The cambridge life winter/SPRING 2020 Issue 4, Vol.5 A publication of the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts thecambridgelife.org

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math)

STEAM Habits of Mind Q&A with STEAM Staff STEAM Academy Out of School STEAM STEAM Scholars STEAM Internships Cambridge STEAM Initiative Fostering Equity & Access to Quality A Historic Landmark to STEAM Education become Innovative Makerspace We believe that STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) habits of mind are critical to engagement, identity formation, and self-efficacy in young people. The Cambridge STEAM Initiative has aligned the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) science and engineering practices, math habits of mind, and artist habits of mind to create the STEAM Habits of Mind.

STEAM Habits of Mind What does this look like?

• Learn how to use appropriate technologies in your work. Develop • Intentionally select appropriate materials to produce an intended aesthetic. Craft • Freely explore how various materials work. Select appropriate materials to create a specific design.

• Develop curiosity by asking questions and defining problems that are meaningful. Engage & Persist • Plan and carry out investigations to learn more about the question. • Work with and learn from others. • Consider multiple approaches to a challenge without giving up.

• Use creativity and imagination to create designs and representations that also convey an idea, feeling, or personal meaning. Develop and use models Express to prototype designs. • Select materials intentionally. Be able to describe the idea, feeling, and/or personal meaning behind your design or representation.

• Make close observations of things that otherwise might not be noticed. Observe • Find rules and patterns in your observations. • Collect visual, audible, tactile, and written data with attention to precision. • Make close observations in investigations.

• Think critically about your plan/design. Share design and the process of making it with others. Reflect • Use what you have learned and apply it to approach new problems. • Explain the process of making with others.

Stretch & • Ask questions, explore playfully, and embrace the opportunity to improve Explore as you learn from mistakes and accidents. • Learn from testing and others City Manager’s Message

ith the world-class institutions The City’s effort to increase quality of higher education and the STEAM educational experiences W science and tech businesses for all residents is grounded in the located in our City, we want to do shared principles of access & equity; everything we can to ensure that focus on families and residents; all young people, particularly our collaboration with the community; underserved students, are prepared facilitating innovation; teaching and to take advantage of the incredible learning; and data and research. opportunities in their home city. In this edition of The Cambridge Life, The Cambridge STEAM (Science, we are highlighting the many City Manager Louis A. DePasquale Technology, Engineering, Arts, and STEAM initiatives that are taking it is today. I am fortunate to have a Math) Initiative is a partnership place across our departments. I want strong and dedicated team to carry between the City of Cambridge, to thank DHSP, CPS, and CPL for out the policy initiatives of the Department of Human Service their collaboration and dedication City Council and the day-to-day Programs (DHSP), Cambridge to expanding this education to all operations that deliver the high- Public Schools (CPS), and residents. I also want to thank the quality City services and programs Cambridge Public Library (CPL) City Council for their commitment our community expects. created in 2016. STEAM is an and leadership on the City’s integrated approach to learning STEAM initiatives. As always, you are welcome to that fosters knowledge of these topics send me your feedback or ideas by Our success is a direct result of while nurturing essential skills such calling my office at 617-349-4300 how our departments, leadership, as innovation, critical thinking, or emailing me at citymanager@ and staff work collaboratively problem-solving, and communication cambridgema.gov. with our elected officials and the to meet the needs of the 21st century community to make Cambridge economy and citizenry. the unique and special place that 2 Contents 6 2 Q&A Cambridge STEAM Initiative 6 Historic Landmark to become Innovative Makerspace

