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NASA calls on the public to send their names on its Europa Clipper mission by Paul Hill Every now and again, NASA gets ready to launch a major mission into space and sometimes offers the public a chance to get their name sent into space. The organization has opened up another opportunity such as this. You now have the opportunity to send your name on NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission, which is set to land on Jupiter's second Galilean moon, Europa, in 2030. People’s names will accompany a poem called “In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa” by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón. They will be stencilled onto a microchip and head off on the journey in October 2024. If you’re interested in including your name, you must add it to NASA’s website by December 31. Since the programme was announced on the evening of June 1, 2,767 people have added their names. The majority of these submissions are from the United States but names from all the continents have started coming in too. Within the United States, most signatures have come from California, Texas, Florida, and New York. "'Message in a Bottle' is the perfect convergence of science, art, and technology, and we are excited to share with the world the opportunity to be a part of Europa Clipper's journey," said Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. "I just love the thought that our names will be travelling across our solar system aboard the radiation-tolerant spacecraft that seeks to unlock the secrets of Jupiter's frozen moon." As mentioned, NASA has held similar programmes for its Artemis I mission to the moon and for several missions to Mars. While anyone is free to add their name, NASA will definitely be hoping that it piques the interest of children who may be more interested to pursue a job in the sciences as a result. In addition to adding your name, the website provides a world map that displays the locations where signatures are being added from. You can also find a live feed of the Clipper clean room to see work going on.

Microsoft uses Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to revive Zune.net for STEM promotion by John Callaham Near the end of the Marvel Studios movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the Ravager Kraglin gives Peter "Star-Lord" Quill a Microsoft Zune media player with 300 songs stored inside. Kraglin tells Quill that his father figure Yondu bought the Zune, stating, "It's what everybody's listening to on Earth nowadays." That Zune player will appear once again in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which hits theaters on Friday, May 4, and it will apparently be a fairly major part of the film's plot. Never one to miss an opportunity, Microsoft is using Zune's appearance in the film to promote both the company and also STEM efforts in schools. While the Zune.net website has been shut down for over a decade, Microsoft has now relaunched the URL in part to promote Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. However, it's mostly being used to showcase STEM projects that teachers can use in their classrooms, specifically with space science in collaboration with NASA, Redwire, and the ISS National Lab. That includes info on how the International Space Station uses a 3D printer to create tools and parts. Microsoft has even posted a YouTube video showing the company's Scott Hanselman restoring his old Zune so he can upload and watch content from the movie on the device. Microsoft launched the original Zune in 2006, but the device, and its successors like the Zune HD in 2009, never caught on with the public. Microsoft shut down all Zune services in 2015 but the player and brand continue to show up in popular culture, which includes the Guardians of the Galaxy series. As an Amazon Associate when you purchase through links on our site, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Apple announces Swift Student Challenge for a chance to win WWDC23 swag by Paul Hill On Wednesday, Apple announced that it would be holding WWDC23 from June 5 to June 9. As a part of this announcement, the company has also invited STEM students to partake in the Swift Student Challenge. Students who submit a winning app playground will receive exclusive WWDC23 outerwear, AirPods Pro, a customized pin set, and one year of membership in the Apple Developer program. Aside from the prizes mentioned above, Apple said that it will hold a separate random selection process for winners who opt-in to attend a special event at Apple Park, the company’s relatively new headquarters. Before you get too ahead of yourself, there are some minimum requirements to be aware of. You must be 13+ in the United States or 16+ in the European Union or the minimum age for any other jurisdictions and you need to be registered for free with Apple as an Apple developer or be a member of the Apple Developer Program. Finally, you should meet one of the following requirements and not be employed full-time as a developer: Be enrolled in an accredited academic institution or official homeschool equivalent; Be enrolled in a STEM organization’s educational curriculum; Be enrolled in an Apple Developer Academy; or Have graduated from high school or equivalent within the past 6 months and be awaiting acceptance or have received acceptance to an accredited academic institution. If you meet the requirements, you’re encouraged to go over to the Swift Student Challenge website and read up about the submission specifications. Also, be sure to read the Terms and Conditions.

