Forwarded to us by our friends at the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE):

[updated 2/10/12] The President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness hosted a ceremony on February 8 with deans of engineering schools that have demonstrated high graduation and retention rates, bringing attention to President Obama’s strategy to create more domestic engineers. The Council also announced a partnership with the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) to develop metrics to formally recognize engineering schools that meet particular graduation and retention levels.

President Obama has stated a goal of graduating 10,000 additional new engineers annually–above the current number of approximately 80,000–primarily through private sector incentives and efforts in engineering schools to attract and retain top talent. The Council is dominated by leaders from companies that rely on a quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) workforce and who have a particular interest in the production of more engineers.

ASEE identified appropriate metrics by which to measure retention and graduation rates, identify schools rated as most effective by these metrics, and publicize best practices. The proposed effort builds upon ongoing work on retention being conducted by ASEE with the support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

“ASEE is well-equipped to gather this data, given our close relationship with schools of engineering and engineering technology,” said Don Giddens, ASEE President and dean emeritus of the Georgia Institute of Technology’s department of biomedical engineering. “We share the Council’s concern regarding the ability of our schools to attract and retain top talent, particularly given the technological demands of the workforce of the next century.”

After the metrics are identified, ASEE will conduct an annual assessment of data supplied by university applicants, reviewed and validated between October and an award announcement in February. Institutions must have a college of engineering with a minimum of one Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology-accredited undergraduate program and offer bachelor’s degrees in engineering or computer science.

Founded in 1893, ASEE is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting excellence in engineering and engineering technology education, and advancing research, public service, and the practice of engineering worldwide.

Originally posted on the Boy’s Latin of Philadelphia Charter School website.

Alec Stith wins city-wide video competition.

All of the videos were uploaded to YouTube and were submitted to a public vote. Alec’s video was among the top three videos to make it to the semi-final round. The final winner was selected by a panel of judges from Apple, Inc. Alec’s video was based on the idea that advances in science and technology have changed the way we are able to communicate with others.

A special “science pep rally” was held in Alec’s honor. Representatives from the Phillies gave out prizes to the students who attended. In addition, cheerleaders from Drexel University, LaSalle University, and the Science Cheerleaders were on hand to support the celebration.

Alec received $100 in iTunes gift certificates and a field trip with his peers to tour of Jill Scott’s professional recording studio. Alec’s teacher, Mr. Smith, also won $250 in classroom funds from Staples, and Dr. Tennant received a signed John Legend CD. A special thanks also went out to Mr. Hasty for promoting the contest in his technology classes at Boys’ Latin and for ensuring that the largest number of student entries came from Boys’ Latin. Students and Mr. Hardy visited Jill Scott’s recording studio on Tuesday, December 13.

Thank you to Fran Andrews and the Philadelphia Math + Science Coalition for coordinating this event.

THE WEATHER CHANNEL TO AIR “CHANGING PLANET” TOWN HALL FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE OF WATER—
Tonight, 5 PM ET and Saturday, 2 PM ET.

NEW YORK, NY— In celebration of NBC Universal’s “Green Is Universal” week, The Weather Channel announced that it will air “Changing Planet: Adapting to Our Water Future” on Thursday, Nov.17th at 5 PM/ET. NBC News Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent Anne Thompson moderated the event, which was hosted by Arizona State University. The town hall is the last in a three-part series produced under a partnership between NBC Learn (the educational arm of NBC News), the National Science Foundation (NSF), Discover magazine and SciStarter (formerly known as ScienceForCitizens.net).

“We face great challenges now, and in the years and decades ahead when it comes to water—including its scarcity and its purity,” said Thompson. “It is important that we have these kinds of discussions about how we can work together to protect and conserve one of our world’s most important resources.”

This edition of “Changing Planet” brings together over 400 students and features four leading experts from science, academia and politics: Bill Richardson, former Governor of New Mexico; Grady Gammage Jr., senior sustainability scholar with the ASU Global Institute of Sustainability and senior research fellow with the ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy; Pat Mulroy, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority; and Heidi Cullen, former climate expert for The Weather Channel and current research scientist and correspondent with “Climate Central.”

The “Changing Planet” town hall series is intended to encourage student learning and to open a dialogue about climate change by gathering scientists, thought leaders, business people, and university students to discuss the facts of climate science, the dynamics of its impact and to brainstorm solutions.

