Press Releases Archives - Page 2 of 3

Edward Waters College to host regional qualifying tournament for First Lego League educational robotics

December 8, 2017 By STEM2Hub

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Dec. 8, 2017 — Edward Waters College will cap off Computer Science Education Week activities this Saturday by hosting the “Tiger Den Qualifier” FIRST LEGO League tournament with Renaissance Jax, Inc.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Adams-Jenkins Sports & Music Complex

1833 Kings Rd.

Jacksonville, FL 32209

The 2017-2018 competition theme, HYDRO DYNAMICS, focuses on water: how people find, transport, use, or dispose of it. Guided by two or more adult coaches, FIRST LEGO League teams comprising up to 10 members in grades four through eight research a real-world problem related to the competition theme and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, and program a robot using LEGO software, then compete on a tabletop playing field. Twenty-two teams are entered in Saturday’s competition.

Students in EWC’s Department of Teacher Education and Urban Studies are supporting the tournament as volunteers and working toward training to coach robotics teams in communities surrounding EWC.

“By complementing its teacher education program with opportunities to support and lead activities like the Code.org curriculum, Computer Science Foundations, and the FIRST LEGO League, Edward Waters College is equipping a new generation of educators with tools to inspire teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking in their students,” said Kathleen Schofield, the STEM2 Hub’s K-12 program director.

“Edward Waters College is honored to host the Tiger Den Qualifier on our campus. This is great exposure of our campus and for our students and can be a gateway to cutting-edge research in our academic pursuits. We welcome this energy to our campus,” said Talia Ashley, Marketing and Communications Specialist for EWC.

“Our Department of Teacher Education and Urban Studies has worked hand-in-hand with our surrounding schools and the STEM2 Hub to encourage and engage our community in STEM and computer science experiences,” said Josetta Arnold, EWC’s STEM coordinator.

About Renaissance Jax, Inc.

Renaissance Jax is a non-profit organization dedicated to invigorating technology culture in Jacksonville, Florida. As an official Lego League Affiliate Partner for FIRST, we help Jacksonville-area kids and teenagers explore their love for engineering and technology in a fun, educational environment that promotes academic and career achievement.

About the Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub

The Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub represents an investment initially made by 15 companies headquartered in region. The mission is to convene, inspire, and invest in the STEM2 field by providing the essential missing elements to accelerate the growth of STEM2 education and careers in the 7 North Florida counties of Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns. For a list of the current corporate board members and more information about the STEM2 Hub in Northeast Florida, visit our website at stem2hub.org.

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STEM2 Hub, MOSH, and DCPS host Hackathon for Computer Science Education Week

December 5, 2017 By STEM2Hub

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Dec. 5, 2017 — The Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub, Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History (MOSH), and Duval County Public Schools will host a hackathon event at MOSH to celebrate Computer Science Education Week.

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 6

8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE: MOSH

1025 Museum Circle

Jacksonville, FL 32207

Students from Atlantic Coast, Andrew Jackson, Fletcher, Mandarin and Sandalwood high schools will work in teams of three to create an app that can help humans in the event that aliens visit or contact Earth.

“Computer Science Education Week is an important opportunity to inspire students’ interest in computer science. Through the Hackathon, we hope to spark a passion in students to pursue the creative process using technology and test their creations so others can use and benefit from them,” said Kathleen Schofield, K-12 program director for the STEM2 Hub.

“Duval County Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education Department is excited to bring this unique opportunity to our students! Computer science is a critical subject of the future, and this Hackathon presents students with the challenge of creating an emergency app that will solve a real life problem through teamwork and tenacity,” said Alexandra Vlachakis, DCPS’ career and technical education director of STEM, IT and computer science.

Three first place winners will each receive a Lenovo laptop donated by Urban Mining PBC, and three second place winners will each receive a membership to MOSH.

“We’re always looking for new ways to boost STEM education and careers in Northeast Florida, which is why we are excited to be a part of today’s Computer Science Education Week’s hackathon. As a way to show our support, Urban Mining will provide each of the three student winners a refurbished Lenovo laptop to help them continue to excel at their STEM education,” stated Steven Kaufman, CEO of Urban Mining.

“We are thrilled to partner with STEM2 Hub and Duval County Public Schools to host the Hackathon here at the Museum. Computer Science Education Week provides a unique experience that encourages curiosity and ignites excitement about computer science for students,” said Maria Hane, President of MOSH.

