Texas Teen Book Festival - 10/07/2017

Emperor Science Award Application - Due 10/31/2017

Looking for the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers

Enter the Emperor Science Award program for a chance to work with a mentoring scientist to explore the world of cancer research. The 2018 Emperor Science Award program is committed to helping all students that have a passion for science join the next generation of cancer researchers. Through this award program, 100 winning students from across the country will be paired with a university-level mentoring scientist to collaborate on a cancer research project. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. http://www.emperorscienceaward.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=emperor 

YouthSpark Workshops by Microsoft

 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/locations/tx/austin/the-domain/store-11

 

 

 

We Are Girls Austin Conference 11/04/17

Join Girls Empowerment Network at We Are Girls Austin
Saturday, 11/042017 at Anderson High School

REGISTER HERE!

Apply for an Individual Scholarship for We Are Girls Austin here.

Interested in presenting a workshop at We Are Girls? Apply here.

Questions about We Are Girls Austin? Email blair@girlsempowermentnetwork.org.

Brain Health Series: Part 1: Exercise and Your Brain

We all know that exercise is good for our bodies.  But, did you know that exercise is also beneficial for your brain?  Physical aerobic exercise increases blood flow throughout the body including the brain.  As a result, brain cells are better connected and memory and thinking skills improve.

In a study conducted at the University of British Columbia researchers discovered that regular exercise, rigorous enough to increase the heart rate, appears to boost the hippocampus in the brain.  This area of the brain is where verbal memory and learning takes place. 

Other studies have proven that those who exercise are more mentally sharp. These studies have found that students score higher on math and reading comprehension tests after exercising for 20 minutes.  Some studies have found that kids who exercise are happier and have a better positive outlook.  This is because physical activity releases chemicals in the brain that are natural stress combatants.  Thus, physically active kids are better at handling mood swings and their emotions.

In a recent online article published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, a panel of experts from the UK, Scandinavia, and North America all agreed that regular physical activity can strengthen brain cells, create more neurons in the brain, and prevent brain tissue loss in older adults.  Further studies have concluded that a daily schedule with more physical activity resulted in students achieving more and having better grades in the classroom.  So, let’s join our kids and increase our physical exercise--it can benefit us all!

Sources:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160629105758.htm

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/raising-fit-kids/move/features/kid-brain-exercise#1

Austin Museum Day & Photo Contest 09/17/17

Austin Museum Day is Sunday, September 17, 2017

Enjoy free access to exhibits and activities at Austin-area museums!

Participating Museums:

• Art. Science. Gallery
• Austin History Center
• Austin Nature & Science Center
• Austin Toy Museum
• Austin Woman’s Club / Chateau Bellevue
• Blanton Museum of Art
• Briscoe Center for American History
• Brush Square Museums
• Bullock Texas State History Museum
• City of Austin Cultural Arts Division
• Dougherty Arts Center
• Elisabet Ney Museum
• German-Texan Heritage Society
• Harry Ransom Center
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Landmarks
• LBJ Presidential Library
• Mexic-Arte Museum
• Neill-Cochran House Museum
• Pioneer Farms
• Save Austin’s Cemeteries
• Science Mill
• Sheffield Education Center
• South Austin Museum of Popular Culture
• Texas Capitol Visitors Center
• Texas Dept. of Public Safety Museum & Research Center
• Texas Historical Commission
• Texas Medical Association
• Texas Memorial Museum
• Texas Military Forces Museum
• Texas Music Museum
• Texas State Capitol
• Texas Wendish Heritage Museum
• The Contemporary Austin
• The Williamson Museum
• Thinkery
• UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
• Waller Creek Conservancy
• Women & Their Work

AMD Instagram Photo Contest:

Participate in the Austin Museum Day Instagram contest for a chance to win great prizes. The contest is open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sunday, September 17.

To play:

1. Follow @TxHistComm and @austinmuseums on Instagram
2. Take a photograph at one of the participating Austin Museum Day institutions
3. Post it to your Instagram (make sure your profile is public!)
4. Tag the participating institution and #MuseumDay2017

Multiple submissions are allowed. Contest closes at 9 p.m. on Sunday, September 17; submissions posted after 9 p.m.will not be included. A total of 3 winners—1st through 3rd places—will be selected by a panel of judges that include staff from Texas Historical Commission and Austin Museum Partnership. Prizes to be announced. Winners will be announced the week following the contest.

Submitted photos may be re-posted by the Texas Historical Commission and Austin Museum Partnership, and may also be included in future outreach materials from both organizations. Winners of last year’s contest may submit photos, but are not eligible to win this year.

Edison Scavenger Hunt

 

Questions will be released on September 26th on our social media platforms including: thomasedison.org and facebook.com/ThomasEdison.

You will have two weeks to complete and the answers must be submitted to info@thomasedison.org by October 10th.

Contestants may use only Edison Innovation Foundation Social Media Platforms to find answers, i.e.:

• thomasedison.org
• edisonmuckers.org
• Facebook: Thomas Edison
• Instagram: thomasedison1847

A more detailed description of the Rules will be released with the questions on September 26th.

Austin ISD GT Nomination Window for Grades 3-5 Now Open

The GT nomination window is open for grades 3-5(6) 

September 11-22, 2017

Parents, guardians, and teachers can nominate students for the GT assessment process during the corresponding grade-level 2-week GT Nomination Window. 

Click here for the Parent Nomination Form.

Parents complete the Parent Gifted Characteristics Checklist (click on links below) and provide permission in writing for their child to be screened. For more information visit our parent smore at https://www.smore.com/sn63c. 

English version

Spanish version

Arabic version

Vietnamese version

Click here to go to the GT Parent Corner website for more information.

This link will provide you with the contact information for your child's Campus GT Advocate: Austin ISD GT Advocate List (click here).

Equity by Design 10/11/17 Huston-Tillotson 6 p.m.

Panelists discuss the role of equity in the 2017 Austin ISD Bond Package. Learn how equity is shaping the Austin school bond and the future of education in Austin. Community forum presented by East Austin Coalition for Quality Education.

Panelists

• Ted Gordon, Austin ISD, School Board Trustee, District 1
• Peggy Vasquez, Save East Austin Schools
• Jayme Matthias, Austin ISD, School Board Trustee - District 2
• Paul Saldana, former Austin ISD, School Board Trustee, District 6
• Tam Hawkins, President/CEO, Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce

Moderator - Alberta Phillips

RSVP