Local STEM Programs

Learn more about these programs available in our community.

Astronomy Club of Akron

The Astronomy Club of Akron (ACA) has been a distinguished northeast Ohio organization since 1949. The purpose of the ACA is to further an interest in and promote the study of the subject of Astronomy and related sciences. The ACA will promote public interest in these sciences through the use of lectures, forums, discussion groups, publications, programs, research, instruction, and other relevant educational, scientific and literary activities.

The ACA will educate the general public through monthly programs and star parties. These programs, lectures and events cover such astronomical phenomena as the planets, solar/lunar observing, seasonal constellations, comets, meteor showers, and deep sky objects. The club also offers an annual telescope seminar on the selection, use and care of binoculars, refractors, reflectors, mounts and photographic equipment.

Link: Akron Astronomy Club

Akron Engineers Week

Akron Engineers Week Banquet

Link: Akron Engineers Week

Akron Library Tech Zone

TechZone@Main is the solution to all of your technological needs. We have over 40 computers available to the public for free. Our knowledgeable staff can help you if you have any computer-related questions. If you need some more in-depth technology help, we teach free computer classes at branches and the Main Library computer lab, and we’re also available for individualized help at our 1 on 1 Tech Help desk. All TechZone staff are passport acceptance agents and Notaries. So if you need a passport or need something notarized for free, stop in or give us a call to make an appointment.

TechZone is also Akron-Summit County Public Library’s makerspace. What is a makerspace? It’s a place for making, learning, exploring and sharing.

TechZone is open to artists, entrepreneurs, small business owners, hobbyists, and creative types of all kinds. We have a variety of tools available for free or little cost. Some examples include recording studios, laser engraver, vinyl printer, green screen room, design computers, button/magnet maker, media transfer station, and more.

Link: Akron Library Tech Zone

Akron Zoo Education

Education at the Akron Zoo takes shape in many ways. Often, you may not even know that you have learned something. Although we have fun with education here, we consider it very serious. Zoo staff are not only working to provide new information about animals, but also trying to inspire people to be conservation minded about the animals in which they are learning.

For us, education can be described as making connections. We are trying to connect every visitor to the animals at the zoo in a way that will benefit conservation of the species in the wild. This connection may take place when a zookeeper describes a personality trait of an individual animal or when an education specialists brings a snake to first graders encouraging a closer look.

Link: Akron Zoo Education

Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland

The Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland (ASGC) has a long and proud history of service to the Greater Cleveland Community and its members. It is one of Cleveland’s oldest continuously operating environmental organizations. The elements of our mission have remained consistent since our founding in 1923 as the Susanna Louise Patteson Memorial Association: (1) protection of wildlife habitat (2) making educational programs available to members and the public through a lecture series (3) field trips using our sanctuaries and other resources and, (4) environmental advocacy.

Link: Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

At the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, we believe that discovery starts with you. Explore our exhibits, meet our wild animals, take a hike, join a class?all while creating meaningful memories.

We make science relatable by cultivating your curiosity. When you visit the Museum, you’ll have the opportunity to delve deep into the past in our dinosaur hall, discover the outer reaches of the Universe in?Shafran Planetarium?and experience natural wonders in?outdoor galleries. Children can experience hands-on learning in?Smead Discovery Center, where the motto is “please touch!” Traveling exhibits bring the world to Cleveland with an ever-changing variety of new subjects to explore.

Link: Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Conservancy

This park preserves 22 miles of the Cuyahoga River and the mosaic of natural and man-made features surrounding it, including lush forests, rolling hills, wetlands, waterfalls, farm fields, historic buildings and dramatic rock ledges. Decades before this Midwestern site officially became a national park, severe pollution in the river outraged and embarrassed the country, helping to spur the creation of the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency and Earth Day. Now the health of the river has improved significantly, and the park offers numerous recreational opportunities and even a scenic railroad for its millions of visitors each year.

Link: Cuyahoga Valley National Park Conservancy

FIRST® LEGO® League

FIRST® LEGO® League is the most accessible, guided, global robotics competition, helping students and teachers to build a better future together. The program is built around theme-based Challenges to engage children ages 9 to 16* in research, problem solving, coding, and engineering.

The mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

Methodology: Engage kids in kindergarten through high school in exciting, mentor-based, research and robotics programs that help them become science and technology leaders, as well as well-rounded contributors to society.

Link: FLL

FIRST® Tech Challenge

The FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, by designing, building, and programming a robot to compete in an alliance format against other teams.

The mission of FIRSTÂ® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

Link: FTC

Glenn Research Center

Glenn tours provide an inspiring, behind the scenes look at NASA. Visitors can explore America’s research facilities and see where scientists and engineers develop propulsion, power and communication technologies for NASA’s aeronautics and space programs.

From April through October, the Glenn Research Center offers public tours of its research facilities once a month. In 2019, the tours will feature facilities that played an important role in the?Apollo?missions and a look at NASA’s future Moon and Mars missions.

Link: Glenn Research Center

Great Lakes Biomimicry

Biomimicry is the practice of learning from nature and emulating its forms, processes and systems?to solve human problems and drive innovation. People started doing this a long time ago: Leonardo da Vinci observed nature, which was reflected in his design drawings, and the Wright brothers studied bird wings to create flight.

Throughout the world and across industries, people are drawing from nature’s genius once again. A product inspired by sharkskin actually repels bacteria by design, not chemicals ? perfect for use in medical settings. Japan’s bullet train was redesigned thanks to a birdwatcher and engineer who was inspired by the kingfisher’s seamless entry into water and the owl’s near silent flight. (The train is now quieter, 10% faster and uses 15% less electricity.) Velcro was inspired by burdock burrs, which easily stick to your clothes through a hook-and-loop design.