A special print adaptation of “Changing Planet: Adapting to Our Water Future” will appear in the December 2011 issue of Discover magazine, available on November 15. The “Changing Planet” series is taped before a live audience at each university, produced by NBC Learn, and underwritten by NSF, in cooperation with Discover magazine. It is available for viewing on nsf.gov, nbclearn.com/climate and discovermagazine.com.

Viewers and readers are invited to get involved through a series of citizen science projects developed to help researchers monitor ecological and environmental changes to the planet. Visit www.scistarter.com for more information.

In addition to the town halls, NBC Learn and NSF recently added five new “Changing Planet” reports to its 17 part series, which looks at the impact of climate change in various locations around the world. New titles include:

1) Disappearing Lizards
2) Survival of Trees
3) Bark Beetle Outbreaks
4) Grapevines and Drought
5) Changing Mosquito Genes

Designed for use in the classroom, each report is correlated to state standards and includes a lesson plan with activities created by the “Windows to the Universe” project team at the National Earth Science Teachers Association. The videos are available on nbclearn.com/climate, nsf.gov, and Windows2Universe.org, and are available for widespread broadcast and digital distribution.

Former NFL and NBA cheerleaders to lead 1,300 Pop Warner youth cheerleaders in attempt to capture record currently held by China.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. (Nov. 11, 2011) – Tomorrow, more than 1,300 Pop Warner cheerleaders will join Science Cheerleader members in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record™ for the “World’s Largest Cheering Team” – a record currently held by China. Former NFL and NBA cheerleaders will lead the youth cheerleading squads in a five-minute cheer that touts the importance of science and engineering.

Both organizations marry sports with education, making the partnership a natural fit. The Science Cheerleaders are current and former professional cheerleaders for the NBA, NFL and UFL who are also pursuing careers in science and technology. The organization’s mission is to challenge science and cheerleading stereotypes and inspire the nation’s 3-4 million cheerleaders to consider a career in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Pop Warner Little Scholars, the nation’s largest and oldest youth football, cheer and dance organization, is the only youth sports organization that requires scholastic aptitude in order to participate. Pop Warner is committed to developing its young scholar athletes both on and off the field and annually awards its participants over $110,000 in total scholarships.

The current Guinness World Record™ was set in China during the 2008 Olympics with a cheer team of 1,200 people chanting a slogan that translates to, “I love it when China wins.” Pop Warner and Science Cheerleader will attempt to bring this record to the United States by breaking it at the Pop Warner Eastern Region Cheer Championships held at the Sun National Bank Arena.

“Pop Warner places a significant emphasis on academic achievement as well as athletics,” said Mary Fitzgerald, Chief Operating Officer, Pop Warner Little Scholars. “Joining with Science Cheerleader on this world record attempt enables our young athletes to interact with professional cheerleaders who serve as great role models of academic and personal achievement.”

“America does not have enough citizens in the pipeline to remain a global leader in scientific innovation,” said Darlene Cavalier, Founder of Science Cheerleader, and a former Philadelphia 76ers cheerleader. “Women are underrepresented in science and technology careers, so we target this untapped resource by going where they are.”

Stats on the World Record Attempt
o Sun National Bank Arena, Trenton, NJ; Nov. 12th, 12 p.m.
o 1,300 cheerleaders, age 5-15, from DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA
o Led by local Science Cheerleaders including Erin Donnelly (former St. Louis Rams cheerleader, with a BA Biology, BA Psychology, working towards PsyD), Allison Grosso (former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader-turned-biochemist), Sammi Jo Cooper (former Baltimore Ravens cheerleader who now teaches 8th grade science), Heidi Ingathon (former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader-turned-sports scientists) and Lauren White (representing the AFL, who cheered and now coaches for the Philadelphia Souls when she’s not teaching science).
o The cheer was choreographed by 2011 Ms. United States Laura Eilers and Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Commissioner Lisa Moroski

Science Cheerleader Christine McCarthy, a former L.A. Rams cheerleader who holds a PhD in geology, said, “We want to show these kids, and all the cheerleaders out there, that they can have fun cheering and dancing and still pursue fulfilling careers in science and technology at the same time.”

There are more than 100 Science Cheerleaders, profiled on ScienceCheerleader.com, who reach out to regular people from all walks of life, encouraging them to get involved in real scientific research through hundreds of citizen science projects at SciStarter.com.

