.org</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline;"> is a warehouse for science activities
that are perfect for after school settings.
Leading institutions like the Exploratorium, the New York Hall of
Science and the Science Museum of Minnesota got the ball rolling by entering
science activities into the database and now there are thousands of searchable
entries. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1140C871D0F0127" target="_blank">AfterSchool KidzScience Videos</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">
</span>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--StartFragment--><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">The Lawrence Hall of Science helped
develop the curriculum </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">AfterSchool</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">KidsScience</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> and a bunch of great videos that are
perfect to supplement professional development trainings. </span></span>Sometimes a video is the only way
to really get across what high quality instruction looks like in after school
settings. </span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline;">Do you use these resources? What do you think? Any more free resources for after school science programs that you'd like to recommend?</span><!--EndFragment--></span><div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></span><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-78143042829039419372013-03-01T15:28:00.001-08:002013-03-01T15:35:22.125-08:00Alan Friedman on Science and After School Programs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recently, Coalition Director Carol Tang organized a <a href="http://scienceafterschool.blogspot.com/2013/02/aaas-session-scientists-in-after-school.html" target="_blank">double session at the AAAS conference in Boston about scientists in after school settings.</a> Among the many notable speakers on the panel was Alan Friedman, an independent education consultant. Alan was CEO and Director of the New York Hall of Science from 1984 to 2006, and has been frequently recognized for his work in informal science education. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://membercentral.aaas.org/multimedia/videos/challenges-and-opportunities-scientists-after-school-settings" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Click here to watch Alan's presentation on the importance of after school science learning on the AAAS website.</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-7543727836094774782013-02-26T13:46:00.000-08:002013-02-26T13:46:03.235-08:00Coalition Steering Committee Members Make Headlines!<span style="font-size: large;">The Coalition is lucky to have a terrific team of Steering Committee members from youth development organizations and science-rich institutions. These tremendous leaders help the Coalition in our mission to be a bridge between the science and youth development communities. This week two of our Steering Committee members made headlines for their work in after school science! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WKFGTENzIEfBhy2SRg-68uVmoSM5dq4tQoge6NvKDmq02moCRNB074YQ1dCOv9Sg4APMVLyA-NOguWgIRXVWsVD0nAEhe3WFIQnBPjwAfBl6L9BZhYHB5gy5W6fSuZqRTBtwxw/s1600/gl-with-mayor-and-neal-sales-griffin.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WKFGTENzIEfBhy2SRg-68uVmoSM5dq4tQoge6NvKDmq02moCRNB074YQ1dCOv9Sg4APMVLyA-NOguWgIRXVWsVD0nAEhe3WFIQnBPjwAfBl6L9BZhYHB5gy5W6fSuZqRTBtwxw/s1600/gl-with-mayor-and-neal-sales-griffin.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gabrielle Lyon, cofounder of <a href="http://www.projectexploration.org/" target="_blank">Project Exploration</a> of Chicago, was recently asked to join the Mayor's <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2013/january_2013/mayor_emanuel_attendsfirstmeetingofthetechnologyindustrydiversit.html" target="_blank">Technology Industry Diversity Council.</a> As co-chair of the council, Gabe will work with a team of leaders in Chicago's technology community to increase the percentage of minority employees in tech firms, increase the number of minority-owned and operated tech firms, and help create new ways for public school students to enter the field of technology.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In other news, Dennis Bartels, executive director of the <a href="http://www.exploratorium.edu/" target="_blank">Exploratorium</a> in San Francisco, wrote a provocative article for Scientific American entitled, <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=critical-thinking-best-taught-outside-classroom" target="_blank">"Critical Thinking is Best Taught Outside the Classroom."</a> Bartels credits museums and other informal learning settings as being better suited to teach kids how to ask questions than elementary and secondary schools. <br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Formal education, which is driven by test taking, is increasingly failing to require students to ask the kind of questions that lead to informed decisions," Bartels writes. He goes on to describe research conducted at the Exploratorium that found that teaching museum-goers to ask "What if?" questions leads them to explore more deeply and engage in better inquiry. Not only that, but participants even learned how to ask <i>better</i> questions as they continued to explore. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are thrilled that our Steering Committee members continue to lead the way in high quality science experiences in after school settings. Stay tuned for more news from the Coalition coming soon!</span>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-76909485385643711092013-02-20T15:01:00.001-08:002013-03-01T15:30:16.689-08:00The White House Focuses on STEM Education<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are thrilled that President Obama has continued to speak out about the importance of STEM education. Recently, in his <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2013" target="_blank">State of the Union address</a>, the President issued a call to educators and employers to partner in order to better prepare students in STEM subjects. He recognized science, technology, engineering and math as subjects that will help students be innovative leaders in the future.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The White House also recently honored leading scientists and innovators the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology Innovation. We love this video of the event, which features the diverse group of leaders honored at the ceremony.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/teeITvnYqMk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/02/20/equipping-nations-future-innovators" target="_blank">In their blog today</a>, the White House also provided several resources for educators, parents, community members and employers. We were thrilled to see our partner <a href="http://www.connectamillionminds.com/" target="_blank">Connect a Million Minds</a> highlighted as a resource for finding STEM activities across the country!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Make sure your after school science programs are listed in the Connect a Million Minds <a href="http://www.connectamillionminds.com/connectory.php" target="_blank">Connectory</a> - <a href="http://directory.afterschoolscience.org/" target="_blank">log in to the Coalition's Directory</a> and update your listings today!</span>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-87335574676888781392013-02-16T23:54:00.001-08:002013-02-16T23:54:23.458-08:00AAAS Session: Scientists in After School<br />
A growing body of research suggests the importance of out-of-school time experiences in engaging, preparing, inspiring and creating lifelong interest in science. However, most scientists who engage in public education and outreach still largely focus on experiences within the context of the classroom. <a href="http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/" target="_blank">The Lawrence Hall of Science</a> Director Elizabeth Stage and <a href="http://afterschoolscience.org/" target="_blank">Coalition for Science After School</a> Director Carol Tang, along with other leaders in informal science education, will present a double session to address this at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting this month in Boston, MA.<br />
