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April resources from Million Girls Moonshot

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April resources from Million Girls Moonshot

Every year on April 25 since 2003, scientists, biologists, and genetics enthusiasts come together to observe National DNA Day, celebrating the discovery and research into DNA and the scientific advancements that helped make progress possible. National DNA Day encourages people to learn more about the science that makes them genetically unique. Help youth feel unique and special with the following resources to use all month long!

Also in April - we are kicking off our monthly Afterschool Math Plus training series FREE for afterschool providers.

Million Girls Moonshot monthly asset packages are curated to suit the needs of program providers and staff in your state. Please share these assets widely with your partners and programs! To promote these opportunities, click here to access the MEDIA ASSETS.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Applications open for NASA SPARX Educator Beta Testers!

NASA SPARX (Sparking Participation and Real-world eXperiences in STEM), from NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement’s Next Gen STEM project, utilizes engineering design activities to connect students to STEM in a way only NASA can! SPARX provides educators with a collection of hands-on activities based on national standards, related training resources, and live virtual connections with NASA scientists and engineers to help improve student STEM literacy and identity. We invite educators to apply to beta test these exciting resources during summer 2023! Read about the benefits to educators and youth, and requirements for participation here. $200 Stipend for program participation.

Applications due April 7, 2023

Early Access to Free DNA Kits to Celebrate DNA Day!

Afterschool programs connected with the Moonshot get EARLY ACCESS to Illumina’s DNA kits! Every year, Illumina celebrates DNA Day throughout the month of April. Together with schools, districts and nonprofit partners, they provide educational programs and activities for all grade levels.

Illumina is providing “Moonshot educators” the materials and support to guide meaningful learning experiences for youth to discover the power of genomics. Visit their DNA Day site to receive illumina’s genomics learning materials/DNA Kits and learn more about available resources

Early Access Code: Million Girls Moonshot

WEBINARS

ACRES Training Cohort: Facilitating Math Practices Wednesdays: 4/12/2023, 4/26/2023, and 5/10/2023 11:00 AM-1:00 PM EST / 8:00-10:00 am PST

Are you looking for fun ways to help youth build number sense and problem-solving skills? Math can take on new meaning when it is integrated into daily routines in our afterschool programs. In this module, afterschool educators will explore and practice strategies for making math engaging and accessible. Asking Purposeful Questions is a prerequisite to this skill. *The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. Recordings are not available if you are unable to attend. REGISTER HERE Code: AC228PQ

ACRES Training Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions: Wednesdays: 

05/03/2023, 05/17/2023, 05/31/2023 12:00 pm-2:00 pm EST/ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST

Questions begin a path toward discovery, imagination, and STEM exploration. How can we help youth expand and clarify their thinking and develop their reasoning through the questions we ask them? This module is a great way to train staff on how to facilitate STEM learning. Experienced educators also love being part of a cohort as a way to connect with other educators across the country, to learn new lesson plans, and to reflect on practice.  This is our introductory module and a prerequisite to other opportunities. *The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. Recordings are not available if you are unable to attend. REGISTER HERE Code: AC288PQ

ACRES Training Cohort: Facilitating Science Practices: Wednesdays: 05/31/2023, 06/14/2023, 06/28/2023 3:30 pm-5:30 pm EST/ 12:30-2:30 pm PST

How can we make sure that our ‘hands on’ science experiences for youth are also ‘minds on?’ In this module, participants learn how to support youth as they engage in science practices to learn science ideas, including planning and conducting investigations around testable questions. They’ll talk about the similarities and differences between questioning in science versus questioning in engineering contexts. REGISTER HERE Code: AC225SP

PEAR DIMENSIONS OF SUCCESS (DoS) Training & Certification April 20, 2023 10:00am-4:00pm EST/ 7:00 am-1:00 pm PST (Registration deadline is April 6)

Developed by PEAR, the Dimensions of Success (DoS), is a research-based observation tool that measures the quality of students’ STEM learning experiences. The DoS training and certification  process involves a two-day live webinar training, completion of video calibration exercises, a one-hour live calibration session, and successful completion of two practice observations in the field. Certification is provided at no cost Network and program leads affiliated with the Moonshot. REGISTER HERE

Click2Engineering Spring Community of Practice April 5, April 19, May 3, and 17 2023

