Minnesota Academy of Science

02/06/2026

Support the Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair by sponsoring an award and/or making a contribution. Businesses, colleges, organizations, and individuals can help:

> Recognize outstanding student innovation

> Encourage future STEM leaders

> Strengthen science and engineering education across Minnesota.

Award sponsors may define their own criteria and prize—ranging from cash awards, scholarships, or mentorships to trophies, gift cards, or technology items. Sponsors are welcome to participate in the event and select a recipient on March 27, or we can assign a volunteer judge to select a winner based on your criteria.

For more information on sponsoring a special award or contributing, go to: https://www.mnmas.org/ssef-sponsor

02/06/2026

We’re looking for judges for the Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair on March 27, 2026!

If you’re a STEM professional, educator, or grad student who loves supporting young scientists, we’d love your help. Judges review student projects and give encouraging feedback.

For more information and the link to sign up, visit: https://www.mnmas.org/ssef-judges-volunteers

And please share with your networks!

11/20/2025

https://www.givemn.org/story/Nw6rqf

Our Science Bowls program is facing a serious budget deficit after grants supporting this work have been reduced. We are tackling this shortfall every way we can: cutting costs, increasing volunteer participation, and increasing registration fees. You can do your part by helping us raise at least $6,000 by December 31st in order to hold in-person Science Bowls in the winter of 2026. Your donation will help ensure we can maintain the these beloved competitions so we can recognize the achievements of these hard working students!

05/09/2025

Grace Lavan, who recently completed her first year as an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota Duluth, has been researching wolves on the Fond du Lac Reservation for six years. We initially learned about Grace’s work from viewing her presentation at our State Science & Engineering Fair. This April, we were pleased to see Grace again - this time at our Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium, where she was presenting results from her continued studies into wolves.

Read about Grace’s scientific research journey in her own words on our blog: mnmas.org/news/grace-lavan

05/04/2025

Learn more about Simran, one of our State Science Fair ISEF winners, in this recent profile in the The Free Press of Mankato MN 👉 www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/mankato-teen-advances-to-international-science-fair/article_dd9fedcb-4e12-4da5-afec-6ccbab2e58d8.html

"[My Science Fair Project] was inspired by my sister’s struggles in her American sign language class... My biggest goal was to create a free, viable alternative to reducing the time commitment for both the person on the spectrum and their families.”

MANKATO — Simran Kaur had never done any research or competed in a science fair, so the Mankato teen was surprised when she was named as one of five finalists

05/02/2025

Our May MN STEM News & Events Digest 👉
mnmas.dm.networkforgood.com/emails/3940980

💫 90 Students Present Research at Symposium
💫 FORSE Facilitates Field Trip to UMN Lab
💫 MN Teams Compete in National Science Bowl
💫 MAS Staff Spotlight: Evangeline Holley
💫 MN STEM Spotlight: Women Leading in Technology
💫 MN STEM News Highlights
💫 25+ Upcoming MN STEM Events

05/02/2025

Our FORSE program recently had the pleasure of organizing a trip for first grade students from Anishinabe Academy to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory!

05/02/2025

Thank you to 3M for sponsoring our Fostering Opportunities and Relationships in STEM Education (FORSE) program. Your support brings fun + hands-on STEM learning to 1000s of Minnesota students!

05/02/2025

Thank you to the American Chemical Society, Minnesota Section for sponsoring our 2025 Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium!

05/02/2025

✨ May MN STEM Events ✨🍃

🍃 Webinar: Cutting-Edge Cancer Therapies, UMN College of Continuing and Professional Studies, May 1

🍃 May Star Party, Bell Museum, May 2

🍃 First Science Saturday: DNA and Genetics, Metro State University, May 3

🍃 Things that go Buzz, Croak, Hoot, and Bump in the Night!, Friends of the Sax-Zim Bog, May 3

🍃 Annual Meeting: Presentation from the MN Mycological Society, Ney Nature Center, May 3

🍃 Spring Bird Walk, Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awaŋyaŋkapi, May 3

🍃 The Weight of the World: An evening with climate writer Mary Annaïse Heglar, Bell Museum, May 7

🍃 Tech Connect 2025, Minnesota Technology Association, May 7

🍃 Product Innovations Lab | PLAYsentations, UMN College of Design, May 8

🍃 SPARK! Art and Nature for People with Memory Loss and Their Care Partners, Silverwood Park, May 8

🍃 Twin Cities Hematologic Malignancies Symposium, Masonic Cancer Center at the Bakken Museum, May 8

🍃 Spring Wildflowers, Outdoor U at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, May 10

🍃 Founders Day 2025, UMN Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship, May 14

🍃 Lunch with a Scientist: Landscape Stories, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, May 4

🍃 Tree Planting in Mankato, Great River Greening, May 15

🍃 Magical Moths, Two Harbors Public Library, May 16

🍃 Bison Festival, Belwin Conservancy, May 17

🍃 Sola Fide Observatory Open House, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, May 17

🍃 Eco-Fair on Summit, May 17

🍃 Twin Cities Bird Festival, Mississippi River Regional Park, May 17

🍃 Monarchs in Action: Youth-Led Conservation Projects and Initiatives Webinar, Monarch Joint Venture, May 20

🍃 Lunch & Learn: Big Woods, River Bend Nature Center, May 21

🍃 2nd Annual Minnesota Manufactured Awards Banquet, Bemidji State University, May 22

🍃 Boglands Uncovered: Exploring Nature's Mysterious Wetlands, Big Bog State Recreation Area, May 24

🍃 Working River Tour at District Energy, Mississippi Park Connection, May 27

🍃 Digging In: River Geology and Wild Clay, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 5/27

🍃 Kathio Under the Stars, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, May 31

🍃 Pond Exploration, Richardson Nature Center, May 31

05/02/2025

The Center for Global Environmental Education, Hamline University offers FREE professional development Institutes for teachers!

St. Louis River and Estuary Institute | Duluth, MN | June 23-25

Mississippi River Delta Institute | New Orleans, LA | July 8-10, with optional extension field trip on July 11

Mississippi River Institute | Minneapolis and St Paul, MN | July 21-23

WaterWorks! A Drinking Water Institute | Eden Prairie, MN | August 4 - 6

Join us this summer! You know you want to 😊 Check out the Rivers Institutes here: https://cgee.hamline.edu/cornerstone-programs/professional-development-and-graduate-programs/teacher-institutes
Metropolitan Council Jeffers Foundation Docville Farm

05/01/2025

Thank you to North Hennepin Community College for hosting our 2025 Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium on your beautiful campus! Your support is so important in facilitating STEM communication and networking opportunities for regional undergraduate students.