July resources from Million Girls Moonshot

53 years ago, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin made history when they became the first human beings to set foot on the moon. The Million Girls Moonshot is aiming for the future, to soar beyond the moon, launching the next generation of engineers and scientists. What will be their “giant leap”? And most importantly, how do we, as Networks, partners, and program providers, support young people on their journey to explore the galaxy of possibilities within STEM?

National Summer Learning Week

July 10-14 is Summer Learning Week - themes for the week include: Love of Literacy & Learning; Amazing Arts; Wonders of Wellness, Health & Sports; STEM; Community & Leadership. Check out NSLA’s page for research, program information and resources.

Post your summer learning activities on social media (see media asset package and the NSLA social media toolkit for ideas) to share the power of summer learning! #SummerLearningWeek

Special Opportunities

Techbridge Girls Equity and Inclusion Community of Practice: August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9, and December 14

Techbridge Girls is excited to announce that applications are being accepted to join the Fall 2023 STEM Equity Learning Community. All out-of-school time (OST) supervisors and administrators for programs that serve Black, Indigenous, and Latina girls and gender-expansive youth are encouraged to apply. Participation in the CoP includes 5 sessions and stipends. Attend the information session on July 6 at 1 p.m. ET/ 10am PT. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE.

Techbridge Girls Curriculum Program with Training and Kits

Join us at an upcoming Techbridge Girls Information Session to learn more about our program offering for this Fall! Each of our services equips educators with gender- and culturally-responsive teaching tools and full program kitting materials to support youth persistence in STEM and expose girls to BIPOC peers and role models from STEM fields. Participation includes educator training, all materials and a stipend.

Information Sessions: July 13 at 7 p.m. EST/ 4 p.m. PST and August 8 at 3 p.m. ET/ noon PST. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE

Teen Science Cafe Moonshot Fellows

Become a Teen Science Café Fellow! Teen Science Cafes are a free, fun way for teens to engage in lively conversations with STEM experts that explore the advances in science and technology that affect their lives. In these events, teens socialize over teen-friendly food and drink and have a lively conversation with local scientists and engineers about current cutting-edge develo p.m.ents in their fields, all in a relaxed and informal out-of-school setting. Teen Science Cafés are for teens, by teens. Teen Science Cafés are not just for the science geeks; they are for all curious teens. Along the way, teen organizers gain a host of leadership skills. Cafés are typically run about an hour and a half once per month during the school year. A $2,500 stipend is provided to selected participants to support the implementation of Teen Science Cafes. APPLY TO BE A TEEN SCIENCE CAFE MOONSHOT FELLOW HERE

ACRES Moonshot Virtual STEM Coach

Are you an afterschool leader and looking to build capacity for STEM engagement in your afterschool program? Would you like to train your staff through a live, nationally recognized coaching program? In partnership with the Million Girls Moonshot, the ACRES team is looking for job-secure afterschool program leaders (i.e. Site Directors, Site Coordinators, STEM Specialists, Professional Develo p.m.ent and Training staff) who work directly with frontline staff to be trained to become an ACRES Virtual STEM Coach. As an ACRES Virtual STEM Coach, you will build your organization's capacity by training 3 to 6 members of your staff in at least 2 ACRES modules. This is your chance to be part of an educational change on how we train and support educators to facilitate high-quality, engaging STEM that reaches all youth. A $500 stipend is provided for selected participants to attend the training plus $1000 for each of the two cohorts you facilitate. Space is limited.  Applications due July 10.

Trainings (Curriculum and Resource Trainings)

ACRES Training Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions: Fridays: 07/07/2023, 07/212023, 08/04/2023 from 1 to 3 p.m. EST/10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 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: AC250PQ

ACRES Training Cohort: Elevating Youth Voice and Choice: Mondays: 08/07/2023, 08/21/2023, 09/11/2023 from 3 to 5 p.m. EST/12 - 2 p.m. PST

How often do youth in your program get to choose what they’re investigating or designing, the materials they might use, and/or how they engage with the work? In this module, participants try out strategies for elevating youth voice and choice and apply the ideas as they redesign a STEM activity to incorporate a greater variety of youth input. *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.  Completion of the Asking Purposeful Questions module is a prerequisite for this module. REGISTER HERE Code: AC251VC

