Community Activities
Community Activities
Providers of STEM learning experiences for K-12 students, educators and parents, college students, and life-long learners of all ages in MetroWest and across the Commonwealth are welcome to share their events and activities on the MSEN website and email digest.
To do so, you may email the information asked in this PDF form to stemnet@framingham.edu, and we will list your event on this Community Activities page, in the MSEN Bi-Weekly Digest, and on our social media accounts.
MetroWest Community Activities
May
The ultimate gathering of cyber experts & enthusiasts at the 2025 Cybersecurity Summit presented by Towerwall & MassBay Community College.
For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-cybersecurity-summit-registration-1119795120349?aff=oddtdtcreator
On a two-year journey to Mars, astronauts will face extraordinary challenges: long distance, a closed environment, isolation, altered gravity, radiation. What will it take to get astronauts to Mars—and back—safely?
For tickets and more information, visit: https://cm-center.org/event/may23film
June
WPI’s newest master’s program, designed for educators, combines classroom best practices with STEM education research. Applications due Sunday, June 1, 2025.
For more information, visit: https://wpi-grad.cleancatalog.net/stem-for-pk12-educators/ms-in-integrated-stem-education
Middle schools, high schools, and colleges in Worcester County, Massachusetts, are invited to send teams for an afternoon of competitive fun. Teams are required to be accompanied by a faculty member from your school. Team registration deadline is Thursday, May 22, 2025.
For more event information, rules, and to register your team, visit: https://www.wpi.edu/news/annual-events/k-12/water-rocket-competition
Join us for this webinar to learn how early childhood educators and caregivers can utilize playful, low-cost, and screen-free approaches to introducing high-tech STEAM concepts and skills.
For more information, visit: https://ngcproject.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/ngcproject/event.jsp?event=792&
NGCP is conducting a brief survey to understand the impact of recent funding and policy changes on STEM equity efforts. We want to know if your work has been affected and how we can help.
The survey will close on June 13, 2025. Thank you for participating!
To honor the 42nd anniversary of Sally Ride becoming the first American woman in space, the McAuliffe Center is hosting a special evening consisting of FREE fun for everyone!
For more information, visit: https://cm-center.org/event/sallysnight
DESE is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis for this train-the-trainer session. WPI STEM Education Center partnered with DESE to develop the initial training, and we are happy to continue supporting this impactful work.
For more information, visit: https://www.doe.mass.edu/stem/ste/spa-ambassador.html?utm_source=DA-Commissioner%27s+Weekly+Update&utm_campaign=efafc7df6e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_03_17_07_39&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-efafc7df6e-44062838
Animal Adaptions and Bioengineering
A 2-Day Focus Workshop
Your team of engineers specializes in creating prosthetics for injured animals. You have been hired by a local organization that provides this service and need to create a prototype for a specific injured animal. Investigations include understanding prosthetics, what they are used for, and why they are necessary; exploring animal adaptations and using new knowledge to create a new species; researching a specific terrestrial or marine animal and creating a fact sheet for it; and the final Challenge.
For more information, visit: https://www.wadeinstitutema.org/focus-workshops/
The Lights On Afterschool poster contest is officially open, and this year, we’re looking for any artwork that represents the spirit of afterschool programs. We’re looking to gather new or existing materials to make things even more exciting. If your program has pre-made artwork celebrating afterschool, send it in!
For more information, visit: https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/afterschoolsnack/The-2025-Lights-On-Afterschool-Poster-Contest-is-open_04-03-2025.cfm?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=LOA%20poster%20contest%20announcement%202025&utm_medium=email
July
Explore how seasonal changes shape ecosystems, from rivers and forests to school gardens. Learn to “read” the landscape, discover how plants and wildlife respond to weather and climate, and bring real-world science into your classroom through hands-on investigations and participatory science projects.
For more information, visit: https://wadeinstituteforscienceeducation.wufoo.com/forms/z1t5jg5h1nopgvd/
This interactive online course explores how AI can shape the future of PK–12 STEM education by equipping educators with the skills and tools to integrate AI into their teaching.
For more information, visit: https://www.wpi.edu/sites/default/files/2025-02/AI-in-STEM-Education-2025.pdf
Investigate how climate change is affecting Massachusetts' coastal habitats and explore conservation efforts to protect them. Use real scientific tools to collect and analyze data on rising temperatures, sea level changes, and invasive species. Discover engineering solutions to mitigate climate impacts and bring real-world environmental science into your classroom.
For more information, visit: https://wadeinstituteforscienceeducation.wufoo.com/forms/z1t5jg5h1nopgvd/
This hands-on workshop for elementary STEM educators will explore the “Engineering Nightlights” and “Engineering Magnetic Dog Doors” units, helping you gain tools to lead professional learning workshops using the YES curriculum.
For more information, visit: https://yes.mos.org/professional-learning/webinars-workshops/
A workshop for middle school educators to explore YES’s “Engineering Eco-Friendly Slippers” unit and the “User Reviews” module using MATLAB. Learn to integrate engineering and computer science, guiding students in designing sustainable solutions.
For more information, visit: https://yes.mos.org/professional-learning/webinars-workshops/
This course introduces the Storyline Model, a student-centered approach that helps learners 'figure out' and explain scientific phenomena while supporting the implementation of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). An OpenSciEd unit will be modeled.
For more information, visit: https://www.wpi.edu/sites/default/files/2025-02/Storyline-July-2025_0.pdf
Biology, chemistry, and physics teachers are invited to apply for a unique opportunity to participate in an NSF-funded project on active matter, led by Dr. Kun-Ta Wu. This two-day summer workshop will delve into the fascinating world of active matter and the Vicsek model simulation.
For more information, visit: https://wpi.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5v6i4nJ7maPL1Ns
August
This free 4-day training, offered in collaboration with DESE, supports Massachusetts high school educators in implementing the OpenSciEd curriculum.
For more information, visit: https://www.wpi.edu/sites/default/files/2025-02/OSE-HS-Launch-Aug-2025_0.pdf
This online course explores best practices for creating inclusive STEM learning environments, addressing elements of high-quality teaching across various educational settings to support students’ diverse needs.
For more information, visit: https://www.wpi.edu/sites/default/files/2025-03/Classroom-Climate-2025.pdf
DESE is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis for this train-the-trainer session. WPI STEM Education Center partnered with DESE to develop the initial training, and we are happy to continue supporting this impactful work.
For more information, visit: https://www.doe.mass.edu/stem/ste/spa-ambassador.html?utm_source=DA-Commissioner%27s+Weekly+Update&utm_campaign=efafc7df6e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_03_17_07_39&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-efafc7df6e-44062838
Explore the connection between birds and environmental change with Manomet scientists. Participate in hands-on research at Manomet’s living laboratory, including a bird banding experience to collect valuable migration data. Learn about the breeding and nesting habits of Massachusetts shorebirds and gain lesson plans, bird monitoring projects, and strategies for Phenomena-Based Learning that align with the MA Science and Technology/Engineering Framework.
For more information, visit: https://wadeinstituteforscienceeducation.wufoo.com/forms/z1t5jg5h1nopgvd/
Jumpstart your school year with hands-on engineering! In this energetic, interactive webinar, you’ll design a model bench, explore YES’s “What is Engineering?” lesson from K-8 units, and discover how these short, easy, and engaging challenges foster student creativity, teamwork, and problem solving from day one. Perfect for any educator ready to bring STEM to life!
For more information, visit: https://yes.mos.org/professional-learning/webinars-workshops/