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Framingham State an Official NASA Educator Resource Center

Published Oct 25, 2011

Framingham State University, which partners with MSSEF through MSSEF's Curious Minds Initiative to offer the STEM Certificate in Inquiry, is positioned to become an invaluable resource to teachers of STEM subjects.  As Massachusetts' first NASA Educator Resource Center, FSU will have access to a treasure trove of space-related materials for teachers.
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Reflections on the Value of Child's Play

Published Oct 25, 2011

According to author Annie Murphy Paul ("Origins"), growing up in the digital age means that many of today's children are spending too little time tinkering.  "Research in the science of learning shows that hands-on building projects help young people conceptualize ideas and understand issues in greater depth," she writes.  Giving children the time and space to play and figure things out for themselves is an important part of setting them up to become young adults who have the capacity to do the kind of thinking that is needed for success in STEM courses and careers.
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Selected STEM Education Links

Published Oct 25, 2011

Here are links to some recent studies and articles that help frame the current state of STEM education in the US:

One Year Out Findings From A National Survey Among Members Of The High School Graduating Class Of 2010
STEM Perceptions: Student & Parent Study
The Future of Manufacturing
STEM Learning in Afterschool: An Analysis of Impact and Outcomes
Reversing the Swing from Science: Implications from a Century of Research
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Study: California Elementary Schools Skimping on Science Education

Published Oct 25, 2011

A new study reveals that California's youngest students may be in peril of missing out on a foundation in science.  "High Hopes -- Few Opportunities: The Status of Elementary Science Education in California," funded by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, suggests that state and federal testing emphasis on English and math has resulted in science education being relegated to the back burner in the state.  Among the findings of the study: 60 percent of California school districts have no staff dedicated to elementary science, and 40 percent of elementary teachers spend an hour or less on science instruction each week.
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STEM Subjects, Careers Slowly Gaining Appeal Among Women

Published Oct 24, 2011

With women earning well over half the undergraduate and master's degrees and slightly more than 50% of the doctorates awarded in 2009 and 2010, more and more are entering typically male-dominated STEM fields.  The change is occurring slowly, fueled by the enthusiasm and dedication of trailblazing female professors like William and Mary's Elizabeth Harbron.
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Why Aren't More African-Americans Pursuing STEM Careers?

Published Oct 24, 2011

On a percentage basis, fewer African-Americans are earning degrees in STEM subjects today than at any other point in the last decade.  What's behind the declining numbers?  While the U.S. currently is not known for churning out as many STEM professionals as it used to, there is a particularly notable dearth of new mathematicians, engineers, and scientists among African-Americans.
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MSSEF Middle School Fair Honorees Compete in Broadcom MASTERS

Published Oct 24, 2011

Two honorees from the 2011 MSSEF Middle School Fair were among the 30 finalists to compete in the Broadcom MASTERS competition. Sponsored by the Broadcom Foundation, a non-profit organization funded by Broadcom Corporation, in partnership with Society for Science & the Public (SSP), the Broadcom MASTERS is a national STEM competition for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. The students displayed their projects during Broadcom MASTERS’ week (September 30 - October 4).

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High Wages Tied to STEM Certificates, Bachelor's Degrees in STEM Subjects

Published Oct 21, 2011

A study conducted by Georgetown University shows that 65% of people with bachelor's degrees in STEM subjects make larger salaries than those with master's degrees in non-STEM subjects.  Holders of STEM certificates are sitting pretty, as well; many earn more than people with non-STEM degrees.

MSSEF's Curious Minds Initiative offers three courses that form the STEM Certificate in Inquiry. Curious Minds builds on nearly six decades of experience and success with more than 28,000 students in Massachusetts.  Developed in collaboration with the Education Development Center (EDC), the STEM Certificate in Inquiry is offered in partnership with Framingham State University.
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Technology and Innovation Conference Spotlights Critical Need for Investment in STEM Education

Published Oct 21, 2011


The Brookings Institution in Washington, DC held a conference this week called "Technology and the Innovation Economy: How to Harness New Engines for Growth." Experts included Intel CTO and Director of Intel Labs Justin Rattner, Senior Innovation Advisor to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Eric Nakajima, and Kevin Richards, Senior VP of Federal Government Affairs at TechAmerica.   Among the conclusions reached by the guests: Congress needs to do more to keep up with innovation in technology, and in order to do so a greater investment must be made in STEM education.
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WOWsters Video Celebrates Massachusetts STEM Professionals

Published Oct 20, 2011

Funded by seed money from the STEM Advisory Council, Massachusetts' "WOW Initiative," announced by Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray at Tuesday's STEM Summit, aims to increase awareness among students of career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math fields.  It celebrates 15 "WOWsters" -- local professionals applying STEM skills, including Red Sox statistician Bill James and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute researcher Amy Kukulya.  This video introduces the WOWsters.

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