New Leadership and Exciting Times for SciMathMN

We are thrilled to announce Sarah Ness as the new Chair of the SciMathMN Board of Directors! Sarah brings a wealth of experience in STEM education, leadership, and community building to this role. Her passion for empowering youth and her deep understanding of the Minnesota STEM ecosystem make her an ideal leader for SciMathMN.

Sarah’s career has been dedicated to fostering STEM education and workforce development. Her leadership of STEM Forward, a collaborative of STEM stakeholders in southeast Minnesota, has been instrumental in cultivating a thriving regional STEM ecosystem. She is also a founding member of the MN STEM Ecosystem, where she has played a pivotal role in building statewide partnerships and resources to reach more youth around the state.

As a passionate advocate for STEM education, Sarah believes that every student deserves the opportunity to explore and excel in STEM fields. Her vision for SciMathMN includes expanding STEM opportunities across the state, particularly in rural areas, and strengthening partnerships with educators, businesses, and policymakers.

“I am honored to serve as the Chair of the SciMathMN Board of Directors,” said Sarah Ness. “I am excited to build upon the strong foundation laid by my predecessor, Vic Drier, and work collaboratively with our talented staff and board members to achieve our shared goals.”

Under Sarah’s leadership, SciMathMN will continue to make significant strides in advancing STEM education in Minnesota. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Vic Drier for his exceptional service as Board Chair. His dedication and expertise have been invaluable to SciMathMN’s success.

We look forward to sharing more about SciMathMN’s exciting initiatives and accomplishments in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates on our STEM Day at the Fair, policy advocacy efforts, and new partnerships.

We encourage you to connect with Sarah Ness to learn more about her vision for SciMathMN and how you can get involved as a volunteer or member of the Board of Directors. 

Feel free to reach out to Sarah Ness anytime (sness@ssc.coop).

Thursday, August 22, 2024

8 AM - 5 PM | Dan Patch Park

#YouBelonginSTEM

Mark your calendars for STEM Day at the Fair 2024, Thursday, August 22, 2024, Opening Day at Dan Patch Park. Exhibits will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please join SciMathMN and our 2024 exhibitors and sponsor partners for an exciting showcase of STEM education, experiential learning, and workforce opportunities. STEM Day at the Fair is a tradition you should not miss.

We are excited to welcome several new exhibits, including an open space created by The Works Museum!

All are welcome and encouraged to stop by.  

Stage Line-up

9:15 AM

University of Minnesota Raptor Center

10:15 AM

University of Minnesota Physics Force

11:05 AM

MN Department of Education - Presidential Award Finalists Recognition & Scholars of Distinction Awards

11:15 AM

Concordia Science Academy - Chemistry and Beyond

12:15 PM

University of Minnesota Raptor Center

2:05 PM

STEM Day Gubernatorial Proclamation

2:15 PM

University of Minnesota Physics Force

3:15 PM

Concordia Science Academy - Chemistry and Beyond

See you at the great Minnesota get-together!

Exhibitors

• Abbott
• Alliant Engineering
• Alpha Chi Sigma, University of Minnesota
• American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• Minnesota
• Andersen Windows & Doors
• Bell Museum
• Boston Scientific
• Burns & McDonnell
• Concordia Science Academy
• createMPLS
• Emerson
• Engineering Education Foundation of America (EEFA)
• FIRST in Upper Midwest: FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
• Hennepin County
• High Tech Kids
• Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
• Minnesota Academy of Science
• Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT)
• American Public Works Association (APWA) Minnesota
• Minnesota STEM Partnership
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA)
• Girls Dream Code
• Minnesota Zoo
• MTS Systems Corporation
• Raspberry Pi
• Northern Lights Collaborative for Computing Education
• Science from Scientists
• Silk Road Medical
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE), University of Minnesota
• Target Tech Kids
• The Bakken Museum
• Twin Cities Engineering - Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Twin Cities STEM
• Uponor
• Xcel Energy

Thank You STEM Day at the Fair Sponsors!

STEM Day at the Fair, an annual tradition for SciMathMN, is an important program for the State of Minnesota because it provides 17,000 attendees with awareness of the exciting STEM teaching and learning opportunities available in Minnesota. This popular event would not be possible without the generous sponsorships of our corporate, county, and state-run partners. Please join us in thanking this year’s STEM Day at the Fair supporters. Each organization will be on hand for the event:

SciMathMN is proud of its work serving STEM education, experiential learning and advocacy initiatives across the State of Minnesota. We do not achieve this work alone, and wish to recognize our collaborative partners and member organizations:

Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)

education.mn.gov

Minnesota Science Teachers Association (MnSTA)

mnsta.org

Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM)

mctm.org

Computer Science Teachers Association of Minnesota (CSTA)

minnesota.csteachers.org

Minnesota Technology and Engineering Educators Association (MTEEA)

mteea.net

Minnesota STEM Ecosystem

stemmn.org

10 STEM Education Trends to Watch in 2024

It is hard to believe that August is about to arrive, with the school year just about to start. Here is an article from KiDSPARK Education outlining key STEM trends to Watch in 2024.

This invitation to participate in the public comment process comes from

the Career and Technical Education (CTE) office at Minnesota State and

the Office of Career and College Success at Minnesota

Department of Education.

We invite you to participate in reviewing the proposed state-determined performance level SDPL for Academic Proficiency in Science through a public comment process.

The proposed SDPL for Academic Proficiency, 2S3, is part of the Minnesota Perkins V State Plan Annual Revision. The public comment period is now open, and you are invited to participate. 

Submission Timeline: July 15 to August 14, 2024

How you may participate: Go to the Public Comment Notice web page for details and instructions.