FUN LEGO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY @MIT

Optional Pizza Dinner $8pp: 5:45 to 6:15 PM
Volunteer Project:          6:30 to 9:00 PM

Manipulating Lego chromosomes and amino acids will help students learn "hands on" about cell division and gene expression in AP biology classes and the freshman Gateway biology program at the John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science in Roxbury. Though Lego life sciences “kits” have been purchased with grant funding (sciencebuilders.com), these sets only contain loose pieces, so volunteer help is needed to assemble and to organize components that can readily be used.

MIT’s K-12 Outreach Program at MIT’s Center for Environmental Health Sciences, along with the Edgerton Center, has developed science and technology school programs, and now many school science teachers want to share these LEGO lessons with students in their own classrooms. Video of the kits in use at

• http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/809-lego-animation-of-meiosis-with-descriptive-titles
• http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/468-translation-reading-the-dna-code-the-hands-on-lego-version

While no science knowledge is required, this project does require fine motor skills and attention to detail, carefully and repetitively building and manipulating small Lego hinges and amino acids, copying patterns, and filling and checking boxed sets while standing.

We seek volunteers age 12* and older. Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

NO partial participation can be accommodated. This means that late arrivals and early departures are unacceptable.

*Volunteer age exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis, depending on LEGO experience and ability to stay focused until 9 PM. If your child is younger than 12 years old, and you register via SmarTrans, give recent example(s) of his/her capacity for focused work until 9pm, under Additional Comments.

Registration via SmarTrans opens 7/4 and closes 7/24. Only individuals may register themselves.

Are you someone who has never been in a sailboat, but would like to give it a try in a friendly, sociable environment?

Are you someone who has some sailing experience, but are not sure how much you remember, or don't understand why you're doing what you're doing?

Are you someone who knows a bit about sailing, but would like some experience in a different kind of boat? Are you an experienced sailor who would enjoy spending an afternoon sailing with fellow MIT alumni/ae? Are you an alum who would like to get connected with the sailing program at MIT, but not sure just how to do it?

If your answer to any of the above questions is yes, come to the MIT Club of Boston Sailing Event. All are welcome, whether or not you have any sailing experience. The only requirement is that you know how to swim. (Not that we expect anyone to capsize, but only those who know how to swim are permitted in MIT sailboats.) We'll meet at the MIT Sailing Pavilion at 12:30pm. Lunch willl be provided. You will receive a brief talk about sailing on shore, then we will head out onto the Charles on the fleet of Rhodes 19 boats/catboat. You will have experience handling the sails and steering the boat. Each boat will have an experienced sailor on board to help you. Questions about this event should be directed to Bonny Kellermann at (617) 232-7140 (home) or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

On August 15 we meet at the MIT Sailing Pavilion at 12:30 and will sail until 3:30 . This event costs $15. for MITCOB members and their families, $20.00 for non members. Registration by August 13 is required.

RSVP by Thursday, August 13 at https://alum.mit.edu/smarTrans/register-login.vm?eventID=34441&groupID=146

If you are unable to register using SmarTrans, contact Bonny.

In case of inclement weather on the day of the event, call Bonny to discuss alternate plans.

Note: If you are an experienced sailor with a Rhodes 19 rating at the MIT Sailing Pavilion, and would like to help instruct, please contact Bonny. There is no charge for instructors.

Want to always receive the latest news and updates from the MIT Club of Boston?

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MITboston

Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service through which we are sending updates or "tweets" to our community of members. Many users are utilizing this service to get real-time updates from people and groups of interest. Be sure that you join today!

We've set up our very own Twitter group so you can follow us and always be in the know.  Come join us today!