Virginia State University KTU program opens registration at 6 pm TODAY!!

Hi everyone!

Virginia State University KTU program for the fall 2011 program will be opening enrollment today, Monday, Sept. 26th, at 6 pm.

See their website for event information.

Reminder- Virginia State University KTU enrollment open 9/26!

Hi everyone!

Virginia State University KTU program for the fall 2011 program will be opening enrollment on Monday, Sept. 26th, at 6 pm.

See their website for event information.

Virginia Tech KTU - For Educators- CEUs available!

We are excited to offer CEU's in conjunction with the KTU program.
Educators will learn it, teach it, and take it back to the classroom.

Interact with:
• Scientists
• Technology Experts
• Engineers
• Mathematicians

You will engage in an exciting, hands-on teaching experience, and then apply what you learned in a unique, first-hand teaching environment with 3rd-6th graders. You will also be able to participate in ongoing community blogs and network with other teachers and education specialists.

We are excited to offer CEU (Continuing Education Unit) credits for educators interested in interactive learning of STEM content.

This program is ideal for elementary and middle school teachers, out of school time educators, or others interested in STEM teaching.

Registration
The registration deadline is one (1) week before the scheduled educator workshop. The class/workshops can be taken as a series or individually.

Educator Workshop
• interact with Scientists, Technology Experts, Engineers, and Mathematicians
• participate in a four (4) hour interactive hands-on training
• interact with KTU students at learning stations to deploy what you learned
• be an audience member in a topic session with kids, led by a world renowned research scientist
• learn how to incorporate fundamentals and concepts from the interactive session and training into your classrooms

Any educator who has a child enrolled in Kids' Tech University and who is attending the teacher workshop will need to arrange for a chaperone to accompany their child during the program. Children are not permitted to attend the educator workshop (regardless of age).

Cost
Virginia 4-H is paying the registration fee for the first 10 participants for each workshop. Register early to hold your spot! The cost per workshop is $30. However, if there is a hardship please let us know by emailing, Dr. Kristy Collins.
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Educator Workshop/Development Class Schedule

**The workshops will be held on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia.**

Jan. 28, 2012, 8 am-5 pm

"Interactive Session: How can mathematics and computers help us understand why cancer cells misbehave?"
Workshop instructor: Dr. Kathleen Jamison, Virginia 4-H; Guest Researcher: Dr. Suzanne Weekes

Abstract

Have you ever heard that math is the universal language? That it is constant and can define the world around us? In this workshop educators will learn about the math concepts that are applicable to the health field and various online learning tools that may be brought into the classroom.

CEU credits offered

Registration is open. Virginia 4-H will pay for the first 10 participants registered for the program (a 30 dollar fee).

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Feb. 25, 2012, 8 am-5 pm

"Interactive Session: Will Computers Replace Humans?"

Workshop instructor: Dr. Kathleen Jamison, Virginia 4-H

Guest Researcher: Dr. Wuchun Feng

Abstract

Have you ever heard that someday computers will replace humans? We will explore this topic during this educator workshop. During this workshop, educators will learn about this history of computers, current uses of supercomputers, biological computer applications. Educators will also work with various computer programs that give insight into computer programming for kids.

CEU credits offered

Registration is open. Virginia 4-H will pay for the first 10 participants registered for the program (a 30 dollar fee).

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March 24, 2012, 8 am-5 pm

"Interactive Session: How much work could a network net if a network could net work?"

Workshop instructor: Dr. Kathleen Jamison, Virginia 4-H

Guest Researcher: Dr. Stephen Eubank

Abstract
Networks are everywhere; but what are some examples and how do we define them? In this educator workshop we will discuss what networks are, how they are defined and how to spot examples of them in the world around us. Principles of computers, biology, physics and mathematics will all be touched on. Educators will also learn various exercises to do with their classes including a virus spreading simulation.

CEU credits offered

Registration is open. Virginia 4-H will pay for the first 10 participants registered for the program (a 30 dollar fee).

_____________________________________________

April 7, 2012, 8 am-5 pm

"Interactive Session: Exploring Your Environment."
Workshop instructor: Dr. Kathleen Jamison, Virginia 4-H

Guest Researcher: Dr. Brett Tyler

Abstract
Exploring Your Environment is a 2 volume 4-H Curriculum with a facilitator guide designed for middle school age learners, but has been used effectively with upper elementary school aged children. It teaches basic ecological concepts that help learners understand how nature works and how we affect it and are affected by it. Each section of the curriculum focuses on an environmental question or issue and has a corresponding activity that allows learners to jump right into real-world issues that affect our life by completing investigations and explorations of the natural world. The primary focus areas are: ecosystem services, water conservation, energy use, climate change, recycling, natural resource stewardship and air quality.

CEU credits offered

Registration is open. Virginia 4-H will pay for the first 10 participants registered for the program (a 30 dollar fee).

