A great idea bought to us through Time Warner's philanthropic commitment to inspire students to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering, & math.
I just recently came across this site, www.connectamillionminds.com, and think it is a great idea, and a great resource to be aware of. Â
According to the National Science Foundation, 80 percent of jobs created in the next decade will require math and science skills. As part of an ongoing initiative called Connect a Million Minds, Time Warner Cable has developed a site where administrators, teachers, and organizations can share opportunities to involve students in after school activities in the ‘STEM' fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
In “The Connectory“, you can enter a zip code, and learn of upcoming or ongoing ‘STEM'-oriented events for students in that area. For example, a search in zip code 10940 (Middletown, NY) produces a list of many events that are within driving distance and are currently running, such as Raptors in the City (“An inquiry-based science, internet and print research curriculum for ages 7-11 For classroom, library, afterschool, homeschool and mentoring programs”) and Kids' Science Challenge (“The Kids' Science Challenge is a nationwide competition for 3rd to 6th graders encouraging kids to submit ideas to a group of scientists and engineers”). Click on over and take a look at what The Connectory shows going on in your neighborhood!
What a cool use of technology – sharing opportunites for students to enhance their exposure to science, technology, etc. “Brilliant!”
If you haven't done so already, please take a moment and let us know what your role is in education (teacher, student, admin, techie, etc.)! Just mouse over to our poll (over there -> in the side bar) and check off the roles that apply to you. Thanks so much!
Your STEM enthusiasts might be interested in this:
My name is Connor Snyder and I run a children’s theatre organization called Kids 4 Broadway.
A few weeks ago, one of our 21st CCLC clients in Lincoln, NE contacted me. I had conducted a seminar training for them last January, they loved the program and wanted to bring me back in 2012 to do another training as well as a camp. Kathie indicated that most of their funding this year was coming in from NASA and other STEM related foundations. Would it be possible for me to come up with a concept for a Science and Arts Camp? (STEM/Arts)
I enthusiastically accepted the challenge and just completed a 45 page manuscript called “The Inventive Inn” .
“The Inventive Inn” is about a family in the midwest who own and operate a Bed and Breakfast.
The kids come home from school one day, complaining about their homework – especially science. (“What do we need science for, anyway” etc) The dad tries to discuss with them the relevance of the subject…(“Without science, you’d have no cell phone, no TV, no Ipads,” et al)
A huge thunderstorm hits their town, and suddenly, one by one, 8 scientists appear at the Sandler home and discuss their inventions, how they came to create them, etc (e.g. Sir Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, George Washington Carver, Benjamin Franklin, Dr. Robert Goddard, Galileo etc) The children become totally motivated to grow up and become inventors.
Kathie and I further brainstormed, and at the end of the performance, we’re planning on incorporating 15-20 more students who will come out as their favorite inventor (they’ll do the research during the camp week) and tell the audience what they invented.
At any rate, just a thought as you plan your next year.
Thanks –
Connor Snyder
Executive Director
Kids 4 Broadway
PO Box 122
Kelseyville, CA 95451
(707) 279-4497
http://www.kids4broadway.com
kidsplay@pacific.net
Thank you for the information. I just started a STEM related business (Build ‘N’ Blocks serving kids from pre-k through 5th and later middle and high school). I am going to check out the link.
[…] Connecting A Million Minds (to after-school STEM programs) […]
Hi K,
Thanks so much for keying your audience into Time Warner Cable’s philanthropic initiative Connect a Million Minds. We encourage your users to not only Take the Connect a Million Minds Pledge and browse the Connectory for unique STEM opportunities, but to also converse with one another in the social space. Users may fan us on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/ConnectaMillionMinds?ref=ts, or follow us on Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/ConnectMinds.
See you online!
Looks like a great way to get kids involved in math and science. Thanks for sharing a great resource! My zip code had a few great opportunities for students within driving distance, just like you said. Gonna share this with my students.
Buzz Garwood
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