<br />
Sunday, February 17, 2013: 8:30AM-11:30AM <br />
Hynes Convention Center, Room 311<br />
Boston, MA<br />
<br />
Tomorrow's session will highlight case studies of professional scientists and engineers partnering with after school organizations to provide high-quality activities and act as role models for youth. They will also present resources for scientists interested in working with youth in out-of-school time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://aaas.confex.com/aaas/2013/webprogram/Session6081.html" target="_blank">Get more information about the AAAS session.</a><br />
<br />
Additional speakers and presenters:<br />
Alan Friedman, Independent Consultant<br />
<br />
Mariette DiChristina, Editor in Chief, <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/" target="_blank">Scientific American</a><br />
<br />
Rebecca L. Smith, Co-Director, UCSF <a href="http://biochemistry.ucsf.edu/programs/sep/" target="_blank">Science Health Education Partnership, University of California</a><br />
<br />
Connie Chow, Executive Director, <a href="http://scienceclubforgirls.org/" target="_blank">Science Club for Girls</a><br />
<br />
Meghan Groome, Executive Director, Education and Public Programs, <a href="http://www.nyas.org/" target="_blank">New York Academy of Sciences</a><br />
<br />
Dennis Schatz, Program Director, <a href="http://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=drl" target="_blank">National Science Foundation Division of Research in Learning in Formal and Informal Settings</a><br />
<br />
Kathryn Scheckel, Project Coordinator, <a href="https://asuresearch.asu.edu/" target="_blank">Arizona State University Office of Knowledge Enterprise Development</a><br />
<br />
All AAAS Annual Meeting sessions will be recorded and will be available to AAAS members through their archive in the Spring of 2013.Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-71541928624338351232013-02-13T17:01:00.001-08:002013-02-14T14:17:05.242-08:00What is Inquiry?<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday I helped facilitate a local workshop about inquiry-based learning as part of the <a href="http://www.afterschoolnetwork.org/" target="_blank">California After School Network</a>'s <a href="http://powerofdiscovery.org/" target="_blank">The Power of Discovery: STEM2</a> initiative. <a href="http://afterschool.acoe.org/" target="_blank">The Alameda County Office of Education</a> and <a href="http://www.eastbaystem.net/" target="_blank">Gateways East Bay STEM Learning Network</a> are the Regional Support Providers that are implementing The Power of Discovery at the regional and local levels. Their vision is to create, empower and guide cross-sector partnerships among diverse stakeholders to build professional capacity of out-of-school time programs to offer high-quality STEM learning opportunities.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The focus of the workshop was inquiry based learning and the presentation was by Kourrney Andrada of <a href="http://www.girlsinc-alameda.org/" target="_blank">Girls Inc. of Alameda County</a>. Her presentation was chock full of helpful links, which I'll recap below. Some of her resources were videos from <a href="http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/" target="_blank">the Lawrence Hall of Science's</a>' <a href="http://www.devstu.org/afterschool-kidzscience" target="_blank">Afterschool KidzScience program.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is my favorite video from the list - it covers elements of questioning, guiding exploration and encouraging collaboration. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/tct2A_OsqBA/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tct2A_OsqBA&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tct2A_OsqBA&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This would be a great video to show after school science leaders as a starting off point for a conversation about facilitation techniques. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are the links to resources from yesterday's training:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://urban4hscience.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">4-H's Science in Urban Communities</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o7orHWyd6Q" target="_blank">“Asking Questions”</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">This link is from Developmental Studies
Center, creators with Lawrence Hall of Science of KidzScience, Kidzmath,
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/science_out_of_school/educator_tools" target="_blank">Lawrence Hall of Science Educator Tools and Resources </a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eEc5wmJ8kM" target="_blank">How Do People Learn?</a> - video<br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4UmFe44jbI" target="_blank">Leading Curiosity</a> - video<br /><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Y4Y links use the following definition from the <a href="http://www.exploratorium.edu/ifi/about/philosophy.html" target="_blank">Exploratorium</a>: <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Inquiry is an approach to learning that involves
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Encourage your students to discuss and question openly, to
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misunderstandings you can challenge and identify places to
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<br />Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-43980043930165811562013-01-30T17:25:00.000-08:002013-01-30T17:35:07.538-08:00STEM Outcomes for Youth in Afterschool Programs<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/" target="_blank">Afterschool Alliance</a> recently concluded a 10-month study, <a href="http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/STEM_Outcomes_2013.pdf" target="_blank">"Defining Youth Outcomes for STEM Learning in Afterschool."</a> In the study, a panel of expert afterschool providers and supporters were asked to identify appropriate and feasible outcomes for STEM education in afterschool settings.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Coalition Director Carol Tang and Steering Committee member Gabe Lyon of <a href="http://www.projectexploration.org/" target="_blank">Project Exploration</a> served on the advisory board for this report.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Watch Anita Krishnamurthi, director of STEM policy for the Afterschool Alliance discuss the report, joined by Ron Ottinger, executive director of the <a href="http://www.noycefdn.org/" target="_blank">Noyce Foundation</a>, and Mark Greenlaw, VP for sustainability and education affairs at <a href="http://www.cognizant.com/" target="_blank">Cognizant</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/EcVnAZDV_3M/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EcVnAZDV_3M&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EcVnAZDV_3M&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The big picture consensus among panel experts interviewed is that afterschool programs support young people to:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">enjoy STEM learning</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">feel capable learning STEM</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">want to do more STEM learning</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are a number of more concrete indicators that afterschool professionals can look for to see if young people demonstrate progress towards those outcomes. Panel experts ranked these in order of what they felt afterschool programs are best positioned to accomplish. They reported that afterschool is best positioned to support young people's:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Active participation in STEM learning opportunities</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Curiosity about STEM topics, concepts or practices</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ability to productively engage in STEM processes of investigation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Awareness of STEM professions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ability to exercise STEM-relevant life and career skills</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Understanding the value of STEM in society<br /></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the implications of the report is that afterschool is well positioned to support the 'doing' science and STEM. Another implication of the study is that afterschool is well positioned to support realistic scenarios of how science is actually performed in the field, as afterschool is a learning environment suited for collaborative group work and other 21st century skills.