Category: Activities for Kids

Activities for children in Newton, Massachusetts.

FIRST® Announces ‘Game-Changing’ Technology Platform for Worldwide Student Robotics Competitions
Coding is becoming an increasingly important tool for kids and teens exploring tech, and FIRST, a national not-for-profit that gets kids into STEM fields through robotics competitions, is putting the keyboard in more kids’ hands. FIRST Tech Challenge , FIRST’s program for kids in grades 7-12, is introducing a new Snapdragon-based Android platform that will allow FIRST kids to program and control their robots using Java instead of old programming language.

Developed by FIRST, Qualcomm and Modern Robotics, kids worldwide will be able to use the new platform in the 2015/2016 FTC season. By using a dynamic, widely-used platform and language, kids will learn valuable skills they can not only apply to future coursework, but those that will set them up for success in STEM fields.

FIRST^® Announces ‘Game-Changing’ Technology Platform for Worldwide Student Robotics Competitions

Qualcomm Assists Robotics Program Transition to User-Friendly, Java-Based Android Platform Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 Processor

FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an international not-for-profit K-12 organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, today announced that one of its four K-12 robotics programs, FIRST^® Tech Challenge (FTC^®) targeted to middle and high-school students, has selected a game-changing technology platform beginning with the upcoming 2015/2016 season.

The new platform features robot and driver-station controls based on a Qualcomm^® Snapdragon^™ processor, which is new in the large robotics competition arena. The platform, which consists of handheld devices, will be powered by Snapdragon 410 processors from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (QTI), a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, a FIRST Strategic Partner.

“In the foreseeable future, robotics will permeate our everyday lives,” said FIRST Founder, Dean Kamen. “Our FIRST students are ahead of the game as they are already adept users of three emerging technologies: sensors; 3D printing, and open-source software. Now that we are adding this mobile element to the already-robust FIRST technology equation – just watch what these kids will be capable of doing.”

The strategy to upgrade technology for the FIRST Tech Challenge program was in conjunction with FIRST Strategic Partner, Qualcomm.

“We are long-time supporters of FIRST programs and are excited to take this support to the next level. FTC teams will now be able to tap into the amazing capabilities of Snapdragon devices as the heart of their control system. We believe this has the potential to inspire students to become future generations of scientists, engineers, and inventors, in part by getting them to realize that the device they routinely hold in the palm of their hands can lead them to greater knowledge, new horizons, and eventually meaningful careers,” said Matt Grob, CTO, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “This is an evolutionary step for FIRST and another example of how Qualcomm is bringing its expertise in mobile to robotics.”

The move to this new Android™ platform demonstrates the FIRST organization’s commitment to utilize the most innovative and advanced technologies and to prepare students with real, relevant STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills they will need and use in the 21^st century workplace.

“Similar to the way in which FIRST programs have provided thousands of 3D printers to FIRST teams, our organization is constantly looking for ways we can enable students to gain hands-on experience and master new technology tools,” said Donald E. Bossi, president,FIRST. “By bringing the platform powered by Snapdragon processors, and Java programming to the FIRST Tech Challenge, we are exposing our students to the incredible power and potential of devices they hold in their hands and use every day.”

Moving to a communication and control system based on Android and Snapdragon will give FIRST Tech Challenge students powerful benefits during their build and competition seasons, including:
- High speed processing and advanced sensors already built into phones and tablets based on Snapdragon;
- Advanced communication architecture uniquely suited to mobile robotics;
- 1:1 Team to robot communication that’s easy and reliable, allowing teams to “practice like they play;”
- Greater access to a wider variety of participants worldwide;
- Technology evolution on pace with devices powered by Android and Snapdragon;
- Teams can use all their existing FTC hardware, sensors, and electronics – just by adding Android and devices powered by Snapdragon processors and interface modules;
- Less intimidating step into robotics for students and teachers who have not yet participated on a robotics team;
- Elimination of a central field control system which means easier set up and inspections for fewer volunteers at on site competitions; and
- Fast team competition check-in, easier event set up, more reliable on field communications.
“Current FIRST Tech Challenge teams can use their existing equipment in the exciting new platform,” said Ken Johnson, director, FIRSTTech Challenge. “A simple interface between Android devices and their current sensors and motor controllers will allow for a simple transition. Sensors built into the Snapdragon-powered devices will expand the teams’ options in future competitions as well.”

