LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES
October Fireside Chat: Exploring QRIS & the Pilot Program
Thursday, October 26th at 1:30pm CST
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Genomics Career Awareness Interest
Last year, the Moonshot celebrated DNA Day and exposed hundreds of students to possible careers in genomics with Illumina. Are you interested in resources and activities to engage students in learning more about genomics and DNA in 2024? Complete this brief form.
#GirlsLeadSTEM (October)
October is #GirlsLeadSTEM Month! Launched in June 2022, #GirlsLeadSTEM is a national public awareness campaign to elevate the diverse voices of young women and girls in STEM, especially those who are marginalized.Throughout the month of October, we encourage you to join us, by posting relevant content (e.g., events, youth stories, etc.) and use the hashtag #GirlsLeadSTEM.
Access the social media toolkit here.
Lights On Afterschool (October 26, 2023)
Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year. Learn More.
NASA Event
In partnership with NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, we are kicking off the MONTHLY Surprisingly STEM career awareness series that includes: pre-recorded career episodes (5 minutes long), Associated STEAM Activities, and Monthly live Sessions with NASA experts to answer Student Questions.
NASA (CURRICULUM AND RESOURCE TRAININGS)
First Woman Camp Guide and Set of Hands-on Activities
As NASA prepares to put the first woman on the Moon in the next few years through the Artemis Missions, join us in an opportunity to imagine the possibilities of future lunar exploration with your upper elementary and middle school students. This set of hands-on activities accompanies NASA’s “First Woman” graphic novel series, which tells the story of Callie Rodriguez, the first woman to explore the Moon. While Callie is a fictional character, the first female astronaut and person of color will soon set foot on the Moon. Intended for uses in afterschool and summer settings, this First Woman Camp Experience Guide will bring the excitement of NASA’s science and technology. Read the fictional story of Callie, the first woman and person of color on the Moon. Download the interactive graphic novel and mobile apps.
- Access the Guide and Graphic Novel
- Register for Live Professional Development Webinar:
- Use the Materials with Your Students
- Register for a Live Q&A with Scientists and Engineers working on the Artemis Mission
Surprisingly STEM Video Series
Surprisingly STEM is a video series that highlights exciting and unexpected careers at NASA. This series is designed to inform students about the broad range of career opportunities at NASA – outside of the typical associations of rocket scientists and astronauts – and to break down perceived barriers for working at the agency.
- Monthly Release of new pre recorded 5 minute career episode
- Associated STEAM Activities
- Monthly Live Session with NASA expert to answer Student Questions
October 2023 – Thermal Blanket Technician
You’ll surely get wrapped up in this episode of Surprisingly STEM featuring Paula Cain, a thermal blanket technician at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. She covers why things sent into space need to be protected by a thermal blanket, and shares how two of her passions – fashion design and Star Trek – were interwoven into an exciting career at NASA!
Click to register for a live Q&A on October 26 at 4pm ET
November 2023 – Wind Tunnel Engineers
We’re big fans of Sam Zauber and Frank Quinto – two wind tunnel test engineers at NASA’s Langley Research Center! You’ll be blown away as you learn how NASA uses its 14-foot by 22- foot subsonic wind tunnel. See some of the fascinating things Frank and Sam have tested there, and learn what propelled them into their exciting STEM careers.
Click to register for the live Q&A on November 15 at 5pm ET
December 2023 – Marine Biologists
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is known for its launch pads, rocket launches and cutting-edge technology — it’s also a national wildlife refuge! NASA has a team of biologists whose mission is to protect and preserve threatened and endangered species living near launch sites. Biologists Eric Reyier, PhD, and Bonnie Ahr share how their ecological work contributes to the agency’s larger mission and how they personally ended up on a boat in the Florida wetlands doing exciting work for NASA.
Click to register for the live Q&A on December 6 at 5pm ET
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WEBINARS
Engineering Mindset
ACRES Coaching: Asking Purposeful Questions
Wednesdays: 10/4/2023, 10/18/2023, 11/1/2023 6:00 – 8:00 pm EST / 3:00 – 5:00 pm PST
Questions begin a path toward discovery, imagination, and STEM exploration. How can we help youth expand and clarify their thinking and develop their reasoning through the questions we ask them? This module is a great way to train staff on how to facilitate STEM learning. Experienced educators also love being part of a cohort as a way to connect with other educators across the country, learn new lesson plans, and to reflect on practice. This is our introductory module and a prerequisite to other opportunities.
*The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. Recordings are not available if you are unable to attend.
*The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. REGISTER HERE Code: AC321PQ
ACRES Coaching: Nurturing STEM Identity and Making Career Connections
Mondays: 11/6/2023, 11/20/2023, 12/4/2023 3 – 5pm EST / 12 pm – 2pm PST
How do you help youth recognize their role in STEM? How do you help youth learn about STEM careers? Participants experience several easy-to-implement strategies, including a photo-elicitation activity that can help youth form STEM identities, and then learn how to conduct related activities with youth.