Microsoft helps to bring TEALS computer science curriculum to more North American schools by Paul Hill Microsoft has announced that it has partnered with FECHAC, FUNAX, as well as community and government leaders to expand the Technology Education and Literacy Schools (TEALS) program to four high schools in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and 252 high schools in the United States. One of the major bits of information about the expansion of the TEALS curriculum is that it’s the first time that it has been translated into Spanish. This was accomplished through partnerships with curriculum providers including Carnegie Mellon University. Commenting on the expansion of TEALS, Omar Saucedo, Microsoft TechSpark regional manager based in Ciudad Juarez, said: “The TEALS expansion to Mexico marks an important step in our efforts to make computer science education accessible to high school students in the region, increasing the likelihood that they’ll continue to study technology and land meaningful, in-demand jobs that offer higher pay and career longevity. In collaboration with our partners across the border, we will help students, teachers, volunteers and communities play an important role in and benefit from our growing digital economy.” With the translation of the curriculum into Spanish, Microsoft and its partners will be able to plan for a wider rollout in Mexico as well as the rest of the Americas if they choose to do that. Curricula like TEALS are growing in importance as 59% of all new STEM jobs are in computing, however, just 10% of STEM graduates hold a computer science certificate; with TEALS, this gap can be closed.

13.3'' IPS Dispay Screen for Raspberry Pi, Windows & Gaming 9% off for $134.99 by Steven Parker Today's highlighted deal comes via our Gear + Gadgets section of the Neowin Deals store, where you can save 9% off this 13.3'' IPS Dispay Screen for Raspberry Pi, Windows & Gaming. For STEM learning and leisure! This 13.3" monitor features 1080p resolution and 178° wide angle for clearer and more Immersive viewing. What's the deal? Introducing this SunFounder 13.3-inch monitor which is so lightweight that you can carry it or move it outside easily, it also allows being powered with a portable battery when you are outside. As a professional IPS monitor, it is made with a mature technology that is capable of outstanding performance in showing the HD picture. That would be the best choice to use it as a gaming monitor. In addition, It's perfect for a portable Raspberry Pi system PS3, PS4, WiiU, XBOX360, and Windows, a power-bank can drive this monitor, make you have no worries for the item charge issues. 13.3" full HD screen w/ 1920x1080 resolution, IPS panel, 72% color gamut & wide visual angle Fast response speed & accurate color rendition perfect for both STEM learning and gaming Only 0.6" thin, best portable monitor for travel & business occasions Multiple video interfaces support HDMI, USB output/input, & 3.55mm earphone output Works perfectly for Raspberry Pi, Windows System, PS3, PS4 & XBOX360 Specs Screen size: 13.3" Dimensions: 12.72"L x 8.07"W x 0.6"D Visible area: 11.53" x 6.50" Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD Pitch: 0.05x0.15mm Power: DC12V, USB 5V IN or 5V OUT Input signal: HDMI-1, HDMI-2 Consumption: 10W Audio: two-way audio output, 8 Ω2W Headphone jack Operation mode: the Key operation Panel Type: IPS Display color: 262K Contrast: 800:1 Brightness: 300cd/m2 Interface type: Digital Backlight: LED Response time: 5ms Working temperature: 68°F ~ 176°F Working voltage: 5-12V Signal input: 1 channel 5V MIcro USB input and output interface, 3.5mm headphone output interface Control mode: Multi-function OSD operation or Adjust brightness and color by potential OSD language: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese Viewing angle: 178 degrees wide viewing angle Manufacturer's 1-year warranty Compatibility Raspberry Pi, Windows Sytem, PS3, PS4, XBOX360 Includes 13.3" monitor HDMI cable 12V 2A power adapter USB cable Folding metal rack Manual Good to know Ships To Contiguous US Expected Delivery: May 7 - May 11 All sales final. For a full description, specs, and terms, click here. What's the benefit? This 13.3'' IPS Dispay Screen for Raspberry Pi, Windows & Gaming normally retails for $149, but you can pick it up for just $134.99 for a limited time, that's $14.01 (9%) off. Optional 1 or 2 year warranty can also be added at an extra cost. >> Click here to purchase or learn more about it << See all discounted Gear + Gadgets on offer · This is a time-limited deal. Get $1 credit for every $25 spent · Give $10, Get $10 · 10% off for first-time buyers. Not for you? If this offer doesn't interest you, why not check out the following offers: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 256GB Giveaway 20% off Ivacy VPN subscription with coupon code IVACY20 NordVPN subscription at up to 70% off Private Internet Access subscription at up to 71% off Unlocator VPN or SmartDNS unblock Geoblock with 7-day free trial Disable Sponsored posts · Other recent deals · Preferred partner software Disclosure: This is a StackCommerce deal or giveaway in partnership with Neowin; an account at StackCommerce is required to participate in any deals or giveaways. For a full description of StackCommerce's privacy guidelines, go here. Neowin benefits from shared revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site, and it all goes toward the running costs.

