LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES

September Fireside Chat: Using AI to Support Afterschool 

Nebraska Afterschool Conference

•  Access to 36 break-out sessions and two keynote addresses from Silva Raker the CEO of the Luminarium in Omaha, Nebraska; and Dr. Stephanie M. Jones, the Gerald S. Lesser Professor in Child Development and Education and Director of the EASEL Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
• You will receive Why Play Works: Big Changes Start Small by Jill Vialet.  The book explores intersectionality between play and racial equity, gender equity, science and play theory, and more.
•  Opportunity to network with representatives of over 25 community organizations with resources to support out-of-school time programming and 500 conference participants.
•  Personalized business cards to use as you network with community organizations and out-of-school time educators.
• Access to 18 recorded presentations after the conference.
•  Breakfast, lunch, and door prizes.

•  Live streamed keynote from Silva Raker the CEO of the Luminarium in Omaha, Nebraska will kick-off the conference.
• The afternoon keynote will be from Dr. Stephanie M. Jones, the Gerald S. Lesser Professor in Child Development and Education and Director of the EASEL Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
•  Virtual participants will choose from up to 16 virtual workshops during the breakout sessions.
• Access to all 18 of the recorded presentations after the conference.
•  Technical support available throughout the day of the conference.

Community Response to Child Abuse

October 5-6, 2023 • Sioux Falls Convention Center

Hosted by SD Unified Judicial System, Child’s Voice at Sanford Health, and Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment, the conference is a regionally-recognized, annual event.

Attended by 500+ law enforcement, legal professionals, educators, social workers, medical professionals, and community advocates all focused on the mission to end child maltreatment in South Dakota.

Learn more here.

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South Dakota OST Professional Fall Conference

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SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Techbridge Girls Curriculum Program with Training and Kits

Join us at an upcoming Techbridge Girls Information Session to learn more about our program offering for this Fall! Each of our services equips educators with gender- and culturally-responsive teaching tools and full program kitting materials to support youth persistence in STEM and expose girls to BIPOC peers and role models from STEM fields. Participation includes educator training, all materials and a stipend. 

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE by September 6th!

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.

1. Access the Guide and Graphic Novel
2. Register for Live Professional Development Webinar:
   1. September 19th 3:00pm ET
   2. October 17 5:00pm ET
3. Use the Materials with Your Students
4. Register for a Live Q&A with Scientists and Engineers working on the Artemis Mission
   1. November 9 at 3:30pm ET
   2. December 7 at 6pm ET
   3. Jan 24 at 4pm ET

CHECKOUT THE FLIER HERE

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 

CHECK OUT THE FLIER HERE

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!  

• View the Episode
• Explore the Activity

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.

• View the Episode
• Explore the Activity

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. 

• View the Episode 
• Explore the Activity

Click to register for the live Q&A on December 6 at 5pm ET

2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipse

Are you ready for the 2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipses that will be visible across the US on October 14, 2023 and April 8, 2024?   Connect with NASA to engage students and families:

• Find local viewing events using this listing or creating your own opportunity. 

• Use NASA Resources, Videos, Lessons and Materials with students. 

• Ensure Safe viewing
  • Everyone MUST wear solar eclipse glasses or use an alternate viewing method to look at any eclipse. Read more about eye safety during an annular eclipse on our web page and on this safety flier.

NGCP is looking for girl-serving organizations located along the path of totality for the 2024 total solar eclipse to participate in Einstein’s Incredible Universe. This new project includes a citizen science program aiming to capture and broadcast solar images during the eclipse. ☀️ 🕶️ Organizations that cater to high school or college girls in select cities are encouraged to apply. Visit https://ngcproject.org/einsteins-incredible-universe to learn more. Applications are due by September 20, 2023. #SolarEclipse #GirlsInSTEM

WEBINARS

ACRES Coaching: Facilitating Science Practices 

Wednesdays: 09/13/2023, 09/27/2023 10:30 am – 12:30 pm EST/ 7:30 – 9:30 am PST

How can we make sure that our ‘hands-on’ science experiences for youth are also ‘minds on?’ In this module, participants learn how to support youth as they engage in science practices to learn science ideas, including planning and conducting investigations around testable questions. They’ll talk about the similarities and differences between questioning in science versus questioning in engineering contexts.

*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: AC251VC

ACRES Coaching: Nurturing STEM Identity and Making Career Connections

Wednesdays: 09/20/2023, 10/04/2023, 10/18/2023 11:00 am – 1:00 pm EST/ 8:00 – 10:00 am 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: AC360ID

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, 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.

*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: 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

ACRES Coaching: Nurturing STEM Identity and Making Career Connections

Mondays: 11/6/2023, 11/20/2023, 12/4/2023 3 – 5PM EST / 11:00 am – 1:00 pm 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

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Click2Engineering: Engineering Mindset Fall Community of Practice 

Thursdays September 14, September 28, 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.

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You’re a Computational Thinker 

Wednesday September 20th 12:00-1:00 PM EST / 9:00 – 10:00 AM

REGISTER HERE

Learn what computational thinking means and reflect on the ways in which you are already a computational thinker. Learn how you can help youth develop as computational thinkers and leave with strategies you put into use right away.

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Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum Training 

Tuesdays: September 19, October 17, and November 28, 2023 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST 

REGISTER FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SESSION HERE

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, and August

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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.