Building a LEGO bridge – Times-Herald

By Jordan Baker

Ken, Ryan and Nina Sarna have already shown a ton of success with their NFL Flag Football league. Now the family is looking to show off its other playmaking abilities with LEGO.

The Coach Sarna League has progressed to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning.

The next step is Caliber: ChangeMakers Academy, says teacher Ryan Sarna, and the joy of LEGO.

“We wanted to do more. We’re big on creating community so let’s reach kids that may not be interested in football.,” Ryan Sarna. “LEGO is a lot of fun, but it increases their engineering capabilities. This is really an engineering competition. We wanted to start a low-cost league that was high quality.”

Source: Building a LEGO bridge – Times-Herald

Vacaville councilman, educator awarded STEM fellowship – The Vacaville Reporter

Vacaville City Councilman Michael Silva, a Solano Community College educator, is one of six community college instructors selected by the Community College Presidents’ Initiative in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (CCPI-STEM) for its fellowship program.

The fellowship is one of several initiatives of CCPI-STEM that aim to strengthen community college faculty and administrators and nurture their leadership skills in order to grow and diversify the STEM technician workforce.

Silva is a professor of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences.

Source: Vacaville councilman, educator awarded STEM fellowship – The Vacaville Reporter

2022 National Youth Science Camp Delegates – Year 2022 (CA Dept of Education)

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond named four outstanding students as California’s delegates at the 2022 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp).

Rhea Jethvani of Oxford Academy in Cypress (Orange County), Maggie Yao of Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego (San Diego County), Aadity Sharma of Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon (Contra Costa County), and Meghana Balabhadruni of California High School in San Ramon (Contra Costa County) were selected for their high achievement and proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“STEM education—or STEAM education, which aligns the arts with STEM learning—is an incredibly important priority of mine. Not only is a STEAM education a great equalizer for our students with career opportunities—especially for our disadvantaged students and students of color—it’s the foundation for our future thought leaders in science, the individuals we need as our society grapples with climate change,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “In an ever-changing, increasingly complex world, it’s more important than ever that our students are prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of information, and know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions. These are the kinds of skills that students develop in science, technology, engineering, and math, including computer science.”

Source: 2022 National Youth Science Camp Delegates – Year 2022 (CA Dept of Education)

Free STEM camps open to Solano middle, high school girls – Daily Republic

Applications are being taken for the free five-day virtual Girls in Robotics Leadership camps to middle and high school girls in June in Solano County.

The Solano County Office of Education and the University of California, Davis C-STEM Center puts on the event. The Office of Education provides the technology needed for the camps.

The middle school camps are scheduled June 7-11 and June 14-18. Optional Zoom instruction is from 1 to 3 p.m. Go to https://c-stem.ucdavis.edu/girl/girl-camp/2021-2/ for more information.

Source: Free STEM camps open to Solano middle, high school girls

Free STEM camps open to Solano middle, high school girls – Daily Republic

Applications are being taken for the free five-day virtual Girls in Robotics Leadership camps to middle and high school girls in June in Solano County.

The Solano County Office of Education and the University of California, Davis C-STEM Center puts on the event. The Office of Education provides the technology needed for the camps.

The middle school camps are scheduled June 7-11 and June 14-18. Optional Zoom instruction is from 1 to 3 p.m. Go to https://c-stem.ucdavis.edu/girl/girl-camp/2021-2/ for more information.

Source: Free STEM camps open to Solano middle, high school girls

STEM work earns award for SCOE’s innovation director – Daily Republic

Lilibeth Pinpin is starting to rack up the awards for her work at the Solano County Office of Education.

Pinpin, the director of Innovative Programs and Student Success, is the recipient of the University of California, Davis C-STEM Administrator of the Year award.

“Students of Solano County have greatly benefitted from Ms. Pinpin’s many years of experience as well as her passion for all things related to STEM,” Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson said in a statement. “We extend our gratitude to Ms. Pinpin for her dedication and commitment to ensuring STEM education is accessible to all students and congratulate her on her recognition.”

Source: STEM work earns award for SCOE’s innovation director

The Space Force was with them at Sheldon Academy – The Reporter

By Richard Bammer

They may have had stars, planets and rockets in their collective mind’s eye before and after hearing from two members of America’s newest military branch, the United States Space Force.

Students at Sheldon Academy of Innovative Learning on Thursday learned more about the USSF, career opportunities and the importance of mastering science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects when Capt. Haynes and Lt. Johnson spoke to seven classes during a virtual visit to the Woolner Avenue campus in Fairfield. (The officers’ first names were not available at press time Tuesday.)