Zyrobotics becomes Microsoft's first AI for Accessibility grantee by Hamza Jawad At its Build 2018 developer conference in May, Microsoft announced AI for Accessibility - a $25 million program that is aimed toward providing AI tools to developers in order to accelerate the creation of accessible solutions to benefit people with disabilities. The initiative is to be spanned over a period of five years. Now, Atlanta-based Zyrobotics has been revealed by Microsoft as the first grantee of AI for Accessibility. The company develops science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) games and learning tools aimed towards education of young children, and it will be using Microsoft's help under the aforementioned program to develop AI solutions primarily centered around accessibility. One such solution currently in development is ReadAble Storiez, a reading fluency program that is aimed at helping students with various learning disabilities. Custom speech models have been created using Azure Machine Learning and Microsoft Cognitive Services in order to identify and provide feedback which is quite similar to what may be provided by speech-language or occupational therapists. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella met with Zyrobotics CEO, Dr. Johnetta MacCalla, and CTO, Dr. Ayanna Howard, last week in Atlanta, Georgia. Zyrobotics' ambitions of creating technologies that would make reading easier for all students - regardless of whether they may or may not be facing learning disabilities - were discussed in particular. Speaking on being part of this program, Dr. Howard noted: "In our experience, because every child is different, you have to let them look at technology in different ways, more than just visual and auditory. Our focus is to incorporate interaction and personalization. The usage of AI/machine learning algorithms ensures that our apps are accessible and can be adapted to the personal needs of each child. We are excited about how this grant and partnership with Microsoft will help us address significant gaps for engaging each child based on their unique strengths and abilities." Microsoft has been heavily involved in recent years when it comes to the subject of accessibility improvements, including moves like free Windows 10 upgrade availability for assistive technology users, in-game chat transcriptions, and most recently, the inclusion of a host of new accessibility features as part of the Windows 10 October 2018 update. Moreover, further grant-winning projects for accessibility improvements will be announced by the company in the coming months. You can apply for an AI for Accessibility grant and learn more about it here.

Microsoft invests $500K in computer science, STEM programs for students of color by Jay Bonggolto Microsoft apparently has a long-term commitment to helping provide education to students of all gender and race, having announced a $75 million investment in computer skills training for young people across 55 countries in 2016. The company is now expanding its educational efforts for students of color in Seattle with new partnerships. Mary Snapp, Corporate Vice President and Lead for Microsoft Philanthropies, announced in a post on LinkedIn that the company is investing $500,000 in two new alliances meant to introduce students of color in Seattle to a wide range of opportunities in computer science and STEM education. Snapp noted that the new partnerships are part of Microsoft's broader effort to "bridge the gaps in equity in the field of technology." She said: Last year, only five percent of AP Computer Science test takers were African-American and only one-quarter were young women. At the same time, we face a STEM pipeline crisis where our workforce needs are growing at an accelerating pace. Toward that end, Microsoft has teamed up with Black Girls Code to help the nonprofit organization open a chapter in Seattle. Founded by Kimberly Bryant, its mission is to provide young and pre-teen girls of color with opportunities in programming and technology education. Seattle will be its 14th chapter in addition to 13 others across the U.S. Additionally, the software giant has expanded its tie-up with Technology Access Foundation (TAF) with a new funding for STEMbyTAF. Founded by former Microsoft leader Trish Millines Dziko in 1997, TAF offers technology skills training, internships, and college prep to students of color in Seattle. Via: TechCrunch

