October is full of STEM-azing Treats and Activities in Expanded Learning

October’s significance as Filipino American History Month is due to the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States when on October 18, 1587, “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esparanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California.

Click here to read more about Filipino American History Month


Filipino Americans have made many great contributions to the field of Science:

1) Fe del Mundo - The first women admitted as a student to the
   Harvard School of Medicine, she also founded the first pediatric hospital
   in the Philippines.

Fe delo Mundo first female student admitted to Harvard School of Medicine.

2) Pedro Flores is a famous Filipino inventor who is widely accredited with being the
    first yo-yo maker in the United States.

Pedro Flores a famous Filipino inventor.

Click here to read more about other areas that Filipino Americans have made contributions in.

We just wanted to remind the Region 3 Expanded Learning Programs to submit STEM Blog posts that highlight the great STEM learning activities that you are engaging your youth in. Please take a look (please see the pdf below) at the information that we would like you to submit. Once you have gathered the following information, along with images of the STEM activity (any students in the images that you submit should have a signed media release form on file with your agency) please email them to Mark Drewes at mdrewes@scoe.net.

STEM / Expanded Learning Program and other Pertinent Education Articles:

1) "Destined for great things" : Low-income students as educators to believe
       that they can succeed (Jane Meredith Adams, Edsource, 11/17/15)

2) Physical fitness central to Sacramento district's focus on the "whole child"
     (Michael Collier, Edsource, 9/26/16)

3) Why the art of speaking should be taught alongside Math and Literacy
    (Mindshift, KQED, 10/3/16)

4) New Report: Participation in summer learning program yields positive outcomes
    (Erin Murphy, Afterschool Alliance, 9/15/16)

5) Why we desperately need to bring back vocational training in schools
    (Nicholas Wyman, Forbes, 9/1/15)

6) How to spark learning everywhere that kids go - starting with the grocery store
    (Anya Kamenetz, NPR, 10/3/16)

7) Talking to students about police violence and protests
    (Lauren Camera, US News, 9/27/16)

8) How schools can help notice and serve the "quiet kids"
    (Elisa Nadworny, KQED, 7/6/16)

9) The most important skill for the modern educator may be the "art of 
     turning it around" (Global Citizen, 9/27/16)

10) How mindfulness and storytelling help kids heal and learn
      (Juli Fraga, KQED, 9/26/16)

11) This school replaced detention with meditation
      (James Gaines, Upworthy, 9/22/16)


STEM (and other interdisciplinary core content) Activities / Videos / Websites:

1) NPASS Activities (Design-It Free Activities)

2) NPASS Activities (Explore - It Free Activities)

3) Sensational Summarizing Strategies (Resource)

4) October Homework: Full STEM Ahead (Free Activities for Grades 1-5)

5) After School Science Activities (Free Exploratorium Activities)

6) Math Explorer: Searchable Math Games (Free Exploratorium Activities)

7) After School Science Activities (Free Science Net Links Activities)

8) After School Exchange Science Activities (After School Exchange Activities)

9) Climate Kids (Free NASA Climate Activities)

10) Kid Sustainability Videos (Videos)

11) Earth Day Activities for Kids (Resources)

12) Ultimate Guide to Sustainability and Recycling for Kids (Resource)



STEM / Educational Grants:

1) The Big List of Educational Grants
    (Edutopia Updated on October 12th, 2016)

2) Afterschool Alliance (Grants Resource Page)

3) The Impact Foundry (Grants Resource Page)

4) Captain Planet Foundation (Grants ranging from $500 to $2,500
    for activities that are project-based, performed by youth and have
    a real environmental impact. (Deadline: 1/31/17)

5) KaBOOM! Grants for outdoor play (Deadline: Ongoing)

6) Fender Music Foundation Grants (Deadline: Ongoing)

7) Walmart Foundation Grants (Deadline: Ongoing)

8) Bank of the West Charitable Grants (Deadline: Ongoing)



STEM / Misc. Professional Learning Sessions / Contests / Events:

