Gadgets, gizmos shine at STEAM festival – Times-Herald

By Jordan Baker

For students with a huge love for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math — STEAM, for newcomers — Solano College was the place to be on Saturday.

The college, Benicia Makerspace and the Solano County Office of Education collaborated for the Solano Community College’s annual STEAM Discovery Festival — an event dedicated to inspire students interested in those fields.

Solano County Office of Education Director Lilibeth Pinpin says the festival is “promoting innovation and collaboration.”

Source: Gadgets, gizmos shine at STEAM festival – Times-Herald

Leaven Kids hopes to go mobile to bring learning to students – The Vacaville Reporter

Fairfield-based non-profit, Leaven Kids, has ratified plans to fundraise, purchase, and deploy a mobile, self-contained tutoring vehicle, which will feature 10 workstations, computers, radios, STEAM technology, and WiFi.

This initiative will serve as an extension of Leaven Kids’ existing programming, allowing it to expand its reach to students living in rural communities who are not already being serviced by its brick-and-mortar learning centers according to a recent press release.

The mobile tutoring unit will be named in honor of the late Fairfield Mayor, Harry Price, who was a founding member and vocal advocate of the Leaven Kids mission. The Leaven Kids Naming and Stewardship Sub-Committee drafted a formal proposal earlier this year, which was reviewed and ratified by the Board of Directors.

Source: Leaven Kids hopes to go mobile to bring learning to students – The Vacaville Reporter

Love for science, creativity gaining ‘STEAM’ in Benicia – Times-Herald

The common refrain at Benicia High School on Saturday was something like, “Oh my God, I can’t believe somebody actually made this!” Other times it was more like, “Wait, how does that actually happen?”

Everyone on hand, however, seemed to have their mouths open in amazement and wonder at the STEAM Discovery Festival, put on by Benicia Makespace and Solano County of Education to help peak interest in creativity and science.

Fifth-grader Miles Banks took a seat in a flight simulator created by Benicia High School senior Gabe Haarberg. Banks took his turn in the virtual reality machine, using a few devices to guide a plane on a nearby screen take off and land from a nearby landing path.

Source: Love for science, creativity gaining ‘STEAM’ in Benicia – Times-Herald

2021 STEAM Back-To-School Pre-Conference – Year 2021 (CA Dept of Education)

In partnership with the California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Division and the California AfterSchool Network, the California STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Symposium co-hosts are excited to announce the virtual 2021 Expanding Learning Opportunities with STEAM Back-To-School Pre-Conference on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, presented by Chevron.

This exciting partnership builds on our community belief that STEAM learning happens everywhere and at any time of the day. Throughout the event, we will explore opportunities for collaboration between community-based organizations and the TK–16 system. We are excited to support our education community as we all strategically plan to use the monumental education budgets focused on early education, social-emotional learning, teacher pipeline, and expanded learning. Participants will also learn more about the new Expanded Learning Opportunities Program established in July 2021 by Assembly Bill 130.

Source: 2021 STEAM Back-To-School Pre-Conference – Year 2021 (CA Dept of Education)

Imagine That! is doing school – The Reporter

By Matt Sieger

Vacaville’s Imagine That! in Alamo Plaza was created to offer a place where kids of all ages can come play, learn and explore all the possibilities. But what happens to a creative program when a pandemic strikes?

Well, the creative people in charge imagined a way to adapt to the crisis.

Imagine That! came up with a unique School Support and Enrichment program which fuses its existing program with support for students’ schooling.

“It started with a throwaway line,” recalls Director of Operations Alex Christensen. “We were talking about doing afterschool programs, and (someone said), ‘Hey, instead of after school what if we just did school for them?’ The director at the time, her ears perked up and she took it to the board. Lauren (Runow, Board president) jumped on it and started talking with the Vacaville Unified (School District).”

