All posts by blenon

STEM Expos a Success!

October 28, 2019 blenon

NOVA Systemic’s recent STEM Expos, NOVA STEM Day at the Loudoun Campus and the The STEMZone at the Youth for Tomorrow Country Fair & Auctions brought hands-on STEM to hundreds of young minds through robotics, maker spaces, coding, laser cutting, mechatronics, lab experiments and more. NOVA STEM Days are held annually on the Alexandria, Loudoun, and Manassas Campuses.

NOVA STEM Day – Loudoun Campus

NOVA’s Loudoun Campus hosted its sixth annual NOVA STEM Day Loudoun Campus on September 28, 2019, welcoming over 500 participants. Families throughout the region participated in free, hands-on activities which included a variety of robotics, coding and gaming activities and lab experiments.

The event was sponsored by the Northern Virginia Community College Educational Foundation, NOVA SySTEMic, Micron, and Loudoun County Public Schools. Other participants were Academies of Loudoun, Sylvan Learning Center, and Children’s Science Center.

The next NOVA STEM Day will be held on the NOVA Alexandria Campus on Saturday Dec 7th. You can register for this event here.

Additional details about STEM Day and other Expos can be found at https://www.nvcc.edu/systemic/

The STEMZone at Youth For Tomorrow’s Country Fair & Auctions

The weather was perfect and the STEM activities fully explored at our 4th annual STEMZone at the Youth for Tomorrow Country Fair & Auctions on October 5. Students and parents engaged in exciting hands-on activities such as maker spaces, robotics, 3D printers, laser cutters, Osmo, Sphero, Cubelets, Stomp Rockets and more.

As always, participants filled out a STEM Passport when completing designated tasks to be eligible for the grand prize drawing – this year it was an Ollie robot plus full ramp.

The Youth For Tomorrow Country Fair & Auctions brings in about 20,000 people every October, and since many of that number participate in the STEM Zone it is an excellent opportunity to engage students and parents in STEM and bring awareness of NOVA STEM programs.

The Next STEMZone at the YFT Country Fair & Auctions will in early October 2020. For more info visit https://www.nvcc.edu/systemic/

NOVA SySTEMic is the college wide STEM outreach program designed to create interest STEM from early elementary school and extending through high school, with the hope of inspiring more students to enter the STEM workforce pipeline.

Fab Lab, IET Newsletter

Fab Lab Progress Update

October 28, 2019 blenon

The new Fab Lab at NOVA’s Battleview Technology Center in Manassas is scheduled to open in January 2020! Most of the equipment is installed and we are currently working on scheduling and program development for 2020. NOVA’s Fab Lab consists of a designated area for NOVA’s Engineering Technology program and a Makerspace area that will be open to the college and community. The Engineering Technology students will have access to state-of the-art equipment such as modular automation systems, high and low voltage electronics, fluid and power control systems and a full “Smart Factory” mechatronics system.

The Fab Lab Makerspace is a unique venue where groups and individuals can come to create, collaborate and use STEM related technology. The technology available include 3D printers, a 3D scanner, vinyl printer/cutters, plastic thermoforming machine, laser engraver, full wood design room with CNC router, and design software including AutoCAD, Auto Desk Inventor, SolidWorks and Adobe Creative Suite.

The Fab Lab Makerspace will be hosting events, workshops, and activities open to K12 students, community members, and college students and staff. Field trips to the lab for public, private, and homeschool students will include a variety of STEM related opportunities for creating and learning, along with summer programming for children. Workshops and trainings will be available on a myriad of topics including use of specific fabrication equipment, wood working, design software, electronics and coding, robotics, electronic fashion design, teacher professional development and more. Furthermore, the lab will also host private and special events, and include open sessions where individuals can use the space to create and work on their own projects.

For more information on Fab Lab programs contact the STEM Fab Lab Coordinator, Lance Lacey, at llacey@nvcc.edu or (703) 530-3504.