The Click2Engineering community of practice (CoP) introduces out-of-school time educators to the basics of engineering and leading engineering activities with youth. The CoP is organized around the 10 Practices for an Engineering Mindset, and includes hands-on engineering activities, developing engineering experiences for youth, and learning skills to facilitate engineering practices. The CoP is four meetings over 8 weeks. REGISTER HERE

Click2CS Virtual Workshop: Supporting Productive Failure April 26, 2023 3:00-4:00 pm EST/ 12:00-1:00 pm PST

Knowing how to help youth see how failure can be productive is critical for developing an engineering mindset. Join this virtual workshop to learn how you can create learning experiences that support youth and help them persist through their frustration and learn from failures. By engaging in authentic engineering work, youth develop engineering identities and the mindset to solve problems and change the world. REGISTER HERE

Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum Training Thursdays: April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19, October 17, and November 28, 2023 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST

REGISTER FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SESSION HERE

Date and Time

Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum Topic Areas

April 18

1-2 p.m. EST

Jump Rope Math: Everyday Math & Exploring Jump Ropes

Collect data about participants’ jump rope techniques. Use the data to create bar graphs, draw conclusions, and ask questions about jumping rope.

May 16

1-2 p.m. EST

Jump Rope Math: The Whys of Jumping Rope

Conduct surveys about why people jump rope and use data to create bar graphs and Venn diagrams to represent people’s answers.

June 20

1-2 p.m. EST

Jump Rope Math: How Far Can You Go?

Create line graphs and use data to make predictions about how far jumpers can travel in a set amount of time.

July 18

1-2 p.m. EST

Jump Rope Math: Going to Great Lengths

Observe patterns, create a scatter graph, and analyze data to make predictions about connections between jump rope length and jumper height.

August 15

1-2 p.m. EST

Jump Rope Math: Designing a Math Investigation

Use bar graphs, line graphs, scatter graphs and Venn diagrams to explore different ways of answering math questions about jumping rope.

September 19

1-2 p.m. EST

MusicMath: Unexpected Math, Creating Rhythms, and Making Rhythm Patterns

Create musical patterns, then repeat the patterns and think about how to represent the patterns using words, pictures, and symbols.

October 17

1-2 p.m. EST

MusicMath: Composing Music (with Math!)

Experiment with repeating patterns and create new arrangements using similar sounds in different sequences.

November 14th

1-2 p.m. EST

MusicMath: Discovering Music Fractions

Identify and represent parts of fractions using music and explore combinations and permutations, or ways of creating variety while still using the same elements.

December 12th

1-2 p.m. EST

MusicMath: Orchestration

Use fractions to create musical compositions, then perform the compositions using found instruments (pans, boxes, pencils, whistles). Create new combinations and permutations for the music fractions.

Note: Each webinar will include strategies to support a positive Math Identity (e.g., role models, career connections, family connections, literacy connections).

REGISTER FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SESSION HERE

Activity Playlist

Looking for a sequence of activities you can implement in your afterschool program today? Say goodbye to googling or searching on Pinterest. Use the following activities in sequence to support youth in building an engineering mindset.

  • Activity: Make a Candy DNA Model - Each human has a unique DNA sequence and the DNA in all of us is about 99.9% identical! In this activity, youth use pieces of candy to make a model for a short section of DNA—enough to get a sense of what DNA is like and how it encodes life.
  • Activity: As a part of Illumina’s The Future is Bright Campaign celebrating DNA Day, Million Girls Moonshot is partnering to provide a number of resources for programs to celebrate DNA day! Featured opportunities include a Virtual Lab Simulation; a Virtual Field trip; and DNA Decoded, ready to go, lessons and activities for educators!
  • Activity: Investigate Alien Genetics - This activity uses an alien model to demonstrate how genes or physical traits are passed on from parents to their offspring. How similar will alien siblings look? OR Check out Baby Lab and use probability to predict genetic traits.
  • Activity: Effects of Genetic Engineering - Farmers have been using “genetic engineering” for hundreds (maybe thousands!) of years.  They use the seeds of the biggest, tastiest, etc. fruit to plant the next generation of that particular plant.  Have a discussion about the advantages. 
  • Activity: Make String from Algae - The seaweed in the ocean (or even eaten as a snack) is inspiring innovators to imagine new materials. Large brown algae, like kelp, contains polymers—long chains of molecules—that are more environmentally friendly than the ones in most plastics. These natural polymers (alginates) could eventually be used to create sustainable everyday objects. Try your hand at using a bit of chemistry to turn biodegradable polymers from algae into custom string!