These FIRST teams will also learn and use Java, the programming language now used by more than 8 million programmers and built into 3 billion devices. FIRST students will learn to program their robots with Java, chosen for its ease of use, prevalence in the classroom, and it gives teams great flexibility within the rigors of the competitions.

FIRST Tech Challenge is designed for students who want to compete head to head using a sports model. Teams design, build, and program their robots to compete on a 12’x12’ field in an Alliance format, against other teams. Teams are required to develop strategy and build a robot based on sound engineering principals, such as rapid prototyping and iterative design.

To learn more about FIRST Tech Challenge, please visit: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc
August 30, 2015
Over the Garden Wall Book Signing

Creator of Cartoon Network’s “Over the Garden Wall” Mini Series to Host Book Signing for Fans at Comicazi in Somerville, MA

WHO:                   Patrick McHale, creator of Cartoon Network’s miniseries Over the Garden Wall

WHAT:                 Celebrate the launch of the new Over the Garden Wall limited comic series with a special event and fan signing with series’ creator Patrick McHale

Cartoon Network’s first miniseries Over the Garden Wall charmed audiences during its network run in November 2014, and this fall, fans can go even deeper into the Unknown with a line of consumer products celebrating the series. Building on the mystical tale from creator Patrick McHale (Adventure Time) are a DVD release with all ten episodes plus bonus materials, a limited-edition “For Sara” Cassette from Mondo with more than 20 minutes of originally-produced content, and a four-issue comic book series written by McHale and released by KaBOOM!

The critically acclaimed and Emmy® Award-nominated, Over the Garden Wall is the story of two brothers, Wirt (voiced by Elijah Wood) and Greg (voiced by Collin Dean), who find themselves lost in the Unknown; a strange forest adrift in time. With the help of a wise old Woodsman (voiced by Christopher Lloyd) and a foul-tempered bluebird named Beatrice (voiced by Melanie Lynskey), Wirt and Greg must travel across this strange land, in hope of finding their way home.

WHEN:                 Wednesday, August 26: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

WHERE:               Comicazi

407 Highland Ave.

Somerville, MA 02144

August 24, 2015
Kids Programs at Deutsche Bank Golf Championship

CHAMPIONS AREN’T THE ONLY ONES TO PLAY AT THE DBC OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Check out all the kid-friendly fun at the Deutsche Bank Championship

KIDS PROGRAMS

As the summer comes to an end and kids begin preparing for the upcoming school year, the Deutsche Bank Championship over Labor Day Weekend serves as the perfect family outing and a great way to spend the last days of summer. Through various programs such as Kids Zones and Kids Village, the Championship provides kids and their families with the opportunity to create countless memories while watching the top 100 golfers on the PGA TOUR.

KIDS ADMITTANCE POLICY Kids 15 years and younger will receive free grounds admission to the Championship when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Kids have complimentary access to numerous fun area’s at the DBC, including the Kids Zones and Kids Village. New for 2015, discounted youth tickets to the Champions Club featuring DraftKings Lounge tickets can be purchased at the Box Office for $25.00 per day. These tickets must be purchased on the day of usage.

KIDS ZONES ensures that even the Championship’s youngest fans get a front-row view of their favorite golfers in action. Children’s viewing areas have been designated on the 1^st tee, 9^th green, 10^th tee, 16^th green, 18^th green and practice facility. These areas are roped off so parents and children can both enjoy an upfront view of the course without obstruction. The Kids Zones are staffed at all times by Championship volunteers to make certain children are supervised at all times.

KIDS VILLAGE This outdoor entertainment complex has been designed to give families the opportunity to step away from the fairways and enjoy interactive activities. Highlights of Kids Village include a moon bounce, a nine-hole mini putt-putt course and much more. The complex is located adjacent to the Spectator Alley. Be sure to come by to check out all the fun games and activities that Kids Village has to offer!