ACRES STEM Micro-Credential Workshop:

Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. EST / 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. PST

Wednesday, September 6 at 12 - 1 p.m. EST / 9 - 10 a.m. PST

Wednesday, November 8 at 8 - 9 p.m. EST / 5 - 6 p.m. PST

ACRES (Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM) is excited to offer workshops about STEM micro-credentials, which are competency-based, digital badges for afterschool and out-of-school professionals offered through the National Afterschool Association. These sessions are free, live, interactive, and one hour in length. REGISTER

Hiring Interns or Teen Leaders for the Summer? Asynchronous Course

Click2ComputerScience’s new course, Teens Learning to Lead, is a great way to help new interns get prepared for working with youth.  It is a leadership course for high school and college-aged people designed for participants to complete on their own, or with a team.  We recommend that teams who will be teaching together over the summer complete the course together. Participants will need a computer and a journal for reflecting on their learning.  The reflection points can be the basis for discussions with a supervisor. mentor or coach that will help participants learn and grow as leaders.

This is a self-directed online learning experience offered at no cost by Click2ComputerScience.  The course is divided into four units with a culminating experience that lets participants apply what they have learned. See Teens Learning to Lead for yourself.

Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum Training

Tuesdays: July 18, August 15, September 19, October 17, and November 28, 2023 from 1 to 2 p.m. EST

REGISTER FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SESSION

Date and Time	Afterschool Math Plus Curriculum Topic Areas
July 18 1 to 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 to 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 to 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 to 2 p.m. EST	MusicMath: Composing Music (with Math!) Experiment with repeating patterns and create new arrangements using similar sounds in different sequences.
November 14 1 to 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 12 1 to 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).

Previous Training Recordings: April, May, June

PEAR Program Planning Tool Training
Tuesday, August 1 and Thursday August 3 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. ET/ 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT

The DoS-PPT is a free resource for facilitators of out-of-school and in-school STEM learning programs. The planning tool provides a brief introduction to each dimension of the DoS framework, sample videos, and examples to guide the use of DoS when preparing activity plans for youth. During this training, participants will:

1. Develop high-level understanding of the DoS Framework, dimensions of quality
2. Working with the PPT learn how to plan high quality STEM learning experiences using the DoS Program Planning Tool
3. Work with the newly revised DoS Program Planning Tool to identify and plan for high-quality program and activity planning practices.

REGISTER FOR THE FIRST SESSION

Scientific Adventures for Girls Math Curriculum Training
October 3, 10, and 17 from 12 to 1 p.m. EST / 9 to 10 a.m. PST

REGISTER FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL SESSION

Harnessing the Magic of Math

Join us for a dynamic three-part virtual training series designed to breathe life into math through games, through meaningful, kid-friendly data analysis, and nature exploration. Our sessions focus on strategies that accommodate multiple grade levels and ability levels, helping you meet each student where they are. Prepare to turn your after-school program into a vibrant and engaging mathematical journey!

• Session 1: Let’s Play
  October 3 from 12 to 1 p.m. EST / 9 to 10 a.m. PST

Delve into the world where play meets mathematics. In this session, we'll explore how common game pieces, such as dominoes and dice, can be transformed into effective math teaching and exploration tools. You'll learn strategies for presenting math concepts in a playful, engaging manner, catering to different grade levels and ability levels. We'll discuss how games can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and cooperative learning among students.

• Session 2: Data Detectives
  October 10 from 12 to 1 p.m. EST / 9 to 10 a.m. PST

In our second session, we'll focus on strategies to collect and analyze data in fun and meaningful ways. From measuring the bounce of different balls and exploring exponential decay by eating M&M’s, we'll demonstrate how students can become active participants in the world of gathering and interpreting data.

• Session 3: Nature’s Numbers: Exploring Shapes & Patterns
  October 17 from 12 to 1 p.m. EST / 9 to 10 a.m. PST

In our final session, we will explore the geometric patterns and three-dimensional shapes that exist in the natural world, demonstrating how these can be used to enrich math learning. This session will equip you with strategies to engage all students, from the youngest to the oldest, and from beginner to advanced levels.