 

Looking for EVEN More Activities at NASA?! Activity Toolkit: Engineering is Elementary's NASA Partnership free units - A suite of free NASA-funded STEM resources for students in grades 3-8. All resources are research-based and classroom-tested. They are designed to support students’ understanding of space, while helping them see themselves as capable problem solvers.

RECRUIT STEM EXPERTS AS VOLUNTEERS

Less than 50 percent of high school girls know a woman in a STEM career. Let’s change that - recruit STEM professionals to support the youth you serve today!

The Moonshot helps to connect STEM experts with OST programs! Share your program’s volunteer opportunities for STEM experts to work with your youth today! Register here to find role models and mentors in STEM.

DNA DAY

  • As a part of Illumina’s The Future is Bright Campaign celebrating DNA Day, Million Girls Moonshot is partnering to provide a number of resources for programs to celebrate DNA day! Featured opportunities include a Virtual Lab Simulation; a Virtual Field trip; and DNA Decoded, ready to go, lessons and activities for educators!
  • Resource Library: 23 and Me Educator Resources - Find a list of picture books on DNA and more information about the 23andMe Education Program, which is designed to support and advanced genetics education. By joining the community, educators and students will receive important updates from the 23andMe Education team about new educational resources, events, programs, and opportunities to engage with 23andMe.
  • Lesson Plan: Teach Engineering Lesson Plan: DNA - In this lesson for grades 5-7 students work through an example showing how DNA provides the "recipe" for making human body proteins. They see how the pattern of nucleotide bases (adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine) forms the double helix ladder shape of DNA and serves as the code for the steps required to make genes. Students extend their knowledge by conducting the associated activities to learn ways that engineers and scientists are applying their understanding of DNA in our world.
  • Coding Resources: Boston College Bioengineering Curriculum Resources - CRISPEE is a tangible tool for young children ages 5-8 to explore the metaphor of a coding language for living organisms. Through developmentally appropriate tools and curriculum resources, children can explore concepts from bioengineering and gene editing. Access free resources from the NSF-funded CRISPEE project on this page.

TRANSFORMATIVE PRACTICES

  • Resource Library: Earth Day Education - Browse resources to guide your environmental education lessons and stewardship activities on Earth Day and throughout the year. These resources can be adapted to a variety of ages and settings.
  • Resource Library: PBS Kids Protecting Our Planet Resources - Earth day games, crafts, printables, and other resources for kids ages 2-5 from PBS Kids.
  • Toolkit: Math Equity Toolkit - This toolkit layers professional development into “Strides” that educators can take along a path to equitable education. Topics include Dismantling Racism in Mathematics Instruction and Creating Conditions to Thrive.
  • Toolkit: Brokering Youth Pathways: A Toolkit for Connecting Youth to Future Opportunity  from the Hive Research Network - This toolkit shares ways in which various out-of-school educators and professionals have approached the challenge of brokering. We provide a framework, practice briefs and reports that focus on a particular issue or challenge and provide concrete examples, as well as illustrate how our partners worked through designing new brokering routines in partnership with our research team.

ASSETS FROM THE IF/THEN® COLLECTION

These assets feature IF/THEN® Ambassadors, and can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and conference presentations.

Technovation teaches girls how to use technology to solve real-world problems—and to become leaders

By Maggie Jaris, Director of Content Strategy at Technovation. This blog is part of the Afterschool Alliance's new “Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society” (CYESS) initiative. This series of blogs highlights examples of programs working at the intersection of...

BY: Guest Blogger      05/05/23

May resources from the Million Girls Moonshot

During the month of May, the Million Girls Moonshot celebrates Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month). Our country owes a lot of our success to many hardworking, innovative AAPI computer scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals. These assets will support Networks and...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      05/01/23

Youth in action: Earth Day

Photo courtesy of California Academy of Sciences. This blog is part of the Afterschool Alliance's new “Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society” (CYESS) initiative. This series of blogs highlights examples of programs working at the intersection of STEM and civic...