*The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. Recordings are not available if you are unable to attend. Completion of the Asking Purposeful Questions module is a prerequisite for this module. REGISTER HERE Code: AC323ID
Asking Purposeful Questions
Tuesdays: 11/28/2023, 12/12/2023, 12/19/2023 11:30am – 1:30pm EST / 8:30 – 10:30am PST)
Questions begin a path toward discovery, imagination, and STEM exploration. How can we help youth expand and clarify their thinking and develop their reasoning through the questions we ask them? This module is a great way to train staff on how to facilitate STEM learning. Experienced educators also love being part of a cohort as a way to connect with other educators across the country, to learn new lesson plans, and to reflect on practice. This is our introductory module and a prerequisite to other opportunities. *The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. Recordings are not available if you are unable to attend.
Choose the cohort AC344PQ (Coach Becky T)
Register for this cohort at https://acrescoaching.org/modules/asking-purposeful-questions/
Click2Engineering: Engineering Mindset Fall Community of Practice
Thursdays October 12, and October 26 2:30 – 3:30 EST / 11:30 AM – 12:30PM PST
REGISTER HERE
The Click2Engineering community of practice (CoP) introduces out-of-school time educators to the basics of engineering and leading engineering activities with youth. The CoP is organized around the 10 Practices for an Engineering Mindset, and includes hands-on engineering activities, developing engineering experiences for youth, and learning skills to facilitate engineering practices. The CoP is 4 meetings over 6 weeks.
Math
ACRES Coaching: Make Math Engaging
Mondays: 11/13/2023, 11/27/2023, 12/11/2023 2:00 – 4:00 pm EST / 11:00 am – 1:00 pm PST
Are you looking for fun ways to help youth build number sense and problem-solving skills? Math can take on new meaning when it is integrated into daily routines in our afterschool programs. In this module, afterschool educators will explore and practice strategies for making math engaging and accessible.
*The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. Recordings are not available if you are unable to attend. Completion of the Asking Purposeful Questions module is a prerequisite for this module. REGISTER HERE Code: AC343MP
Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum Training
Tuesdays: October 17, and November 28, 2023 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST
REGISTER FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SESSION HERE
| Date and Time | Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum Topic Areas |
| October 17th
1:00-2:00pm EST |
MusicMath: Composing Music (with Math!)
Experiment with repeating patterns and create new arrangements using similar sounds in different sequences. |
| November 14th
1:00-2:00pm EST |
MusicMath: Discovering Music Fractions
Identify and represent parts of fractions using music and explore combinations and permutations, or ways of creating variety while still using the same elements. |
| December 12th
1:00-2:00pm EST |
MusicMath: Orchestration
Use fractions to create musical compositions, then perform the compositions using found instruments (pans, boxes, pencils, whistles). Create new combinations and permutations for the music fractions. |
Note: Each webinar will include strategies to support a positive Math Identity (e.g., role models, career connections, family connections, literacy connections).
Previous Training Recordings: April, May, June, July, August, and September
Scientific Adventures for Girls Math Curriculum Training
October 3, 10, and 17th 12:00-1:00PM EST / 9:00-10:00AM PST
REGISTER FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL SESSION HERE
Harnessing the Magic of Math
Join us for a dynamic three-part virtual training series designed to breathe life into math through games, through meaningful, kid-friendly data analysis, and nature exploration. Our sessions focus on strategies that accommodate multiple grade levels and ability levels, helping you meet each student where they are. Prepare to turn your after-school program into a vibrant and engaging mathematical journey!
- Session 1: Let’s Play
October 3rd 12:00-1:00PM EST / 9:00-10:00AM PST
Delve into the world where play meets mathematics. In this session, we’ll explore how common game pieces, such as dominoes and dice, can be transformed into effective math teaching and exploration tools. You’ll learn strategies for presenting math concepts in a playful, engaging manner, catering to different grade levels and ability levels. We’ll discuss how games can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and cooperative learning among students.
- Session 2: Data Detectives
October 10th 12:00-1:00PM EST / 9:00-10:00AM PST
In our second session, we’ll focus on strategies to collect and analyze data in fun and meaningful ways. From measuring the bounce of different balls and exploring exponential decay by eating M&M’s, we’ll demonstrate how students can become active participants in the world of gathering and interpreting data.
- Session 3: Nature’s Numbers: Exploring Shapes & Patterns
October 17th 12:00-1:00PM EST / 9:00-10:00 AM PST
In our final session, we will explore the geometric patterns and three-dimensional shapes that exist in the natural world, demonstrating how these can be used to enrich math learning. This session will equip you with strategies to engage all students, from the youngest to the oldest, and from beginner to advanced levels.
About Scientific Adventure for Girls: Scientific Adventures for Girls is a non-profit based in the Bay Area that’s working to change the face of science by introducing girls in elementary school to hands-on STEM learning and removing systematic barriers.
Computer Science
Exploring Math Through Code
November 9, 2023 4:00-5:00PM EST / 1:00-3:00PM PST
In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the Python programming language and explore how to use Python to teach simple math concepts and engage students in computational thinking.