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Panelists were also asked if they believed there are assessment tools to document the kinds of impacts they felt confident delivering. While the funder group reported that yes, assessment tools are available, the practitioner group reported no, they don't have access to assessment tools. In the video above, Anita offers a possible explanation of this result which is that practitioners may be aware of assessment tools for STEM in afterschool, but those tools may not be effective for one reason or another.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />This report offers a great foundation for further conversation about outcomes of STEM learning in afterschool and we look forward to hearing what you think!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-60499776171681681752013-01-24T10:33:00.000-08:002013-01-24T15:57:48.363-08:00ASTC Recognizes Coalition Director Carol Tang<span style="font-size: large;">This month the <a href="http://astc.org/" target="_blank">Association of Science-Technology Centers</a> (ASTC) recognized Coalition Director Carol Tang for being chosen as a role model for California women and girls in STEM. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This article originally appeared in Dimensions magazine, January/February 2013. Reposted with permission from the Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated, www.astc.org.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI47hyJxOUCnnF5y2ogdxEQqlGyCFmoTnxe9RfxcwHCV2VtHTQE3qrTHnXF-qzqn8C1dOqOAO8QnttVNrYp0qKbUTgcMQOdotdb8aa9BtKC7zXqxIOv71zUQrFXu71XRJVKgvsA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-24+at+10.22.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI47hyJxOUCnnF5y2ogdxEQqlGyCFmoTnxe9RfxcwHCV2VtHTQE3qrTHnXF-qzqn8C1dOqOAO8QnttVNrYp0qKbUTgcMQOdotdb8aa9BtKC7zXqxIOv71zUQrFXu71XRJVKgvsA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-24+at+10.22.39+AM.png" /></a></div>
<br />Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-80242625950291127912013-01-07T13:56:00.003-08:002013-01-16T15:16:30.374-08:0050 Resources to Advance Women in STEM<span style="font-size: large;">The Coalition for Science After School is thrilled to top the National Girls Collaborative Project's 50 Resources to Advance Women in STEM list! The NGCP distributed their list via Twitter throughout the last few days of 2012. Here's a great opportunity to make sure you are following these organizations, which strive for gender equity in science learning and the STEM fields!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF9c3jyUKuLt7PpStNlNOL5I7nJ_kzkvAadfoFtiwjiCJxRPJ85CHHg9mVeRA3Vme-hTtmnS-wSBu_mXSXRw-fDhEob83UGQPZWhZVP0eptcV157edPmw5UW48ETPHsA1HQDeWQ/s1600/introduce-a-girl-to-engineering.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF9c3jyUKuLt7PpStNlNOL5I7nJ_kzkvAadfoFtiwjiCJxRPJ85CHHg9mVeRA3Vme-hTtmnS-wSBu_mXSXRw-fDhEob83UGQPZWhZVP0eptcV157edPmw5UW48ETPHsA1HQDeWQ/s1600/introduce-a-girl-to-engineering.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Coalition would like to thank the NGCP for including us - we are in very good company on this terrific list! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#1 <a href="http://afterschoolalliance.org/" target="_blank">Afterschool Alliance</a> @afterschool4all </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#2 <a href="http://afterschoolscience.org/" target="_blank">The Coalition for Science After School</a> @sciafterschool </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#3 <a href="http://girlscouts.org/" target="_blank">Girl Scouts</a> @girlscouts </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#4 <a href="http://www.blacksintechnology.net/" target="_blank">Blacks in Technology</a> @blkintechnology </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#5 <a href="http://ow.ly/ggQDO" target="_blank">Black Girls Code</a> @blackgirlscode </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#6 <a href="http://fabfems.org/" target="_blank">FabFems</a> @Fabfems </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#7 <a href="http://techbridgegirls.org/" target="_blank">Techbridge</a> @Techbridgegirls </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#8 <a href="http://uk.girltech.com/" target="_blank">GirlTech </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#9 <a href="http://www.girlsrisenet.org/" target="_blank">Girls RISEnet </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#10 <a href="http://ow.ly/ggOUZ" target="_blank">Carnegie Mellon Project on Gender and Computer Science</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#11 <a href="http://www.nsbe.org/" target="_blank">National Society of Black Engineers</a> @NSBE</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#12 <a href="http://hfrp.org/" target="_blank">Harvard Fam Research Project</a> @HFRP </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#13 <a href="http://edexcelencia.org/" target="_blank">!Excelencia! in Education</a> @EdExcelencia </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#14 <a href="http://www.ccd.rpi.edu/Eglash/csdt" target="_blank">Culturally Situated Design Tools</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#15 <a href="http://sst.clas.asu.edu/compugirls" target="_blank">CompuGirls</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#16 <a href="http://www.cdc-computing.org/" target="_blank">Coalition to Diversify Computing</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#17 <a href="http://www.aises.org/" target="_blank">The American Indian Science and Engineering Society</a> @AISES </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#18 <a href="http://www.ankn.uaf.edu/" target="_blank">Alaska Native Knowledge Network</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#19 <a href="http://pbskids.org/scigirls/" target="_blank">SciGirls</a> @SciGirls</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#20 <a href="http://www.binarygirl.com/" target="_blank">Binary Girl </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#21 <a href="http://wowonline.org/ourprograms/women_work/work4women.asp" target="_blank">The Work4Women Project</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#22 <a href="http://women.nasa.gov/" target="_blank">Women@NASA</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#23 <a href="http://www.iwitts.org/" target="_blank">National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science</a> @IWITTS </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#24 <a href="http://www.diversitycareers.com/" target="_blank">Diversity/Careers Magazine</a> @divcar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#25 <a href="http://www.wict.org/" target="_blank">Women in Cable & Telcommunications</a> @WICT </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#26 <a href="http://www.wai.org/" target="_blank">Women in Aviation International</a> @WomenInAviation </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#27 <a href="http://ow.ly/ggQ3Q" target="_blank">Women Chemists Throughout History</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#28 <a href="http://womenchemists.sites.acs.org/" target="_blank">Women Chemists Committee</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#29 <a href="http://www.newscientist.com/" target="_blank">New Scientist</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#30 <a href="http://www.awc-hq.org/" target="_blank">Association for Women in Computing</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#31 <a href="http://www.awis.org/" target="_blank">Association for Women in Science</a> @AWISNational </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#32 <a href="http://www.awm-math.org/" target="_blank">Association for Women in Mathematics</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#33 <a href="http://engineeryourlife.org/" target="_blank">Engineer Your Life</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#34 <a href="http://www.wepan.org/" target="_blank">Women in Engineering ProActive Network </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#35 <a href="http://www.swe.org/" target="_blank">Society of Women Engineers</a> @SWETalk </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#36 <a href="http://www.engineergirl.org/" target="_blank">Engineer Girl</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#37 <a href="http://www.ieee.org/membership_services/membership/women/index.html?WT.mc_id=WIE_nav1" target="_blank">Women in Engineering</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#38 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Minorities/Women%20http://www.asme.org/kb/topics/diversity" target="_blank">American Society of Mechanical Engineers</a> @ASME </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#39 <a href="http://www.womentechworld.org/" target="_blank">Women Tech World</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#40 <a href="http://anitaborg.org/" target="_blank">Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology</a> @anita_borg</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#41 <a href="http://wia.animationblogspot.com/" target="_blank">Women in Visual Arts/#Tech</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#42 <a href="http://www.witi.com/" target="_blank">Women in Technology International</a> @WITI </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#43 <a href="http://www.webgrrls.com/" target="_blank">Webgrrls</a> @Webgrrls </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#44 <a href="http://www.techdivas.com/" target="_blank">TechDivas</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#45 <a href="http://ncwit.org/" target="_blank">National Center for Women and Information Technology</a> @NCWIT </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#46 <a href="http://www.ignite-us.org/" target="_blank">IGNITE: Inspiring Girls Now in Technology Evolution</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#47 <a href="http://www.girlgeeks.org/" target="_blank">GirlGeeks</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#48 <a href="http://ow.ly/ggPph" target="_blank">Cisco Learning Institute Gender Initiative</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#49 <a href="http://www.cwit.umbc.edu/" target="_blank">Center for Women and Information Technology</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#50 <a href="http://ow.ly/ggOus" target="_blank">ACM's Committee on Women in Computing</a> </span>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-16628738041630100792013-01-04T13:03:00.000-08:002013-01-22T10:16:42.580-08:00#SciMentor Twitter Chat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpM29c5z0EMNTT9D74vXQWPvtttAN2riRbu1PSiAvdpQRwlVb2LGD6YeQ6qJXt1oLmJO4mycjVPDetCSqzJoXDDy3IYvXpIsnI3Cesqeeqvl94lyDy3i0MtggvclTh_xwaK-b2bg/s1600/teacher-mentor-program.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpM29c5z0EMNTT9D74vXQWPvtttAN2riRbu1PSiAvdpQRwlVb2LGD6YeQ6qJXt1oLmJO4mycjVPDetCSqzJoXDDy3IYvXpIsnI3Cesqeeqvl94lyDy3i0MtggvclTh_xwaK-b2bg/s1600/teacher-mentor-program.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that January is <a href="http://www.nationalmentoringmonth.org/" target="_blank">National Mentoring Month</a>?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To celebrate, the Coalition is hosting a Twitter chat:</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wednesday January 23 </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">12-1 Pacific Time</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#SciMentor</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">During this chat we will discuss the importance of mentors and role models in science education and STEM careers. We're interested in hearing your tips, best practices, resources and stories, so please join us on the chat!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are the questions we will be posing on the chat:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q1: Why are mentors and role models important for youth? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q2: What is special about afterschool and summer mentoring opportunities?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q3: How can mentors and role models support science education?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q4: What resources can STEM mentors look to for support and inspiration?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q5: What makes for high-quality mentoring experiences?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q6: What can STEM professionals expect to give and get out of mentoring youth?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q7: What topic related to science in after school would you like to discuss in our next chat?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To join the chat and see what others are saying:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Go to tweetchat.com and search for the hashtag #SciMentor</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. You do not need a Twitter account to follow the chat, but you do need one to comment or ask questions. If you need to set up a Twitter account you can sign up at http://www.twitter.com. It's free to join and only takes a minute.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. To join the discussion, sign into TweetChat using your Twitter account and enter your tweets in the box at the top of the page. TweetChat automatically includes the hashtag for you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. Each tweet is limited to 140 characters (including the hashtag #SciMentor) but feel free to use multiple tweets to pose a question or respond to a comment.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Coalition's Twitter handle is @sciafterschool. Feel free to submit questions in advance by sending us a message on Twitter.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Looking forward to seeing you on the chat!</span>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-10098094619362315762012-12-20T14:55:00.002-08:002012-12-20T14:56:37.658-08:00Let the After School Science Directory Help You<br />
We completely redesigned the search function and look of the <a href="http://afterschoolscience.org/directory/index.php" target="_blank">National After School Science Directory!</a> Now it's easy to discover science-rich institutions and youth development organizations in your community with our new search options. Start with a zip code search, then expand the distance around your search to find the area you're interested in. <br />
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The new search capabilities of the Directory make it a great tool for:<br />
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Promoting your organization's after school science classes, workshops & camps<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Spreading the word about your virtual and online resources<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Finding potential partners in your city, state or nationwide<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Discovering professional development opportunities by using the new "Program" filter<br />
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As always, listing your after school science opportunities in our Directory connects you with a national audience of kids and parents through Time Warner Cable's <a href="http://www.connectamillionminds.com/" target="_blank">Connect A Million Minds Connectory!</a><br />
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You can also look <a href="http://afterschoolscience.org/about/members/" target="_blank">here</a> for a list of organizations currently registered with the Directory. <br />