KID MENU OPTIONS are located at the 3^rd tee, 7^th green and Michelob Ultra 19^th hole. Kid menu options include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, hot dogs and milk.

About Tiger Woods Foundation
Where you come from shouldn’t mean failure. At the Tiger Woods Foundation, it doesn’t. Our programs break the cycle of poverty through college-access opportunities for low-income students. At Tiger Woods Learning Center campuses across the country, scholars in grades 5-12 are immersed in an interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) curriculum. Here, they make the connection between school and career, while planning a road map to college. Tailored to the needs of the first-generation scholar, the Earl Woods Scholarship Program provides four-year college scholarships coupled with an unyielding support system. But we don’t stop there. Through dedicated mentors, professional development workshops and internships, our one-to-one philosophy ensures the success of our students in college and beyond. See how our scholars are smashing the cycle of poverty at tigerwoodsfoundation.org and @TWFoundation.

About Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank is a leading client-centric global universal bank serving 28 million clients worldwide. Deutsche Bank provides commercial and investment banking, retail banking, transaction banking and asset and wealth management products and services to corporations, governments, institutional investors, small and medium-sized businesses, and private individuals. Deutsche Bank is Germany’s leading bank, with a strong position in Europe and a significant presence in the Americas and Asia Pacific.

About PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is the world’s premier membership organization for touring professional golfers, co-sanctioning more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, Web.com Tour, NEC Series-PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR China.

The PGA TOUR’s mission is to entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, generate significant charitable and economic impact in the communities in which it plays, and provide financial opportunities for TOUR players.

Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to more than 1 billion households in 225 countries and territories in 32 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2013, tournaments across all Tours generated more than $133 million for local and national charitable organizations and in early 2014 the TOUR’s all-time charitable contributions surpassed $2 billion.

August 20, 2015
Frost Ice Loft’s Frozen Tea Party

Frost Ice Loft’s Frozen Tea Party Let’s The Entire Family Enjoy a Little Chilled Summer Fun on Sunday, August 23, 2015

WHAT:          Frost Ice Loft cordially invites kids and adults alike to beat the heat, throw on the hats and gloves and gather for a very special Frozen Tea Party on Sunday, August 23, 2015 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm.

Boston’s coolest place “let it go” this summer will pay host to two Frozen Tea Parties featuring fun-filled activities and delicious treats and drinks for the whole family. During the regal tea party, kids will have the opportunity to sit in on an exciting interactive story time; partake in arts and crafts; and embark on a chilly snowflake walk throughout Frost’s ice castle sculpture display while singing along to some of the most memorable songs from the feature film and running into a few very “special guests.”

At the end of the tea party each guest will receive a commemorative Ice Princess/Ice Master Certificate for attending the event.

WHEN: Sunday, August 23, 2015

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

WHERE: Frost Ice Loft

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

North Building; 3^rd Floor

Boston, MA 02109

PRICE:          $65.00 admits (1) child and (1) parent

About Frost Ice Loft:

FROST Ice Loft, located in Faneuil Hall, houses New England’s only permanent indoor bar designed and furnished entirely of ice. Maintained at a brisk 21 degrees, guest of all ages can enjoy a transportive experience within the dramatic, artfully-sculpted lounge serving premium spirits, featured cocktails, local brews, wine and non-alcoholic selections. For more information, please visit www.frosticeloft.com.

August 16, 2015
Minecraft Gaming League at AMC Theaters!

SuperLeague.com is the first in-theater gaming league set inside major movie theaters across the country where gamers can socialize, move around the theater, and compete in a recreational setting. They are the “minor league” of gaming.

They are in the fourth week of our summer tour and they’d like to offer my readers a free ticket giveaway to attend their Minecraft gaming events in Boston in the upcoming weeks. Their 6-week, after-school leagues start in the fall.

WHERE:
Aug 17
AMC
Boston Common 19

Aug 18
Boston
AMC
Braintree 10

Aug 19
Boston
AMC
Liberty Tree 20

TIME:
4pm-5:35pm

WHAT:

Come Play Minecraft in a Movie Theater,Along with the Big Screen!
*Prizes to top scorers
*Gamers bring their laptops.
*Parents can sit with their gamers for free.

