This week in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) news, a new study reveals immigrants are increasingly entering STEM fields, students combine STEM learning and pumpkin smashing, and NASA commits to the expansion of an online program for high school students. 

New Report Reveals Immigrants Increasing in STEM Studies

A new report released from the National Science Foundation has revealed that immigrants are increasingly pursuing STEM careers in the U.S.

Additionally, “[i]mmigrant scientists and engineers were more likely to earn master’s and doctorate degrees than their U.S.-born counterparts” and were likely to earn a higher median annual salary.

Read the full story.

Students Compete in Pumpkin Smashing STEM Contest

Students from several Delaware high schools got together to compete in an annual throw down competition where students used STEM skills to compete in launching four-pound pumpkins.

"The contest was the culmination of about two months of work by ... students seeking to design the perfect trebuchet—a medieval siege weapon somewhat similar to a catapult—using wood, gym weights and other design elements.”

Read the full story.

Raspberry Pi-Powered Desktop Computer to Help Kids Learn Computer Science

A London start-up is raising funds for Pi-topCeed, a desktop device powered by the cheap but handy STEM device—Raspberry Pi—through crowdfunding site Indiegogo.

"The start-up said that Pi-topCEED will help users learn how to code, build hardware such as IoT devices, robots and controllers, and enable them to 3D print their own creations via a number of built-in features,” according to TheInquirer.net.

Read the full story and find out how to donate here. 

SHPE Hosts Largest Annual Hispanic Conference for STEM

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) will host its annual 2015 SHPE Conference Nov. 11-15 in Baltimore; the conference is the largest gathering of “Hispanic student and professional STEM talent in the nation."

"The SHPE Conference offers workshops, featured guests speakers, award ceremonies and competitions. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of attractive conference programs and opportunities,” SHPE said in a statement.

Read more here.

 NASA Sets Out to Expand Online Program to Help High Schoolers Learn STEM

NASA has provided The Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin with a five-year $1.3 million grant to help expand a STEM program that will give “high school students and teachers the opportunity to use NASA resources and work directly with engineers at UT Austin’s Center for Space Research (CSR),” said eSchoolNews.

"Students who participate in the internship program will work on real NASA projects that will connect learners to NASA-unique resources in earth science. Meanwhile, teachers will be prepared to deliver STEM instruction using NASA assets and content."

The current program has been proven to be very successful, with 100 percent of its graduates going onto college and 96 percent pursuing STEM degrees.

Read the full story here. 

Compiled by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

11/10/2015