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Are your winter camps listed in the Directory yet? There's still time to promote your awesome out-of-school time science programming - <a href="http://directory.afterschoolscience.org/" target="_blank">log in</a> today!Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-8002590678385425272012-12-07T14:17:00.001-08:002012-12-07T14:19:26.936-08:00Maya Science and Nasa Science<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Science educators often find themselves in the position of wanting to debunk commonly held beliefs. Earlier this week astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson <a href="http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2012/12/neil-degrasse-tyson-still-stoking-mayan-believers-about-doomsday/59633/" target="_blank">tweeted about the 2012 Doomsday rumors</a>, offering scientific reasoning in favor of all life not coming to an end in a few weeks. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">NASA's Calendar in the Sky program is embracing the opportunity to educate folks as we approach the winter solstice about <a href="http://calendarinthesky.org/en-us/articles/mayascience.aspx" target="_blank">Maya Science</a> and <a href="http://calendarinthesky.org/en-us/articles/nasascience.aspx" target="_blank">Nasa Science</a>. While the Mayan Long Count Calendar ends on December 21 2012, <a href="http://calendarinthesky.org/Articles/2012Science/2012ScicenceArticleView/tabid/144/ArticleId/2/language/en-US/The-Science-of-2012.aspx" target="_blank">there is no evidence</a> to suggest that the ancient Maya people believed that the world would end on that day. They also have <a href="http://calendarinthesky.org/en-us/multimediaresources/lessonplans.aspx" target="_blank">free astronomy lesson plans online</a>, including one lesson focused entirely on the "Mayan Skies."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">How will you celebrate December 21, 2012? If you need some ideas, join the last webinar in this series from Calendar in the Sky next week!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Title: How Are You Celebrating December 21st, 2012?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Host: Bryan Mendez, Space Sciences Lab, UC Berkeley</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Date: Friday, December 14, 2012</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Time: 11am PT/12pm MT/1pm CT/2pm ET</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Duration: 90 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Format: Online Webinar (60 min presentation with 30 min discussion period)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Registration: Please register for this webinar <a href="https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=ql87xxyb7bc6" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">DESCRIPTION:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What do you have planned for your audiences to mark December 21st, 2012, the 13th Bakt'un anniversary of the Maya Long Count calendar? Are you having a "Not the end of the world" party, are you holding a special event, are you marking the solstice, are you including aspects of Maya culture? In this final Webinar of the Bakt'un, participants will share activities they have planned for December 21st, 2012, perhaps getting some last minute ideas from their colleagues from around the country.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">ABOUT CALENDAR IN THE SKY:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Calendar in the Sky is a NASA-funded project led by UC Berkeley to engage the American public, particularly Latino audiences, in NASA science (space exploration, astronomy, planetary and Earth sciences, etc.) via the broad interest in Maya culture. We are conducting a series of webinars for educators on NASA science and Maya astronomy. Following the webinars, attendees will be given access to private discussion boards on the project website (www.calendarinthesky.org) where they can discuss the webinar topics and exchange ideas and resources for educational programming with colleagues. The webinars will be recorded and archived on the website. This will be the third webinar in the series.</span>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-56432964099225496382012-12-04T16:37:00.000-08:002012-12-04T16:37:08.925-08:00STEM in Chicago in Out of School Time Conference
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<span style="font-size: large;">Organized by <a href="http://www.projectexploration.org/" target="_blank">Project Exploration</a>, supported by the <a href="http://www.hivelearningnetwork.org/about/mission" target="_blank">Hive Chicago Learning Network</a>, and hosted by the <a href="http://www.iit.edu/" target="_blank">Illinois Institute of Technology</a>, <a href="http://stemchicago.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/state-of-stem-in-chicago-in-ost-fact-sheet.pdf" target="_blank">The State of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in Chicago in Out of School Time</a> conference will convene 100+ of Chicago’s top STEM‐education stakeholders and practitioners to share and discuss the results of the city’s first ever survey of out‐of‐school time STEM education opportunities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sessions will include presentations from local and national leaders involved in system-building for youth and STEM, and working groups on digital and connected learning, state-wide learning exchanges, summer strategies, and strategic collaboration for increasing diversity in the STEM workforce pipeline. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Funding for this conference is being provided by <a href="http://www.hivelearningnetwork.org/about/mission" target="_blank">HIVE Chicago</a> and <a href="http://www.expandedschools.org/" target="_blank">The After School Corporation</a>. Research funding has been provided by the <a href="http://www.noycefdn.org/" target="_blank">Noyce Foundation</a> and the <a href="http://www.cfw.org/" target="_blank">Chicago Foundation for Women</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The conference will be held on December 17th from 8:00am-5:00pm at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Conference goals include:</span></div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Sharing the results of the first citywide survey of the STEM out-of-school time opportunity landscape</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Raising awareness about the importance of, and opportunity inherent in, out-of-school time STEM to impact students’ educational and career aspirations and achievement.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Discussing recommendations for a citywide strategy for building and supporting transparent K-16 pathways in STEM.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bringing together leaders in the field who can collaborate to create and support student-centered pathways into and through STEM K-16, using out of school time programs as a building block.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Deadline: Register by December 14th.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WEBSITE: Visit the conference page to register, review the schedule or learn about sponsorship opportunities: <a href="http://stemchicago.wordpress.com/conference/"><span class="s1">http://stemchicago.wordpress.com/conference/</span></a> .</span></div>
Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-22118256557806655032012-12-04T13:32:00.002-08:002012-12-04T13:33:26.043-08:00Apply for the Excellence in Summer Learning Award!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The National Summer Learning Association’s (NSLA) Excellence in Summer Learning Award recognizes outstanding summer programming that demonstrates excellence in accelerating academic achievement and promoting healthy development for young people between kindergarten and twelfth grade.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The initial application to be considered is easy to complete, and in addition to recognizing the Excellence Award-winning programs, NSLA will also recognize summer learning innovations with the Summer Sparks awards in high-interest categories such as:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Family Engagement,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Digital Learning, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Health and Nutrition, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Early Literacy, and </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>New Vision for Summer School (only school district applicants are eligible for NVSS). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">All programs also receive detailed written feedback--highlighting both strengths and recommendations for improvement based on NSLA's quality standards. Previous winners have used the recognition in fundraising efforts and received local and national publicity. NSLA also works closely with each award winner to promote awardees to media and policymakers. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You can learn more and download the application at www.summerlearning.org/excellenceaward. Applications are due to NSLA by Friday, February 8, 2013.</span>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-64756045884906803702012-11-29T14:50:00.002-08:002012-11-29T15:23:04.816-08:00A Mini Grant with a Mighty Impact <br />
<i>Last month the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) kicked-off it's California state affiliate, CalGirlS. Next week CalGirlS will begin accepting applications for mini-grants, which are awarded to girl-serving STEM focused programs to support collaboration, address gaps and overlaps in service, and share best practices. As a proud partner with CalGirls, the Coalition for Science After School presents this example of a successful mini-grant project to inspire you to apply for an NGCP mini-grant!</i><br />
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<br />
By Linda Kekelis<br />
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What is life in the dorms like? Do you have a lot of homework? Are classes hard? Do you get homesick? The girls in Techbridge have lots of questions when they meet up with college students. They want to know what college life is like and if they have what it takes to study engineering or computer science. Role models who are one step ahead of our girls are just right for providing the academic guidance that girls need and the personal stories that girls want.<br />
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Six years ago Techbridge and the Alumni Relations Office at the College of Engineering at U.C. Berkeley applied for a mini-grant from the California Girls Collaborative. This grant helped to seed a new partnership and has proven to be a win-win for both groups. Techbridge offers training and support for students and alumnae at the College of Engineering. The Alumni Office helps recruit volunteers and host trainings. The result—well prepared role models lead activities in Techbridge after-school programs and open their research labs at the university and corporate sites for field trips.<br />
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Benefits go both ways. Girls discover how engaging engineering can be and what it takes to prepare for majoring in engineering. For girls who are first in their families to plan to go to college, these encounters are especially impactful. College students talk about scholarships that help cover their tuition and offer practical advice on courses to take in high school and internships to explore in summer. Role models find that they have just as much fun as the girls and leave inspired and reminded of why they chose engineering. An added benefit for the college students—they meet alumnae and establish mentoring relationships that may help them make networking connections and land a job when they graduate.<br />
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Over the years, Techbridge has trained more than 100 role models through this collaboration with the Alumni Relations Office at the College of Engineering at U.C. Berkeley. We continue to partner and held another well-attended training this fall.<br />
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The program has come full circle and not only have Techbridge girls gone on to the Engineering program at U.C. Berkeley, these young women are also coming back to Techbridge and volunteering as role models.<br />
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I encourage you to reach out to a new partner in your community and start a collaboration. You never know where it will take you. I look forward to hearing about your success stories that result from a mini-grant from the California Girls Collaborative Project. To apply for your mini-grant visit http://www.ngcproject.org/mini-grants.<br />
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<i>About Techbridge</i><br />
<i>Techbridge offers hands-on science, technology, and engineering opportunities for girls and partners with Bay Area school districts. Techbridge also works with local and national partners to support youth’s engagement in STEM out of school. Want to learn more about Techbridge, and find resources for supporting role models or STEM curriculum to inspire youth in your community? Visit our website at www.techbridgegirls.org.</i>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-35558278305956265762012-11-14T16:04:00.001-08:002012-11-14T16:06:45.756-08:00#DIYandSTEM Twitter Chat Archive<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to the makers, DIY and robotics enhusiasts in the science after school community who joined us today on our terrific #DIYandSTEM chat! Folks provided so many great ideas, resources and comments so we archived it <a href="http://storify.com/SciAfterSchool/diyandstem-twitter-chat?awesm=sfy.co_hBdE&utm_content=storify-pingback&utm_medium=sfy.co-twitter&utm_source=t.co&utm_campaign=" target="_blank">here</a> for easy reference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you missed today's chat, don't worry! The community is still using #DIYandSTEM on Twitter to share ideas, inspiration and resources. Go ahead and post your own answers to our chat questions:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Q1 Why is hands-on learning important for youth?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Q2 What is special about afterschool and summer DIY learning opportunities?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Q3 How do DIY activities support STEM education?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Q4 What strategies can we use to engage both girls and boys in DIY and robotics activities?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Q5 What DIY, Maker and robotics resources or examples can we look at for inspiration?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Q6 How do we help youth build mastery and gain confidence with hands-on projects?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Q7 What makes for a high-quality hands-on STEM activity?</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not on Twitter? Post your #DIYandSTEM thoughts on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CoalitionForScienceAfterSchool" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We're always looking for new ways to connect with our community. Have a great idea for the next Twitter chat? A photo of your favorite DIY in STEM moment? Or maybe you'd like to contribute to this blog as a guest blogger? Let us know!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks again for a great conversation today!</span>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-55542600604101821522012-11-09T08:29:00.000-08:002012-11-09T08:52:29.058-08:00The Great STEM Leap<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #717074; font-family: Avenir_Medium, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>The following article was published November 8, 2012 in the ExpandEDSchools blog by The After School Corporation (TASC). It was written by Lucy Friedman, TASC founder and President, and Coalition for After School Steering Committee member.</i></span><br />
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When you consider the range of science and tech experiences now available to students outside of classes—from cloning bacteria to earning digital art Girl Scout badges—it’s hard to believe the resistance that TASC faced when we first introduced science inquiry into New York City after-school programs. Of course that was ages ago in tech time: 2006.</div>