About the Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub

The Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub represents an investment initially made by 15 companies headquartered in the region. The mission is to convene, inspire, and invest in the STEM2 field by providing the essential missing elements to accelerate the growth of STEM2 education and careers in the seven North Florida counties of Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns. For a list of the current corporate board members and more information about the STEM2 Hub in Northeast Florida, visit our website at stem2hub.org.

About MOSH

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, inspires the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12.50 for adults; $10 for youth, students, active and retired military and seniors. There is no admission fee for children 2 and under or Museum members. Admission is $5 on Fridays. Learn more at www.themosh.org.

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The Bethel Church hosts first robotics tournament for elementary and middle school students

November 4, 2017 By STEM2Hub

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Nov. 2, 2017 — New STEM and robotics learning opportunities will be available in Jacksonville’s Urban Core this weekend thanks to a partnership between the Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub, Renaissance Jax, and Bethel Baptist Institutional Church.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE: Bethel Baptist Institutional Church

215 Bethel Baptist St.

Jacksonville, FL 32202

The practice robotics tournament will be open to students from nine to 15 years old who are part of an existing FIRST LEGO League team and who have not participated in a previous practice tournament this year. Parents and children who are interested in learning more about competitive robotics are welcome to come out and see what the activities are like for themselves.

The 2017-2018 competition theme, HYDRO DYNAMICSSM” , focuses on water: how people find, transport, use, or dispose of it. Guided by two or more adult coaches, FIRST LEGO League teams comprising up to 10 members in grades four through eight research a real-world problem related to the competition theme and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, and program a robot using LEGO software, then compete on a tabletop playing field.

“The FIRST robotics programs develop and refine the programming, engineering, and problem-solving skills that students will need to compete in the future workforce,” said Robert Copeland, executive director of the STEM2 Hub. “Hosting robotics activities at The Bethel Church helps us reach even more students in Jacksonville’s Urban Core neighborhoods with engaging and exciting STEM activities so that they can start to picture themselves in STEM careers and learn more about opportunities in these fields.”

“We are continually impressed with the outpouring of support from our community and are excited to work with Bethel Baptist to grow an amazing presence with FIRST LEGO League so that students and mentors can grow from the site each year. What they’re doing with the BEST Academy is amazing and we are looking forward to the church becoming a premier site for competitive youth robotics in the region,” said Mark McCombs, executive director of Renaissance Jax, the Northeast Florida affiliate for FIRST LEGO League.

About the Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub

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STEM2 Hub and Code.Org Regional Partner FSCJ to host computer science social with corporate board members, school administrators, and counselors at MOSH

October 27, 2017 By STEM2Hub

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Oct. 27, 2017 — The Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub along with the Northeast Regional Partner for Code.org, Florida State College at Jacksonville, will host a wine and cheese social connecting its corporate board members with K-12 Principals and guidance counselors representing districts across seven Northeast Florida counties on Wednesday, Nov. 8. A representative from Code.org, Don Miller, will facilitate conversations about the critical importance of computer science education in preparation for Computer Science Education Week on Dec. 4-10.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbQVJuQFuXp/

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 8

6 – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Museum of Science and History

1025 Museum Circle

Jacksonville, FL 32207

WHO: School administrators and guidance counselors from Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam,

and St. Johns counties

STEM2 Hub board members

FSCJ administrators

Don Miller, Code.org’s regional manager for the Southeast U.S.

“With the demand growing for college graduates with a computer science degree, we feel it’s essential to collaborate with our educational partners to ensure the students in and around our community receive integrated curriculum that will best prepare them for postsecondary education and the workforce,” said FSCJ President Dr. Cynthia Bioteau in a news release announcing the new partnership in April 2016. “Our partnership as a Code.org Professional Learning Partner allows us to emphasize bringing computer science education to every school.”

“FSCJ’s partnership with Code.org draws teachers from all over Florida to Jacksonville for professional development in computer science education, so we are incredibly fortunate to have them right here in our community. This event will strengthen relationships between K-12 educators, FSCJ and Code.org, and our corporate board members so that we can work together to improve computer science education access and quality in our schools,” said Robert Copeland, executive director of the STEM2 Hub.

Through the Code.org partnership, FSCJ provides quality professional development to educators in Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties, with Baker County starting soon. The Nov. 8 social is hosted by the STEM2 Hub and FSCJ along with the support of Pitsco.

About the Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub

The Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub represents an investment made by 15 companies headquartered in Jacksonville to convene, inspire, and invest in the STEM2 field by providing the essential missing elements to accelerate the growth of STEM2 education and careers in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties. For a list of corporate board members and more information about the STEM2 field in Northeast Florida, visit our website at stem2hub.org.