Giveaway of Minecraft gaming events in Boston

Please enter the Rafflecopter to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

August 13, 2015
New Barre Fitness Class for Kids & Adults by Gemma

Please meet Gemma who just started a fitness program based out of Paulette’s Ballet Studio in Newton.

Within this program she teaches a barre class, a dance-cardio class, and a dance-cardio class for kids.

For schedule and class details please visit here.

FOR ADULTS!

BALLETBARRE

Tone your body from head to toe, literally! With a focus on muscle strength, flexibility, sculpting, and power you’ll be amazed at how quickly you see positive changes in your physique. The combination of ballet, strength, and core training will leave your entire body feeling accomplished and worked after every class! See what your body can achieve this summer. No experience required.
Mat recommended
Attire: Grip socks, bare feet, or ballet shoes recommended.

FUN&FIT

Okay ladies, it’s time to let your hair down. Enough of the treadmill, stair-master, and stationary bikes, let’s have some fun! The upbeat music and lively atmosphere of this class will have you moving in ways you didn’t think you could! You and your friends won’t believe what you’re capable of on the dance floor. Aspects of cardio, plyometrics, and strength training mixed into a dance-based class will have you forget you’re even working out! This class is a no judgment-zone. No dance experience required, but the ability to have fun, and laugh, is a must!

FOR KIDS – AGES 8-13!

HIP-HOP TO HEALTH

The main focus of this class: FUN! Staying healthy over the summer can be a bit tricky. The goal of this class is to get ourselves up and moving. With group based activities, fun music, and dancing, you won’t even realize the good you’re doing for yourself. Though no dance experience is required, you’ll surely be brushing up on some great technique as a bonus!

July & August 2015 Class Schedule (Classes Begin June 29th)

July 28, 2015
The Contaminated Case of the Cooking Contest Book Party

Aug. 1, 1-3 p.m.

Book launch party for The Contaminated Case of the Cooking Contest featuring authors Peter Wong and Pendred Noyce.

There will be games and an opportunity to get your book signed!

New England Mobile Book Fair
82 Needham St
Newton Highlands, MA

Tumblehome Learning is pleased to present Peter Wong’s new science mystery, THE CONTAMINATED CASE OF THE COOKING CONTEST. The ninth book in Tumblehome’s Galactic Academy of Science series, The Contaminated Case of the Cooking Contestexplores food storage and safety in a time traveling detective tale.

Middle school students Mae and Clinton are excited to be aboard a Caribbean cruise that features cooking contests for adults and teens. But when passengers start falling ill, Selectra Volt, their Galactic Academy of Science guide from the future, challenges them to find the cause. Is the outbreak a result of poor food handling, or is someone purposely sabotaging the ship’s food supply?

Mae and Clinton learn about food safety through a series of visits to scientists, doctors, and inventors of the past and present. They visit Nicholas Appert, who invented canning to feed Napoleon’s army; Clarence Birdseye, who learned about freezing fish from the Inuit in the Arctic; John Snow, who discovered the cause of a cholera outbreak in Victorian London; Typhoid Mary, who unknowingly caused illness in seven families she worked for; Ferran Adria, a master of creative cooking; and present-day scientists studying food-borne illness at the CDC in Atlanta and a U.S. Army research facility in Natick, Massachusetts.

Between trips, Mae and Clinton make new friends, compete in the kids’ cooking contest, help out in the ship infirmary, test food samples for bacteria, gather clues, and follow suspicious characters. As the ship sails through the edge of a hurricane and the ship infirmary fills to overflowing, the Clinton and Mae risk their lives getting medical supplies, gather evidence, and sift through a pile of suspects.

Peter Wong is an engineer who loves cooking. He develops middle school curriculum at the Boston Museum of Science and runs an afterschool engineering program for elementary students called K2E. He was recently on the Mechanical Engineering Department faculty at Tufts University, where he taught a course on the engineering of cooking. Whenever he can, he likes to whip up a fancy meal for friends.

Pendred Noyce is a doctor, science education advocate, and children’s book author. She has written or contributed to six books in the Galactic Academy of Science adventure series.