“I am grateful that the third- to sixth-grade students had the opportunity to learn about a career in the Space Force,” Lisa Lewis, principal of the K-8 school, said in a press release. “They were fascinated by the presentation and asked a lot of questions. Many students were interested in the career and asked what they can do now.”

Source: The Space Force was with them at Sheldon Academy – The Reporter

Music, beauty products part of next phase of mixed reality STEM education – Daily Republic

By Todd R. Hansen

A Vacaville nonprofit that introduced in November 2019 a program that teaches science, technology, engineering and mathematics through music and virtual reality is ready to roll out the next phase of STEMM Fest.

“Ma’at Enterprises Inc. and the La Bella Vita Inc. Foundation are excited to announce mixed reality programs,STEMM Fest and STEM Bella, as solutions to address the lack of minority educational access and underrepresentation in STEM,” Monique Allen and Stacey Miller, the creators behind this education model, announced in a statement.

Allen is a Vacaville resident. Miller lives in Oakland.

Source: Music, beauty products part of next phase of mixed reality STEM education

SCOE accepting entries for virtual science and engineering fair – The Reporter

By Richard Bammer

No surprise, perhaps, the 2021 Solano County Science and Engineering Fair competition is going virtual in 2021.

All Solano County students, grades 3 to 12, are encouraged to enter the competition and apply online, at www.solanoscoe.net, no later than 3 p.m. March 1.

Hosted by the Solano County Office of Education, the event aspires to develop inquiry and problem-solving skills among students, “ignite a passion for science and engineering and better prepare youth for STEM” (short for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and related careers, Lilibeth Pinpin, SCOE’s director of innovative programs and student success, noted in a press release.

Source: SCOE accepting entries for virtual science and engineering fair – The Reporter

Solano students can sign up for 2021 STEM competition – Daily Republic

The 2021 Solano County Science and Engineering Fair competition is going virtual.

Hosted by the Solano County Office of Education, Solano County students, in third through 12th grades, are encouraged to enter this STEM competition and apply online no later than 3 p.m. March 1.

“Now more than ever, it is vital that our elementary, middle and high school students have an opportunity to apply science and engineering skills, investigate theories, gather and evaluate evidence, and develop their own intelligent conclusions,” Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson said in a statement. “We hope this year’s science fair inspires more students to explore careers in science, engineering or related fields.”

Source: Solano students can sign up for 2021 STEM competition

Applications open for SCOE’s Science and Engineering Fair – The Reporter

By Nick Sestanovich

Solano County students adept in the fields of science and engineering will have an opportunity to show off their skills.

Applications are now open for the 2021 Solano County Science and Engineering Fair competition, which will be held virtually.

The event aims to help students develop inquiry and problem-solving skills, spark a passion for science and engineering, and help the youth be better prepared to enter STEM fields and other associated areas.

“Now more than ever, it is vital that our elementary, middle, and high school students have an opportunity to apply science and engineering skills, investigate theories, gather and evaluate evidence, and develop their own intelligent conclusions,” Lisette Estrella- Henderson, Solano COunty superintendent of schools, said in a statement. “We hope this year’s science fair inspires more students to explore careers in science, engineering, or related fields.”

Source: Applications open for Solano County Office of Education’s Science and Engineering Fair – The Reporter

Solano ECE virtual conference draws 150 participants – Daily Republic

By Daily Republic Staff

Nearly 150 early care and education professionals experienced a day of learning in a virtual format Saturday during the annual Quality Counts Solano, Early Childhood Education Conference.

Solano County Office of Education partnered with First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission, Child Start Inc., Solano Community College and Solano Family and Children’s Service to sponsor this year’s conference aimed at furthering the educational experiences of Solano County’s youngest students.

Source: Solano ECE virtual conference draws 150 participants

Imagine That! program provides learning, socialization – Daily Republic

By Amy Maginnis-Honey

Imagine That!, a science, technology, engineering, arts and math museum for children of all ages, has turned its main exhibit area into a classroom hosting 30 kindergartners through sixth-graders.

The desks are separated by 6 feet, temperatures are checked daily and all wear a mask.

When it’s time for recess, the children are welcome to explore some of the exhibits and take a spin on The Spinner, which is comparable to having your own merry-go-round.

Source: Imagine That! program provides learning, socialization

PG&E offers STEM scholarships – Daily Republic

By Daily Republic Staff

Twenty $10,000 scholarships and 20 scholarships worth $2,500 are being offered to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or math.

