MASS STEM WEEK 2023 METROWEST EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
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Public Events
Christa McAuliffe Center
Partial Solar Eclipse Observing
Saturday, October 14 from 12:30pm-2:30pm
In-Person: Framingham State University, Framingham, MA
Participants of all ages are welcome to safely observe the partial solar eclipse and participate in hands-on activities with the McAuliffe Center! Eclipse glasses will be distributed for observing.
To learn more, visit: https://cm-center.org/event/oct14eclipse
MathWorks
Is the Amazon Rainforest Disappearing?
Monday, October 16 from 1:30pm-2:30pm
In-Person: Framingham State University, Framingham, MA
The Amazon rainforest is the largest and most diverse rainforest in the world. However, it has been receding due to rampant deforestation. In this session, we will use MATLAB and the Image Processing Toolbox to analyze satellite images of the rainforest spanning several years and assess the extent to which the rainforest has "disappeared". We will also quantify the effectiveness of recent conservation initiatives to protect this vital ecosystem. Framingham State University and MassBay students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend. Bringing a laptop is encouraged!
To learn more, visit: https://cm-center.org/event/mathworks1
The Power of Data in Climate Science
Monday, October 16 from 4:30pm-6:00pm
In-Person: Framingham State University, Framingham, MA
Join MathWorks for a workshop session where you will learn about the power of data in climate science! In this presentation, we will explore how scientists and engineers are utilizing MATLAB and Simulink to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of climate science. We will also showcase how these powerful tools can aid in the analysis of climate data and help to answer questions such as: “Is the Amazon rainforest disappearing?” and “What is a heatwave?” During the session, participants will have the opportunity to explore and visualize data hands-on using these tools. Intended for high school and college students and all educators. Bringing a laptop is encouraged!
To learn more and view session resources, visit: https://cm-center.org/event/mathworks2
MetroWest STEM Education Network
in collaboration with Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
Clean Energy - Education and Career Pathways 101
Wednesday, October 18 from 4:30pm-6:00pm
In-Person: Framingham State University, Framingham, MA
Did you know that the clean energy sector not only contributes to lower energy bills but also offers exciting professional opportunities, and helps addressing environmental inequalities among underserved communities?
Representatives from some of the clean energy industries most active in Massachusetts will introduce their industries, share the exciting professional opportunities they offer, and provide suggestions on academic programs that best support career pathways in the clean energy sector. High school and college students and educators are encouraged to attend!
To learn more and register, visit: https://cm-center.org/event/cleanenergy
MassBay ACT
(AttrACTing the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Workforce)
The Boston Marathon Bombing: Lessons Learned for Careers in Cybersecurity, Computer Forensics and Law Enforcement
Monday, October 30 from 1:00pm-2:00pm -NEW DATE-
In-Person: MassBay Community College, Wellesley Hills, MA
John Petrozelli, Director of MassCyberCenter, will give a talk about his experiences as a day shift intelligence supervisor during the Boston Marathon Bombing manhunt. This talk will cover the Marathon Bombing Manhunt timeline, post-arrest triage, prosecution and forensic analysis, and lessons learned for students. This talk is open to the public in the Alumni Boardroom (Room 219) of the Wellesley Campus.
For more information, contact Robyn Gray, Industry Coordinator for the ACT Grant, rgray1@massbay.edu
Cybersecurity Festival
Saturday, October 21 from 10:00am-1:00pm
In-Person: MassBay Community College, Wellesley Hills, MA
In celebration of Cybersecurity Month, MassBay is holding a Cybersecurity Festival! High School and college students, their families, and other adults are invited to join the hands-on cyber event where they can play cyber games on our laptops and on the MassBay Cyber range, talk with cybersecurity students and professionals, and see how cybersecurity affects their lives. Refreshments will be served.
To learn more and register, visit this link.
For more information, contact Elaine Rosenburg, erosenburg@massbay.edu
MassBay Community College
STEM Starter Academy
STEM Careers with an Environmental Focus Panel
Wednesday, October 18 from 1:00pm-2:00pm
Hybrid: MassBay Community College, Wellesley Hills, MA and WebEx
Students will hear from panelists from Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc., Ocean Winds, NextEra Energy Resources, and LAUTEC Group who will share information on their careers and the work they are doing in Environmental Sciences. Panelists will discuss their academic and career experiences and be available to answer student questions. Students will learn about their current positions, industry trends, challenges, and strategies for success. This event will take place in the Library Atrium of the Wellesley Campus and online via WebEx.
To learn more and register, visit this link.
For more information, contact Brenda Egan, began@massbay.edu
MassCUE/M.A.S.S.
Fall 2023 Conference
Wednesday, October 18 - Thursday, October 19
In-Person: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA
What better place to celebrate MA STEM Week than at the MassCUE/M.A.S.S. Fall Conference? This two-day event will feature hands-on STEM activities, STEM/STEAM-focused workshops, inspiring presentations from thought leaders in education and so much more. Join us for presentations from Keynote Speakers Ken Shelton and Dr. Liza Talusan and dynamic Featured Speakers, as well as an outstanding array of workshops, including “ESports is STEM! The Landscape of Academic ESports,” “Novel Engineering: A Literacy Based Approach to Teach STEM Design Concepts,” “United in STEM: Design a K-12 Challenge for All,” just to name a few. Come learn about the latest in digital learning from hundreds of exhibitors and try new things in our STEM Playground, network with other educators and more. The MassCUE Fall Conference has it all!
