Program areas at Minnesota Academy of Science
The Fostering Opportunities and Resources in STEM Education FORSE program supports both formal science, technology, engineering, and math STEM education in highly diverse schools and informal STEM learning experiences for students from populations underrepresented in STEM fields. FORSE activities meet the identified needs of each educational partner site, provide resources and support to teachers, and increase student self-confidence, interest, and knowledge of careers related to STEM. This year, MAS served more then 3,700 students through FORSE. The vast majority of the students served identify as black/African/African-American, Latinx/Hispanic, Indigenous/Native American, Hmong, or multi-racial and approximately 86 also qualify for free and reduced lunch. Educators receiving FORSE services enthusiastically endorse the program.
The MN State High School and Middle School Science Bowls were held in person on January 28, 2023 and February 11, 2023, respectively. The winning teams represented Minnesota in the National Science Bowl held in person in Washington, DC from April 27 to May 1, 2023. Our middle school champions a newly formed team initiated by interested students placed fourth in the National Science Bowl. The number of participating schools continues to recover from pandemic lows. The high school event featured 26 teams from 14 schools and and the middle school bowl included 18 teams from 8 schools. The events included well-received Meet the Scientists panel sessions featuring competition volunteers talking about their STEM-related jobs and responding to student questions.
The MN State Science Engineering Fair was held in-person on March 24, 2023 in St. Paul, MN with several virtual components. The event included student peer networking, judging, public viewing, and enrichment activities including 10 exhibitor booths, a traveling planetarium, free Science Museum admission, and giveaways. The event concluded with a student social with food and trivia. Virtual aspects of the program included online registration for students and judges online submission of and access to project materials a virtual welcome ceremony and keynote address, and an online awards ceremony and awards announcements. 323 students, representing 276 projects and 65 schools, participated. 221 STEM professionals volunteered to score projects and provide feedback to students, and more volunteered as special awards judges and general event volunteers. Efforts to increase student access to this activity included the one-day event structure, lower registration costs and fee waivers for those with financial need, and new, standardized project presentation guidelines.