The scholarships are being offered by the Pacific Gas & Electric company and its foundation.

Applications are open to graduating high school seniors, current college students, veterans and adults returning to school who are PG&E customers at the time of application. Applicants must plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study for the entire 2020-21 academic year and be seeking their first undergraduate degree at an accredited four-year institution in California.

Source: PG&E offers STEM scholarships

Vacaville district, county schools office, UC Davis team for virtual GIRL camp – Daily Republic

An effort to teach young girls about robotics shifted gears last week when a group of middle schoolers took part in a virtual camp that aims in part to close the gender gap in science-based career fields.

The Solano County Office of Education, in partnership with Vacaville School District and UC Davis Computing-Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program, piloted a five-day virtual Girls in Robotics Leadership Camp for middle school girls.

In-person GIRL Camps, offered in previous years, were paused this year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Source: Vacaville district, county schools office, UC Davis team for virtual GIRL camp

Schools Are Closed. But STEM Learning Doesn’t Stop – US Black Engineer

By Lango Deen

In the wake of coronavirus quarantines and stay-at-home orders, many schools and colleges have canceled summer academies. Career-exploration camps help young people to harness the power of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and gain valuable skills as they learn about some of the most in-demand careers.

For example, the Central Virginia Community Community College (CVCC) Summer Academy for middle and high school students included mechatronics and the art of engineering. Scheduled to take place in June, registrants for the workforce development programs are now being contacted by phone concerning refunds, according to a CVCC announcement.

The New Jersy Institute of Technology’s Center for Pre-College Programs also canceled STEM and computer science course sessions held every Saturday through May. The ACT/SAT Preparation Program was postponed and a Pi Day event for parents and students was also canceled.

Source: Schools Are Closed. But STEM Learning Doesn’t Stop – US Black Engineer

Soroptimist event raises over $14,000 for C-STEM Camps for girls – Daily Republic

Soroptimist’s 5th annual “Mardi Gras Madness” fundraiser, held at Green Valley Country Club February 22nd, was a resounding success, club president Jessica Grech reports. This year, in addition to raffle, silent, and live auctions, the club launched a Fund-the-Need appeal to help underwrite C-STEM (Computing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) camps for girls to be conducted during summer 2020 via a partnership between UC Davis and the Solano County Office of Education. Over $14,000 was raised as auctioneer Joe Gates pounded his gavel time and time again, with attendees raising their hands to support the cause.

Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County Superintendent of Schools, remarked, “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and giving spirit of Soroptimist International of Central Solano County. The money raised will help Solano County Office of Education expand from four to eight ‘Girls In Robotics Leadership’ Camps this summer. They have allowed us to connect with more young women who may not ordinarily be able to attend a week-long C-STEM camp, and we are so grateful for their ongoing partnership.”

Source: Good News: Soroptimist event raises over $14,000 for C-STEM Camps for girls

How the Gender Gap in STEM Might Get its Start in Elementary School | MindShift

By Matthew Barnum

On average, girls do as well as boys on elementary- and middle-school math tests. But by the time students enter the workforce, a big gender gap has emerged, with men earning nearly 80 percent of bachelor’s degrees in engineering and computer science.

A new study offers evidence that the disparity might be getting its start in elementary school classrooms.

The paper offers data from a single district, but the pattern it uncovers is striking. Girls are less likely to be nominated for, selected for, and continue in the district’s advanced math program. Despite their comparable math scores, the program loses girls at every step — a phenomenon that could contribute to fewer women entering math-focused fields later in life.

Source: How the Gender Gap in STEM Might Get its Start in Elementary School | MindShift | KQED News

C-STEM Center honors Solano schools chief’s work – Daily Republic

By Daily Republic Staff

Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson has been named a C-STEM Administrator of the Year by the University of California, Davis C-STEM Center.

C-STEM stands for computing, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“I’m truly honored by the award from UC Davis, but I do not do this work alone. I have a team of amazing educators behind me, creating, planning and implementing programs for students,” Estrella-Henderson said in a statement released Tuesday by her office.

Source: C-STEM Center honors Solano schools chief’s work

33 states adopted 57 computer science ed policies since 2018 | Education Dive

By Naaz Modan

As there is a national push for increased computer science literacy, many states are requiring high schools to offer courses in the subject, with some districts even making computer science a requirement for graduation. Some states are even requiring elementary and middle schools to offer computer science, the report says.

Georgia is among those phasing in the change through an incremental approach over the course of six years. The state has put in place benchmarks to see the plan through:

Source: 33 states adopted 57 computer science ed policies since 2018 | Education Dive