The first ever Science Fest! will be held at St. John?Äôs University (SJU) on Thursday, Jan. 12. This event is similar to the Science Rocks! (SR!) event at St. Cloud State University (SCSU) which was held on Tuesday, Jan. 3. In 2016. There was so much interest in the event that we could not accommodate all who wanted to attend. This conference can comfortably work with 700 students. Therefore, the idea of adding another day was required. St. John?Äôs University has a longer college student break and therefore, we could hold the second day at that location.
Three hundred fifth and sixth grade students from area schools will have the opportunity to experience college and hands on learning at the 2017 Science Fest! event. This event takes place at SJU in the Peter Engel Science Building and the New Science Building from
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017.
This conference is designed to introduce fifth- and sixth-grade students to a variety of science and nature topics through presentations and hands on learning. Students have the opportunity to hear the keynote address by Belinda Jensen, a weather meteorologist from KARE11. Additionally, they will attend three other sessions throughout the day. Sessions include topics such as ?ÄúHow to tell an Agate from and Amethyst?Äù, ?ÄúSurvivor-Winter Edition?Äù and ?ÄúInset Safari?Äù.
All the sessions are taught by professionals in their fields including engineers, naturalists, nurses, and mathematicians.
The conference is coordinated by Sandra Cordie, Resource Training & Solutions, and co-
sponsored by St. John?Äôs University, St. John?Äôs Outdoor U and Resource Training & Solutions. Resource Training & Solutions is a regional service agency serving school districts in Central Minnesota.