BY: Anita Krishnamurthi      04/28/23

April resources from Million Girls Moonshot

Every year on April 25 since 2003, scientists, biologists, and genetics enthusiasts come together to observe National DNA Day, celebrating the discovery and research into DNA and the scientific advancements that helped make progress possible. National DNA Day encourages people to learn more about...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      04/03/23

March resources from the Million Girls Moonshot

March means Women’s History Month! Women’s History Month is a wonderful time to honor the stories, achievements, and legacies of the amazing women who shaped STEM fields as we know them today. By educating ourselves about the past, we can create a bright future for women and girls to...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      03/21/23

Youth serve as STEM ambassadors with Chief Science Officers International

This is the first of the Afterschool Alliance's new series of blogs highlighting examples of programs working at the intersection of STEM and civic engagement. We are excited to showcase the systemic change young people can make in their communities when their afterschool programs support them...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/03/23

January resources from Million Girls Moonshot

Happy New Year! January is National Mentoring Month - a national celebration of the role models and mentors that have made monumental differences in the lives of so many. Listed as one of Moonshot’s four transformative practices, role models and mentors play a significant role in showing...

BY: Tierra Easter      01/26/23

December resources from Million Girls Moonshot

This month, millions of students worldwide celebrated Computer Science Week (December 6-12) with the Hour of Code. December's resources from Million Girls Moonshot features information on how your afterschool program can participate in Hour of Code, as well as free professional development...

BY: Tierra Easter      12/19/22

September resources from Million Girls Moonshot

To help students see themselves with a future in STEM and to broaden understanding of science history, it is important for students to learn about a diverse range of scientists and engineers. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we highlight a few of the Hispanic and Latinx scientists and engineers...

BY: Chris Neitzey      09/20/22

August resources from Million Girls Moonshot

The school year has started for many across the country, and the August assets from Million Girls Moonshot focus on opportunities and resources for Networks and partners to build the capacity of program providers around the four transformative programming areas: 1) Equity and Inclusion, 2)...

BY: Chris Neitzey      09/01/22

Technovation teaches girls how to use technology to solve real-world problems—and to become leaders

By Maggie Jaris, Director of Content Strategy at Technovation. This blog is part of the Afterschool Alliance's new “Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society” (CYESS) initiative. This series of blogs highlights examples of programs working at the intersection of...

BY: Guest Blogger      05/05/23

May resources from the Million Girls Moonshot

During the month of May, the Million Girls Moonshot celebrates Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month). Our country owes a lot of our success to many hardworking, innovative AAPI computer scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals. These assets will support Networks and...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      05/01/23

April resources from Million Girls Moonshot

Every year on April 25 since 2003, scientists, biologists, and genetics enthusiasts come together to observe National DNA Day, celebrating the discovery and research into DNA and the scientific advancements that helped make progress possible. National DNA Day encourages people to learn more about...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      04/03/23

March resources from the Million Girls Moonshot

March means Women’s History Month! Women’s History Month is a wonderful time to honor the stories, achievements, and legacies of the amazing women who shaped STEM fields as we know them today. By educating ourselves about the past, we can create a bright future for women and girls to...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      03/21/23

September resources from Million Girls Moonshot

To help students see themselves with a future in STEM and to broaden understanding of science history, it is important for students to learn about a diverse range of scientists and engineers. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we highlight a few of the Hispanic and Latinx scientists and engineers...

BY: Chris Neitzey      09/20/22

August resources from Million Girls Moonshot

The school year has started for many across the country, and the August assets from Million Girls Moonshot focus on opportunities and resources for Networks and partners to build the capacity of program providers around the four transformative programming areas: 1) Equity and Inclusion, 2)...

BY: Chris Neitzey      09/01/22

May Resources from Million Girls Moonshot

During the month of May, the Million Girls Moonshot celebrates Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month). Our country owes a lot of our success to many hardworking, innovative AAPI computer scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals. These assets will support Networks and...

BY: Chris Neitzey      05/10/22

April resources from Million Girls Moonshot

This month the Million Girls Moonshot celebrates Earth Day and Environmental Education Week! Now is the time for all of us — education, business, and civic leaders — to take action on climate in order to preserve and protect our health, our families, and our livelihoods. To do this, we...

BY: Chris Neitzey      04/26/22

March Resources from Million Girls Moonshot

March marks the beginning of Women’s History month. What was originally known as “Women’s History Week” in 1982, has deservedly transformed over the years into an entire month aimed at recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in our society, throughout...

BY: Chris Neitzey      03/10/22

February Resources from Million Girls Moonshot

The Million Girls Moonshot is excited to launch recruitment for the inaugural 2022 Moonshot Flight Crew. They are looking for youth advocates — young scientists, engineers, inventors, builders, and leaders who have been inspired by their experience outside of the school...

