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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.
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STEM NEWS
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| NASA Introduces New Spacesuits for the Moon and Mars |
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: A
ncient DNA used to reconstruct family trees from thousands of years ago.
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Preparations for 2020 Science Bowl in Full Swing
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The hard work of Wayzata's team paid off in their national championship
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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 p
reparing for science bowl. Additionally, teams meet after school for practice, typically once a week from the fall until the winter tournament. Survey results from the 2019 High School and Middle School Science Bowls demonstrate the large amount of time spent preparing by students and their coaches.
 
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.
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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!
$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 their research paper to STEM professionals at JSHS.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP:
1. INSPIRE others to give during Give to the Max by donating online to one of our MATCHING FUNDS BY OCT 31.
2. SUPPORT MAS programs by donating online during GIVE TO THE MAX (NOV. 1 - 14).
3.
ASK your friends and colleagues to support MAS during GIVE TO THE MAX. Share our links, Facebook posts, or emails. Help us spread the word!
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LOCAL RESOURCES FOCUS: Upcoming Events
November 7, Minneapolis
November 9, St. Paul
November 9, St. Paul
November 22, South St. Paul
December 3, St. Paul
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Volunteer registration will open November 1.
High School Science Bowl:
Macalester College: January 25, 2020
Team Entry Deadline: December 15, 2019
Middle School Science Bowl:
University of St. Thomas: February 8, 2020
Team Entry Deadline: January 15, 2020
Benilde - St. Margaret's School: March 26-28, 2020
Crown College: April 25, 2020
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Please plan on participating in MAS programs in 2019-20!
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Follow us on twitter for the latest news and program information!
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
Did you know that
150 scientific judges, scorekeepers, timekeepers, moderators, and rules judges are needed for the Science Bowl each year?
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.
Do you have STEM experience and an interest in mentoring K-12 students?
O
pportunities 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!
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Critical support for Minnesota Academy of Science programs
comes from our 2020 sponsors and event hosts, including:
Minnesota Department of Education,
Seagate Technology,
National Science Teachers Association,
Ecolab, 3M,
Benilde-St. Margaret's School,
University of St. Thomas, Macalester College,
Crown College,
and Verizon Wireless.
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.
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