IET Newsletter, New Employee

New Employee Spotlights – Oct 2019

October 28, 2019 blenon

We’re glad to welcome two new team members to the IET division, Brittany Hollis, who is an IET Career Coach and Valerie Seidel, a graphic designer with NOVA SySTEMic.

Brittany Hollis

Brittany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University (NC State). Before coming to NOVA Brittany worked in the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Living Learning Village at NC State as the graduate assistant overseeing the WISE peer mentor program. In this role she planned student development, academic, career, and social events and activities and supported and advised WISE student leader staff.

Brittany also has experience working in Institutional Equity and Diversity departments at NC State and UNC Chapel Hill, piloting new initiatives focusing on equity in Higher Education. She has also presented programs and trainings on issues related to social justice, STEM education, and diversity and inclusion at the local, state, and national level.

Brittany taught High School Biology for two years in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System before moving into the Student Affairs and Higher Education Profession. In her free time, Brittany enjoys listening to podcasts, writing, and all things DIY.

Brittany can be reached at bhollis@nvcc.edu

Valerie Seidel

Valerie started her career as a clothing production coordinator at Ann Inc. in New York City. After college, she secured an Event Coordinator position at Heritage Hunt Golf and Country Club in Gainesville, VA. She was introduced to hands-on STEM through volunteering at robotics competitions for NOVA, and will use her expertise in event management, graphic design, and fashion to promote STEM throughout the community. Valerie holds a bachelor’s degree in Merchandising with a minor in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University. In her free time, she loves to sew, craft, create, cuddle with her cat and binge watch Netflix.

Valerie can be reached at vseidel@nvcc.edu

STEM Expos, Volunteer

STEMZone at YFT Country Fair Oct 5

September 25, 2019 blenon

NOVA SySTEMic is returning to Youth for Tomorrow’s Country Fair & Auctions in Bristow to exhibit the STEMzone!

What is the STEMZone?
The STEMZone is NOVA SySTEMic’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Expo at Youth for Tomorrow’s Country Fair & Auctions. The STEMZone includes exciting hands-on activities such as maker spaces, robotics, cybersecurity, coding, 3D printers, laser cutters, stomp rockets and more!

When and Where?
Saturday October 5th 10am – 5pm
Country Fair & Auctions
Youth for Tomorrow Campus
11835 Hazel Circle Drive
Bristow, VA 20136

We Need Volunteers:
Volunteers will help run various STEM stations in our 60×90 STEMZone tent. We will train you on-site to aid and guide Elementary and Middle School students who will be participating in STEMZone hands-on activities. Besides having a great time education and inspiring students, you’ll also receive a free lunch and T-shirt.
Volunteer Shift 1: 9:30am to 1:30pm
Volunteer Shift 2: 1:30pm to 6:00pm
80 slots available/40 per shift
Sign up at volunteer.novastem.us/STEMZone

Hands-On Activities at the STEMZone

OSMO – Coding with iPad (ages 5+)
Use an iPad and the OSMO kit to learn coding. The kit uses physical representation of coding to help Awbie navigate in a self-paced app.

Sphero – Coding with iPad (ages 8+)
Use an iPad and the SPRK+ sphere robot to learn coding. The kit uses an app to drive or code the robot to navigate a maze.

Arduino – Build a stoplight (ages 10+)
The activity consist of assembling an electronic circuit around the Arduino to make a functioning stoplight.

Stomp Rockets – Build and launch a paper rocket (ages 3+)
Use paper to build a rocket with fins and nosecone. Stomp the launcher and see your rocket take flight.

Cubelets – Modular robotics (ages 4+)
Construct robots by snapping the robot blocks together to create unique robots. No coding or wiring required.

Hands-On Demos at the STEMZone

VEX Maze challenge – Drive a VEX clawbot through a maze (ages 7+)
Drive a VEX metal robot through a maze and flip caps and place balls on the field. Park the robot on a platform at the end.