BY: Chris Neitzey      02/03/22

September resources from Million Girls Moonshot

To help students see themselves with a future in STEM and to broaden understanding of science history, it is important for students to learn about a diverse range of scientists and engineers. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we highlight a few of the Hispanic and Latinx scientists and engineers...

BY: Chris Neitzey      09/20/22

August resources from Million Girls Moonshot

The school year has started for many across the country, and the August assets from Million Girls Moonshot focus on opportunities and resources for Networks and partners to build the capacity of program providers around the four transformative programming areas: 1) Equity and Inclusion, 2)...

BY: Chris Neitzey      09/01/22

Foster STEM learning with the 4-H STEM Challenge

By Michael Compton, STEM Integrated Marketing Manager at National 4-H Council. STEM refers to the four disciplines of science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. Research suggests that using STEM learning opportunities in after-school educational settings is important to address the...

BY: Guest Blogger      08/15/22

February Resources from Million Girls Moonshot

The Million Girls Moonshot is excited to launch recruitment for the inaugural 2022 Moonshot Flight Crew. They are looking for youth advocates — young scientists, engineers, inventors, builders, and leaders who have been inspired by their experience outside of the school...

BY: Chris Neitzey      02/03/22

The Million Girls Moonshot is launching its inaugural Flight Crew!

The Flight Crew is a cohort of youth advocates, ages 13-18, who are committed to creating equity for girls in STEM through elevating youth voices and inspiring future STEM leaders. We are looking for young scientists, engineers, inventors, builders, and leaders who have been inspired by their...

BY: Leah Silverberg      01/28/22

January resources from Million Girls Moonshot

Quality Trainings Audience: For programs and program staff in your state Share with Network STEM Staff, Key Partners, and Program Leaders in your state interested in becoming Dimensions of Success Certified. More information found here. Dimensions of Success (DoS) Certification...

BY: Chris Neitzey      01/14/22

December Resources from Million Girls Moonshot

December brings us the opportunity to reflect on our successes and explore how we might do more as we head into a new year. Below we bring you the December assets from the Million Girls Moonshot, and encourage you to share these resources with your networks and partners. If you are interested in...

BY: Chris Neitzey      12/20/21

CyberStart America: A free computer science/cybersecurity program for afterschool

By Kate Straus, National Cyber Scholarship Foundation. The digitized and online world we now live in has revolutionized how we work, seek entertainment, stay informed and connect with each other. Unfortunately, it has also revolutionized how cyber criminals can target us! Whether temporarily...

BY: Guest Blogger      12/03/21

November resources from Million Girls Moonshot

Photo courtesy of Million Girls Moonshot Below are the November resources from Million Girls Moonshot. This month’s asset package includes resources to share and utilize related to the four transformative practices: equity and inclusion, engineering mindsets, role models, mentors and...

BY: Chris Neitzey      11/19/21

Upcoming STEM opportunities from Million Girls Moonshot

Teen Science Cafe The Teen Science Cafe is an opportunity for youth in rural areas to engage in conversations around STEM with each other and with a scientist, engineer, or inventor. Uniquely fitted to afterschool and out-of-school time programs, the goal of the Teen Science Cafe is to garner...

BY: Maria Rizo      09/30/21

Engineer for the Week: Bring free, high-quality STEM learning to your students!

Are you an afterschool practitioner looking for high-quality, cost-free curriculum to help your students develop computer science skills and explore engineering? Do you believe all students should have access to high-quality, cost-free programming where they can develop computer science skills...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      03/03/22

CyberStart America: A free computer science/cybersecurity program for afterschool

By Kate Straus, National Cyber Scholarship Foundation. The digitized and online world we now live in has revolutionized how we work, seek entertainment, stay informed and connect with each other. Unfortunately, it has also revolutionized how cyber criminals can target us! Whether temporarily...

BY: Guest Blogger      12/03/21

Engineer for the Week Fall Sprint is now open for registration!

Are you an afterschool practitioner looking for high-quality, cost-free curriculum to help your students develop computer science skills and explore engineering? Do you believe all students should have access to high-quality, cost-free programming where they can develop computer science skills...

BY: Leah Silverberg      09/02/21

July resources from Million Girls Moonshot

This month’s resources from the Million Girls Moonshot offer tools and resources for programs looking to implement STEM learning in summer programming. This summer provides an opportunity to reintroduce the four transformative programming areas of the Moonshot: equity and inclusion,...

BY: Chris Neitzey      07/30/21