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Orange Park Elementary students devise solution to sea turtle rescue challenges used by biologists during Hurricane Irma

October 16, 2017 By STEM2Hub

ORANGE PARK, Fla. Oct. 16, 2017 — South Florida marine biologists have credited a group of Orange Park Elementary School students with developing a tool to transport endangered sea turtle nests that would have otherwise been destroyed during Hurricane Irma.

The Eaglebots, 10 fifth- and sixth-graders who compete on their school’s FIRST LEGO League robotics team, were tasked with inventing something that would improve human interactions with wildlife. Their coaches, Kimber Rauth and Judy Lewis, reached out to Inwater Research Group, an organization that monitors nearly 10 miles of nesting beach in Martin County for loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles.

After asking lots of questions over the course of several Skype sessions, one issue stood out to the students: what happens to the nests in a disaster? Inwater’s biologists told students about one instance following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill where they had to relocate nests away from threatened areas.

“There wasn’t a standard device that would allow organizations to efficiently transport these eggs to safer beaches,” said Mike Bresette, President and Biologist at Inwater.

Inspired to find a solution, the students began developing a device with guidance from Inwater staff, carefully considering the parameters and needs of the biologists to safely transport the eggs.

“I was blown away with what they came up with,” said Rebecca Mott, Education Manager at Inwater. “They really listened to us and developed something that was thoughtful, cost-efficient, and most importantly, effective.”

The Eaglebots presented their Sea Turtle Accessible Relocator (STAR) crate prototype at a robotics tournament in January. Judges were impressed with the students’ ingenuity and thorough research, and awarded them first prize.

“It is thrilling to see how the FIRST robotics program has opened doors for students to engage in work that reaches beyond the walls of the schools and can help solve real problems! Every child needs the opportunity to participate in a program such as this,” said Kathleen Schofield, the K-12 program director for the Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub.

After sharing their win with the team at Inwater, the coaches and students agreed with Inwater to take this prototype one step further by beta testing it with organizations across the state. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission verified that use of the prototype on real sea turtle nests was safe and in line with permitting regulations, and Inwater sponsored the students as they developed an additional 20 crates.

Several organizations have partnered with the Eaglebots and Inwater to test the relocation crates on their own nesting beaches, reporting that the crates are not only clever, but also effective as relocating eggs when they had to the potential to wash out from high tides and storm surges.

“I loved their idea of using foam to absorb any shock while moving the eggs from A to B to keep the clutch as safe as possible,” said a sea turtle technician from Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton. “Overall, we think it’s a genius idea from some very creative kids,” commented David Anderson, Sea Turtle Conservation Coordinator at Gumbo Limbo.

One organization found the crates especially useful when relocating eggs prior to Hurricane Irma in September.

“We needed to move a portion of certain nests that were not only crucial to a very important study on sea turtle health but also in danger of washing out, potentially destroying the eggs,” said Justin Perrault of Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach. “They not only made the process twice as fast but we were able to move multiple clutches of eggs in one crate safely. I was really impressed that kids came up with the idea.”

What started out as a prototype to aid in disaster preparedness ended up paying off by supplying organizations with a real solution to relocating eggs in dire situations.

“My co-coach Judy Lewis and I are extremely proud of the entire Eaglebot team for the time and effort they invested into inventing the STAR crate,” said Rauth. “Their accomplishment showed that all people young and old can make a difference.”

“This is why research and education should go hand in hand,” said Mott. “We’re helping shape tomorrow’s scientists and environmental stewards. I’m ridiculously proud of everything they accomplished because it’s so well-deserved.”

To watch the Eaglebots presenting their prototype at their tournament, visit https://goo.gl/e8Ck9i.

Attached photos: Eaglebots showing off their hard work with Inwater Research Group staff, Cody Mott (back row) and Rebecca Mott (front row); Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Sea Turtle Tech relocating eggs using the STAR crate; Loggerhead Marinelife Center Assistant Director of Research, Justin Perrault relocating eggs ahead of Hurricane Irma.

About Inwater Research Group

Inwater Research Group is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to provide the scientific community and general public with information to promote conservation of coastal and marine species and their habitats.

About the Northeast Florida STEM2 Hub

The Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub represents an investment initially made by 15 companies headquartered in the region. Its mission is to convene, inspire, and invest in the STEM2 field by providing the essential missing elements to accelerate the growth of STEM2 education and careers in the seven North Florida counties of Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns. For a list of the current corporate board members and more information about the STEM2 Hub in Northeast Florida, visit stem2hub.org.

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