NYAS Report on the STEM Paradox: Graduates are Missing Essential Skills

Meghan Groome of the New York Academy of Sciences (and former NGA staffer and advisor to Arlington STEM programs), presented the NYAS report that reveals a twist on the STEM paradox.

From the Washington Post's, She the People blog:

WP: Meghan Groome of the New York Academy of Sciences

The STEM paradoxes: Graduates’ lack of non-technical skills, and not enough women

By Joann Weiner September 26

Read the blog post HERE.

How Einstein Saw the World

From the 2014 PBS TV Special,
How Einstein Saw the World


“School failed me, and I failed the school. It bored me. The teachers behaved like Feldwebel (sergeants). I wanted to learn what I wanted to know, but they wanted me to learn for the exam. What I hated most was the competitive system there, and especially sports. Because of this, I wasn’t worth anything, and several times they suggested I leave.

This was a Catholic School in Munich. I felt that my thirst for knowledge was being strangled by my teachers; grades were their only measurement. How can a teacher understand youth with such a system?

From the age of twelve I began to suspect authority and distrust teachers. I learned mostly at home, first from my uncle and then from a student who came to eat with us once a week. He would give me books on physics and astronomy.

The more I read, the more puzzled I was by the order of the universe and the disorder of the human mind, by the scientists who didn’t agree on the how, the when, or the why of creation.

Then one day this student brought me Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason. Reading Kant, I began to suspect everything I was taught. I no longer believed in the known God of the Bible, but rather in the mysterious God expressed in nature.

Need Science Lab Equipment?

You’re Invited To a Free Web Seminar
Are you teaching science with minimal lab equipment? The Shell Science Lab Challenge gives you an opportunity to share your exemplary approach for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package valued at $20,000! Log on to this interactive web seminar to learn more and get tips for submitting an application.
		Event Name:	Developing a Competitive Application for the Shell Science Lab Challenge
		When:	Thursday, October 2, 2014 at 6:30 pm Eastern Time
		Where:	Online
		Cost:	Free!
You will need to be logged-in to the NSTA Learning Center to register. Contact webseminars@nsta.org if you have questions. See you online!
Stephanie Erickson e-Learning Coordinator National Science Teachers Association
				Register Now
Learn More

Arlington Chamber Education and Workforce Meeting - Sept. 24

The first meeting of the new academic year for the Chamber's Education and Workforce Committee will be on Wednesday September 24, 4pm, in the George Mason University Founders Hall campus in Arlington.  

Topics: 

• Introductions / Elevator Presentations of Participants
• GMU Career Services
• Matching Arlington Education and Workforce Audiences and Resources -www.goo.gl/0pZjPX
• Update on Regional Workforce Activities
• Volunteering in or Sponsoring School STEM activities - www.goo.gl/4tSZx8

Please RSVP for our Committee meeting here to secure free parking if you need it:  http://goo.gl/AT6Xyd or email Toni Andrews <tandrew7@gmu.edu>

This year we'll be meeting on odd-numbered months, doing more homework in between meetings, but allowing our participants to also participate in related/relevant meetings of the Alexandria-Arlington Workforce Investment Board (quarterly) and the Northern Virginia Technology Council Workforce and Education Committee (monthly).

Careers in Environmental Health

Environmental Sciences and Engineering represent some of the most integrated or integrative STEM fields.

Soldering Training for those Working with Girls

GEMS is providing a hands-on training in early October at Nova Labs (Reston, VA).  We have limited seats so we are asking for applications.  To meet our funding requirements, preference will be given to those working directly with students—particularly girls.  

To apply for GEMS training—click this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XV-bXXKc2d_8DtwQDBv5LIcdwGh6RlPInlI28cu-Syw/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link

We will circulate the attendee list  after September 18.  Thanks.

Elizabeth Vandenburg

GEMS  (Girls Excelling in Math & Science)

Outreach Director

http://www.gemsclub.org/

Del. Krupicka named to statewide education task force

from INSIDENOVA

Del. Rob Krupicka (D-45th) has been appointed to the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success, an initiative of Gov. McAuliffe. 

A total of 29 legislators and policy stakeholders have been appointed to the new organization.
The council is tasked with developing strategies to ensure all children across Virginia have the resources available to them to ensure they are ready to thrive and success in school. Among other issues, it will address funding, access and quality of early-childcare programs.

“I am excited to be a part of the Council on Childhood Success and to work alongside such talented members.” Krupicka said in a statement. “Early-childhood education has long been a passion of mine, and I am happy to see the governor making this a priority issue for Virginia.”

The council will meet for the first time on Oct. 6.

Award Applications for High School Women in Computing

NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

Applications open for the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing on September 15, and any U.S. high school woman with computing aspirations is eligible to apply. This multi-tiered award includes recognition at the national level (sponsored by Bank of America) and at the local level (sponsored by Microsoft).

Each award recipient receives recognition at an award event, scholarship and internship opportunities, access to a national network of technical young women, and other various prizes — computing resources, gadgets, sponsor swag, engraved awards and certificates, and more. Additionally, National Award recipients receive $500, a laptop, and a trip to attend the Bank of America Technology Showcase and Awards Ceremony on March 7, 2015.

Did you know that educators play a significant role in connecting young women to this award? More than 65% of applicants report learning about the Aspirations Award from a teacher or other educator. Tell young women to get started by registering online. For detailed application information, please take a look at the how-to guide and FAQ webpage.

Are you in the loop? Check out this inspiring video by Aspirations alumna Allison Collier encouraging girls to apply, and read our Aspirations Blog for impressive stories about participants. You can also follow @NCWITAIC and Aspirations on Facebook for news and updates about the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JavzQ8pUCAg