Massachusetts Science Education News
February, 2008
MIT Website for High School Students
In late November, MIT President Susan Hockfield announced the launch of a new web site, Highlights for High School, that provides resources to improve science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) instruction at the high school level.
The web site builds on the success of MIT's revolutionary OpenCourseWare initiative and is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists and to be a valuable tool for high school teachers.
To find out more about Highlights for High School, visit their website.
March, 2008
MAS at the National Science Teachers Association Conference
Coming on the heels of our first exciting meeting with the public at February's AAAS conference at which we met many of you and welcomed many new members, the MAS will be hosting a booth at the 2008 NSTA Conference being held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, March 27-30.
April, 2008
Technology and Education in Massachusetts
According to a comprehensive report, Massachusetts ranks at or near the top in achievement levels in 4th and 8th grade science and math scores compared to other states. The commonwealth ranks just as average however in K-12 education technology.
The State Technology Report is a supplement to the 11th edition of Technology Counts, a joint project of Education Week and the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center. As in previous years, the EPE Research Center surveyed the states to assess the status of K-12 educational technology across the nation in the areas of access, use, and capacity. The report assigns grades to the states for their technology performance overall and in those three categories.
Read the full report
May, 2008
Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair kicks off May 1st
Over 350 outstanding science students are putting final touches on their research projects and preparing to compete for more than $425,000 in cash, prizes and scholarships at the 59th annual Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF).
The event celebrates year-long school programs that focus on hands-on learning, innovation and achievement in science, engineering and technology. Judging of 300 individual and team projects takes place May 2, and the Fair is open to the public on Saturday May 3, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Cash awards, prizes, and scholarships are presented at a ceremony in Kresge Auditorium on Saturday, May 3rd at 3:30 pm, emceed for the second consecutive year by WBZ-TV meteorologist Mish Michaels.
Dudley Herschbach- Nobel Laureate
Nobel Prize laureate Dudley Herschbach will address MSSEF participants, staff and volunteers at the official opening of the Fair, Friday, May 2. Herschbach won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1986. Looking forward to the Fair, Herschbach said, "I always find it inspiring to witness the work of the students and the many volunteers, especially the judges, who gladly contribute so much effort to enhance the experience for the students."
"Our exhibitors represent a group of highly motivated and talented youth," said Cora Beth Abel, Executive Director of MSSEF. "Through the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we can reward students for their efforts and for the results they've achieved. This inquiry-based, scientific learning process gives students an opportunity to explore topics that interest them, while building key skill sets for careers in the 21st century."
According to Elizabeth Minassian, RN, a MSSEF judge for many years, "MSSEF renews my belief in our young, bright, goal-oriented teenagers. Every year I am amazed at their creativity and knowledge."
Students also praise the science fair as a valuable stepping-stone toward career decisions and life's future experiences. "I like the idea of proposing a question and then finding the answer through a systematic approach. It's something I'll always use. And describing my months of research and experimentation to a judge or casual observer is my favorite part of the process," said a 2007 MSSEF participant.
This MSSEF event also includes the Science Fair Expo, a showcase of interactive exhibits from local companies and institutions, demonstrating how science, technology, engineering and math play key roles in today's business, industry, academic and professional environments. The Expo is open Friday, May 2, 1 pm-5 pm and Saturday, May 3, noon to 3 pm in the foyer of the Johnson Athletics Center.
