STEM Stuff

December Break 2010 Robotics & C Programming Class

The Boston Public Schools' Office of Instructional & Information Technology's TechBoston unit is teaming up again with Machine Science to offer middle and high school students a chance to engage in hands-on engineering and robotics activities.

Students will learn how to use digital/analog sensors and the C programming language to control their own digital electronics and robotics technology. This year's December vacation break training will take place on Tuesday, December 28th and Wednesday, December 29th from 8:30 AM to 3PM on the fourth floor of Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in Roxbury.

There is NO COST for a student to participate, but pre-registration is required because space is limited. Students must pre-register online at http://bit.ly/f9TUS5 and return completed parent permission form either via email to eesteves@techboston.org or upon arrival on December 28th.

Contact Eric Esteves, eesteves (AT) techboston.org, 617-908-1565

Labels: engineering, high, middle, students, training

Imagination Toolbox Summer Workshop at MIT

Imagination Toolbox Summer Workshop at MIT

MIT is recruiting BPS teachers to participate in a week-long workshop learning to use StarLogo TNG -- a graphical programming environment designed for teachers and students to study and create 3D games and simulations.

Download PDF flyer

Eligibility Requirements:

6th-12th grade level educators excited to use new technologies
Basic computer skills. (Prior experience with computer modeling and programming is NOT required.)
Either:

Teaching computers/computer science/technology
Technology coordinator
STEM teacher attending with technology coordinator.

Dates: August 9-13, 2010
PD Credit: 30 hours
Cost: $50 for non-BPS teachers (includes breakfast, lunch, parking, and materials)

How to Apply: Go to the Summer Workshop URL and click “Apply now!” Complete the online application form by June 22, 2010.

Labels: stipend, summer, teachers, training

Machine Science Digital Electronics every Saturday in Roxbury

Machine Science Digital Electronics:

Every Saturday, students will have the opportunity to build and program their own electronic devices through the Machine Science Digital Electronics. Learn to make sounds from a speaker, control light-emitting diodes (LEDs), display text on an LCD screen, keep track of time and date electronically, gather input from an infrared remote control, and use digital and analog sensors. Build your own GPS, MP3, and robotics devices using the C programming language and learn a variety of programming concepts, including loops, conditional statements, and variables.

When: Saturdays starting January 16th from 11 AM - 2 PM through May 2010

Where: John D. O'Bryant School of Math & Science School, 55 Malcolm X Boulevard, Building #3, Roxbury, MA 02120

Contact: Mike Sullivan, MSullivan4 AT boston.k12.ma.us or Eric Esteves, eesteves AT techboston.org

Labels: engineering, events, students, training

December Break Training: C Programming & Digital Electronics

TechBoston and Machine Science are teaming up again during the December Recess to offer Boston high school students a chance to engage in hands-on engineering activities.

This 3-day course will give students the chance to build and program their own electronic devices including the chance to learn and explore the concepts behind how the following components work: button switches, light emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electronic speakers, digital timers, infrared remote controls, and infrared sensors

Students will write computer programs to control these devices, using the C programming language. A variety of programming concepts will be taught, including loop structures, conditional statements, and variables. If time allows, projects may also involve GPS, MP3, and robotics technology.

The mini-course will be held Monday through Wednesday, December 28th to 30th, from 8:30 AM to 3PM at Madison Park. There is no cost for a student to participate, but pre-registration is required as space is limited. Please contact Eric Esteves (eesteves AT techboston.org, 617-908-1565) to register (registration form) or for more information.

Labels: engineering, events, students, training