VEX IQ Level Up – Play the VEX IQ challenge game (any ages)
Drive a plastic robot on a field moving and stacking hubs and try to make the robot hang from a horizontal bar.

Laser Engraver – Get your own keychain made (all ages)
The laser engraver will engrave and cut a keychain for you on the spot.

CAD – Test out making 3D designs (ages 6+)
Use Tinkercad or Autodesk Inventor to design 3D objects by grouping together shapes to create an object.

3D Printing – Print 3D objects (any ages)
Demos of multiple 3D printers and how a 3D object gets printed.

Arduino – Project display (any ages)
See multiple starter and advanced projects made up by using an Arduino.

VEX Conveyor – See how assembly line works (any ages)
See a small scale mockup of an assembly line and learn how it works.

Locktronics – Electronics trainer (ages 6+)
Learn electronics in a safe and fun way!

Virtual Simulator – Forklift (any ages)
Learn how to operate a forklift using a virtual reality simulator.

More info about the Country Fair & Auctions at:
http://www.youthfortomorrow.org/country-fair-and-auctions
Admission to Country Fair: $10. Kids 3 and under are free

Scholarships

Scholarship for DCO Students!

September 24, 2019 blenon

Are you a NOVA student in the new Data Center Operations A.A.S program? You could win a $2000 scholarship just for answering the question “Why do you want to work In the Datacenter Business?” The Potomac Chapter of AFCOM (Association For Computer Operations Management) has a scholarship agreement with the NOVA Foundation so that students enrolled in the Engineering Technology: Data Center Operations Specialization, A.A.S. Program will be eligible to apply.

Three scholarships of $2,000 each are being offered to cover tuition and associated fees. Additional eligibility criteria include: financial need, academic standing, and having Manassas or Loudoun listed as your primary campus.

Interested in applying or know someone who is? Click here to complete the general application at the Financial Aid Scholarship Portal.

Application deadline to apply is Oct 11^th.

Career Day

NOVA Career Day Data Center Tour 10-4

September 6, 2019 blenon

NOVA Career Day and Data Center Tour
Digital Realty
October 4^th, 2019

Digital Realty is providing a unique and valuable experience to NOVA students to get a behind the scenes tour of its Loudoun Data Center and spend time with industry professionals to learn more about career options available in this growing industry. With a footprint in northern Virginia and 200+ properties in 33+ metropolitan areas covering 30+ million rentable square feet, Digital Realty is the leading Global Data Center Real Estate Investment Trust with 2500+ customers globally.

Students must register by September 9 (no late registrations will be accepted).

REGISTRATION – Students must register in Career Connection at www.nvcc.edu/career-services/career-connection.html for either:

Digital Realty: Career Day and Data Center Tour (WITH BUS TRANSPORTATION)
Space on the bus is limited to 30 so you must RSVP is you want a seat

-OR-

Digital Realty: Career Day and Data Center Tour (NO TRANSPORTATION)
Students arrive at 9:30am using their own transportation

In Career Connection, look for the Digital Realty events under Programs and Workshops. Provide your full name as in appears on your government issued photo ID by September 9. All participants will need to present a government issued photo ID that matches their name on the registration list to enter the secure data facility.

Northern Virginia Community College Bus Transportation– space is limited
Address: NOVA Loudoun Campus, 21200 Campus Dr., Sterling, VA 20164
(location details will be provided to those registered for the bus)

Digital Realty Career Day & Data Center Tour Location – students arrive on their own
Address: Digital Realty – Building G, 43940 Digital Loudoun Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147

Schedule

8:30	Bus arrives at NOVA Community College
9:00	Bus departs NOVA Community College for Digital Realty Loudoun I/II campus
9:30	Bus arrives at Digital Realty @ Building G
9:30-9:50	Security, check-in, name badges
09:50-10:00	Brief Welcome and outline rules for the tour
10:00-10:40	Data Center Tour
10:40-11:40	Career Discussion; panel of speakers from Digital Realty
11:40-11:55	Student Q&A with panel of speakers from Digital Realty
11:55-12:00	Hand out Digital Realty SWAG
12:00-12:50	Lunch; hosted by Digital Realty
1:00	Bus departs for return to NOVA Community College
1:30	Bus arrives back at NOVA Community College

Questions may be directed to novacareerservices@nvcc.edu.