Less than 10% of those completing UK A-Level computing courses this year were girls by Paul Hill Statistics regarding A-Level results are coming through today in the UK, and they paint a discouraging picture for efforts to encourage more women into the tech industry. Of those completing A-Level computing courses, just 9.8% were girls. Additionally, the total number of students taking computing was well below expectations. Bill Mitchell, director of education at the IT Chartered Institute, BCS, said: “Today’s announcement that nearly 7,600 students in England took A-Level computing means it’s not going to be party time in the IT world for a long time to come … [that’s well short of the 40,000 level that] we should be seeing … At less than 10%, the numbers of girls taking computing A-Levels are seriously low.” The figures come just days after Google engineer James Damore released a document which caused lots of controversy with many finding it offensive. Damore argued that Google shouldn't have special programmes in place to help racial or gender minorities, and was later fired after the company's CEO denounced the memo. Such opinions are hardly encouraging for young women who might be considering a career in technology. Broader negativity towards women in tech is likely influencing the perceptions of young minds, leading many kids to see IT as a thing for men. Stemettes founder, Anne-Marie Imafidon, also pointed out: Girls often don’t want to be the only one in the class so they tend not to pick the subject when it is an option. Also, it’s often not even an option in a lot of schools so it’s an uphill battle but fortunately, a lot of computer science courses take A-level maths students, so there is a very viable route for girls into the course itself and related courses. Whatever the the cause of the low figures, the UK has definitely got its work cut out for it; while some may argue that women tend not to be inclined towards STEM fields, 9.8% is a woefully low figure. According to UNESCO, 29% of people in scientific research worldwide are women, compared with 41% in Russia; this shows that the disparity is somewhat smaller in some parts of the world, but attitudes in other countries may well be exacerbating the problem. Source: BBC News | Image via The Next Women

Silicon Valley company works out how to remove selection bias with AI by Paul Hill It’s no secret that the tech world, particularly in the US Silicon Valley, there is a bit of a gender problem as most STEM jobs are occupied by men. A company in the Valley called Atipica has now begun using artificial intelligence to detect bias during the hiring process and hopes it will help other companies to hire people on merit. Laura Gomez, who founded Atipica, wanted to route out gender bias and help recruiters hire people based on their skills. Gomez and her product manager, Rubi Sanchez, have both experienced what it’s like to be undocumented and would be hard-pressed to find a STEM job; in Sanchez’s case, she became a finalist for a Gates Foundation Millennium scholarship but found out that she didn’t have documentation to show she is qualified. Discussing the present situation in the STEM jobs market, Sanchez said: “Right now, the tech sector is not merit-based. There’s a lot of bias, and so to be able to help with that I think what Laura’s doing is really amazing.” The company found that the main reason for discrimination was down to companies' processes and their hiring managers. It resulted in huge disparities in terms of gender and ethnicity according to Atipico’s research. Atipico, a two-and-a-half year old company, raised two million dollars of seed-funding from True Ventures, one of the largest for a Latina-run tech company. Source: CGTN | Image via Shutterstock

Geopolitical Effects on Global S.T.E.M Co-Operation I have noticed several comments that question co-operation with various countries. Some of the comments generally have a political nature for the composition. That is quite normal and many members have different views of how society can or cannot co-operate on STEM initiatives. I have opened this topic to create a place where we can debate this issue, in a civil manner, following all Neowin guidelines and try to get a grasp of the reasons that prevent all countries from working co-operatively for the betterment of mankind. This thread is not intended to be a "bash country X", but a thread to dissect the rational for choices for/against working with others in partnership. This topic will be started by removing some comments from this thread and carrying forward in any fashion a member wishes, as long as it pertains to STEM... Starting with this article... The Second Meeting of the U.S.-China Space Dialogue http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/10/263499.htm Comments on this....moved here from the CNSA thread.....copy and paste for now until I get this silly editor working for me, ..... Unobscured Vision Beittil DocM Unobscured Vision DocM I think that this will be a fun thread and hopefully we can agree to disagree, but get an overall better view of the world's science programs... I will be back shortly with a rebuttal....busy day...