To learn more, visit: masscue.org
Framingham State University
Arts & Ideas; Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement; Communication, Media, and Performance Department
Insect Biodiversity on Film! Tiny Wonders Maintain Sustainability!
Thursday, October 19 from 4:30pm-6:00pm
In-Person: Framingham State University, Framingham, MA
Dr. Adrian Smith, head of the Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Research Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, has a joint appointment as a Research Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University. He studies the behavioral ecology of social insects and insect natural history. As a science communicator, he makes videos of his insect laboratory for his YouTube channel, Ant Lab, and demonstrates how collaboration between the Arts and Humanities and STEM is vital to education. In making science accessible to the public, we can understand how considering insects as pests and using pesticides jeopardizes environmental sustainability.
For more information, contact: Audrey Kali at akali@framingham.edu
Discovery Museum
Outdoor Scientists
Thursday, October 19 from 10:00am-12:00pm
In-Person: Discovery Museum, Acton, MA
Get a new perspective on Discovery Woods by exploring with a variety of science tools. Measure, observe, compare, and contrast as we collect some data and look closely at what we find. Inclement weather may result in changes to the program or cancellation. Free with admission to the Discovery Museum.
To learn more, visit: https://www.discoveryacton.org/events-programs/outdoor-scientists-0
Everyday Engineering: Zipping Along
Friday, October 20 from 2:00pm-4:00pm
In-Person: Discovery Museum, Acton, MA
Engage in some everyday engineering as you construct some simple contraptions that can carry a plastic egg down a mini zipline. How fast can you deliver the egg to the bottom in one piece? Free with admission to the Discovery Museum.
To learn more, visit: https://www.discoveryacton.org/events-programs/everyday-engineering-zipping-along
National Chemistry Week: The Healing Power of Chemistry!
Saturday, October 21 from 12:00pm-3:00pm
In-Person: Discovery Museum, Acton, MA
Discover the wonders of chemistry as we celebrate National Chemistry Week. Join us and our guest educators from the local American Chemical Society Chapter for fun, hands-on activities around this year’s theme, The Healing Power of Chemistry! Free with admission to the Discovery Museum.
To learn more, visit: https://www.discoveryacton.org/events-programs/national-chemistry-week-healing-power-chemistry
-POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY-
U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center
Discover Engineering, Science and Technology IN You (DESTINY 2023)
In-Person: Natick Soldier Systems Center, Natick, MA
Join U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier and U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine scientists and engineers to discover what a career in STEM can hold for you. Come see the future of science and technology and learn how these talented women contribute to our national defense and the security of our nation. Learn about where they came from, their educational backgrounds, and how they ended up in fulfilling careers in rewarding STEM professions. Female-identifying high school students are encouraged to attend.
Cape Cod Regional STEM Network:
Mashpee Middle-High School Robotics Team
MA STEM Week VEX Robotics Competition
Saturday, October 21 from 6:00am-4:00pm
In-Person: Mashpee Middle-High School, Mashpee, MA
The MA STEM Week VEX Robotics Competition is open to the public to come and watch students in grades 7-12 from MA, CT, and RI compete in a VEX Robotics Competition at Mashpee Middle-High School. This is a free event for attendees. Students build and program robots and compete in a head-to-head match where their team needs to play a game and complete tasks.
To learn more, visit: https://www.mpspk12.org/
Private Events
Hopkinton High School, Girl Powered STEM: Hopkinton High School students will mentor younger students within the district in an assortment of engaging STEM activities for 2 hours on October 19. These lessons, developed over years, provide opportunities for girls to see themselves as young engineers.
MassBay Community College
STEM Mentor Program, FDA/Winchester Engineering & Analytical Center - Lab Tours and Career Panel: On October 20, MassBay STEM students will visit the Food and Drug Administration - Winchester Engineering & Analytical Center (FDA/WEAC) for a tour of the new, modernized facility. This is the nation's leading federal laboratory for medical device and radioanalytical testing. Students will tour the science and engineering labs, followed by an interactive career panel with FDA engineers and scientists.
MassCyberCenter Student Range Challenge: Organized by the MassCyberCenter, this event will include MassBay students who will participate in a cyber simulation highlighting the newly developed MassBay Cyber Range. CyberTrust instructors will simulate hacker surveillance activities and allow students to acquire skills and share observations on their experience.
Southeast Regional STEM Network - Center for the Advancement of STEM Education at Bridgewater State University: Throughout STEM Week, high school students from Whitman-Hanson Regional High School will join us for a day-long event exploring topics in biotechnology. Some students will help to solve a mystery using DNA fingerprint techniques in our Lab Larceny module. Another group will confirm the truth in advertising using spectrophotometric techniques in our Crucial Concentration module. Our last group will explore a variety of techniques used in biotechnology. Additionally, AP Environmental students from Whitman-Hanson Regional High School will join us for a day-long event exploring low impact designs for storm water management. Using our "green" parking lot as a model, students will determine through spectral analysis the effectiveness of the biorention beds in removing contaminants from runoff.
Cape Cod Regional STEM Network - Barnstable High School
Marine Science Program: Owen Nichols, Director of Marine Fisheries Research at the Center for Coastal Studies, will talk about his work studying squid around Cape Cod and during a 2018 expedition to the Dominican Republic. Owen will describe how fishermen and scientists are working together in both places to study these animals, focusing on their fascinating natural history and the people studying and harvesting them. He will also bring squid specimens collected during his research for examination and dissection.
Coastal Ecology: Coastal Ecology students will gain hands-on experience at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and will be exposed to the varying ecosystems and natural resources of Cape Cod.