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Two years earlier, the National Science Foundation had convened 40 leaders from the science disciplines and after-school to see if we could inject more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) into organized after-school programs. Research was telling us that the best way to point kids toward STEM careers is to give them early, exciting exposure to hands-on science inquiry. After-school was the perfect place: no short class periods, no pressure to avoid mistakes and find the “right” answers, just time and a culture that encouraged curiosity, group projects and messy experimentation.</div>
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A group of us formed the national <a href="http://www.afterschoolscience.org/" style="color: #569fd3; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Coalition for Science After School</a>, and the founding director spent a summer in TASC’s office writing a blueprint for the out-of-school time field.</div>
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<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><img alt="Transforming paper towel tubes into spectroscopes" height="250" src="http://www.expandedschools.org/sites/default/files/content/stem_2.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="250" /></em><br />
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<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We taught staff how to transform<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />inexpensive items into hands-on science <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />activities, such as these </em><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="hasCaption" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">spectroscopes</span></span>.</em></div>
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TASC began to introduce science curricula for non-science pedagogues into New York City programs. We ran into a wall of skepticism. Principals, teachers, heads of community organizations running after-school programs, program staff—all resisted. Many could not get comfortable with the idea of anyone but science teachers touching science.</div>
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In other cities, Coalition partners hit similar roadblocks. Many education and youth development leaders were unaware of the engagement-focused curricula designed by organizations like the <a href="http://www.edequity.org/programs/science-and-math-programs" style="color: #569fd3; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Educational Equity Center</a> for community educators to lead with curious kids. Many after-school educators did not feel confident in their own science knowledge. They feared making mistakes in front of kids. In response we made it clear that their job was not to help kids memorize facts, but to lead them in solving problems and exploring scientific questions.</div>
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We needed to help shift the whole school-and-after-school bureaucracy away from the idea that science is only for experts. The Noyce Foundation gave us support to try a two-pronged approach. We convened decision-makers, including city and school district leaders, to introduce them to the benefits of science inquiry in the hours after 3. At the same time we trained and coached after-school staff members to be science explorers alongside kids, following the same patterns and methods of inquiry as their students.</div>
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I can tell you that hands-on science became a hit with kids, sending them outdoors to places they’d never been before – fishing boats, hiking trails, tracking migrating birds. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzIZXgPOeVU&list=PL430BD5F2864A98D4&index=3&feature=plpp_video" style="color: #569fd3; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">See for yourself</a>.</div>
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<img alt="dissecting owl pellets " class=" wp-image-1620 " height="375" src="http://www.expandedschools.org/sites/default/files/content/stem-3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Dissecting owl pellets" width="500" /></div>
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<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">After-school educators helped students became scientists <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />in their own communities by dissecting owl pellets and testing water quality.</em></div>
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We named this double-barreled strategy—targeting both decision-makers and front line staff<a href="http://www.expandedschools.org/tools/frontiers-urban-science-education-fuse-resource-guide" style="color: #569fd3; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">—FUSE</a>, for Frontiers in Urban Science Education. As I shared at a meeting of <a href="http://www.edfunders.org/" style="color: #569fd3; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Grantmakers for Education</a> recently, FUSE is a splendid example of how foundations can leverage public investment by providing early funding for new learning models and building ecosystems of leaders and practitioners from previously isolated worlds.</div>
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New York City now requires every program to its <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/html/afterschool/out_of_school_time.shtml" style="color: #569fd3; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Out-of-School Time</a> system to include STEM or literacy learning. Thanks to the Noyce Foundation and the <a href="http://www.mott.org/" style="color: #569fd3; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Charles Stewart Mott Foundation</a>—which helps statewide after-school networks build their STEM capacity—TASC worked with the <a href="http://www.nysan.org/" style="color: #569fd3; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">New York State Afterschool Network</a> to establish science training academies for after-school educators all across the state, including small towns and rural communities.</div>
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<img alt="Girl examining leaves" height="250" src="http://www.expandedschools.org/sites/default/files/content/stem_1.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Girl inspecting plant leaves" width="250" /></div>
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In New York’s Southern Tier, home of one of the state’s most vibrant regional after-school networks, encompassing Corning and Elmira, state network leads have trained more than 30 regional after-school leaders on high quality STEM curricula. Leaders have passed those lessons along to the front-line community educators who work directly with kids. Local kids can have more fun with STEM at the Corning Museum of Glass, supported by Corning Incorporated. The synergy is impressive.</div>
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Through the <a href="http://www.afterschoolsystems.org/" style="color: #569fd3; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Collaborative for Building After-School Systems</a>, we’ve taken the FUSE approach to other states and cities, including Providence. For our colleagues in the <a href="http://www.mypasa.org/afterzone-middle-school/afterzone-summer-scholars-camp" style="color: #569fd3; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Providence After School Alliance</a>(PASA), science learning helped them achieve a goal they had long pursued. Students at Rhode Island College partnered with PASA educators to lead students in summer and after-school science. College students now partner with PASA in other subject areas.</div>
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As corporations and government invest heavily in building the skilled workforce of the future, the kid-centered, hands-on STEM movement has taken hold everywhere from Maker Faires to new schools built around game design curriculum.</div>