8 STEAM for All Ages at 8 Cambridge Public Library 10 STEAM in Out-of-School 10 Time (OST) Programs

12 The Next Generation of STEAM Scholars 12

The Cambridge Life // WINTER/SPRING 2020 1 Q & A Cambridge STEAM Initiative

Q and A with Sharlene Yang, Director of Cambridge STEAM It’s pretty unique for a city There is a lot of national talk Initiative, and Sue Walsh, to have its own initiative about adding Arts into the Asst. Director, Adult & Family focused on STEAM—how did mix? Why is it STEAM and Services, Dept. of Human this come about? not STEM? Service Programs. Sue: The Initiative really started Sharlene: That’s a frequently What is the Cambridge with an equity lens. Several years asked question. The Arts provide STEAM Initiative? ago, there was recognition from a an accessible entry point to STEM broad coalition of community leaders and offer the creative lens that Sharlene: The Cambridge STEAM and City Council members that, traditional STEM programming (Science, Technology, Engineering, although our higher ed institutions can appear to lack. Arts, and Math) Initiative is a and businesses were at the center of We know that true innovators partnership between the City of technological innovation that was can evaluate the world and solve Cambridge, Cambridge Public and is having worldwide impact, problems through the multiple lenses Schools, and Cambridge Public there were families and students of scientist, technologist, engineer, Library created in 2016 to ensure who lived here—particularly those mathematician, and artist. And we that, through equitable access to who are under-resourced, Black, would like to inspire and cultivate high quality STEAM programming Hispanic, people with disabilities, our young people to think and resources, all Cambridge and/or women— who did not see innovatively and fluidly by using residents, regardless of social and themselves represented in this world. all of their skills and knowledge economic barriers, are STEAM We realized that we needed to from all areas of STEAM. literate and possess the 21st Century create more access for all students In fact, we are creating a STEAM Skills necessary to be successful, to participate in a range of curriculum that puts Art at the engaged, and responsible citizens STEAM learning experiences that forefront and have hired two in a rapidly changing world. were fun and interactive, and educators to develop a series of We believe that by engaging families grounded in quality standards. lessons that will focus on how in quality STEAM programs and artists use STEM as part of their by creating purposeful partnerships creative process. across our community, we can achieve that goal. Cambridge STEAM Initiative Vision 1. All residents will have equitable access to quality STEAM learning experiences; 2. All students will graduate with high levels of STEAM literacy, empowered to make decisions about what they want to do, and able to be engaged and responsible citizens in an increasingly technologically-driven society; 3. The local pipeline to Cambridge’s STEM workforce will reflect the diversity of the community (gender, ethnic, individuals with disabilities, etc.) ; and 4. Cambridge will be recognized nationally as an innovative city that is a leader in both STEM industry and STEAM education.

2 The Cambridge Life // WINTER/SPRING 2020 How does the STEAM and community-based organizations. and with people who are not the Last year, our work focused on first in their family to attend Initiative work with partners computer science and computational college, then how do we open the to reach its goals? thinking, and finding ways for conversation about cultural younger students to see themselves competence so that the experience Sharlene: The Initiative doesn’t in this area of STEAM through with our students can be rich and run any direct service programs near peer mentoring. Based on this generative for everyone? – we work to strengthen, support, work, the Educational Technology and connect existing programs and Department at CPS is going to identify any gaps through partnership pilot a Coding Buddies program with others. In my role, I serve as where students in 5th grade will the School District Liaison for the mentor 2nd graders in coding. Biogen STAR Initiative, a network This year, the Advisory Committee of community-based and higher is focusing on students’ exposure to education programs funded by $10 STEM professionals who mentor million from the Biogen Foundation them, and building a system where to work with Cambridge and professionals are connected to Somerville Public Schools. I help students through various avenues, find ways to better integrate our such as the new spaces and work through shared data and programming at the library and its evaluation goals, program branches, through in school and alignment, and purposeful out of school time programs, and What is an example of the outreach to others in the local eventually, through the Foundry Initiative’s current work in STEAM ecosystem. makerspace (see pg 6-7). the community? We are bringing to this conversation a race and equity lens by examining, Sharlene: The STEAM It Up! with business and higher education event is held in October during partners, how we can create a Massachusetts STEM Week. It is training system to ensure that every a K-8 Family STEAM night that adult volunteer who engages with grew out of a series of smaller our diverse population of young neighborhood STEAM events. people does so with a culturally Currently, the event brings in over conscious lens. 30 partners from industry, higher education, City and community- Sue: There is such rich knowledge based out of school time programs, and expertise to tap right here in and CPS’s Science, Technology, Cambridge and our system will be and Math departments to engage looking for volunteers from business, students and families in hands-on We also foster partnerships higher education, and the community STEAM activities. through an Advisory Committee to share their excitement, stories, led by Cambridge City Manager, and skills with our young people. Louis A. DePasquale and The library system, schools, and Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) out of school time programs need Superintendent, Kenneth Salim. this engagement. And, we are asking This group includes leaders in ourselves some hard and necessary industry, higher education, the questions. If the STEM workforce Library, school administrators, is overwhelmingly white and male,