1) GEMs Spooky Science of Energy Transformation (Free) (Grades 5-12)
    (SMUD Workshop) (Date: 10/19/16) (Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

2)  Engineering Design Challenges (Free) (Grades 5-12)
    (SCOE Workshop) (Date: 10/25/16) (Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) 

3) Making a Solar Powered Emergency Preparedness Kit (Free) (Grades 8-12)
    (SMUD Workshop) (Date: 11/02/16) (Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

4) The How Kids Learn Conference (December 7, 2016 in SF)

    (Registration: $120 per participant)

5) Crocker Art Museum: Art Projects Workshop (Free) (Grades K-12)

     (SCOE Workshop) (Date: 12/13/16) (Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) 

6) CASRC Online Profesional Learning Sessions (Free) 
    (Various Topics / Grade Levels)

7)  CalSac Online Professional Learning Sessions (Free) 
      (Various Topics / Grade Levels)

Thanks again for all that you do in the field. Please keep us posted about STEM events/activities in your area. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Monica Gonzalez-Williams (SCOE: Region 3: After School Regional Lead):
mgonzalez@scoe.net

Phil Romig (SCOE: Science Curriculum Specialist): promig@scoe.net

Mark Drewes (SCOE: Project Specialist II: Expanded Learning) mdrewes@scoe.net

September is National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15
in the United States, when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino
Americans to the United States and celebrate the group's heritage and culture.

Hispanic Heritage Week was established by legislation sponsored by Rep. Edward R. Roybal (D- Los Angeles) and first proclaimed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. The commemorative week was expanded by legislation sponsored by Rep. Esteban E. Torres (D- Pico Rivera) and implemented by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30 - day period.

September was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. All declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18, and September 2, respectively.

Here are a few Hispanic and Latino Americans who have made contributions in various
STEM fields:

a) Dr. Helen Rodriguez-Trias (First Latina President of the American Health 
   Association)

b) Severo Ochoa (Chemist: Co-awarded Nobel Prize in 1959 for his studies on 
    RNA)

c) Mario Molina (Chemist: Discovered Ozone Hole in Antarctic)

d) Jaime Escalante (Math Educator: Well known for working with struggling 
    math students)

e) Ellen Ochoa (Astronaut)

f) Adriana Ocampo (Planetary Geologist at NASA)

Here are a few additional resources for you and your expanded learning staff to
access:

a) 5 Latina Scientist that Make It Happen (LA Times)

b) Hispanic Heritage Month Resources (Website)

c) Latinos in History (Website)

Ellen Ochoa Astronaut

Jaime Escalante Math Educator

We will not be highlighting any STEM learning activities this month. Some expanded learning programs have been open for for roughly three weeks and some just re-opened right after Labor Day. With that being stated we just wanted to remind the Region 3 Expanded Learning Programs to submit STEM Blog posts that highlight the great STEM learning activities that you are engaging your youth in. Please take a look (please see the pdf below) at the information that we would like you to submit. Once you have gathered the following information, along with images of the STEM activity (any students in the images that you submit should have a signed media release form on file with your agency) please email them to Mark Drewes at mdrewes@scoe.net.

STEM Blog Post Submission Form

 STEM / Expanded Learning Program and Other Pertinent Education Articles:

1) "Destined for great things": Low-income students ask educators to believe 
      they can succeed (EdSource, Jane Meredith Adams, November 2015)

2) Prof. Chris Emdin Busts Classroom Myths, Talks "White Teachers in the Hood"
    (the74million.org, August 2016)

3) STEM Education (NY Times, Op. Ed., August 2016)

4) Why the Arts Are Essential in a STEM Education 
     (Edutopia, Mary Beth Hertz, February 2016)

5) Summer programs help prepare minority students for college STEM
    (LA Times, Nina Agrawal, August 2016)

6) For Teenage Brains, The Importance of Continuing To Learn Deeply
    (KQED, Shankar Vedanta, September 2013)

7) Uncomfortable Conversations: Talking About Race in The Classroom
    (NPR, Elissa Nadworny, April 2015)

8) How to Teach Your Kids to Love Art When You're Not An Artist (Cultivate Blog)

