REMINDER: Please donate your unused or gently used solar glasses in the NRHS lobby by Friday, May 3 to be sent to Astronomers without Borders
All Massachusetts students will have an equitable, comprehensive STEM education that fosters a positive STEM identity and enables them to apply their learning to thrive in their everyday lives and participate in informed civic engagement.
North Reading Vision Statement:
In the North Reading School District, our vision for STEM education is to inspire and empower students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators who are equipped to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected world. We prioritize equitable access to high-quality STEM learning experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, and curiosity. Through interdisciplinary exploration and hands-on, experiential learning, we aim to cultivate a diverse pipeline of future scientists, engineers, technologists, and mathematicians to navigate and excel in a diverse and ever-evolving job market, contributing meaningfully to society and shaping the future. Our vision emphasizes the development of digital, scientific, mathematical, and data literacies in preparation for careers in a diverse workforce and for careers that are unimagined.
Check out these S.T.E.M. Internship Opportunities
Donation Request: Solar Eclipse Glasses for Astronomers without Borders
The World of STEM club is currently organizing a donation drive to gather solar eclipse glasses for Astronomers Without Borders, a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting astronomy education and global understanding through various initiatives, including safe solar viewing.
See STEM Opportunities for more information.
Eclipse April 8, 2024
During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun's light. The extent of the eclipse visible from any given location depends on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, and the specific path of totality.
Full coverage of the sun by the moon is “totality” and, according to NASA, lasts about 3-4 minutes.
North Reading is not in the path of totality, residents will experience a partial solar eclipse, where approximately 90% - 95% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon. There will be daytime darkness, similar to dawn or dusk, as well as a temperature drop.
The eclipse will begin after 2pm, it will peak (90 - 95% coverage) near 3:30pm and will end by 4:30pm. Proper eye protection is necessary to safely view any solar eclipse to avoid damaging your eyes.
Of course, viewing the eclipse is all contingent on the weather.
An interactive map and additional information can be found on the NASA website. A simulation specific to what we can expect to see in North Reading can be found at the eclipse2024.org website.
Use Approved Solar Viewing Glasses: Protect your eyes with specially designed solar eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standards. Regular sunglasses will not provide sufficient protection.
Check Glasses for Damage: Before use, inspect your solar viewing glasses for any scratches, cracks, or damage. Do not use them if they are compromised in any way.
Direct Viewing Precautions: NEVER look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, even during a solar eclipse. Doing so can cause severe eye damage or blindness.
Projection Methods: Alternatively, you can view the eclipse indirectly using projection methods, such as a pinhole projector or telescope projection. These methods allow you to see the eclipse's progress without directly staring at the sun.
Supervise Children: Ensure that children are properly supervised and equipped with safe viewing glasses or using safe viewing methods. Educate them about the importance of eye safety during the event.
Limit Exposure Time: Even with proper eye protection, limit your exposure to direct sunlight during the eclipse to reduce the risk of eye strain or discomfort.
Stay Informed: Check local weather forecasts and eclipse viewing times to plan your observation safely. Be aware of any updates or changes to the event schedule
Solar Eclipse Viewing
Attention everyone!
We're thrilled to announce the upcoming solar eclipse viewing event happening on Monday, April 8, 2024! Witnessing this celestial spectacle is an incredible experience, but it's crucial to ensure your safety while observing the sun. Here are some essential guidelines to follow for safe viewing:
Remember, your eye safety is paramount during this extraordinary event. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the solar eclipse while protecting your vision for the future.
Happy viewing!
Pi Day Pi K
NRHS celebrated Pi Day with our first Pi(e) K Fun Run on March 14th!
Students and faculty laced up their running and walking shoes for our first Pi K (about 1.95 miles or 8 trips around the track)
Following the event, we celebrated with pizza pi(e) of course. It was the π-fect way to celebrate Pi Day!
Thank you to the NRHS Math department for sponsoring the Pi Day Pi K!
Link to photographs of our Pi Day Pi K
STEM Showcase
Thursday, March 14, 2024
The Showcase was held on Thrusday, March 14, 2024
Student work was displayed alon Main Street and North Reading families were invited to explore.
The goal for this exhibition was to highlight NRHS student projects, activities, and accomplishments related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
It served as a platform for our students to showcase their creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills to a wider audience, including peers, parents, and educators.
Student projects were presented through various formats, such as poster presentations and models. These projects encompassed a wide range of STEM topics and disciplines, including but not limited to robotics, environmental science, biology, physics, mathematics, and engineering design,.
A special thanks to Mr. Lane and some of his robotics students for providing a demonstration of the student built and modified robots which included a hands-on opportunity.
The local North Reading Middle School and High School robotics teams also provided demonstrations and hands-on opportunities.
Link to photographs of the STEM Showcase