The Cambridge Life // WINTER/SPRING 2020 3 Q & A Cambridge STEAM Initiative

Sue: Sharlene supports programs How does Cambridge at CPS by working with the District’s STEAM Initiative help ensure Science and Math Curriculum residents can access high Coordinators and the Assistant quality STEAM learning Director of Education Technology to connect them with relevant experiences? resources from our outside partners. (See more on pg. 12). In addition, Sharlene: We support out of school she also helps manage the time (OST) programs in the City collaboration between partner through the work that my fantastic programs such as CPS Math colleague, Barb MacEachern, Department’s Morning Math and Cambridge STEAM Initiative’s Moore Youth Center’s Mission Program Quality Manager, oversees. Possible: Solve It!, a collaboration We support OST program providers between CPS and Cambridge with professional development Youth Programs that serves workshops on topics such as middle schoolers. and vision that the Cambridge Facilitating Curiosity and STEAM Initiative was created to Demystifying STEAM. Barb has serve. Libraries are all about free also been collaborating with the access to technology, resources, Agenda for Children Out of School and training. Time to create an integrative coaching model to support OST The STEAM Initiative team has program providers through been deeply involved in all aspects observation and reflective meetings of the HIVE launch, meeting about teaching practice. regularly with the Library STEAM staff to add their expertise and The STEAM Quality Working perspective. It has been important Group (28 child, youth, and teen to root conversations about staffing, serving professionals) keeps the outreach, and programming in our work grounded and relevant as shared Guiding Principles: access they continue to engage in and equity, focus on families, thoughtful action-oriented collaboration, teaching and conversations around quality How did Cambridge STEAM learning, facilitating innovation, programming and partnerships. Initiative’s partnership with data, and research. This is a hugely We also evaluate STEAM-focused the Cambridge Public important expansion of our programs, such as those offered Library form? community’s resources in support through the Mayor’s Summer Youth of STEM literacy. Employment Program and Glocal, Sue: The work that the Library The Cambridge STEAM Initiative to measure their impact on student has undertaken is so exciting! It was now has the strength of the City attitudes and interests towards clear from the start that the vision entities that serve the most youth STEM subjects, their feelings of that Library leaders outlined in and families: the Department of self-efficacy in science and math, 2018 to transform the physical Human Service Programs, and their interest in STEM spaces at the Main Branch, and to Cambridge Public Schools, and careers. (See more on pg. 10-11). expand STEAM offerings at Main Cambridge Public Library. and Neighborhood Branches, was (See more on pg. 8-9). deeply aligned with the goals

