| Girls Get IT! Newsletter |
Volume I Issue VIII
July 2007 |
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| Explore ~ Educate ~ Empower |
School-Business Partnerships Target STEM Projects
Students
in Mesa, Arizona began learning math through flight simulators,
aeronautics, and even mock space-shuttle missions. The
programs stem from a partnership between the school district and
the Boeing Co., which has a plant in Mesa that builds the U.S. Army's
Apache helicopter.
 Using
this curriculum is a great way to show students the importance of
science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classes,
and show kids the kinds of careers that might be the best fit
for them in the future. The goal of this program is to help students
feel comfortable and encourage them to enter the math-science realm.
School-business
partnerships can also help our looming workforce crisis. If more
businesses follow the lead of companies like Boeing, we could educate
our future workforce in our own country, rather than demand that
lawmakers in Washington expand the federal HB 1 visa program which
allows businesses to temporarily hire skilled workers from abroad to do
the work that they can't complete because they don't have Americans in
the field.
In
the past, many corporate giants have pushed advancement in STEM related
subjects for students, but these ideas never reached the middle and
small sized companies. However, today more business including Bayer
Corporation based out of Pittsburgh and an accounting firm named Ernst
& Young LLP from New York have recently released reports outlining
best practices in K-12 education and successful business partnerships
with schools.
Achieve,
a Washington-based non-profit organization formed by governors and
business leaders that focus on standards-based school reform, has
produced a website that promotes college and work readiness, competency
in STEM disciplines, and data-driven education. The goal of the site is
to make sure the United States has enough graduates that are college or
work ready, who studied the STEM disciplines. The site is supported by
business-oriented organizations based in Washington. These include the
Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. These companies
feature case studies of school partnerships by large companies. One
important thing to remember is there are businesses all over the U.S.
that are supporting and participating in these types of school-business
partnerships. For example, in Sacramento California, the Chamber of
Commerce has teamed up with the Los Rios Community College System,
Sacramento's workforce board, and five local hospitals to help create a
public high school focused on health fields.
With
companies all over the U.S. supporting the school-business
partnerships, this will encourage and push STEM related education and
possible careers for our next generation of future employees and
employers. To learn more about how to get involved Click here!
Call
to Florida Businesses - If you are interested in collaborating with
Girls Get IT or one of our partners to further STEM education in
Florida, we are anxious to hear from you. Please contact, Leah Cook at LCook@distancelearn.org.
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Buy Your Own iPhone Today!! |
Say Hello To iPhone!
During the iPhone's debut weekend June 29th , people from all  over
the country waited hours in line at Apple and AT&T stores in hopes
to be one of the first owners of the coveted "smart phone." Over
500,000 were sold within the first day alone!
Love
it or leave it, never in the 30+ years of cell phone history has one
wireless device caused such a media frenzy. This innovative piece of
technology is mesmerizing to many, but others just look at it as a $600
paperweight. According to the industry, on average, Americans spend
$100 or less on a cell phone, so the iPhone better have some pretty
impressive features to get consumers to spend 6 times that amount.
Here's what we agree are the coolest features:
It's a phone, music-player, movie-player, internet browser, and iPod in
one. It is Apple's first iPod that can not only play music through
headphones, but through speakers as well. Whether you're flipping
through your songs or browsing the web, you can hold your iPhone
vertically or horizontally and the screen will automatically adjust
with it! The iPhone has its own internet service, Edge, as well as the
ability to pick up Wi-Fi wherever you are. Also, the photo quality on
the camera is pretty fantastic. It also features satellite pictures of
the earth and you can literally zoom all the way from the earth right
to your home. Can you even imagine what the next version of iPhone will
offer us?
So
what possibly can keep consumers from purchasing this product besides
the hefty price tag? Well for one, only one wireless carrier, AT&T
currently sells iPhone; and they will be the exclusive carrier for the
next 5 years. Although the phone has internet service, some users are
agitated that it runs slowly, according to several internet polls.
Another thing to keep in mind, as with most " new " technology, the
iPhone is also in its 1st generation, so until Apple works out the
kinks, some consumers are still a little weary to purchase.
Overall,
you can't beat the iPhone technology as of now. We think it's pretty
fantastic. So go check it out yourself and see what you think! For a
list of Apple Stores near you, Click here!
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Microsoft Surface - The Future is (almost) Here
Microsoft has just introduced to the world their new touch-screen computer coffee table called Surface. Microsoft's Surface
will allow users to place physical objects such as digital cameras,
cell phones, and credit cards on the actual surface of the computer and
all of the information will instantly transfer to the computer screen
for you to see and use!
This
is the next generation of hands-on interface that will modernize the
way we share pictures, pay bills, shop online, and even decorate a room
in our home. As of now, the Surface computers are only available to commercial businesses.
Several businesses are already planning to use this revolutionary product. For
example, Harrah's Entertainment in Las Vegas will be using the
computers in their casinos for gaming and payment while Starwood Hotels
& Resorts will have do-it-yourself check-in, and T-Mobile will be
using the Surface technology in their retail stores for customers to compare cell phones!
In about 3 years, Microsoft hopes to have Surface
available for use with the general public in their homes. Digital
pictures, e-mail, online shopping are just a few of the everyday things
we do that Surface will make easier and a whole lot more exciting!
Check out the website for video demonstrations. To find out more about how Surface will change the world Click here! |
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To visit GGIT! please click here | |
SLOOH- The New Way To Explore Outer Space!
Gathered
atop Mount Teide, off the coast of Africa, there is a powerful cluster
of telescopes and Charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras that allow access
to our ever-changing universe. SLOOH
is a new remote-astronomy service for observers of all ages and levels
of experience to be able to explore the unknown world of outer space
using their computer. SLOOH allows you to view the cosmos in real-time
while actual observation missions are going on.
