STAPLES — Almost 100 students from central Minnesota schools spent the day immersed in science at Sourcewell’s annual Young Scientists Conference Oct. 2 at Central Lakes College-Staples campus.
Students in grades 4-6 experienced a wide variety of scientific topics. Science and technology professionals from around Minnesota hosted nine different presentations showcasing their careers and areas of expertise, from reptiles to rocket science.
Sourcewell’s student academic programs coordinator, Crysta Blake, said students were clearly excited and invested throughout the day, ready to make the most of the hands-on experiences.
“This year’s theme was ‘Science in Action,’ and that was obvious from the start!” Blake said in a news release. “By the end of the first session, the majority of students had already been onstage and involved. Students were so excited to interact with the topics and presenters, and we heard over and over how they were eager to tell their siblings, parents, and even grandparents about the day’s events.”
“We hope that excitement for science stays with them for a long time.”
Presenters and topics included:
Dr. Tyronne Carter, keynote speaker, America’s fun science with an interactive STEM event; Kya Meunier on snake discovery with Snake, Rattle, and Roll!; Mike DeLuca, geology, presented on rocks and minerals; Megan Raschka and Jennifer Behm, Bell Museum, on beak investigation; Brenden Swanson, Fenworks, on esports and drone racing; Crystal Kapphahn, Rod Opheim, Donald Brusewitz and Scott Braith, with Lakewood Health System on life-saving science in action; Russell Strachan, aerospace, on space and aviation; Curtis Robertson, Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference, on FIRST Robotics Competition; and Kathleen Sheridan, owner of Origami and You.