4 The Cambridge Life // WINTER/SPRING 2020 Sue: There was a great deal of Careers Training program for The current focus seems to attention from the start in opening residents 18 and older that is be with school-aged children, more doors to STEM and STEAM partially funded by the City. They youth, and teens—is there a internships and other work-based also run an IT training program plan to connect with younger learning experiences for teens. for adults, with academic support There are a few really excellent provided by the Community children and their families examples now – Innovators For Learning Center. and adults to help these Purpose and the Science Research There are new technical training groups gain access to Internship Mentorship Program programs that have recently come STEAM resources? (through Harvard Smithsonian to Cambridge, such as Per Scolas Institute for Astrophysics), where in Kendall Square. There is Sharlene: One of the biggest the wages of the youth are definitely a need for more training, ways to impact children who are supported through the STEAM as not one size fits all. The local underserved is by supporting Initiative and administered by the and regional economies are driven parents and caregivers, so they feel Office of Workforce Development. by STEM employers. Growth in comfortable doing STEAM activities at home. We plan to work with the Center for Families and Baby U team to support staff in their work with Cambridge families and residents so that STEAM activities are integrated into the offerings during playgroups and parent workshops. The STEAM Initiative has also begun discussions with the Birth to 3rd Grade Initiative at Cambridge Public Schools, and the CPS Science Department to figure out how we can collaborate to support teachers in STEM practices and content. We hope to create a series of aligned professional development experiences that will engage preschool teachers in STEM activities they can implement with their students to build developmentally appropriate foundations in STEM practices. There is so much we can do to The challenge is ensuring that a these sectors is expected to continue ensure we are serving families at diverse range of youth have an and so it is essential for everyone all points along their child’s and opportunity to participate in who lives and works here to their own educational journey. these experiences. understand the larger forces that We are just getting started! In terms of STEAM and adults, are driving the labor market, our community partner, Just A Start, as well as the technology we use runs an excellent free Biomedical every day.

The Cambridge Life // WINTER/SPRING 2020 5 A Historic Landmark to be Historic Landmark to Repurposed for Makerspace/ become Innovative STEAM Training Makerspace

Rendering of new Foundry Building. Courtesy of CambridgeSeven.

The Foundry Building first-generation immigrants. The Cambridge Landmark, The transformation of the historic Foundry Building at expected to reopen in summer 2021, is being renovated 101 Rogers Street has begun. This massive brick for community use as a makerspace and for job training building, constructed as an iron foundry, is a physical in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, reminder of Cambridge’s history as a center of heavy and Math) fields. It will also include a performance manufacturing that once employed thousands of space, a space for artists, a café, classrooms, and more.

History of the Foundry George F. Blake (ca. 1819- 1904) was a skilled mechanical engineer and inventor. In 1864, he patented an innovative steam-powered pump designed to keep brickyard clay pits free of water. By 1875, his Boston firm was manufacturing pumps of all sizes for various industries. In 1889, the firm relocated to East Cambridge and moved into a newly built complex of foundry, storage buildings, and offices. A massive wooden craneway dominates interior of Blake’s Machine Shop. No date. Postcard collection.

6 The Cambridge Life // WINTER/SPRING 2020 Drawing of George F. Blake Manufacturing Co. Cambridge Busy & Beautiful, 1908-1909. CHC

The 1890 foundry (red arrow) consists of a single brick building with a footprint approximately 200’ deep and 125’ wide. Blake’s pumps were fabricated from iron castings, putting the foundry at the heart of operations. The high central hall, flanked by single-story side aisles, was a completely open space with two furnaces. Traveling cranes carried tubs of molten metal to the molds; a clerestory with windows and louvers running the length of the roof provided ventilation. The dirt floor would absorb spilled molten iron and minimize splashing.

What is a foundry? The operation expanded rapidly. A foundry is an industrial By World War I, it occupied 27 facility that produces buildings on Binney and Rogers metal castings from Pig streets and employing 2,600 hands. iron melted in a furnace. The Cambridge plant closed in When the furnace is tapped, 1927 and the buildings were sold the molten metal flows into for industrial uses. A 1983 a ladle that is lifted by a renovation adapted the building crane and poured into a for office use by constructing two mold. When cool, the iron cement floors in the once lofty part is removed from the space. The craneway framing was mold, cleaned, and machined left in place and is still the most for assembly. In Cambridge, prominent feature of the interior. this labor-intensive and Painting of Iron Foundry of Burmeister and hazardous work was done by Wain, 1885. Detail. Peder Severin Krøyer. both men and women. National Museum of Art, Copenhage

Demolition of Foundry Interior, 2020. By 2009, ownership of the building passed on to a Courtesy of CambridgeSeven. group that had assembled about 12 acres of land nearby for a life sciences development. As a condition of City approval, the group agreed to transfer ownership of the Foundry to the City of Cambridge, with the stipulation that at least 10,000 square feet of the building be dedicated to community use. The City leased the property to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority in 2015. In September 2017, the Cambridge City Council approved a plan to create a self-sustaining operation that would accommodate maker spaces and other public spaces as mentioned above, as well as 15,000 square feet of commercial office space.