9) Researchers develop preschool STEM education curriculum
      (Eschool News, July 2016)

10) How Teens Benefit From Reading About the Struggles of Scientist
      (KQED, Deborah Farmer Kris, May 2016)

11) What does moderate to vigorous physical activity mean for kids?
      (Philly.com, Rachel Dehaven, August 2016)

12) State board poised to take new direction in school accountability
      (EdSource, September 2016)


STEM (and other interdisciplinary core content) Activities / Videos / Websites:

1) After School Webinars (Afterschool Alliance: Webinars)

2) Lights On After School 2016 Resources (Afterschool Alliance)

3) Top 10 Family Fitness Strategies to strengthen bodies and family bonds
     (Super Healthy Kids Blog)

4) Be enlightened! 25 Things to Know About Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
    (Dr. Patricia Fioriello)

5) These 3 Benefits will Motivate you to Eat Together as a Family
      (Super Healthy Kids Blog)

6)  6 Opening and Closing Routines for New Teachers
      (Edutopia, Rebecca Alber, August 2016)

7) Why Emotional Learning May Be As Important As The ABCs
    (NPR, Maanvi Singh, December 2014, Podcast)

8) 14 Books that Connect Students With Valuable Scientists' Struggles
    (KQED, Deborah Farmer Kris, May 2016)

9) Back to School Barbershop: New Goals, Homework and Parental Supervision
    (NPR Podcast, August 2016)

10) STEAM Design Challenge: Kinetic Wind Sculptures
      (Education Closet, Lauren Hodson, August 2016)

11) Science Activities (Creativity Catapult Website)


STEM / Educational Grants:

1) The Big List of Educational Grants and Resources
    (Updated on September 30, 2016)

2) Target Field Trip Grants ($700)  (August 1 through September 30, 2016)

3) Afterschool Alliance (Grant Resource Page) 

4) Impact Foundry (Grant Resources Page)

5) An Insider's Guide to Funding Afterschool: Connecting Donors to Your Mission
    (Afterschool Alliance)


STEM / Misc. Professional Learning Sessions / Contests / Events:

1) Electricity Fair a Family Event (Free) (Grades Pre K - 12) (SMUD Event)
    (Date: 9/10/16) (Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

2) Understanding Trauma in the Context of Juvenile Justice Systems
    (Free) (Webinar) (9/16/16) (Time: 12:30 p.m. PT)
    

3) GEMs Electric Circuits (Free) (Grades 3 thru 9) (SMUD Workshop)
    (Date: 9/24/16) (Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

4) RAFT 101: STEM Learning Activities (Free) (Grades 3-12)
    (SCOE Workshop) (Date: 9/28/16) (Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)

5) CA STEM Symposium ($310 per participant until 9/1/16) (Conference)
    (Date: 10/9 - 10/11) (Anaheim, CA)

6) GEMs Spooky Science of Energy Transformation (Free) (Grades 5-12)
    (SMUD Workshop) (Date: 10/19/16) (Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

7) Engineering Design Challenges (Free) (Grades 5-12)
    (SCOE Workshop) (Date: 10/25/16) (Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) 

8) Making a Solar Powered Emergency Preparedness Kit (Free) (Grades 8-12)
    (SMUD Workshop) (Date: 11/02/16) (Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

9) CASRC Online Profesional Learning Sessions (Free) 
    (Various Topics / Grade Levels)

10) CalSac Online Professional Learning Sessions (Free) 
      (Various Topics / Grade Levels)

11) Expanded Learning Symposium (February 23, 2017)
      (UC Berkeley 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

12)  CASRC Online Profesional Learning Sessions (Free) 
        (Various Topics / Grade Levels)

13) CalSac Online Professional Learning Sessions (Free) 
      (Various Topics / Grade Levels)

Thanks again for all that you do in the field. Please keep us posted about STEM events/activities in your area. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Monica Gonzalez-Williams (SCOE: Region 3: After School Regional Lead):
mgonzalez@scoe.net

