Community Programs Office
EDUCATION
PROGRAMS & PARTNERSHIPS

The Middle School Science Bowl (for grades six through eight) and the High School Science Bowl (for grades nine through twelve) are academic competitions sponsored by the Department of Energy. The Science Bowl tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science. Students are quizzed in a fast-paced question and answer forum at a regional event. For both events, a regional competition is held in Albuquerque, with the winning team going on to the national competition. Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Public Service Company of New Mexico, Albuquerque Public Schools, and Sandia National Laboratories are sponsors of the regional event. The Department of Energy is a sponsor of both the regional and national events.

February 18, 2012: Middle School Science Bowl at Albuquerque
March 3, 2012: High School Science Bowl at Albuquerque

2011 Winners
Middle School - Albuquerque Academy
High School - Los Alamos High School

The Alternative Fuel Cell competition provides a hands-on opportunity for middle school students (grades six through eight) to understand the need for renewable energy sources and explore the emerging technology of hydrogen power. The competition consists of three areas that include the car design, an essay competition (optional) and the race itself. LANL is a co-sponsor of the annual Hydrogen Fuel Cell Challenge, held in Albuquerque.

In November 2011, a total of 46 teams from 31 schools in New Mexico. Pinion Elementary (White Rock), James H. Rodriquez (Espanola), Tony E. Quintana Elementary (Espanola), and Mountain Elementary (Los Alamos) placed in the finals.

RoboRave International is a robotics competition for students in grades 3 through 12. Two to four person teams work before the event to design, build and program their autonomous robot to perform a variety of competition tasks. The robotics platforms are generally Lego NXT but not limited to them. Teams select during their registration to compete in one of two challenges: the entry level OPEN PLATFORM or the advance level FIRE FIGHTING.

December 3: RoboRave International Workshop scheduled for Espanola at the Eutemio Salazar III Elementary School for teachers in Northern New Mexico.

The Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico was established in 1994 with a mission of recognizing excellent teachers and improving the quality of teaching. Each year, a small number of teachers from around New Mexico win the Golden Apple Award. The selection of these teachers is made through a rigorous, comprehensive process that includes teams of evaluators, as well as making site visits to the teacher's schools and classrooms. Golden Apple Award recipients receive a stipend, a generous professional development award, a computer system, and ongoing professional development through their membership as a Golden Apple Fellow in the elite Golden Academy.

Santa Fe Science Initiative (SFCI) works to help improve science education in Santa Fe Schools by sending mentors into classrooms to help guide instruction as well as by hosting workshops for teachers, and family science nights.

In 2011 SFCI’s focus will include the creation of a new ‘homebase’ called a Science House.  The Science House will be a professional development center where teachers can deepen their understanding of science content and pedagogy in a collegial, inspirational environment.  Having the Science House will also create an opportunity for retired scientists in the community to engage with teachers. 

MATHCOUNTS  is a national middle school coaching and competitive mathematics program that inspires excellence, confidence and curiosity in middle school students through fun and challenging math programs.  The program exists in all 50 states and is supported by the National Society of Professional Engineers. 

February 12: MATHCOUNTS competition scheduled at Pojoaque High School

The goal of the Centennial Science Challenge is to encourage forward-thinking projects in multiple science categories and seek the more promising young scientists from across the state. The project will be launched at the beginning of the 2011-12 school year, with a call for entries in all public and private schools.

The NM Centennial Foundation will partner with major laboratories, energy and technology companies, and Universities in NM to promote education which is one of their focus areas to help make this project successful.

This annual event provides speakers, youth activities, demonstrations and educational workshops. The theme for this year is “Going Green”. It represents many aspects of teaching and making lives more energy and conservation efficient and changing attitudes in the community, developing gardens for healthy food, teaching children about earth care, and other activities that promote sustainability.  All activities are focused towards educating the public of northern New Mexico in reducing environmental impacts.

The Hispanic Youth Symposium held on June 28 – July 1, 2011 at the University of New Mexico will help sophomore and junior-level high school students address issues such as academic achievement, career choices, community service, and personal responsibility. In addition to the professional focus, students are given the opportunity to culturally express themselves through participation in essay, speech, art, and talent competitions. Up to 100 Hispanic students will get a glimpse of college campus life, have access to a variety of professionals to help them enter and stay in college as well as year-round support to achieve their academic goals. .

The Expanding Your Horizons Youth Conference targets girls’ in grades 8 – 10.  The purpose of the event is to nurture their interest in science and math courses and to encourage them to consider science and math based career options such as engineering, computer science, and physical science. EYH conferences are held around the world in over 120 locations.
Over 400 students from Northern New Mexico have attended previous events along with their teacher’s/counselors.  The students come from the Chama Valley, Cuba, Dulce, Espanola, Jemez Mountain, Jemez Valley, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Mesa Vista, Mora, Pecos, Penasco, Pojoaque, Questa, Santa Fe, Taos and Wagon Mound communities.

Great Conversations hosted by Los Alamos Public School Foundation is a community program with an opportunity to encourage life-long learning and a celebration of public education. Approximately 125 guests from the community will have an opportunity to engage in a setting where they get to talk with a local, regional or national conversation leader on topics such as politics, faith, history, literature, science, education, sports, economics, the environment and more.