A state task force trying to boost teaching of science, technology, engineering and math — the so-called STEM disciplines — has identified more than 800 programs around the state that could be expanded or copied elsewhere. Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds is leading the initiative and she says these 800-plus programs are not only in schools, but led by community organizations and businesses as well.  “That’s where we start to inspire them to take science and math, and so they can start to see the relevance of taking those courses and the impact that that that has on their life, on their quality of life, and really on the great jobs that they can have in the future,” Reynolds says. “So this is going to help us inspire them, get them engage and it’s also going to help us make sure that when they graduate from high school that they are career- or college-ready.”

Reynolds says Iowa students will be tested, to see if the programs work.  “The Iowa Assessment, which used to be the Iowa Test of Basic Skills I believe, has allowed us this year to add questions…of all students taking the test so we can start to get a baseline of where they’re at,” Reynolds says. “It monitors interest in science and math, if they have any intention of going into that discipline, so that will be a baseline and that was not on the test before.” The task force will measure student competence and interest in science, technology, engineering and math by monitoring the National Assessment of Education Skills, too.

(Radio Iowa)

Cass County Extension 4-H and Nishna Valley YMCA are partnering to create learning opportunities for young people in grades 4-8 to gain knowledge and skills in the science, technology, engineering and math fields with a new program.  The group “whY Science” begins October 15 from 3:45-4:45 PM in the Nishna Valley YMCA.

Young people in grades 4-8 are invited to be a part of “whY Science” that will begin meeting after school on Monday, October 15 in the youth room of the Nishna Valley YMCA.  Science sessions will be from 3:45-4:45.   Youth need to pre-register so resources, materials and staff are available for all youth. Adult partners include Lynn Barnes, Denny Stuetelberg, Tamara Gibson, Nishna Valley YMCA-Kids Fun Fitness Program coordinator, and Lee Havemeier plus other adult volunteers from the YMCA and Susan Oliver, Extension Youth Coordinator and Kate Olson, Extension Program Coordinator.  The first of a series of science sessions will be Funtivities, a hands-on exploration of electricity, magnetism, and air pressure.

Pre-registration for the collaborative program is due by October 11th.  You can register at the Y or enroll online at ia.4honline.com.  Create a new account and add “whY Science” as your club.  There is no fee for registration and the group is open to all youth in Cass County in grades 4-8.

Officials say in school, science classes need to cover a broad range of topics in a limited amount of time. “whY Science” will allow more time for youth to explore science.  The goal of the Cass County 4-H and YMCA partnership, according to the extension, is to offer additional science, technology, engineering and math opportunities on a regular basis.  In addition, science find-out days, workshops and guest speakers and tours may be incorporated into the program from now until May 2013.

This week (October 7^th through the 13^th), is National Fire Prevention Week. Locally, activities began Sunday, in Atlantic, with the Fireman’s Breakfast at the fire station. Atlantic volunteer Fire Fighter, Capt. Tom Cappel, says the goal is to promote fire safety and prevention, in the schools, and at home. The campaign designed for everyone, but especially young people.  Cappel says the kids they speak with are encouraged to go home, and talk with adults about checking smoke detectors.

Another part of fire safety week, is a reminder to farmers about safety while they’re out in the fields, and the importance of checking their equipment for faulty parts that might start a fire (such as bearings), and keeping combines and other implements free of debris. Those issues have caused some field fires recently, but they were brought under control quickly, due to the preventative action by farmers, and quick response by fire fighters.

A big part of Fire Prevention Week though, is the annual Atlantic Fireman’s Parade, which takes place this Saturday, October 13^th. Cappel says two Drill and Drum Corps teams will be featured in the parade, including the Isiserettes, from Des Moines, and the Salem Stepping Saints, from Omaha. The performances begin in front of the Rock Island Depot at 5-p.m. The Parade lineup starts at 4-pm on Third and Olive St. Parade lineup is first come first serve. Parade starts at 6 pm.

For more information about all of this weekend’s activities in Atlantic, including the Rib Fest on Friday, and Harvest Fest on Saturday, along with the Fireman’s Parade and related activities, go to www.atlanticiowa.com.