PARTNERS, "PLUG IN" TO STEM ACTIVITIES HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA.

HMSC Virtual Career Days

Oregon Sea Grant offers hands-on day-long career day events at Hatfield Marine Science Center to help high school students learn about marine science careers. Recently, Oregon Sea Grant began providing virtual events to engage students with presenters online. The webinar series Careers in Science Investigations (CSI) is designed for students grades 9-12, and Growing Engineers and Marine Scientists (GEMS) is for students in grade 6-8. Learn More

Partners, if you are interested in sharing your marine science career with youth through Sea Grant in-person or virtual career programs, contact Lindsay Carroll and [email protected] for more information.


Oregon Connections Industry Chats

Oregon Connections is a resource for connecting classrooms and students to career inspiration and experts in nearly every imaginable field.  Developed by the STEM Oregon Hub network and powered by Nepris, Oregon classrooms have been connecting with professionals locally and nationwide since 2015, and now, it is a great way for students to continue learning from home! Students can hear directly from experts how their learning applies in the real world through live, virtual sessions, as well as access 16,000+ videos of past sessions, anytime, anywhere. Visit https://oregonconnections.nepris.com/ and click on the "Professionals" tab to learn more.

ANNUAL TOURNAMENTS and EVENTS

If there is no specific information about an upcoming event, contact the coordinator to get on their mailing list so that you'll be notified during active volunteer recruitment.

  • Oregon Coast Renewable Energy Challenge 
    Students in grades 3-12 bring their wave energy devices, wind turbines, and/or solar devices to the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport to test in wave tanks, wind tunnel or under high powered lights to see which designs produce the greatest amount of energy. Volunteers support teachers in professional development workshops, mentor student teams, and/or serve as a judge or event volunteer on competition day. Watch a short video about the 2017 competition. The next challenge will be held March 21, 2023. Contact Tracy Crews at [email protected] for more information.
  • MATE Oregon Regional ROV Competition - link
    Volunteers are needed to help run this program in which student teams (upper elementary to college) build underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles and compete in a regional competition.  Engineers and technicians can help support teachers in professional development workshops, mentor student teams, build mission props, and/or serve as a judge or other event volunteer on competition day. Watch a short video about the 2017 MATE Oregon Regional ROV Competition. The next competition will take place in person on April 22, 2023 with some virtual components occurring the week prior. To learn more, contact [email protected]
  • Salmon Bowl - link
    Oregon's regional competition for the National Ocean Science Bowl typically seeks volunteers. Volunteers help participate with the quiz-bowl style competition by serving as a judge or helping with logistics. Training sessions are held in Corvallis in early January each year and the competition is held in February. There will be no competition in 2023. For more information, contact [email protected].
  • ASPIRE
    ASPIRE is a mentoring program that matches trained and supportive adult volunteer mentors with middle and high school students to develop a plan to help them meet their education goals beyond high school. Volunteers are needed at high schools throughout the Oregon coast region. Learn more
  • Oregon Game Project Challenge - link
    The Oregon Game Project Challenge (OGPC) is the only state-wide game programming competition in Oregon. OGPC introduces middle and high school students to computer programming basics while educating them in science and current events. They typically seek volunteers for an annual April competition in Monmouth, OR.
  • Oregon Science Olympiad - link
    Volunteers help with the state tournament in April that takes place in Corvallis. Middle and high school student teams are tested on their knowledge. Team registration typically begins in January.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Community Mentoring Program - In Tillamook School District, community mentors are resources for students working on science fair projects, project-based learning units, and more.  For more information, contact Amy Schmid at [email protected].
  • 21st Century After School Program - The 21st Century Community Learning Centers After School Program in the Lincoln County School District provides 2.5 hours of afterschool enrichment for students each school day, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, arts and reading.  Volunteers are needed to help provide STEM enrichment activities.  Visit the website for more information.
  • FIRST LEGO League - The Oregon Robotic Tournament and Outreach Program provides information about robotics programs and competitions held throughout the state.  Visit the ORTOP website to find out more about being a team coach, a mentor, a judge, a referee and more. 
  • MATHCOUNTS - This national middle school coaching and competitive mathematics program promotes mathematics achievement through a series of fun and engaging "bee" style contests.  Help a middle school teacher in your area start a team!  For more information, visit the MATHCOUNTS website for more information.