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To integrate more science discovery into longer school days and summers, out-of-school time systems are building new partnerships with museums, parks, colleges and other institutions. We still have far to go to reversing fear of science and equalize kids’ opportunities. But without foundations taking the lead by investing in STEM learning outside traditional school hours, the arc of change would be much slower.</div>
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Bringing partners together around STEM is not just a way to grow more science-literate Americans. It’s a great way to build more high-quality expanded learning systems too.</div>
Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-73652476722145392302012-11-08T14:57:00.000-08:002012-11-09T08:54:15.994-08:00#DIYandSTEM Twitter chat<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have you noticed a growing excitement around Do-It-Yourself activities, Maker communities and robotics groups in afterschool settings? We want to talk to you about it and hear about your experiences, best practices and resources for DIY STEM activities in afterschool!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Coalition will host a Twitter chat:</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wednesday November 14 </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#DIYandSTEM</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The topic is DIY STEM activities and the benefits of this type of hands-on learning in out-of-school time. We have invited experts in facilitating Maker and robotics activities, and we hope you join the conversation!</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To join the chat and see what others are saying:</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Go to tweetchat.com and search for the hashtag #DIYandSTEM</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. You do not need a Twitter account to follow the chat, but you do need one to comment or ask questions. If you need to set up a Twitter account you can sign up at http://www.twitter.com. It's free to join and only takes a minute.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. To join the discussion, sign into TweetChat using your Twitter account and enter your tweets in the box at the top of the page. TweetChat automatically includes the hashtag for you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. Each tweet is limited to 140 characters (including the hashtag #DIYandSTEM) but feel free to use multiple tweets to pose a question or respond to a comment.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Coalition's Twitter handle is @sciafterschool. Feel free to submit questions in advance by sending us a message on Twitter.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Looking forward to seeing you on the chat!</span>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-31329289985236910722012-11-05T11:06:00.001-08:002012-11-05T15:23:35.579-08:00Join the Science After School Conversation!<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The following blog post is from Coalition Director Carol Tang.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As we launch our new look and new website this week, let’s take a quick look back on the last few months as we traveled across the country and talked to many of you about the importance of science experiences for youth in afterschool and summer settings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We’ve gone to Boys and Girls Club Southwest Leadership Conference in Denver, the Alameda County of Education afterschool kickoff event in Vallejo, the Bridges Conference organized by Schools Out Washington in Seattle and the 21st CCLC Summer Institute in New Orleans to talk about how high quality STEM experiences supports high quality youth development. Both the science education and youth development fields aspire to build confidence, foster curiosity and lifelong learning, build communication and collaboration skills, and support mastery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We’ve also been meeting with national leaders in science education to ensure that afterschool opportunities are full considered and respected as an important player in increasing STEM literacy and the future innovation workforce. I spoke at a panel at the Association of Science Technology Centers, was a facilitator at the National Research Council’s summit on informal science education assessments and a co-facilitator at the 21ST CCLC STEM partners meeting. Perhaps most excitingly, we were invited to participate in the Clinton Global Initiative America 2012 summit in Chicago as part of the STEM team. Our work with Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds and 826 National was acknowledged by President Clinton himself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know that as we launch our new site, we now have a new platform to increase the visibility of science afterschool among the youth development, science education, and science communities to meet our mission. But we need you, as Coalition supporters, to amplify our message and together we can find solutions to the challenges we face in bringing high-quality science experiences to all youth. Thanks for your past support and we look forward to more success stories in the years to come.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaTu7WUik49mRd7EkZZMMrttyZ2DmV_ilchcE7Z2dzjom6Ul8KxjZAwhrAm_h2zfP_FRdceJ1aA09uvHbgJMRRtDqVXCR7T6re6dydWuYrxy18ouQZO8QjchxfKY-EShiNUL-oQ/s1600/823.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaTu7WUik49mRd7EkZZMMrttyZ2DmV_ilchcE7Z2dzjom6Ul8KxjZAwhrAm_h2zfP_FRdceJ1aA09uvHbgJMRRtDqVXCR7T6re6dydWuYrxy18ouQZO8QjchxfKY-EShiNUL-oQ/s400/823.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo credit: Clinton Global Initiative.<br />
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<i>Carol Tang is the Director of the Coalition for Science After School and was recently honored as a “Leading Woman in STEM” by the California Science Learning Network.</i>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32577767.post-84632260638212708992012-10-31T15:16:00.002-07:002012-11-05T11:08:50.001-08:00Meet the Coalition: CalGirlS and Bay Area Science Festival<span style="font-size: large;">We are excited to be involved with two fantastic science after school events this week in the San Francisco Bay Area!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow, November 1, we will be at the <a href="http://www.ngcproject.org/event/calgirls-kick-conference" target="_blank">CalGirlS Kick-Off Conference</a> in Berkeley, CA. CalGirlS stands for the California Girls in STEM, and is the California state affiliate of the <a href="http://www.ngcproject.org/" target="_blank">National Girls Collaborative Project</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Kick-Off is the launch of the statewide initiative to increase girls' involvement in STEM. We are expecting over 100 program managers, guidance counselors, business partners, technical professionals K-12 teachers, parents and representatives from professional organizations and higher education.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then on Saturday, November 3, we will be at AT&T Park in San Francisco for the <a href="http://www.bayareascience.org/festival/discovery-days-at-att-park/" target="_blank">Bay Area Science Festival Discovery Day</a>. This event is from 11-4 and is free to the public! We expect 20,000 kids, parents, teachers and other folks who love science at the ballpark on Saturday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We're thrilled to bring with us several of our local science after school partners: <a href="http://www.ca4h.org/" target="_blank">4-H</a>, the <a href="http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Bay Area Discovery Museum</a>, <a href="http://826valencia.org/" target="_blank">826 Valencia</a>, <a href="http://www.acoe.org/acoe/" target="_blank">the Alameda County Office of Education</a>, <a href="http://howtosmile.org/"><span class="s1">HowToSmile.org</span></a> and the brand new <a href="http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/science_out_of_school/calgirls" target="_blank">California Girls in STEM Collaborative (CalGirlS)</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, we hope to see you at one of these events!</span>Coalition for Science After Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02492498446873101707noreply@blogger.com0