###
About ScienceCheerleader.com
Founded by Darlene Cavalier, former Philadelphia 76ers cheerleader-turned-science advocate, Science Cheerleader works with more than 100 current and former NFL and NBA cheerleaders. They playfully challenge stereotypes, inspire kids to consider careers in science and technology, and encourage everyday people to get involved in real science activities through citizen science projects at SciStarter.com. Cavalier and her efforts with both organizations are featured in the December, 2011 issue of Discover Magazine. Learn more at www.sciencecheerleader.com and www.scistarter.com.

About Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.
Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Langhorne, PA, Pop Warner Little Scholars is the world’s largest youth football, cheerleading and dance organization and the only youth sports organization that emphasizes academics as a prerequisite for participation. Currently there are over 400,000 children in Pop Warner organizations in 43 states, Scotland, Germany, Russia, Japan and Mexico. The NFLPA estimates that 70% of all current NFL Players got their start in Pop Warner programs. For more information on Pop Warner and its programs visit www.popwarner.com, on Facebook or follow Pop Warner on Twitter at @Pop_Warner.

Interviews and Photos
o B-roll and still photos from the cheer will be available on Pop Warner’s Facebook page and Science Cheerleader’s Facebook page.
o Interviews are available with executives from both Science Cheerleader and Pop Warner, as well as a variety of cheerleaders participating in the event.

Media Contacts:
Science Cheerleader
Claire LaBeaux
Claire@prclaire.com
925-337-0244

We just learned about a new magazine created for budding female engineers. Thanks to the American Society for Engineering Education for sending us the following information.

What do the blockbuster movie Avatar, high-performance sports gear, the Angry Birds phone app, and pollution-eating bacteria have in common? They are among a host of fascinating innovations developed by engineers and featured in the newest edition of the American Society for Engineering Education’s (ASEE) Engineering, Go For It magazine.
The kid-friendly magazine is part of ASEE’s campaign to inspire more K-12 students, particularly young women and underrepresented minorities, to pursue engineering careers. Illustrating how engineers make a difference in the world, the new edition includes:

* Stories featuring robots that imitate animals, Hollywood special effects, clean energy innovations, and technological advances giving athletes a winning edge.
* Engaging profiles on an array of engineering careers and disciplines.
* Fresh, cutting-edge examples of engineering innovations that are transforming fields from aerospace and medical care to architecture and materials science
* Interviews with eight students currently participating in the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship sponsored by the Department of Defense and administered by ASEE, available here.
There’s even a related blog. Check it out.

“The emerging field of Synthetic Biology aims to utilize rapid developments in biotechnology to engineer synthetic biological systems for useful purposes, and in doing so, increase our understanding of and interactions with the natural world. The SBx.0 international conference series is the preeminent meeting in the field of Synthetic Biology.”
I ripped that off the website of the BioBricks Foundation, organizers of SynBio 2.0 (SBx.0). You can learn more about the conference here. I had the pleasure of speaking there last June. If you’re interested in learning more about the avenues for education about synthetic biology, I’ve embedded a session about this topic, below. (At ~57 minutes, you’ll see where I finally realize my price tag is hanging out of my shirt. Nice.)

W2D1-vimeo 843 from Holly Million on Vimeo.

And now a word from a scientist we worked with at the World’s Maker Faire this past weekend. SciCheers Rachel (recent Redskins cheerleader and Navy officer currently earning her nurse anesthetist degree), Amanda (recent St. Louis Rams cheerleader in her fourth year of medical school at Columbia University) and Christine (former LA Rams cheerleader, Ph.D., Geologist, post-doc research scientist) volunteered to help get thousands of people engaged in citizen science activities. Read more about them, and the event, here.

The scientists we worked with, like many people, raised their eyebrows at the mere thought of Science Cheerleaders. We’re used to that. We’ve also grown accustomed to the evolution in opinions once people see the SciCheers in action. We thought we’d share one recent testimonial with you:

(See pix of the SciCheers at the Maker Faire here.)

Carlyn S. Buckler, Ph.D.
Education and Outreach Associate
Paleontological Research Institution
and its Museum of the Earth
Adj. Asst. Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
State University New York, Oneonta
1259 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
www.MuseumoftheEarth.org

This is a guest blog post from Science Cheerleader Summer (NASA engineer and former Houston Texans cheerleader). Below, Summer shares her interview with Dr. Sandra Magnus who was the last female astronaut to fly on the last Space Shuttle mission.

