Do you want to incorporate STEM activities into your summer plans? Here are ideas and upcoming events!
National Programs and Events
GSK’s Science in the Summer Program
This year’s theme is “Be a Space Scientist.” Science in the Summer is a free education program that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by providing opportunities for children entering grades 2-6 to embody science careers, think scientifically, practice authentic science techniques, and have fun. Visit the website to find programs in the Philadelphia area and programs nationwide.
Congressional App Challenge
The annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is live! Every year, members of Congress across the country challenge students in their districts to create and submit original apps for a chance to win the CAC. The winners of the challenge are publicly recognized. To be eligible to participate in the Congressional App Challenge, you must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission. Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. Students may compete in the district they reside in or in the district where they attend school. Students can register and submit their original apps through October 24, 2024. Register now.
Ease Your Child Into Coding With a Summer Camp
Summer is a great time to explore the world of coding because kids can get their feet wet without much pressure. Attending a one-week camp is well-suited for young kids with little to no coding experience because most camp providers try to balance learning and having fun. Learn more about the benefits of summer coding camps in an article I wrote for CodeWizardsHQ. Considering a camp for your child? Find camps here.
Events & Activities in Massachusetts
Mars Symphony at the Museum of Science
Composer David Ibbett’s score reveals the music of Mars in a groundbreaking Planetarium experience with a live orchestra in the Multiverse Concert Series at the Museum of Science in Boston. Mars Symphony was created in collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), WPI, the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, and ETH Zurich, incorporating cutting-edge research and audio from the Perseverance Rover and Webb Space Telescope. Get tickets for this unique blend of live music and science being held on June 27, July 25, and August 29. Cost: $20
Broad Discovery Center: Meet-a-Scientist Tours
The Broad Discovery Center at the Broad Institute in Cambridge has a new program for students curious about the world of biomedical research and how scientists get to be scientists in the first place. The Center’s new Meet-a-Scientist tours are a great way to demystify STEM and put a face to the people at the forefront of Broad’s scientific discoveries. This free program is especially geared towards students seeking inspiration for future career paths and a deeper connection to the museum’s exhibit material. Learn more and book a tour at broad.io/grouptour.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Looking for a fun summer activity? The Ocean Science Discovery Center in Woods Hole, MA is full of interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. People can learn about the vessels, vehicles, and tools developed and used by WHOI to explore our ocean. The Discovery Center includes exhibits about the discovery and exploration of the Titanic and the plight of the North Atlantic right whale. You can also climb inside a replica of the personnel sphere of Alvin, a deep-sea submersible, and imagine yourself exploring the ocean floor. The Discovery Center is open from mid-April through October.
NORY STEM Program Expanding to Boston!
NYC’s popular STEM camp is now in Boston, with summer camps at the British International School of Boston in Jamaica Plain and Emerson College in Boston. NORY offers hands-on STEM projects that support the development of resilience, inquisitiveness, and empathy. From transforming the classroom into a life-size carnival to inventing a self-driving robot, future changemakers collaborate on high-tech projects designed for all age groups. NORY provides complimentary lunch, excellent parent communications, and a customized curriculum each year for ages 3-12. Visit nory.com/boston for more information and to enroll.
Student Spotlight! Entrepreneurship Program at the Boston Public Library
Aryan Jain, a Boston University student and volunteer at the Boston Public Library, along with the help of Boston University professors, has created an exciting Experiential Entrepreneurship program for students in grades 6-12. Aryan is a keen ambassador who wants to spread the passion of entrepreneurship to teens! He will run this 2-week program starting August 5th in the Copley branch and August 12th in the Grove Hall branch. This course offers students unique opportunities to learn business and technology skills through hands-on activities. It will help them enhance their creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and business acumen. These are free events! Register now.
STEM Events at the Charlotte & William Medford Public Library
I recently attended a presentation by the assistant director of the Medford Public Library, and she told us about their fabulous new makerspace! It was part of the new building that opened in 2022. The Library has both a Maker Space and Tech Lab for projects, tinkering, and creating your next Big Thing! These spaces have Library programs, drop-in times, and classes designed for anyone ages 8+. Learn about and register for upcoming Maker programs!
Calendar of Massachusetts Events
June 9: RSM is hosting its annual Math Festival and Awards Ceremony from 1-6pm at Wellesley High School. This celebratory event will have a math casino and fair for the whole family, including math games, giant chess, face painting, food trucks, and more! The festival is free and open to the public.
June 20: Join the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture on the longest day of the year at Summer Solstice 2024—free of charge—to explore the galleries and new exhibitions at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, and the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East. Step outdoors to enjoy lively musical and circus performances, play mini-golf, and make a flower crown. Ice cream, beverages, and snacks will be available to purchase from food trucks. Don’t miss out on this popular event for all ages! ArtsThursdays is a university-wide initiative supported by the Harvard University Committee on the Arts.
June 20: The McAuliffe Center in Framingham, in collaboration with the National Air and Space Museum and Smithsonian Affiliations, is hosting Sally’s Night Celebration, marking the 41st anniversary of Sally Ride’s historic STS-7 mission and becoming the first American woman in space. This is a free event that includes the Expedition Mars Mission Simulation, hands-on activities led by NASA Solar System Ambassadors, nostalgic 1980s trivia and puzzles, a photo booth, official NASA giveaways, and a Planetarium Film: Destination Mars. Pre-registration is required for the Expedition Mars Mission Simulation.
August (all month): Highland Street Foundation sponsors August Adventures, partnering with special Massachusetts cultural institutions to provide one free activity each day for 31 days. Some organizations require advanced registration.
August 16: Come meet Nile, a life-size inflatable whale, at the Medford Public Library and learn about whales, their important role in our ecosystems, and what you can do to help them—all from inside Nile! For ages 5+. Get your free tickets!
August 25: The Medford Library is hosting a free Maker Fair for adults! Class signups begin August 1. If you are interested in a particular class, be sure to check out the events calendar and register. If you just want to swing by the Library on the day of the Maker Fair, they will have plenty of fun drop-in crafts for those who’d like to play, make, and have fun.