IET Newsletter, NOVA STEM Days, STEM Events, STEM Expos

NOVA STEM Day at NOVA LO

August 28, 2019 blenon

Hands-on STEM fun for the entire family, from kindergarten to high school and beyond! If you want to get your children interested and engaged in STEM, don’t miss the 5th annual NOVA STEM Day at the Loudoun Campus on Saturday, September 28 from 10am to 4pm. With more activities than you can count, we’re about DOING. Come ready to participate! This event is FREE, open to the public, and includes a variety of physical and hands-on activities. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is responsible for providing appropriate supervision.

Attending?
RSVP here

Want to be an exhibitor?
Contact Liz Coffey ecoffey@nvcc.edu

STEM DAY ACTIVITIES

NOVA Systemic – STEM Zone
Learn about programming and robotics using VEX, Sphero, Osmo platforms and more!

Loudoun County Public Library – Makerspace

Academies of Loudoun – UV Light/Slime
Interactive experiment with UV Lighting & Slime

Academies of Loudoun – FRC Robotics Team
Meet FRC Team 5338 and their FRC Robot!

NOVA Loudoun – Bones of the Body
Learn the bones of your body! What properties make up the bones of your body? What microscopic structures the compact of bone? Identify the organic and inorganic components that make bone hard and yet flexible. Examine skeletons, individual bones, coloring activities and more.

NOVA – CHM Toon
Chemical reactions and more!

Adobe Illustrator – Explore your Artistic Potential with Technology
Create characters and activities in Adobe Illustrator!

Vet Tech Dept – A Day in the Life of a Veterinary Technician
Become a Vet Tech by bandaging patients, examining xrays and bones and more!

Loudoun Water – Interactive Watershed Model
Explore the interactive watershed model, water source protection and conservation

Geared UP! – Robot Driving Station with Team Geared UP!

Northern Virginia Community College – Psychology IS a Science
Celebrate the scientific studies of the senses. Learn about sensation, perception and classical conditioning. Taste our treats, check out optical illusion demos, and more!

Russian School of Mathematics – Fun with Math!

NOVA Physics – Hands-on demos with a mini roller coaster, Van der Graff mini-generator and Gyro-effect with a Bicycle wheel

NOVA Programming – Introduction to Visual Programming

Virginia 529 – spin the wheel to win prizes

biofeedbackWORKS – Check out bio and neurofeedback technology!

Geology – Interactive Geology models and processes

Cyberjutsu Girls Academy (CGA)/Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu – workshops provide a hands-on, fun, and interactive experience in topics such as web design, mobile application development, computer fundamentals, programming and many more!

American Society of Naval Engineers – Students will play the FLEET video game so they are able to explore and master it at home. The game is completely free and a great resource for exploring STEAM and solving problems using the engineering design process.

How much does it cost?
STEM Day is a FREE event with open parking in “B” lots. Follow signs upon arrival.

Who will I learn from?
Our activities will be taught by NOVA faculty and community educators with assistance from college and high school students.

Do I need to pre-register?
Not mandatory, but it does help us plan the logistics of the day. Pre-Register here.

What should I wear?
For safety purposes, no shorts, tank tops, or open-toed shoes are permissible in the science labs. Safety precautions are strictly enforced. Some events will take place outdoors, so monitor weather reports and dress accordingly.

What’s for lunch?
For those who work up an appetite, Uncle Fred’s BBQ Smoke Shack (also serving ice cream) and Mama Lucie’s Kitchen will be on site with a variety of lunch options.