There is even a Live SkyGuide which will allow you to hear renowned experts describe the mission's target.
The only requirements are that you have a computer with a 56K+ Internet connection and a browser with Adobe Flash 8+. Click here! |
 If you would like to forward this newsletter to other potential readers Click Here! |
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NetSpace Challenge is OPEN!!!
The
NetSpace Challenge, which is also known as the Cisco Networking Academy
Tournament, is now open! Whether you're a teacher, student, or just
someone interested in technology, this game is definitely for you!
It's
a way to network with other people who are interested in technology or
just relax and play a game. The NetSpace Challenge tests your
knowledge about Networking and Information Technology (IT). The
complexity of the questions makes this game advanced for those who
aren't familiar with these subjects. However, if you're a techie,
you'll have a blast.
Gamers
will compete against participants from all over the world and expand
their skills and capabilities within this sector of the business world.
Each of the questions are set up as
multiple choice questions. Points are gathered throughout the entire
game by answering questions correctly. High scores will allow your name
to appear on the leader board.
Registration is easy and free, so sign up today! Click here!! |
Google Is Helping Nonprofits Raise Awareness, Money, Volunteers with Their Mapping Software
Google,
Inc. recently launched an initiative to help charities and other
nonprofit groups use maps and satellite images to raise awareness,
recruit volunteers and encourage donations. The Google Earth Outreach Program represents a formalization of several partnerships with organizations using free software to publicize their works.
What a way to get the word out!! Hundreds of millions of people use Google Earth to explore the world around them. We even use the word Google as a verb in every day conversations. "Why don't you just Google it?" With the Google Earth Outreach program, your organization can get your cause out in front of the masses. You can share the knowledge and resources you need to reach their minds and their hearts.
By downloading your KML files,
anyone, anywhere can fly in Google Earth from where they live to where
you do your work. This virtual visit to the projects and people you
support gets users engaged and passionate about what you're doing and
builds support for your cause.
To visit Google Earth, Click Here! | |
Girls Get IT! Focus Group Meetings 
We want to hear from you!
The
purpose of our focus group meetings is to discuss issues regarding
young women and their interests in science and math courses and
to provide us practical suggestions on how we can best help
teachers, students and parents most effectively with STEM in the
classroom and at home.
During these specific group meetings we will discuss:
- Champions Board Development
- Teacher Outreach Program and Resource CD
- Computer Mania Day
- GGIT Mentoring Program & Clubs
- Next Steps with the Florida Math and Science Research Center
Your
input will help us set our priorities and offer you a better selection
of products and services to young women interested in STEM - science,
technology, engineering and math.
Our conference call will take place:
August 22, 2007 3:30-4:30pm
Toll Free Conference Call: 1.877.384.0543
Participant code: 62344136
Girls
Get IT! encourages you to share your thoughts, feelings and attitudes
on all related topics! If you will not be able to participate on the
call or session on line, you can still have your voice heard.
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Girls Get IT, Florida STEM Program Directory- Register your Program Today! 
The
online Program Directory lists organizations and programs that focus on
motivating girls to pursue STEM education and careers. The purpose of
the directory is to help organizations and individuals network, share
resources and collaborate on STEM-related projects for girls. When you
sign up for the Program Directory you will enter your program
description, resources available within your organization, program
and/or organizational needs and contact information. Sign your
organization up today: Click here!
Having your program listed in the Directory has several advantages:
1. Anyone with internet access can find out about your program.
2. You can view other programs in your area and across the state.
3. Your organization can do a search and compare needs and resources in your area and across the state.
4. Your organization is eligible for a mini grant from Girls Get IT! for innovative projects.
Don't wait - Sign up today! Here's How:
Use the
following instructions to create a new user account and then enter a
program's information into the NGCP program directory.
§ Navigate to the National Girls Collaborative Project site at http://www.pugetsoundcenter.org/ngcp/
§ In the horizontal linkbar, click "Directory"
§ From the left navigation area, click "Login" then "Register New User"
§ Fill out the form and click "Submit" -- this logs you in
§ On the page that appears, click "New Program"
§ Fill out the form and click "Submit" -- this places your program in "pending" status
Once a new
program's information has been submitted, an administrator will review
and approve the program (or request more information about the program,
then approve the program once the information has been provided).
When approved, Programs appear in the public Directory for anyone to search. What better way to highlight the great work in STEM that you are doing in your community!
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What is Girls Get IT?
Florida
Girls Get IT is a partnership between Florida Distance Learning
Consortium, Cisco Systems, Inc., Florida's Community College and
University system to create gender equity in the areas of Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) & Information
Technology (IT).
Why does Florida need this initiative?
To remain competitive,
Florida must offer a highly trained workforce. Nearly 75% of future
jobs in the United States will require the use of technology, yet fewer
than 33% of students in computer courses are female and women comprise
only 20% of IT professionals and 13% of engineers.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Contact: Leah Cook, Project Director
Phone: 850.922.3359
Fax: 850.922.3109
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Useful Links for Students and Teachers
Teachers:
Discovery School
This
site is a perfect tool to help teachers with lesson plans, and even
give them new and creative ideas to teach their students. Click Here!!
Need help with lesson planning, technology integration and professional development? This is the site for you. Click Here!!
Students:
Zoey's Room
An online community for middle school girls, which encourages creativity through science, technology, engineering and math! Click Here!!
This
awesome website, geared toward high school students, helps you find,
explore, and network any cause you have a passion for and offers ways
for you to get involved. Click Here!!
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