On May 4th, 2013, the regional MATE ROV competition was held at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.  24 middle school teams from Lincoln county competed in the event which focused on ocean observing systems.

Check out this additional article: http://www.beachconnection.net/news/rovwar040713_904.php

Under the watchful eye of Oregon State University student Vanessa Robinson, a Lincoln School student carefully combined tape, a plastic spoon and some small sticks to make his unique version of a catapult. Robinson’s eyes widened as she saw his technique.

“That is a creative solution I’ve never seen before,” she said. “Let’s show your dad.”

Around the pair, dozens of other elementary students and parents were crowded around, working on their own experiments. The gymnasium of Lincoln School was abuzz with laughter, shouting and intense discussions during their once-a-term Family Math and Science Night. A similar event is held at Garfield Elementary. The goal is to have children, families and teachers work together as partners to engage in learning science.

The event is facilitated by a group of enthusiastic soon-to-be teachers who are enrolled in Assistant Professor SueAnn Bottoms’ class on scientific methods. These pre-service teachers don’t get a lot of time to spend actually working with students, which is why Bottoms makes sure that in her class, working with elementary students at Garfield and Lincoln Schools is one of the requirements in her class.

The family night events are coordinated between the College of Education faculty, and the OSU-affiliated programs 4-H and SMILE (Science and Math Investigative Learning Experiences). 4-H holds once-a-week afterschool science and math programs at Garfield and Lincoln, and during fall and spring term, Bottoms’ students usually spend about four or five sessions working one-on-one or in small groups with participating children. This allows them to practice their teaching skills, specifically in the area of science education.

Read the whole story on LIFE@OSU.

But in the last 25 years, the idea of attending college has become more of a reality for Nyssa High School students. In part, that’s because of a strong relationship they’ve formed with Oregon State University through an afterschool program called SMILE (Science & Math Investigative Learning Experiences Program).

SMILE provides educational programming through its afterschool science and math clubs for more than 650 underserved youth, and training and support to 55 teachers in 34 rural grade and high schools in Oregon. The teachers attend workshops held at OSU where they learn to serve as after-school club advisors, are provided curriculum and engaging activities to foster interest and engagement in to participating students which emphasizes math, science, engineering and health. A majority of those students are Latino and Native American, and the rest are low-income white students.

Read more on LIFE@OSU

Join us at the Hatfield Marine Science Center for How Do We Explore? Volume 2 of the Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection from NOAA.  During this day long professional development for educators of 5-12th grade students, participants will learn how to use standards-based lessons and other online resources that guide classroom investigations into the innovative exploration and equipment on the Okeanos Explorer research vessel.  Registration is required and space is limited.  Educators who participate the full day will receive a $50 stipend as well as education materials, a continental breakfast and lunch.  To download a registration form visit http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/visitor/education-programs/teachers.

Students in the 9-12th grades visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center from 9:30 to 3:30 to hear from researchers about upcoming projects and assist in data collection, explore science through hands-on activities and experience behind-the-scenes tours.  The cost is $20.00 per student or $25.00 with a t-shirt.  For a flier and registration form visit http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/visitor/education-programs/career-day.  Pre-registration is required and space is limited!

Kasra Asizian, right, Ralen Jones, center, and Sophie Wilson, left, help clear weeds in the SAGE community garden as part of a community service project. Photo: Theresa Hogue

Check out the article here: http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/education/osu-program-catches-bright-kids-early/article_617e79fe-d31e-11e1-8077-0019bb2963f4.html?comment_form=true

Job Description: Student will lead K-12 students during their sponsored field trips to OSU, provide campus tours and work with the Precollege Programs Coordinator to organize activities for the groups. Schedule permitting assistance with the actual visit to OSU will be required.  When there are no groups, the student will do light office work assisting the Office of Precollege Programs and other youth outreach programs.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Providing campus tours to visiting school and community groups, escorting groups to activities/presentations and answering applicable questions.
• Acting as an ambassador and representative for both OSU and Precollege Programs.
• Working in the office, creating information packets for groups, assisting with advertising opportunities, helping with mailings and other organizational tasks.
• Assisting other precollege programs at events and in the office.
• Being flexible to do a variety of tasks that may arise, with a schedule that might change week-to-week.

Job Qualifications: Must have experience working with youth, especially middle school students, and have demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to lead large groups.  Students should be able to effectively communicate with K-12 students, as well as teachers and faculty.  Should be self-directed and motivated individuals who are able to adapt to changing circumstances.  The job also requires extensive walking, familiarity with campus, and a flexible schedule.  Spanish language skills are a plus.

Department: Precollege Programs – Supervisor: Katie Neiert – Dates: Academic Year 2012-13

Please email cover letter describing why you are interested in and qualified for this position. Also attach resume with 2-3 professional references and an unofficial transcript. If chosen for an interview, you will be required to submit your fall class schedule.

Email all materials to katie.neiert@oregonstate.edu by Friday, June 8th.