Debbie Mickle

Richmond area students in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to participate in a new Virtual Science Fair this spring. Sponsored by MEDARVA Healthcare and local school systems,the fair will reward students' excellent scientific research projects with cash prizes.

We hear a lot about the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to our global economy. We are told that STEM is where the jobs are now and where job growth will be in the future.

Educators of young children are invited to enjoy a four-day conference called “Natural Connections: Interdisciplinary Strategies for Teaching and Learning.” This collaborative experience, held at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, provides valuable professional development opportunities for infant/toddler through 6th grade teachers, administrators and pre-service teachers.

Curious minds of all ages are invited to Reynolds Community College for its 16th annual Science Night on March 11. Join faculty members from the School of Math, Science, and Engineering plus many special guests at twenty five activity stations set-up for this special evening.

Henrico County Public Library’s “All Henrico Reads” program is featuring a book that explores the tension between technology and craft in today’s America. As our day-to-day lives become increasingly driven by technology, our reverence for the hand-made and the artisanal seems to grow deeper. The rise of smartphones, Google, and Amazon coincided with the rise of craft beer, the fetishization of farmer’s markets, and a greater veneration of home cooking. Is it nostalgia, or is it something deeper? What does this say about our values?

Fans of robotics—and fans of spirited competition— won’t want to miss the FIRST Tech Challenge Virginia Championship on Saturday, February 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Atlee High School.

Join other curious minds on February 18th to hear about and discuss these questions with Dr. Ernest McGowen, III, associate professor of political science at the University of Richmond, where democracy is strong, science is respected and elevated. With this in mind, we’ve invited Dr. McGowen to set us straight on some fundamentals with two short talks in one night.

Do you know a Virginia 8th or 9th grader who is curious about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)? Encourage them to apply for BLAST!

While enjoying the fresh air on a quiet evening, you have probably heard the peeps, croaks and ribbits of nearby frogs and toads. But how much do you know about these amphibians in your midst? Do you know how many different kinds live near you, and what their ecosystem is like?

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia is seeking mentors for a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math- STEAM- group mentoring program at its recreational facility in the East End of Richmond.