Science Fusion: where science, culture, and opportunity meet!

Unique to the Science Museum of Minnesota, this four-part series brings scientific and educational professionals to a connecting place with kids, tweens, teens, and adults. Nowhere else can you meet, learn from, and communicate with industry people in a you-based atmosphere full of activities. The Science Museum of Minnesota is committed to the future of science and wants to bring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) career opportunities to everyone. Come celebrate the diversity, creativity, and science expertise within our Twin Cities community.

Science Fusion is great for kids and adults alike. Activities are included in museum admission. Up to four children get in free with each full price adult.

Weaver Lake Principal Gretchen Peel named 2012 Science and Math Principal of the Year

Gretchen Peel, principal of Weaver Lake Elementary: A Science, Math & Technology School, has been named 2012 Science and Math Principal of the Year by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association and the Science Museum of Minnesota. The state-level award recognizes "the vital importance of fostering lifelong science and math literacy and honors the key role principals play in developing a culture that encourages and celebrates student interest in math and science."

A great way to get your family outdoors

Check out the Winter version of www.FamiliesOutdoors.Org. As winter vacation approaches this would be a great way to encourage Families to get outdoors WITH their children and enjoy the many winter activities that are available for them. This service is totally free and involves all counties in the METRO area. http://www.familiesoutdoors.org

Creating Digital Science Stories

Laurie Toll and I presented a workshop on Creating digital science stories at the TIES Conference last Tuesday.
The session inspired educators to create a 21st century learning environment by challenging students to publish science and engineering content for a global audience, motivating students to become better scientists and writers and see themselves as contributors to a larger community. Examples include; podcasts, video, Voicethreads and Google stories.
Send me an email if you would like more information or a copy of our presentation.

cotton ball catapults

5th grade students are studying Levers and learning about catapults. This week we engineered cotton ball catapults using a modified version of this activity from PBS kids: http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/cottonballcatapult.html