ChemFest is March 28: Free Science Demonstrations & Activities for Kids

ChemFest 2015Presented by Alpha Chi Sigma, the University of Virginia’s professional chemistry fraternity, ChemFest celebrates chemistry through fun and engaging experiments that aim to get students interested in science. A chemistry magic show also will be held to demonstrate the most impressive and exciting experiments! This free event is geared toward elementary and middle school students, but older students and adults will enjoy it as well. Join the fun on Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Venable Elementary School, 406 14th Street, Charlottesville. “Join” the event on Facebook »

2015 STEM Voice™ Video Competition

STEM Voice LogoThe STEM Voice™ Video Competition is nation-wide opportunity for kids in grades 5-12 to artistically explore the importance of STEM. Sponsored by the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes (CSBI), the competition encourages students to be creative and use video to show how much they love STEM. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. PST on April 17, 2015. Continue reading

CBIC Awards – Nominations Accepted Through Feb. 28

CBIC LogoThe Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC) is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the all-new CBIC Awards honoring Central Virginia’s most innovative tech-centric businesses and individuals. Individuals and organizations are urged to submit nominations before the February 28, 2015 (midnight) deadline to honor achievements in any of following categories: Continue reading

Green Classroom Pledge Contest – Open Through April 30

Green Classroom PledgeThe Green Classroom Pledge outlines simple ways a classroom can have a significant impact on the environment. Although the actions may seem small and insignificant on the individual level, by working together the classroom can have a big collective impact. Students are also encouraged to help their families save energy, waste and water at home by implementing some of the items on the pledge. Continue reading

SPARC Logo Contest – Deadline: Mar. 1

Logo ContestThe Suicide Prevention Awareness & Resource Council (SPARC) invites students to participate in their logo competition. The new logo will be featured in all official SPARC correspondence and other SPARC initiatives. The prize for the final candidate’s selected logo will be a $50.00 pre-paid VISA card. The entries must be submitted via mail or email by March 1, 2015.

View the contest announcement »
View the contest rules »

6 Small Grants for Teachers That Could Make a Big Difference

esn-grantsEach month, eSchool News compiles a list of new education grant opportunities. This month’s grants focus on mostly smaller sums ideal for individual classroom teachers or projects. Check out these funding opportunities for teachers, students, parents and administrators: Continue reading

2015 DC Metro & VA Regional Rubik’s Cube Competition

YouCanDoTheRubiksCubeLogoThe 2015 Rubik’s Cube Competition is coming soon! The Virginia Regional Competition will be held on Wednesday, April 1, at Holman Middle School in Glen Alen, and the DC Metro Competition will be held Tuesday, April 14 (Divisions 1 and 2), and Wednesday, April 15 (Division 3), at the National Electronics Museum in Maryland. Students in grades K-12  may enter one or both competitions (as a solo competitor or as a team). Register today; it’s free! Continue reading

Girls’ Geek Day – Next Event This Saturday, Feb. 7

Girls in STEMDo you know a girl who is interested in STEM? Girls’ Geek Day provides regular opportunities (several Saturdays a school year) for girls to engage in STEM-related activities. The event moves throughout ACPS schools, and the next one is this Saturday, February 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at Yancey Elementary. This event is open to all ages, but students in third grade or younger must be accompanied by a parent or other adult. Registration is required.

Virginia Counsel on Women 2015 STEM Essay Contest – Deadline: Feb. 25

VA Council on WomenThe Virginia Council on Women is pleased to host the 4th annual STEM Essay Contest. Governor Terry McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe serve as Honorary Co-Chairs for the contest.

The Council will award one $5,000 scholarship to a female junior or senior who will be pursuing a STEM career at an institution of higher education. Other scholarships may be awarded at the discretion of the Council. Essays will be judged by a panel of Council members and women who hold a degree in or work in STEM fields. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on February 25, 2015Learn more »

Lee-Jackson Educational Foundation Scholarship Program – Apply by Feb. 6

Lee-JacksonThe Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce the Charlottesville Lee-Jackson Educational Foundation Scholarship Program. The objective of the program is to acquaint young people with the historical legacy of two of Virginia’s most outstanding military figures, General Robert E. Lee and General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson.

Eighteen scholarships will be awarded to Virginia high school juniors and seniors submitting outstanding analytical essays on any aspect—positive or negative—of the career, character or legacy of General Robert E. Lee and/or General “Stonewall” Jackson.

The deadline for students to submit applications and essays to their high school principals is February 6, 2015. Continue reading