The final Space Shuttle mission, STS-135, ended on July 21st when Atlantis rolled to its final stop at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Space Shuttle program spanned an era of 30 years (as long as I’ve been alive) and achieved many great things for our nation, including technological advancement and building one of the most amazing structures that remains above us – the International Space Station. Thousands of bright, committed and passionate men and women contributed with perseverance and endurance of challenges which resulted in such a successful part of our United States space program – NASA. As a member of the NASA team for 8 years now and as a Science Cheerleader, I decided to find a just few small facts about female astronauts in the Space Shuttle Program to share with all of you Science Cheerleader fans. (You can go learn more about NASA astronauts here.)

• 1983 – Dr. Sally Ride was the first woman to fly on a Space Shuttle
• 1995 – Eileen Collins was the first woman pilot of a Space Shuttle
• 1999 – Eileen Collins was the first female Space Shuttle Commander
• 49 women flew on Space Shuttles
• 44 Americans
• 2 Canadians
• 2 Japanese
• 1 Russian
• 2011 – Sandra Magnus was the last female astronaut to fly on the last Space Shuttle mission

Sandra Magnus is an astronaut I was particularly interested in hearing from because in November 2008, she was part of the crew that installed Crew Quarters on the International Space Station. Crew Quarters was a project I worked on as an engineer for just over four years here at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX and my greatest engineering achievement to date! When the opportunity arose to interview astronauts on the history-making, very last Space Shuttle mission, STS-135, I decided to ask Sandra questions about her first experiences with science, becoming an astronaut, challenges she faced, her interests outside of science and engineering and, of course, her experience with my project, Crew Quarters. Read the interview below and see what you might have in common with an astronaut and if there is anything you can learn from Sandra.

Summer: What was your first real experience with science/engineering?
Sandra: I remember dissecting frogs in my middle school science class. I am not sure why I remember that so clearly but that definitely was one of my first formal experiences. We also studied the solar system. I think, though, that I have always been curious about how the world works. I remember my parents purchasing a book for me titled “200 Questions Why” when I was very young.

Summer: Why did you decide to become an astronaut?
Sandra: I wanted to explore and work on the edge of technology and of course, see the planet from space!

Summer: What education and experiences brought you to where you are now?
Sandra: Well I started off in Physics. When I was in high school and formulating my plan for how I was going to get someday, hopefully, to the Astronaut office I really did not know anything about Engineering. So I latched on to Physics as my means. Physics was a great fit for me because it explains how the world works and as I mentioned before that was something that always intrigued me. When I got to college I discovered Engineering and that became interesting to me. I also got tired of school so I decided to work for a while and get a masters, in Electrical Engineering at night. I worked in stealth technology at McDonnell Douglas helping to design a new kind of aircraft. It was there that my interest in materials and how they work matured. At that point I decided to do my PhD in the study of materials. In some ways this was the perfect intersection of science and engineering. After my PhD I applied to the Astronaut program and was lucky enough to get selected. So I started with one plan, go Physics all the way, and as I got out into the world and broadened my horizons, I discovered other interests and changed my plan. I think it is important to have a plan but not to be afraid to change it or alter as you pursue your goal and broaden your experience base.

Summer: What challenges did you face growing up and/or in school as a girl?
Sandra: Well in high school I was considered one of the “smart girls” and did not ever go to a prom or date much. At the time that was kind of tough but it is probably not outside of the norm for most teen-agers. It is an age where we all feel awkward no matter who we are and what labels are applied to us. You just have to believe in yourself and be yourself!
Summer: Describe your interaction with ISS Crew Quarters delivered to the station on STS-126. {I am personally curious since I was an engineer on the Crew Quarters team and would like to share it with the girls} How do the Crew Quarters affect life on the Space Station?
Sandra: First of all my I actually built both of the crew quarters that we delivered on STS-126. They arrived “some assembly” required with lots of piece parts. It felt like Christmas a bit! The procedures were well done and they went together fairly straightforwardly. The only issue that I really had to deal with mechanically was the use of torque tip fasteners as launch restraint devices. These kinds of fasteners should never be used in applications where they are expected to be removed, especially in space. The physics involved in applying the necessary force and direction is difficult is space and these fasteners strip very easily. But, in any event, the crew quarters are essential for life on the space station. It is very important to have your own private space to keep your stuff and have a place to have “quiet” time. At the end of the day I would retire to my personal space and talk to my family, write journals, review photos, watch a movie on the computer and things like that. The quiet and private space an individual crew quarters provides in extremely important!!