Source: Imagine That! is doing school – The Reporter

Register for the California STEAM Symposium – Year 2020 (CA Dept of Education)

Give yourself the gifts of community, inspiration, and revitalization by joining us at this year’s California STEAM Symposium External link opens in new window or tab. on December 11–13, 2020! As we wind down 2020, we look forward to collaborating with educators from around the world at the California STEAM Symposium to prepare for a wonderful launch into 2021 and we are excited to announce our keynote speakers who will rejuvenate, energize, and motivate you!

Source: Register for the California STEAM Symposium – Year 2020 (CA Dept of Education)

Youth create rockets, planets at Space Adventure Camp in Vacaville – The Reporter

By Nick Sestanovich

Going to space has been on a lot of people’s minds recently, likely due to the SpaceX launch.

Not everyone is willing to undergo the extensive training to be sent into orbit, though, so the next best thing? Looking to Vacaville’s center of imagination: Imagine That!

The interactive science and art center is in the midst of its Space Adventure Camp, where youngsters have been putting their creative skills to use by creating spaceships, planets and alien blasters, all while learning lessons about the Milky Way and the planets therein.

Source: Youth create rockets, planets at Space Adventure Camp in Vacaville – The Reporter

Thurmond, CDE, Students Attend STEAM Symposium – Year 2019 (CA Dept of Education)

On December 9 and 10, 2019, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and staff from the California Department of Education (CDE) participated in the 2019 California STEAM Symposium. The conference, held in Anaheim, is a collaborative effort with the CDE, the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation, and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.

With more than 3,000 Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) educators and students participating, the conference provided professional learning, networking opportunities, and inspiring keynotes—including State Superintendent Thurmond in conversation with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former NBA superstar, STEAM education advocate, and political activist. Other keynotes included Ellen Ochoa, former astronaut and director of the Johnson Space Center, and Chris Emdin, the founder of #HipHopEd.

Source: Thurmond, CDE, Students Attend STEAM Symposium – Year 2019 (CA Dept of Education)

Vallejo Immersive Learning Center holds party for Hydro S.T.E.A.M. camp – Times-Herald

By Thomas Gase

This summer at the Vallejo Immersive Learning Center on Georgia Street, kids taking part of a Hydro S.T.E.A.M. camp have learned about the “Four C’s” — communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.

On Saturday afternoon they were able to learn about a fifth “C” — celebrate.

S.T.E.A.M. which stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math, is a focused community education center that offers academic enrichment and academic support. In a technology-based economy, the center teaches citizens young and old to develop skills necessary for the future.

Source: Vallejo Immersive Learning Center holds party for Hydro S.T.E.A.M. camp – Times-Herald

Youths in Vacaville commemorate Apollo 11 launch – The Reporter

By Kimberly K. Fu

Fifty years ago Tuesday America celebrated the launch of Apollo 11 into space — and the first man traversing the moon four days later.

In present day, Vacaville youths enjoyed some cosmic adventures of their own — taking over the Nut Tree Plaza for a bit with their experiments.

Screams, giggles and fizzy explosions marked the celebration, a mix of history and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities.

Source: Youths in Vacaville commemorate Apollo 11 launch – The Reporter

STEAM Discovery Festival on calendar at Benicia High – Daily Republic

By Daily Republic Staff

The 2019 STEAM Discovery Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27 at Benicia High School, 1101 Military West.

More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the event, previously Benicia Mini Maker Faire, which is a celebration of do-it-yourself spirit and hands-on making and learning.

It’s geared for anyone intrigued by the creativity and ingenuity of the surrounding region.

Proceeds support the event and Benicia Makerspace – a nonprofit organization that emphasizes science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Source: STEAM Discovery Festival on calendar at Benicia High

Register for the 2018 CA STEAM Symposium – Letters (CA Dept of Education)

Join thousands of California STEAM educators for two days of professional learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

The 2018 California STEAM Symposium will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center on October 28–29, 2018. Co-hosted by the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation, the California Department of Education, and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, this annual event is the largest gathering of its kind and attracts more than 3,000 teachers, administrators, students, higher education representatives, program providers, and philanthropic, and industry partners from across California.