About Scientific Adventure for Girls: Scientific Adventures for Girls is a non-profit based in the Bay Area that’s working to change the face of science by introducing girls in elementary school to hands-on STEM learning and removing systematic barriers.

Afterschool and Summer Learning Activities

Activities

Looking for 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.

• First Woman Camp Experience: Hands-on activities that accompany NASA’s “First Woman” graphic novel series
• James Webb Space Telescope STEM Toolkit: Virtual and classroom resources related to the James Webb Space Telescope.
• Sun STEM Toolkit: Virtual and classroom resources related to the sun.
• Sustainable Aviation STEM Toolkit: Virtual and classroom resources related to aviation.
• NASA Coloring Pages: Color and learn about some faraway worlds with these coloring pages.
• NASA for Students Grades K-4: Fun activities centered around all things NASA. Games, puzzles, color, and more.
• Space Place Art Challenge: Space Place monthly art missions. Draw, color or paint the subject of the month.
• Climate Kids: Learn about weather and climate through games, activities, and videos
• Build to Launch with LEGO Education and Artemis I: An interactive digital learning adventure that explores the Artemis I mission to the Moon.
• Clean Room - Europa Clipper: Watch this live YouTube stream as NASA’s Europa Clipper, is built and tested.
• Learn the Phases of the Moon: Assemble a printable Moon Phases Calendar and Calculator.
• Night Sky Network: Astronomy clubs bring the wonder of the universe to the public.
• NASA Space Voyagers Game: A strategy card game where students explore the solar system.
• Mars Scavenger Hunt!: Students participate in a Martian mission by completing the Mars scavenger hunt. 

Mizzen by Mott

Supported by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen is available at no cost to afterschool professionals! Encourage partners to download the Mizzen By Mott app to access STEM  activities at your finger-touch!  You’ll find it in Mizzen.

Featured Activities & Playlists

• Mizzen Playlist: STEM Activities for K-5th Grade in Small Groups - This playlist is a great mix of engineering and science activities that are easy and fun for small groups of students.
• Mizzen Playlist: Science Notebooks for 3rd - 12th Grade - Keeping a notebook can help your students think and act like scientists and engineers. Sample these easy-to-implement strategies and lessons to bring science notebooking into your program.
• Mizzen Module: S.INQ Up Earth and Space for 6-8th Grade - Earth and Space is an inquiry and exploration-based curriculum that uses hands-on activities focused on the relationships between the earth, the solar system, and human impacts on our global environment.

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 to find role models and mentors in STEM.

Transformative Practices

• Equity and Inclusion Article: Building a Community for Indigenous Mathematicians - Easy to read article on identifying as an indigenous mathematician and how to become part of a community of mathematicians.
• Family Engagement Guide: Educator Guide: STEM Activities for Families | NASA/JPL Edu Easy to implement engaging activities for families (as a follow up to after school activities.)
• Role and Models Resource: Career Girls is a comprehensive video-based career exploration tool for girls featuring diverse women STEM role models. It's free to use and contains 16,000 videos, as well as career quizzes and resources.
• Role Models and Mentor Resource: National Mentoring Resource Center is a collection of mentoring resources including handbooks, curricula, manuals, and other resources that practitioners can use to implement and further develop program practices.
• Role Models and Mentors Training Webinar: NGCP celebrated National Mentoring Month in January by highlighting the importance of mentors in empowering girls and young women to actively pursue STEM education and careers. Learn from a panel of speakers including dynamic professionals in STEM who currently serve as mentors and the female students they are mentoring.

• STEM Pathways and Transitions Toolkit: Brokering Youth Pathways: A Toolkit for Connecting Youth to Future Opportunity from the Hive Research Network 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

Here are a few examples of role models to highlight. More can be found in the MEDIA ASSET PACKAGE.

These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and Spaceflight Engineer, Dana Bolles, and can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and for conferences presentations.

• Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil
• Kelly Korreck
• Sydney Hamilton
• Miriam Fuchs