Whether as part of a classroom project, a school team, or an independent after school activity, STEM competitions for students provide opportunities and incentives to grow critical skills. I look back fondly on the days when my boys were involved in Science Olympiad. Not only did they learn a lot, but they got to spend time with like-minded peers and had a lot of fun. Keep an eye on this post for updates about STEM competitions for students in ... [ Read More ]
Disney Animation’s New Movie and the Big Hero 6 XPrize Challenge
A handful of bloggers will soon be going to a red carpet premiere of Disney's latest film, Big Hero 6. I won't be among them. However, last week I got the chance to talk with two top executives at Disney Animation, Andy Hendrickson and Hank Driskill, from the comfort of home, wearing jeans and, likely, the t-shirt I slept in the night before. Clearly, I'm winning. The interviews were lively and interesting. I didn't actually ask a lot about ... [ Read More ]
Contest for Creative, Active Kids from Clif Kid
If my kids were younger, I'd enter a Moon Ball game.I was disappointed that my boys are too old to enter this contest, but then I realized that I can enter vicariously through you, dear readers. Indeed, I was psyched when a friend told me she garnered a spot at an upcoming NASA social media event that she'd learned about through my Facebook page. I'm a connector at heart, so stuff like that makes me happy. Put on your thinking caps (are these ... [ Read More ]
Engineers Week is Coming to a Close: (Not Just) STEM Girl Friday
Before you draw the curtains on Engineers Week, be sure to check for fun weekend events near you for one final hurrah.In addition to saying goodbye to EWeek, I'm also celebrating the close of a fantastic multifaceted campaign for DiscoverE. In addition to arranging a blog tour, I helped organize a blogger meet-up at the Future City Finals in Washington, DC as well as reported from the event via social media. And, of course, #STEMchat was a hit. ... [ Read More ]
Reporting Live from the Future City Competition
I spent the morning watching teams set up their Future City models and prep for the competition. As I mentioned, I'm here in Washington, DC, with my client DiscoverE. They are one of the sponsors of the Future City middle school engineering competition. The Future City Engineering Competition Each team is associated with a teacher and an engineer mentor. I had the chance to talk with several and it's clear they are quite fond of this ... [ Read More ]
It’s National Chemistry Week
It's National Chemistry Week! This year's theme is Energy Now and Forever.Look to see if there's a National Chemistry Week event taking place near you. Not much going on? Make your own fun by helping the members of your scout troop, 4-H, or other youth group earn their chemistry patch by completing a few simple activities.You'll have to confirm with your local coordinator, but there might be time to enter the NCW Illustrated Poem Contest. ... [ Read More ]
Cardboard Costume Contest
No not my contest, I'm scrambling to stay afloat among family, the puppy, work, Science Olympiad and Vex Robotics, not to mention prepping for another TV segment on great STEM gifts for kids this holiday season. Still, this looks cool and I hope some of you participate. The Cardboard Collective, a cool site devoted to crafty things made of corrugated board, is hosting a cardboard costume challenge.Looking for inspiration? Check out their ... [ Read More ]