The California STEAM Symposium is a rigorous, collaborative, and inspiring professional learning conference that showcases innovative approaches to teaching and learning happening across the state. Educators leave with hands-on strategies and resources for best practices that support high-quality science, technology, engineering, art, and math education for all students.

Source: Register for the 2018 CA STEAM Symposium – Letters (CA Dept of Education)

Arts Benicia highlights ‘Next Generation’ of local student artistry – Benicia Herald

By Nick Sestanovich

Once again, the artistic youth of Benicia have their works displayed in the same gallery often reserved for seasoned artists. In other words, Arts Benicia’s “Next Generation” exhibition is open for viewing.

“Next Generation,” a semiannual exhibit showcasing work by Benicia artists ranging from kindergarteners to high school seniors, had its official opening yesterday. The show was first held in 1996 and continued to be an annual gallery highlight until it was replaced by other events. “Next Generation” was resurrected in 2010 by then-Arts Benicia Director Larnie Fox and has remained a staple ever since.

Through a partnership with Benicia Unified School District, teachers bring in the top pieces their students have worked on, whether in the STEAM Wheel program at the elementary schools, art classes at Benicia Middle School and Benicia High School or the Afterschool Art Club at Liberty High School, sponsored by Arts Benicia.

Source: Arts Benicia highlights ‘Next Generation’ of local student artistry

A challenge to solve problems at Travis – The Reporter

By Richard Bammer

Solano County Office of Education leaders, in a partnership with Travis Air Force Base, are launching an event, believed to be the first of its kind in the United States, that will enlist the help of Solano County high school students to tackle real-world problems at Travis Air Force Base.

The Phoenix Spark Challenge — described as a strategy used by the military to problem-solve among military operational experts, academia, and government agencies — will take place May 18 at the sprawling base south of Vacaville.

The academic challenge calls for students “to design, solve, and innovate in resolving real-life problems facing Travis Air Force Base,” Gethsemane Moss, senior director of community engagement, wrote in a press release.

Source: A challenge to solve problems at Travis

Science fun for kids at the county fair – The Reporter

By Richard Bammer

County fairs are more than arts and crafts, cooking and art competitions, animal and livestock displays, horse racing and demolition derbies, midway carnivals and heart-stopping foods, main stage entertainment of aging rockers and rappers and small-stage magic acts.

Today, kids passing through fairgrounds turnstiles are versed in Digital Age technology and want a chance to exercise their knowledge and have fun while, perhaps, continuing to prepare for their future education and job prospects.

To that end, the Solano County Office of Education will host a free, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) event Wednesday through Aug. 6 at the Solano County Fair, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, in Vallejo.

The interactive SCOE event will be at the agency’s STEAM booth in McCormack Hall, open from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5 and 6.

Source: Science fun for kids at the county fair

More Heart, More Art Through STEAM | Edutopia

By Stacey Goodman

Art continues to remain marginal in education, and I believe this is why: Despite tremendous growth in technology, STEM industries, and education, we are stuck in a rut in our politics, our economy, and the fight for health and fairness for most people.

Art makes us more human and empathetic. Without art, it is hard to imagine the lives of other people, other creatures, and the possibilities of other realities in general. Because of this deficit in art education, young people have tremendous faith in the coolness and remarkable evolution of their gadgets, but not much faith in themselves and other humans to grow and evolve.

Source: More Heart, More Art Through STEAM | Edutopia

Vallejo school program introduces itself to public at fair – Times Herald

By Irma Widjojo

A relatively new program for Vallejo students made an appearance at this year’s Solano County Fair to spread the news.

Representatives and a few students belonging to the Vallejo City Unified School District K-8 STEAM program held a demonstration booth Thursday at the fair.

“It is our first time at the fair,” STEAM Program Coordinator Lilibeth Pinpin said. “We want the community to be part of our program, to know that there’s such a program.

“I always envision a borderless education.”

STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics — teaches students through project-based learning, and incorporates modern technology, like 3-D printing for middle school students.

“We want to prepare them for the academies (in high school),” Pinpin said.

via Vallejo school program introduces itself to public at fair.