Category Archives: 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

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.

IET Newsletter, STEM Camps

STEM Camps a Success!

August 28, 2019 blenon

We put on 10 different types of STEM camps in 55 different sessions at 13 locations serving 869 students this summer, inspiring young minds through hands-on engagement in STEM. A few quotes about the camps from parents:

“My daughter said it was the best camp she’s ever been to, and she’s been to so many, that’s truly stunning”

“It was a great experience for my child. I am considering doing more of the camps next summer”

“She loved it! Definitely would recommend it for any student who is interested.”

“Robotics seemed to excite my son to learn about college. I appreciated seeing younger counsellors given leadership roles.”

“My son really enjoyed himself and loved the competition on the last day”

“My child raved about the projects during the camp.”

“Very good value.”

“Instructors were nice and knowledgeable”

“The staff was nice, and the staff taught my kid to code a virtual robot, and build a website on Raspberry pi.”

“My child enjoyed learning how to design, use new software and technology, and seeing the final project.”

“Arduino was excellent. She’s purchased her own and is working on her own projects. Great experience.”

“My child’s favorite thing about the camp was what he learned, and the ability to be able to protect me and my families’ phones and computers.”

“She enjoyed the hands-on activities and the small group setting.”

Our core offering of camps:

Coding – Grade 3-5

STEM Elementary – Grade 4-5

Robotics – VEX IQ – Grade 4-8

STEM Middle School – Grade 6-8

Robotics – VEX 1 – Grade 6-10

Arduino – Grade 7-10

Robotics – VEX 2 – Grade 7-10

Rocketry – Grade 7-12

STEM High School – Grade 9-12

Cybersecurity – Grade 9-12

Be on the lookout to sign up your kids for STEM Camp 20 when registration becomes available in January 2020 at www.nvcc.edu/systemic

Thank you Sponsors!

Our STEM Camps engage a lot of students, but we couldn’t do that without our stellar sponsors and equipping educators! For a successful and intrepid summer of STEM camps and for inspiring young minds, massive thanks to: Micron, Verizon Media, Amtek, Aerojet Rocketdyne, SPARK Education Foundation, Cintas, Fairfax County Public Schools, Alexandria City Public Schools, Falls Church City Public Schools, and Arlington Public Schools.