Monthly updates covering science news and Minnesota events brought to you by  the Minnesota Academy of Science (www.mnmas .org ) . For more in ongoing news, follow us on  Facebook  and Twitter.



STEM NEWS

National Science Bowl Champions from Wayzata High School
Science Trip to Alaska, Summer 2019

Math:  A Winona State researcher explores whether math models can be used to predict relapses in those with addiction disorders.

Robotics:  U of MN and industry researchers are developing a solar-powered, self-driving mower for use by farmers.

Health:  U of MN researchers find greater health benefits to walking in green spaces than urban spaces.

Biology:  A team of researchers conclude that a sixth mass extinction occurred 260 million years ago.

Microbiology:  Researchers have found that a hormone released by bones drives the fight or flight response in mammals, not adrenaline.

Genetics :  Scientists are exploring whether CRISPR can help reduce worldwide biodiversity loss.

Natural History:  An ancient skull discovered three years ago in Ethiopia is shaking up the human evolutionary tree.


Fossil skull raises the profile of an ancient hominid | Science News
Fossil skull raises the profile of an ancient hominid | Science News


 
Invites Elementary and Middle School Teachers to a FREE Science Workshop.

Friday, October 4, 2019 from 3:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Bldg. 224, Universe Room
3M Center, Interstate 94 and McKnight Road (or Century Avenue),  Maplewood, MN

You must park and enter via the Building 224 EAST entrance (see map in your email confirmation).

This 3M-sponsored workshop is offered to all elementary and middle school teachers (no children, please) without cost. A variety of science activities will be demonstrated. The format is casual, walk-around table-top demonstrations with plenty of time for hands-on participation and questions. This is a "hands-on" experience (no lessons plans provided) so teachers can easily bring the simple experiments back to the classroom. Come and share in this exciting partnership between business and education. Certificate of attendance will be given out if requested. Come and go when you want anytime between 3:00 - 6:30 p.m.

REGISTER BY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AT  www.go.3M.com/science4teachers
HELP MINNESOTA SHINE
Support our STEM Pipeline
 
At the Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS), we know that engaging students in scientific research, mentoring, fostering teamwork, and recognizing excellence remain proven ways to keep students in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) pipeline.  We have designed our programs and events to do these very things -- so that we all benefit from a talented, diverse pool of STEM graduates.

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. When students take their learning beyond the classroom and receive recognition for their efforts, they gain confidence. They also begin to envision a future for themselves in STEM.

MAS seeks to expand opportunities and open the door to STEM careers for all Minnesota students. To do so, we need your support!

$100  enables one MN college student to present at the Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium.
$300 allows one MN middle or high school student to participate in State Science & Engineering Fair.
$500 pays for one team to compete in Science Bowl or one high school student to present at the Regional Junior Science & Humanities Symposium.

DONATE TODAY!

Mail your check to MAS at 970 Raymond Ave. #103, St. Paul, MN 55114 or donate online at www.mnmas.org.

LOCAL RESOURCES FOCUS: Upcoming Events 

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September 21, St. Paul

Smithsonian Magazine Day at the Bakken Museum
September 21, Minneapolis

September 25, St. Paul

September 28, Bloomington &
November 7, St. Cloud

Midwest Environmental Educators Conference at the Science Museum of Minnesota
October 3-5, St. Paul

October 10, Minneapolis

October 16, Minneapolis

at the Science Museum of Minnesota
October 24, St. Paul

November 7-9, St. Cloud

December 3, St. Paul

Adult Nights Out at the Minnesota Zoo
December 5, Apple Valley

STUDENT NEWS  

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MAS Program Updates 


ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS OCTOBER 1!

High School Science Bowl :  
January 25, 2020
Macalester College 
Team Entry Deadline:  December 15, 2019

Middle School Science Bowl:
Date and location TBD
Team Entry Deadline:  January 15, 2020


MAS will hold JSHS and SSEF at Benilde - St. Margaret's School in St. Louis Park, March 26-28, 2020. 

FORSE is gearing up for a 3rd year! Learn more about how FORSE mentoring serves students from populations traditionally underrepresented in STEM - and how you can get involved this year!

Crown College will host Winchell in 2020.
Tentative Date:  April 25, 2020
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Please plan on participating in MAS programs in 2019-20!
FORSE MENTORS NEEDED!



Do you have STEM experience and an interest in mentoring K-12 students?

FORSE mentors 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 THIS OPPORTUNITY WITH OTHERS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED!
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Critical funding for Minnesota Academy of Science programs 
comes from our sponsors, including:

Seagate Technology, 3M, Ecolab
General Mills, Hardenbergh Foundation
Verizon Wireless
Broadcom Foundation, Medtronic,  Land O'Lakes
Barr Engineering, Beckman Coulter, Cray, Inc.
 
Diasorin, 
General Dynamics,
American Chemical Society,
American Heart Association, 
University of St. Thomas, Macalester College, 
University of Northwestern - St. Paul, Century College,
O'Silas Foundation, Syngenta,
and Saint-Gobain.

 

If you have suggestions for events or science news happening in Minnesota, please send information to laramaupin@mnmas.org or post it to our  Twitter Facebook , or  LinkedIn  accounts.