Phil Romig (SCOE: Science Curriculum Specialist): promig@scoe.net

Mark Drewes (SCOE: Project Specialist II: After School) mdrewes@scoe.net

   

August is Family Fun Month: Family Fun STEM Activities

August is Family Fun Month. Each year, Family Fun Month is celebrated throughout the month of August. It is the opportune time to enjoy family with extra fun activities. So to help your families have some STEM fun this month here are a few resources to share with them:

1) STEM Family Activities Workbook (Boston Museum of Science)

2) Family Science Night Activities (Science Buddies)

3) Family Science Activities (Family Science)

4) Hands on Family Activities (Science of Everyday Life)


Let's see what STEM learning activities the Summer Learning Program practitioners have been engaging the Region 3 students in.

Name of Out-of-School-Time Provider: Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center

Name of District: Sacramento City Unified School District

School Site: A.M. Winn Elementary School

Grade Level of Activity: 2nd and 3rd grade

Number of students who took part in the activity: 17

Type of Activity: Art and Engineering - Constructing weight-bearing water bombs

Learning Outcomes - Students were able to: 

• Understand different shapes, sizes, and number of edges with different folds
• Follow multiple-step instructions to create a shape of a weight-bearing figure
• Understand the importance of foundation and structure for their creation to bear weight and float
• Problem solve to reinforce the structure's sides and edges to hold more weight
• Creatively decorate their structure 

Students working on their weight-bearing water bombs.

For more information on this activity please contact Michaela Dragos at

michaela@sccsc.org.  

Name of Out-of-School-Time Provider: Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center

Name of District: Sacramento City Unified School District

School Site: Caroline Wenzel Elementary

Grade Level of Activity: 6th grade

Number of students who took part in the activity: 20

Type of Activity: STEAM - Respiratory System

Learning Outcomes - Students were able to:

• Gain an understanding of the respiratory system's function and role in the body
• Engage in a physical learning activity (musical chairs) 
• Start with small movements and build their way up so they realize how more vigorous activities require more work and effort
• Learn more about the importance of the respiratory system, what and the effects that it would have on the body if you cause damage to it
• Deepen their understanding of the respiratory system through playing a Jeopardy style game 

Students learning about the respiratory system by playing a game of musical chairs.

For more information on this activity please contact Stephanie Vega at 

stephanie@sccsc.org

Name of Out-of-School-Time Provider: Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center

Name of District: Twin Rivers Unified School District

School Site: Foothill Oaks Elementary School

Grade Level of Activity: Elementary

Number of students who took part in the activity: 14

Type of Activity: In the past 3 weeks of summer program, our Kinder-2nd grade class explored the human body systems by learning anatomy terms, the basic functions of the systems, and the locations of organs. About 80% of the students are able to identify bones, muscles, respiratory organs, and digestive organs. As an end product, students constructed a visual of an athlete’s body systems with premade organ print outs. The students reviewed the engineering design process to plan how they were going to execute this activity. The students decided to have everyone color and cut the page they were assigned. After the pieces had been cut, they helped each other construct the athlete. Overall, the activity proved to be a beneficial way to review and an excellent way for students to apply the engineering design process in a different way.

Learning Outcomes - Students were able to: 

• Understand how the Engineering Design Process (EDP) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are applicable to the human body systems
• Combine aspects of art, science, technology, engineering, and math concepts in order to develop and strengthen their 21st Century Skills
• Be able to differentiate between the systems of the human body and understand how they work together to make the human body function properly
• Understand how the systems of the human body work together to help Olympians compete and stay healthy

Students discussing and creating a model of the digestive system.

Students working on the muscular system model.

