STEM News
Psychiatry: University of Minnesota researchers study how apps can be used to improve teens' mental health.
Computer Science : A TPT program offers a look at Minnesota's technology history during the cold war.
Ecology: Invasive weed found in eight Minnesota counties.
Machine Learning: Researchers from the University of Minnesota investigate how machine learning can be used in the hiring process.
Neurobiology: St. Olaf professor and students research directional hearing capabilities of flies.
Neurosurgery: University of Minnesota Medical School study finds that stable body temperature holds the key to awakening the body's immune response to fight off brain cancer.
Paleontology : A veterinarian offers treatment advice for dinosaurs' injuries.
Archaeology: Ancient DNA used to reconstruct family trees from thousands of years ago.
Local Resources Focus: Upcoming Events
Bird Banding at Quarry Hill Nature Center
November 3, Rochester
November 7, Minneapolis
MnSTA Conference on Science Education
November 7-9, St. Cloud
Spotlight Science: Neuroscience at the Bell Museum
November 9, St. Paul
Girls, Science and Technology at Science Museum of Minnesota
November 9, St. Paul
November 22, South St. Paul
Transcending Boundaries: Connecting School, Career, and Community through STEM
December 3, St. Paul
Adult Nights Out at the Minnesota Zoo
December 5, Apple Valley
Preparations for 2020 Science Bowl in Full Swing
In high schools and middle schools across Minnesota, Science Bowl teams are kicking into study mode to prepare for the challenging questions coming their way in the January and February events. As reported by coaches, about 90% of High School teams spend time in class preparing for science bowl. Additionally, teams meet after school for practice, typically once a week from the fall until the winter tournament.
Our 2019 State and National winners from Wayzata High School practiced each Friday. Each session included a 30-minute lesson given by a student, practicing with information packets, and scrimmages. Wayzata also played host to an invitational with other local schools leading up to the big statewide event. At Sauk Rapids-Rice Senior High, the weekly practice included learning about Science Bowl rules and drilling with practice questions. The 2019 team from Jackson Middle School met every Thursday, when their coach targeted subject areas for team improvement.
Students notice that studying for Science Bowl makes a difference in their coursework and interest in STEM. Ben Weiner, a member of the 2019 championship Wayzata team observed that "Science Bowl questions require reasoning skills that can help you on other tests and in your classes", while teammate Stephen Chen finds himself "listening in class for stuff relevant to Science Bowl."
Enthusiasm for STEM gained in Science Bowl extends even past middle and high school. In fact, 75% of our 2019 participants found that participating in Science Bowl increased their interest in pursuing a college degree or career in STEM.
Give to the Max 2019
EARLY GIVING STARTS NOV. 1
We are gearing up for Give to the Max (Nov. 1 - 14) and hope we can count on your support. When you give to MAS, you help us create opportunities for Minnesota students to pursue questions they care about, share their knowledge, network with like-minded peers, and connect with STEM professionals.
MAS seeks to expand opportunities and open the door to STEM careers for all Minnesota students. To do so, we need your support!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
Did you know that 150 scientific judges, scorekeepers, timekeepers, moderators, and rules judges are needed for the Science Bowl each year? Registration opens November 1.
Volunteers may work one or both of the High School or Middle School competitions. Shifts are available as either a half day tournament volunteer (the first part of the tournament) or as a full day tournament volunteer. Training is provided on-site the day of each event.
FORSE Mentors
Do you have STEM experience and an interest in mentoring K-12 students? Opportunities are available through our FORSE program to work with students through their journey to participate in the Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair by assisting them with their research project. MAS provides mentors with the materials and curriculum needed to help young scientists master the skills of research and experimentation.
MAS currently seeks mentors to work with middle schoolers at Bdote Learning Center, a K-8 Dakota/Ojibwe language immersion school in Minneapolis. Mentors need to be available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 - 11:45 and/or 12:05 - 12:50. The program starts in late October and lasts 8 - 9 weeks.
Interested? Contact Ally Milenkovic (Assistant Program Director) at allymilenkovic@mnmas.org.
PLEASE SHARE THESE OPPORTUNITIES!