The Cambridge Life // WINTER/SPRING 2020 7 STEAM for at Cambridge All Ages Public Library he Cambridge Public Library is a key partner of the T Cambridge STEAM initiative, offering free classes for all ages, resources for checkout such as STEAM kits — and coming in March 2020 -- exciting new spaces and tools for hands-on creativity and learning! STEAM Learning

“The Cambridge Public Library CPL STEAM Academy The Hive is Cambridge’s first free (CPL) is committed to nurturing public makerspace. In January 2020, the Library the growth and learning of all The Tech Bar, a device checkout community members, from birth launched the CPL STEAM Academy, which provides free, station and technology advice center, through adulthood,” said Library will also debut at this time. Patrons Director Maria McCauley. immersive programs to Cambridge teens and middle schoolers, will be able to check out equipment “STEAM programs at the Library like Chromebooks, GoPro cameras, support a wide range of skills, prioritizing underserved youth. The Academy’s first partner, local computers, and more, for use building opportunities and career beyond the Library walls. pathways through City, school, non-profit, Innovators for Purpose nonprofit, and industry partnerships (iFp), uses an integrated and creative STEAM at the Branches in Cambridge.” problem-solving process that blends art and science to prepare youth for The “take out” technology won’t the innovation economy. Students be limited to the Tech Bar at the work with real-world customers Main Library—each branch and professionals to design complex library will have its own stock of projects, while developing technical devices available as well. STEAM skills and becoming immersed in kits with take-home activities to the local innovation economy. explore topics as varied as bird- For example, the Creative Doers watching and bridge-building made Internship Program even includes their debut last spring with new kits paid stipends from the Department being regularly added to CPL’s of Human Services for participants collection. Branch libraries host ages 14-18. The Academy hopes to STEAM programs for patrons of STEAM Learning Lab expand its partnerships later this all ages, including digital literacy year to support programs for classes, workshops on DNA testing In September 2019, the Library emerging adults. and genealogy, themed Storytime, celebrated the opening of the Family Nights, Science Club for STEAM (Science, Technology, The Hive and Tech Bar Girls, and more. Engineering, Arts, and Math) Opening in Spring 2020 Funding for STEAM at the Learning Lab, a flexible event The Hive is the new STEAM Library is generously provided by space with classroom-scale web creativity zone opening at the the City of Cambridge, Cambridge conferencing capabilities. Robotic Main Library in March. The Hive Trust, CPL Foundation, Friends of cameras and ceiling microphones consists of a “makerspace” stocked CPL, the Margret and H.A Rey Curious George Fund, Eric and STEAM programs at the Library support a wide range of Jane Nord Family Fund, Verizon, skills, building opportunities and career pathways... Google, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. allow instructors and classrooms with digital and traditional For more information on around the globe to virtually lead fabrication tools, including laser STEAM at the Library, visit or participate in courses. Flexible cutters, 3D printers, sewing and CambridgeMA.gov/ furniture and laptop charging embroidery machines, hand tools, CPLSTEAM. carts support a wide range of and more. It is also home to two teaching activities and events, from recording studios for creating Photo left: Making a prosthetic, coding classes to mural painting, audio and video content, and an robotic arm for a fencer. Photo to 3D design. Extended Reality Lab for above: Mural for new Hive space by experiencing and experimenting Cambridge artist Daniela Gamba, with virtual and augmented reality. depicting a young STEAM creator.

