Everything Nac

Students participating in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Second-Grade STEM Day learned about elasticity and electricity during a physics magic show led by Ali Piran, lecturer and lab coordinator in the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy.

Partnering with the James I. Perkins College of Education, STEM Day gave SFA elementary education students the opportunity to teach STEM lessons to students from Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary and Fredonia Elementary.

“This event, like others hosted by the STEM Research and Learning Center, provides students the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through problem-based, hands-on activities that are relevant to real-world situations,” said Adrienne Aul, programs coordinator for the STEM Research and Learning Center.

Suddenlink by Altice was the official partner of STEM Day.

“The SFA STEM Center continues to position STEM education as a high priority on the SFA campus and in the communities around them,” said Curt Allison, community engagement specialist with Suddenlink. “STEM education is important to Suddenlink by Altice, and for this reason it is easy to support the STEM Center and the work they are doing.”

For more information, visit sfasu.edu/stem.

By Joanna Armstrong, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s timbersports team, the Sylvans, won a fifth consecutive collegiate title during the annual Arkansas State Lumberjack Competition held during Timberfest in Sheridan, Arkansas.

SFA students placed first in the double buck crosscut, single buck crosscut, Jack and Jill crosscut, men’s bowsaw, underhand chop and axe throw.

“It matched last year as one of the Sylvans’ most dominant victories in Timberfest competitions,” said Dr. Jeremy Stovall, professor of forestry and Sylvans faculty advisor.

Arkansas House of Representatives member Ken Bragg, an SFA alumnus and past Sylvans president, officiated the competition, which was organized by fellow SFA alumnus Karl Hansen, among others.

Story by Sarah Fuller, outreach coordinator for Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture.

The planetarium in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Cole STEM Building will offer two shows on Saturdays starting Oct. 12.

The planetarium has public shows every Saturday with group shows available throughout the week upon reservation.

“Earth, Moon & Sun” will be presented at 3 p.m. and tackles concepts associated with the Earth-moon-sun system, including eclipses, lunar phases, the seasonal changing of constellations, and the physical nature of the sun and moon. Geared toward children ages 7 to 13 but open to all ages, the show will be presented at 3 p.m. Tickets are $3.

“From Dream to Discovery – Inside NASA” is scheduled for 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets to this show are $6 for adults and $4 for children, students, and faculty and staff with ID.

“This show is all about how NASA designs, builds and tests robotic spacecraft that explore our solar system and the universe beyond,” said Ed Michaels, planetarium director. “It is truly amazing what humans can do when they dare to dream!”

For more information, to make a group reservation or view the schedule, visit planetarium.sfasu.edu.

By Joanna Armstrong, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Division of Multidisciplinary Programs will host a Pre-Seminary Day Oct. 25 on the SFA campus for individuals interested in religious studies or seeking connection with Texas seminaries.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Daniel B. Wallace, founder and executive director of the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts and senior research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He will present “Saving Scripture: The Work of the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts” from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Kennedy Auditorium. This portion of the day is free and open to the public.

Wallace and his staff have recently discovered more than 75 ancient New Testament manuscripts. Wallace has traveled to 35 countries to examine unique, handwritten manuscripts in dozens of libraries, monasteries and private collections.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Wallace speak at SFA. His work has revolutionized the historical preservation of the Bible,” Dr. Paul Shockley, lecturer in the Division of Multidisciplinary Programs, said. “He’s referred to by many as the Indiana Jones of biblical manuscripts.”

The day’s first event will begin with coffee and muffins at 9 a.m. in the Ferguson Building, Room G77. Wallace will speak with faculty members and students interested in religious studies and philosophy.

Dr. Jim Towns, professor in the Department of Languages, Culture and Communication, will moderate a panel discussion with local pastors for students interested in learning about how to prepare for seminary at 10:30 a.m. in the Ferguson Building, Room 271.

Simultaneously, history graduate students and faculty members will have the opportunity to discuss digital preservation of historical documents with Wallace at 10:30 a.m. in Dugas Liberal Arts North, Room 308.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., seminary recruiters will be available to speak with students in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Spirit Lounge. Representatives from several seminaries, including Dallas Theological, Fuller Theological, Houston Baptist University, Reformed Theological, Southwestern Baptist Theological, George W. Truett Theological and Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology will be present.

Accordance Bible Software will host the final seminar of the day. The company, which offers Hebrew and Greek Bible software, will offer a training session for people in the community who use Accordance Bible Software from 12:30 to 5 p.m. in the Ferguson Building, Room G78. Contact the company at 1-877-339-5855 to reserve a seat.

For more information about Pre-Seminary Day at SFA, contact Shockley at shockleypr@sfasu.edu or Geivonna Little at littlegm@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-1229.

By Emily Brown, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.