Summer: What advice would you give to girls considering careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math fields?
Sandra: I would encourage any young person interested in the STEM fields to follow their interest. There is so many interesting and exciting things going on in science, technology and exploration that I sometimes wish I had more time on my hands so I could branch out more. There are whole fields in existence now, such as biotechnology and nanotechnology and the intersection of the two, that were just emerging as I finished my studies. It is just fascinating! But more than that, I think one of the most valuable skills that you gain from studying in the STEM area is the ability to solve problems. That is what all of the training is about- looking at a problem, understanding how to break it down into small manageable chunks and then solve each chunk to finally get to the solution to the problem. This is a valuable life skill applicable in every aspect of everyday living!

Summer: What are your future plans?
Sandra: Well at the moment we are still finishing out the last of our STS-135 duties and I see that continuing for several months yet. After that I will have to look to the future so you may have to check back with me towards the end of the year. I have not had much time to think about it and probably will not until then.

Summer: What are your interests outside of STEM?
Sandra: I like to exercise, mainly running, swimming and weight lifting. I am also a soccer player although I have not been able to play for the last few years due to flight assignments (they don’t want us to get hurt while we are in training). I am hoping to start playing again early next year. I love to cook, bake, read and travel as well.

I now know that I have a few things in common with Sandra. I was just like her when I was growing up – considered a “smart girl” and didn’t date much. Sandra also taught me that the Crew Quarters are very useful in space, which really makes an engineer feel good, but that more appropriate fasteners should have been used in the design. (I plan to store that in my memory bank for my next big space flight project. Thanks, Sandra!)

What did you learn from Sandra? What do you have in common with this history making astronaut? Leave a comment!

I encourage you to absorb her advice on considering a career in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math-related field. Remember, if she can be an astronaut, so can you! Girls, we can do anything!

As Sandra said, she is wrapping up her STS-135 duties and still making plans for her future. Hopefully, we can touch base with her in a few months to see where STEM takes her next!
Goooooooooooooooo Science!!
Summer
Science Cheerleader and Aerospace Engineer

Will.i.am has partnered up with Segway inventor and founder of the USFirst Robotics Competition, Dean Kamen, to create a game-changing back-to-school TV special airing Sunday night on ABC titled “i am FIRST: Science is Rock and Roll.” The show, which features special guests including Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, U2’s Bono, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Jack Black and Willow Smith, encourages students to pursue academic excellence in the sciences by showcasing FIRST competitors as the rock stars of the future.

“I was talking to a 14-year-old who was writing code and making LEGOs go 15 miles per hour,” he said. “I’m inspired by these kids, I’m inspired by programs like this and I’m doing all I can… I figured out a way to break through the noise.”

By all accounts, Will.i.am and Dean Kamen are onto something ver, very BIG. Check this out:

The following interview is part of a week-long STEM Matters series produced by Ashoka Changemakers, “the world’s fast track for social change.” Thought-leaders, social innovators, and experts from around the country are sharing how and why science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are critical to our abilities to solve complex problems across a wide range of fields, from climate change, medicine, economic development, space exploration, to the movies!

From Ashoka:

Cheerleaders don’t always get the credit they deserve. So it might surprise you to hear that there’s a cheerleader out there pursuing a professional career in science engineering.

You read that right. Darlene Cavalier embraces her identity as a cheerleader to advocate for STEM education. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and prior to that, spent part of her tenure at Temple University as a pom-pom shaker for three-time NBA champions, the Philadelphia 76ers. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

Cavalier pursued her first degree in communications at Temple University, took on cheerleading to supplement her income, and ended up at Discover Magazine, where she would eventually serve as a senior advisor. She is also the founder of Science Cheerleader, featuring NBA and NFL cheerleaders-turned-scientists and engineers who challenge stereotypes and inspire more people to consider STEM careers. The site has also spawned the popular science portal ScienceForCitizens.net. To add even more dramatic flair to an already fascinating story, she started out in the mail room.

In this exclusive interview with Cavalier, she tells Changemakers about her ascent in the sciences and why she’s chosen STEM education as her new reason to rah-rah.

Read the interview here.