Biomimicry offers a pathway to sustainabilty. By mimicking nature, we can create?life-friendly products, buildings and cities. Teams can work together more intelligently when operating as a living system. When we closely align to nature’s principles, our world can flourish.

When it comes to innovation, nature?offers 3.8 billion years worth of insights and clever adaptations. Adding biomimicry into an innovation toolobox can help businesses solve a problem?or create a disruptive technology.??

Link: Great Lakes BioMimicry

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the largest investment in the Great Lakes in two decades. Federal agencies use GLRI resources to strategically target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem and to accelerate progress toward long term goals.

Link: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Great Lakes Science Center

The Great Lakes Science Center is a museum and educational facility in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Many of the exhibits document the features of the natural environment in the Great Lakes region of the United States

Link: Great Lakes Science Center

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center educates and inspires each of us to understand, appreciate and take responsibility for our natural world.

Link: Lake Erie Nature And Science Centre

MathCounts

The MATHCOUNTS Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that reaches students in grades 6-8 in all US states and territories with 3 extracurricular math programs. More than a quarter million students participate in our programs or use our resources each year.

Our approach is simple: we make learning math fun. We believe middle school is a critical juncture when a love of math must be encouraged, and a fear of math must be overcome. Our programs build problem solving skills and positive attitudes about math, so students embrace challenges and expand their academic and career opportunities in the future.

Link: MathCounts

Northeastern Ohio Robotics Alliance

NEOHBots (Northeastern Ohio Robotics Alliance) is an organization aimed to promote STEM awareness through the creation of FIRST teams in Northeast Ohio. The team here at NEOH Bots is looking forward to an exciting year!

NEOHBots is an organization with the goal to help FIRST teams and inspire STEM. For any help regarding FIRST, contact us here.

Link: NEOHBots

Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair

Established in 1953, the Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, whose goal is to get young adults interested in science and engineering by participating in a science and engineering competition. The Fair has been held every year since 1954 and is affiliated with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

During the four day event, approximately 600 students from over 80 schools in the area set up their science fair displays, discuss their projects with 260+ judges and compete for more than $20,000 in prizes. One of the most rewarding aspects of NEOSEF is the opportunity for the students to discuss their research with professional scientists and engineers from the local area.

Link: NEOSEF

Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition

Established in 1989, Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition (OECC) is a private, non-profit organization working to develop the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and National Heritage Area in Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties. The OECC provides educational programs, events, and publications about the Canalway, while developing strong working relationships with partners to preserve and interpret the natural, historical and recreational resources throughout the area.

The Ohio & Erie Canal opened up the Ohio frontier for settlement and provided settlers with a reliable form of transportation to ship products. This unique waterway is being rediscovered as communities seek to celebrate their heritage while stimulating community & economic development. Today, there is renewed interest in the preservation, development, and interpretation of the Ohio & Erie Canal’s resources.

Link: Ohio And Erie Canalway

Ohio State Science Day

Each year thousands of high school students complete independent research projects. These students present their work at the local and the District level, and the highest rated projects go on to compete at State Science Day. This event is the high-point of student-based scientific research, and in 2020 it will be entering its 72 year.

Link: Ohio State Science Day

Rubber City Math Teacher Circle

The Rubber City Math Teacher Circle is a regional Math Teacher Circle affiliated with the Math Teacher Circle Network. Math Teacher Circles are communities that bring teachers and math professors together to re-discover deep problem-solving and perseverance. The sessions provide unique professional development the help connect teachers to their learner-self making it easier to facilitate problem-solving in their own classrooms.

Link: Rubber City Math Teacher Circle

Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad comes in many shapes and sizes to fit your needs. At the K-6 level, try an Elementary Science Olympiad (ESO) program, which can come in the form of a competitive tournament, a hands-on science Fun Day or an expert-filled Science Olympiad Fun Night. In grades 6-12, Science Olympiad functions much like a football or soccer team, requiring preparation, commitment, coaching and practice throughout the year. Each school-based team is allowed to bring 15 students who cross-train for a variety of events in their skill set, but some school clubs have more than 75 members, allowing for an apprentice and mentoring system.

Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school). Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation. Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.

Link: Science Olympiad

Soap Box Derby

The International Soap Box Derby™ is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculums, and other community-focused activities.

Link: Soap Box Derby

Starry Trails

About Suzie Dills & Starry Trails: On a clear starry August night, more than 30 years ago, I stepped outside looked up and was hooked on stargazing! I have been dazzled and amazed ever since ! There are so many delights to see with your eyes and binoculars. After taking a few Astronomy classes, learning to read star maps and practicing, I began to understand the planet and constellation positions. When presenting public astronomy programs, I met many families that had difficulty finding the constellations and planets. That’s why I created Starry Trails, a fun and easy way to explore the night sky from your very own backyard. I wanted to share my knowledge of the night sky to assist as many of you as possible, so you could learn,understand and love the stars!

Link: Starry Trails

Western Reserve District 5 Science Day

The Western Reserve District 5 Science Day is one of the 16 District Science Fairs held in Ohio each spring under the Ohio Junior Academy on Science. This year’s event will be held on March 21st at The University of Akron.

Students in grades 5-12 prepared projects in one of the following areas: Animal Sciences, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Biochemistry, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Earth and Envioronmental Science, Embedded Systems, Energy: Physical, Engineering Mechanics, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics and Anatomy, Plant Sciences, Polymer Science and Engineering, Robotics and Intelligent Machines, Systems Software, Translational Medical Science.

Link: WRD5 Science Day