For more information on this activity please contact Sarah Heidel at 

sarah@sccsc.org

 

                                                                                 



STEM / Expanded Learning Program and Other Pertinent Education Articles:

1) State Expanded Learning Policy Update (CAN August 2016 Newsletter) 

2) Funding for Afterschool Maintained in House Education Spending Bill
     (Afterschool Alliance August 2016)

3) USDA Issues Final Rules Support Healthy School Snacks and Wellness Policies
    (CAN August 2016 Newsletter)

4) Using Local Control to Expand Learning Opportunities 
    (Partnership for Children and Youth)

5) LIAS Blog: SEL and the Challenge of Context, Culture, and Focus (August 2, 2016)

6) Sports drinks aren't recharging your kids. They're just pumping them 
    full of sugar. (Casey Seidenberg, Washington Post, July, 26, 2016)

7) Baltimore summer school does the seemingly impossible 
   - the kids actually want to be there 
   (Meredith Kolodner, The Hechinger Report, August, 8, 2016)

8) To Boost Kids' Reading, Detroit Is Installing 97 Little Libraries 
    Around the City (Breana Noble, Detroit News, July 28, 2016)

9) How efforts to combine arts with STEM education could improve tech diversity
   (Max Lewontin, The Christian Science Monitor, December 16, 2015)

10) Students who use social media score lower in math, reading, and science 
      (Liana Heitin, PBS Newshour, August 17, 2016)


STEM (and other interdisciplinary core content) Activities / Videos / Websites:

1) National PTA's STEM Initiative: STEM + Families (Resources / Video)

2) Setting up Science for Fall - Preschool / K Inspirations 
    (Activity Areas / Stations)

3) The Secret Life of Scientists and Engineers (Video)

4) 30 Science Projects for Kids (Activities for Pre K - 2)

5) Parachute Parade (Activity for Grades 3-6)

6) Six Simple Outdoor STEM Activities (Activities for Grades 3-6)

7) Healthy Eating Learning Activity (Activity for Grades K-4)

8) Art Quest: Creating Marbled Paper  (Activity for Pre K - 4)

9) Social Justice Books for Kids to Teach About Global Issues (K-6)

10) Boeing: 100 Days of Learning (Activities for Grades 4-9)

11) Expanding Student Success 
     (Resources for advocating for Expanded Learning)

12) Top STEM Resources (Activities)



STEM / Educational Grants:

1) The Big List of Educational Grants and Resources
    (Updated last on 7/31/16)

2) Target Field Trip Grants ($700)  (August 1 through September 30, 2016)

3) Investing in Innovation (Development) Grants (Deadline: August 16, 2016)

4) Global Youth Service Day Lead Agency Grants (Deadline: August 21, 2016)
    (Awarding between $500 to $1,000 to each recipient)

5) MacArthur Foundation 100 and Change Grant (Deadline: September 2, 2016)

6) Read for Success Matching Grant Program (Deadline: October 15, 2016)
    (Maximum grant award is $10,000 per site)



STEM / Misc. Professional Learning Sessions / Contests / Events:

1) Electricity Fair a Family Event (Free) (Grades Pre K - 12) (SMUD Event)
    (Date: 9/10/16) (Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

2) GEMs Electric Circuits (Free) (Grades 3 thru 9) (SMUD Workshop)
    (Date: 9/24/16) (Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

3) CA STEM Symposium ($310 per participant until 9/1/16) (Conference)
    (Date: 10/9 - 10/11) (Anaheim, CA)

4) GEMs Spooky Science of Energy Transformation (Free) (Grades 5-12)
    (SMUD Workshop) (Date: 10/19/16) (Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

5) Making a Solar Powered Emergency Preparedness Kit (Free) (Grades 8-12)
    (SMUD Workshop) (Date: 11/02/16) (Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

6) CASRC Online Profesional Learning Sessions (Free) 
    (Various Topics / Grade Levels)

7) CalSac Online Professional Learning Sessions (Free) 
    (Various Topics / Grade Levels)

8) CalSac Training of Trainers Institute 
    (Become a CalSac trainer deadline to register is August 26, 2016)


More professional learning workshops will be announced by SCOE in the coming weeks.



Thanks again for all that you do in the field. Please keep us posted about STEM events/activities in your area. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Monica Gonzalez-Williams (SCOE: Region 3: After School Regional Lead):
mgonzalez@scoe.net

Phil Romig (SCOE: Science Curriculum Specialist): promig@scoe.net

Mark Drewes (SCOE: Project Specialist II: After School) mdrewes@scoe.net