Contact

Dr. Kathleen Jamison

4-H Youth Dev. Curriculum & Learning

(540) 231-9411

jamisonk@vt.edu

Dr. Kristy Collins

Virginia Bioformatics Institute

kdivitto@vbi.vt.edu

Virginia Tech Kids' Tech University spring program!

We are excited to announce the 2012 Virginia Tech Kids’ Tech University program! Please see the updated website for program information and registration information. We will once again be hosting an Educator Workshop component!

Jan. 28, 2012- "How Can Mathematics and Computers Help Us Understand Why Cancer Cells Misbehave?" Answered by Dr. Suzanne Weekes

Feb. 25, 2012- “Will Computers Replace Humans?” Answered by Dr. Wu Feng

March 24, 2012- "How Much Work Could a Network Net if a Network Could Net Work?" Answered by Dr. Stephen Eubank

April 7, 2012- “Why Doesn’t my Banana Get the ‘Flu?” Answered by Dr. Brett Tyler

Calling all digital divas, web chix, and coder girls!

NCWIT (National Center for Women & Information Technology) seeks high-school-level young women to apply for the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing! The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing honors young women active and interested in computing and encourages them to pursue their passion for technology. Winners get cool prizes, gadgets, and scholarships, and can join a community of like-minded technical women. National award-winners are selected from across the country and Affiliate Award competitions are available in more than 30 regions nationwide. All girls at all computing levels are encouraged to apply-we'd like to recognize aspirations, not just accomplishments!

National award-winners receive:

* $500 in cash
* A laptop computer
* An engraved award (for both the student and her school)
* An expenses-paid trip to the national Award ceremony (for the student and her parent/guardian) on March 10, 2012

Affiliate Award will vary by state. Visit www.ncwit.org/award for details on Affiliate competitions.

Competition for the 2012 NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing is open to any U.S. high-school-level female (grades 9-12). Applications will be accepted beginning September 15, 2011, and must be submitted online at www.ncwit.org/award no later than 11:59 PM ET on October 31, 2011. Winners will be announced December 9, 2011.

VSU KTU Program Registration date- Sept. 26, 2011

Hi everyone,

The online registration date/time for the VSU KTU program is now Sept. 26, 2011 at 6 pm. Please see here for the enrollment website and update your calendars!

With the power outage last week and delayed school openings in the Petersburg, and surrounding, area the organizers at VSU thought it best to adapt to a new registration date.

Attention Educators: VSU KTU Teacher Workshops Offered!!

The Virginia State University Kids' Tech University program is excited to offer CEU's in conjunction with the KTU program. Educators will learn it, teach it, and take it back to the classroom. You will engage in an exciting, hands-on teaching experience, and then apply what you learned in a unique, first-hand teaching environment with 3rd-6th graders. You will also be able to participate in ongoing community blogs and network with other teachers and education specialists.

We are excited to offer CEU (Continuing Education Unit) credits for educators interested in interactive learning of STEM content.

This program is ideal for elementary and middle school educators, or others, interested in STEM teaching.

Registration
The registration deadline is 20 participants or 1 week before the scheduled teacher workshop. The class/workshops can be taken as a series or individually.

Educator Workshop
• interact with Scientists, Technology Experts, Engineers, and Mathematicians
• includes a 4-hour interactive hands-on training
• you will interact with KTU students at learning stations to deploy what you learned
• you watch an interactive session given to kids on the topics, led by a world renowned research scientist
• you will learn how to incorporate fundamentals and concepts from the interactive session and training into your classrooms or after school time

Teacher Workshop/Development Class Schedule
The workshops will be held on the Virginia State University campus in Petersburg, Virginia.

October 22, 2011; 8:00-5:00 pm---- "Patterns With Nature: Math Concepts Explained" Workshop instructors: Dr. Kristy Collins & Dr. Reinhard Laubenbacher, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute (VBI) at Virginia Tech

Have you ever heard that math is the universal language? That it is constant and can define the world around us? Find out more about mathematical patterns that are all around us, and how math can help us to find patterns in nature with this October teacher workshop. In this workshop teachers will learn about the math concepts that are applicable to nature, dance and the various online learning tools that may be brought into the classroom. ENROLL NOW!

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November 19, 2011; 8:00-5:00 pm- "ANDRILL- Insight Into Antartica And Climate Change Secrets" Workshop instructor: Dr. Kristy Collins, VBI

Do you recognize an urgency to understand the evidence being observed in changing worldwide Earth systems? Do you need exciting, quality resources to teach climate science and environmental literacy? Then, this is the workshop for you! The materials and activities presented in the workshop have successfully been used in grades K-12 even though they were specifically designed for grades 5-8. The materials can be used in cross-curricular activities and can relate to SOL's in geography, math, science, and English. All teachers, 4-H agents and informal educators are welcome to attend. ENROLL NOW!

Contact:

Dr. Marcus Comer

Extension Specialist
Agriculture and Natural Resources
804.524.5964
mcomer@vsu.edu