The Cambridge Life // WINTER/SPRING 2020 9 STEAM in Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs

pportunities for learning do to STEM. SCFG started with one community centers and schools in not end with the school kindergarten club and has grown the Greater Boston area to propose Oday—especially in Cambridge, and served thousands of girls over implementation of math literacy where OST offerings are rich the years, to become a leader in workshops for elementary and through many youth-serving providing experiential STEM middle school students. Workshops programs. From City-run programs, and girls’ mentoring programs. are facilitated by high school and to those provided by community- In Cambridge, there are SCFG college math literacy workers, based organizations and industry clubs at King Open Extended Day, low-income teens ages 14-22, partners, Cambridge has a variety Amigos School, and Margaret giving youth and young adults the of STEAM (Science, Technology, Fuller Neighborhood House. Over chance to participate in paid Arts, Engineering, & Math) the past 10 years, over 90% of employment while also helping learning opportunities for grades participants have gone on to younger students improve in math. K-12. The Cambridge STEAM college and over 55% of these Their outreach emphasizes the Initiative team is committed to college-bound young women go on benefits of learning math in ensuring that all OST programs to major in STEM-related and sessions led by youth who come can support high quality STEAM allied health disciplines. from the same neighborhoods and From City-run programs, to those provided by community-based organizations and industry partners, Cambridge has a variety of STEAM learning opportunities for grades K-12.

learning experiences. Below are Young People’s Project some of the quality programs supported by the Cambridge The Young People’s Project (YPP) STEAM Initiative. uses Math Literacy Work to develop the abilities of students to Science Club for Girls succeed in school and in life, and in The Science Club for Girls (SCFG) doing so, involves them in efforts to seeks to foster excitement, eliminate institutional obstacles to confidence, and literacy in science, their success. Even though most technology, engineering, and people understand the importance mathematics (STEM) for girls from of being able to read and write, the underrepresented communities, by importance of math literacy has communities as younger students. providing free, hands-on programs not been similarly emphasized. In Cambridge, YPP is funded by and maximizing meaningful However, research shows that the Biogen STAR Initiative Grant interactions with adult mentors in students who do well in math early to work with students at all five STEM fields. This organization on tend to be more successful in upper schools, engaging hundreds was created in Cambridge 25 years school. This is one of the reasons of young people, building both ago at the King Open School by why YPP has traditionally served skills in and love of mathematics! two mothers, Beth O’Sullivan and young people who live in urban Mary McGowan, in an effort to settings and students who perform give girls of color and girls from in the bottom quartile. To recruit low-income families better access students, YPP reaches out to

10 The Cambridge Life // WINTER/SPRING 2020 Innovators for Purpose holistic approach is creating understood the marginalization of learning experiences that provide both our young people and staff Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a our most vulnerable youth with when thinking about access to Cambridge-based nonprofit that the conditions for success. iFp has STEM and STEAM professions. inspires high-potential diverse been partnering with the City of Additionally, CYP wanted to think young people, especially those from Cambridge and Cambridge Public innovatively about how STEAM is under-resourced communities to Library since 2017 to bring high embedded in it’s programs and not discover their passions, develop quality out-of-school time to view STEAM learning solely innovative mindsets, and cultivate programming to those who need through the development of a final skills to solve problems they care it most. product or learning concepts, but most about. Using a hands-on how to build consistent habits of multidisciplinary approach that Cambridge Youth Programs mind around STEAM-based integrates art, design, and As a division of the City’s learning and the transferability of humanities with STEM, iFp has Department of Human Service these habits. reimagined how to engage today’s Programs, Cambridge Youth learners. Over the past six years, As CYP continues building its Programs (CYP), which includes STEAM-based capacity both as an Using a hands-on multidisciplinary approach that integrates art, design, and humanities with STEM, iFp has reimagined how to engage today’s learners. iFp has worked with over 300 the Frisoli, Gately, Moore, Moses students and dozens of collaborators. and Russell Youth Centers, serves In their programs, from initial youth ages 9-19. CYP is committed introduction through high school to offering young people a just, graduation, students work joyful, and caring community intensively with professionals doing where they forge healthy hands-on, real-world projects. relationships, discover who they iFp Labs introduces 7th-8th grade are, and develop new skills. students to design, science, This past year CYP built a strong technology, and entrepreneurial partnership with Lesley University’s mindsets in a non-intimidating STEAM Learning Lab through manner. In iFp Studios, a youth- the Biogen Star Initiative Grant. powered design and innovation th th This partnership has helped CYP studio, students from 9 -12 grade be strategic in how it structures organization and as individual employ design thinking and creative and views STEAM with the lens professionals, our goal is to offer problem-solving strategies as well of those who participate in the young people the opportunity to as graphic design, multimedia programs and the staff who explore and be curious about production, and web technologies support them. CYP’s participants STEAM fields. to solve real problems for real clients. are 80% young people of color and Ultimately, CYP want its young As our nation becomes more the teen program is 82% young people to see themselves in these diverse, it is imperative that we men of color, with the staff also fields and professions, while also produce a more inclusive talent reflecting this percentage. It was building confidence and a sense of pool knowledgeable and interested important for CYP to forge a possibility for their future in the in developing innovative approaches partnership with a team who world of STEAM and beyond. to our greatest challenges. iFp’s