July 27, 2015
Newtonville Books Reading Challenge

Newtonville Books 2015 Reading Challenge

Or: Something Fun to Get You Out of Your Comfort Zone

o A book that became a movie _______________________________________

o A book with non-human characters _______________________________________

o A book with a one-word title _______________________________________

o A book of short stories _______________________________________

o A book from a small press _______________________________________

o A book based on a true story _______________________________________

o A book more than 100 years old _______________________________________

o A book based entirely on its cover _______________________________________

o A book you’ve pretended to read ___________________________________

o A book you can finish in a day _______________________________________

o A book set somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit ___________________________

o A book in translation _______________________________________

o A graphic novel _______________________________________

o A book you own but have never read _______________________________________

o A book by an author with your initials ___________________________________

o A play _______________________________________

o A banned book _______________________________________

o A book you previously started but never finished _________________________

o A Pulitzer Prize-winning book _______________________________________

o A book by a Nobel Prize-winner _______________________________________

o A book that takes place in the area where you grew up ________________________

o A book by an author you’ve never heard of _______________________________________

o A book written by an author under 30 _______________________________________

o A book written by an author over 70 _______________________________________

o A book of poetry _______________________________________

o A young adult book _______________________________________

o A book set in the future or in a different world __________________________

o A book your mom or dad loves/loved _______________________________________

o A Newtonville Books staff pick _______________________________________

o A signed book _______________________________________ o A bestseller _______________________________________

o A book with an animal on the cover _______________________________________

o A library book _______________________________________ o A book with a color in the title _______________________________________

o A book you then discuss in a bookclub ______________________________________

o A book that came out the year you were born ___________________________________

o A book with magic ___________________________________

o A book by an author that lives in Boston ___________________________________

o A book set in a different country ___________________________________

Visit www.newtonvillebooks.com for online copy of the list.

Hand in your completed (just do your best!) copy to us between Dec 1st and Dec 10th, 2015 to be entered into a raffle for a $100 gift certificate. (No purchase necessary.)

Post/tweet your progress at www.facebook.com/Newtonvillebooks.com and @newtonvillebooks.com

Name: Phone number/email address:

July 6, 2015
Newton 4th of July Activities

Fourth of July Celebration!

1pm – 10pm

Albemarle Field, Watertown Street, Route 16

OPEN AIR MARKET & AMUSEMENT RIDES
Handmade and International Crafts
Food Vendors
Children’s Activities

KIDS MORNING

Newton Centre Playground at Tyler Terrace
10 AM – Noon
Rain date: July 5th
For children ages 3 – 12.

Grande Pet Parade
Teddy Bear Parade
Decorated Doll Carriage Promenade
Foot Races
FREE Ice Cream, by Cabot’s Ice

Entertainment in the Gazebo
1:00pm: Tom Anderson-fingerstyle/classical guitarist and singer
3:30pm – Performers of Patrice Peris Voice Studios of Westborough and recording artist April Forrest

Music & Dancing

6:00pm – Bo & Bill Winiker Band

Fireworks at 9:00pm
Bring blankets and lawn chairs

Each year, The Fessenden School’s athletic fields, located along Albemarle Road, serve as a major viewing area for Newton’s fireworks. This year, the fields are under significant construction and will not be available to spectators. For safety reasons, we are asking that visitors seek alternate viewing locations for the July 4th celebration.

Help Save the Fireworks!

For the past 26 years, Newton Community Pride has sponsored the July 4th Festivities for the City of Newton. With the help of our sponsors, this celebration has been totally free to the public.

Having enjoyed this event for so many years, free of charge, we hope that you will help keep this tradition alive. As Newton Community Pride celebrates its 26th Anniversary, please consider giving $26 (or any amount you choose) to help continue this fun-filled day for another 26 years!

Send a check payable to Newton Community Pride to 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02459 or use your credit card to make a tax deductible donation on-line.

Yes, I want to help support the Newton Fireworks! Make an on-line donation.

July 3, 2015
Boys Soccer Clinic at Harvard

Crimson Soccer Academy Youth Clinic

August 11th – 14th, 2015

Sign Up Before July 1st and Save 15%

Promo Code: Harvard2015

July 1, 2015