The Cambridge Life // WINTER/SPRING 2020 11 The Next Generation of STEAM Scholars

diverse group of young people To combat opportunity gaps, A video produced by Cambridge program music on a computer, the district is building learning Street Upper School (CSUS) Aconnected to conductive tape environments where every student documents the impact of this and a cardboard guitar. Two girls feels challenged, supported, approach, particularly for girls and translate a colorful grid into and equipped to explore. Newly students of color. In addition to computer code, surrounded by redesigned curricula tap into the addressing academic concerns, the friends who take apart laptops to innate curiosity of students, approach seeks to undo harmful peer inside. Interactive stations promoting awareness of problem- cultural stereotypes about what a supported by community partners, solving as a process rather than “math person” or “scientist” looks like. including Harvard, MIT, Audible relying on rote memorization. One student on the video describes and Unruly Studios illuminate For example, in the My Cambridge overcoming her habit of worrying career pathways in STEAM Science Unit, Kindergarteners write about making mistakes or looking (Science, Technology, Engineering, to the Mayor about a problem, dumb in front of “better” math Arts, Math). Welcome to the brainstorm design solutions, and students. She says, “Math’s gotten Computer Science Playground. “What we think of as an achievement gap is actually an opportunity gap,” says Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Salim. “Cambridge is a world-class hub of innovation, but not all students are equally immersed in all that the community has to offer.”

create models to display at City easier — It’s not the curriculum that Hall. Third graders combine writing has gotten easier — it’s definitely and scientific observation to craft gotten harder. But it’s easier to say their own Charles River Field Guides. your opinion. Everyone respects your And 4th Grade Mammal Detectives voice. It’s easier to be wrong.” examine evidence such as bones or Ultimately, the goal of these tracks to identify mammals efforts is to equitably prepare common to our region. students for 21st Century careers Alongside curriculum changes, and opportunities. There are signs CPS is applying research that equity-driven improvement demonstrating that “tracking” has efforts are paying off. MCAS The Playground is just one of many a negative impact on learning by scores are up, rising at higher rates efforts underway in Cambridge expanding and strengthening among students of color and Public Schools (CPS) that aim to supports for mixed-ability low-income students. overcome historic inequities in classrooms. In 7th-8th Grade “What we In the CSUS video, one African STEAM education. mathematics, students benefit from think of as an achievement gap is American scholar explains, the richness of student diversity actually an opportunity gap,” says “Math keeps getting harder, but while engaging in hands-on and then I ask questions. I feel brave as Superintendent of Schools Kenneth collaborative learning that treats “Cambridge is a world-class a mathematician because I learned Salim. risk-taking and mistakes as part of hub of innovation, but not all students that when we work together, and our the process. are equally immersed in all that the teachers help us, we become better as community has to offer.” mathematicians.”

12 The Cambridge Life // WINTER/SPRING 2020 STEAM Internships

The Cambridge economy is Program. OWD also administers Cambridge Public Schools, to help dominated and driven by industry the wages (funded by the STEAM high school students learn critical sectors that fall under the STEAM Initiative) of Cambridge Rindge 21st Century Skills, gain global (Science, Technology, Arts, and Latin students enrolled in two competence, and receive real-world Engineering, & Math) umbrella. internship programs – the Science STEAM experience. Program Employment in the city is Research Mentoring Program, participants are asked to solve a concentrated primarily in Health a collaboration with The challenge locally that also has Care, Education Services, and Smithsonian Center for global implications. The 2019-20 Professional and Business Services, Astrophysics where students challenge was the global water the largest sub-sector of which conduct real, front-line research crisis. Student teams researched is Scientific Research and with a Harvard astrophysicist, the topic and developed creative Development. Most occupations and Innovators for Purpose solutions they presented at several within these industries require (see pg. 11), which engages students competitions. The winning teams some form of post-secondary in relevant real-world projects in received a trip to Costa Rica and education or training. collaboration with industry Panama on a STEM-related It is critical that students gain professionals to demonstrate how educational tour focused on the exposure to these working Design + STEM skills are used in global water crisis, as well as seed environments and have an practice. OWD staff also assists funding from the City of Cambridge opportunity to develop the skills, with recruitment so that these to kick-start their projects, and education, and habits of mind that opportunities can reach a wider paid summer internships through are required to succeed in these and more diverse audience. Staff the Mayor’s Summer Youth industries. To create more has increased outreach to STEM Employment Program. All opportunities for teens, the City’s employers to identify new partners participants earn 25 community Office of Workforce Development interested in creating meaningful service hours. Learn more at (OWD) is working with the internships. CambridgeMA.gov/Glocal. Cambridge STEAM Initiative on The City’s Community Development Adult residents interested in STEM multiple fronts. OWD prioritizes Department supports a contest- professions can apply for two, free STEAM programs that apply for based internship program, the EF training programs operated by resources through the Mayor’s Glocal Challenge, in partnership Just A Start, the Biomedical Summer Youth Employment with EF Education First and Careers Training Program and the Information 4,467 Continued job growth is projected in Cambridge’s Technology Training Program. Both programs knowledge-economy sectors. include technical training, Projected Absolute Job Growth 2014-2030, Growth Sectors case management, and help with job placement. Jobs in Professional, Scientific & Technical Services 2,637 In a partnership with the sector include the following occupations: Community Learning • Statisticians Center, participants also 1,666 • Biomedical Engineers receive ongoing academic • Computer Systems Analysts support to ensure successful 1,067 • Software Application Developers completion. For more information, contact 384 Just A Start at 169 107 94 92 74 617-918-7520 or Professional, Educational Health Care Accomoda- Retail Information Management Other Construction Real Estate workforcetraining@ Scientific, & Services & Social tion & Food Trade Services Rental & Tech Services Assistance Service (except Gov’t) Leasing justastart.org. A publication of the Office of the City Manager City of Cambridge 795 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139 617-349-4300 • cambridgema.gov

Cambridgema.Gov @CambMA

City Manager Louis A. DePasquale Deputy City Manager Lisa C. Peterson

Cambridge City Council: Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui Vice Mayor Alanna M. Mallon Councillor Dennis J. Carlone Councillor Marc C. McGovern Councillor Patricia M. Nolan Councillor E. Denise Simmons Councillor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. Councillor Quinton Y. Zondervan

2020 US CENSUS It’s quick, safe, and easy to complete online.

What to expect: What to do: Need help? Every household in Cambridge will Complete your Census form online for Complete your Census form over the receive a postcard in March asking you everyone in your household– that means phone in 12 languages, on computers to fill out your Census form. kids, parents, roommates– anyone living in libraries, or at kiosks in public at your address. buildings around the city.

Complete Your Annual City Census & 2020 US Census In February, you will receive the Annual City Census, which we ask you to complete and return. If you have no changes, it can be completed online at CambridgeMA.gov/Census. In March, you will receive the first of several mailings asking you to fill out your 2020 US Census form. The US Census only happens every 10 years, so make sure you’re counted for Cambridge to ensure fair and accurate representation in Congress as well as federal funding for programs you and your community rely on.

CambridgeMA.Gov/Subscribe City’s Online Subscription Center