Archive for Events
2014 Rube Goldberg Task Announced
Our 2014 Contest Task is Zip A Zipper.
Submitted by Southland High School, MN, 1st place winners at the Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN regionals.
Our Contest grows every year, as students, teachers, community organizations and businesses learn how Rube Goldberg Machine Contests encourage critical thinking and problem solving and team building in a non-traditional, fun learning environment.
Students from middle school through college, can compete in a RGMC. Our contests are STEM and STEAM friendly. Students who participate in our contests not only employ physics and engineering, but humor and story-telling, to create their RGM’s.
JOIN THE FUN! JOIN US IN 2014!
Team registration starts early fall 2014.
MATHCOUNTS® Chapter Competition
TRAVERSE DES SIOUX CHAPTER
February 1, 2013 Centennial Student Union Ballroom Minnesota State University, MankatoRegistration deadline: December 15, 2012.
To register: https://mathcounts.org/register.
For more information, please call 507-389-1201 or email mathcounts_traversedessioux@live.com.
2013 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest
Take the national high school challenge and help Rube HAMMER A NAIL!
February 7, 2013 8:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. (Lunch on your own) Centennial Student Union Ballroom Minnesota State University, MankatoYou must register on the National Rube Goldberg Machine Contest website, http://rubegoldberg.com/contest_form2
All registrations must be submitted no later than Monday, January 30, 2013.
All Rube Goldberg Machine Contest information is posted on www.rubegoldberg.com.
Questions? cset.mnsu.edu
Supporting and Delivering Standards with PLTW Curriculum in Spring Valley
This session on Monday, May 7, 2012 will take place at Kingsland Schools District Conference Center, 705 North Section Avenue, Spring Valley, Minnesota from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. It will detail several of the successful Minnesota PLTW school integration models and how PLTW supports student attainment of the standards. Participants will also receive an overview of the Minnesota PLTW Frameworks and how to access them. The PLTW Frameworks were developed to give educators the “power tools” to build the process for student’s success of the standards. This session will be interactive with participants and allow ample time for questions. The is no cost to attend this event but registration is required. Costs are supported through a grant by the 3M Foundation.
Please send the following information to james.mecklenburg@mnsu.edu:
First Name________________________________
Last Name________________________________
District Name______________________________
School Name______________________________
Position__________________________________
Phone____________________________________
E-mail____________________________________
If you have additional questions, please contact Jim Mecklenburg, james.mecklenburg@mnsu.edu,
320-493-5229 or 763-263-2687.
PLTW CORE Training
This year’s PLTW CORE training will take place on August 6 -17, 2012 at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The following courses will be offered:
Biotechnical Engineering
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Digital Electronics
GTT (Gateway to Technology) Foundation
Principles of Engineering
Registration is open.
2012 Rube Goldberg Competition
Congratulations to the winners of our Regional Rube Goldberg Competition at Minnesota State University Mankato: The Three Knuckleheads from John Marshall High School in Rochester, Minnesota. It was a very close competition. They will be competing in the National Rube Goldberg Competition at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan on March 17, 2012. Congratulations to all of our competitors.
2nd Place: Southland 2, Adams, MN
3rd Place: Seal Team 7, St Clair, MN
4th Place: Team Sesame, St Clair, MN
5th Place: Loyola #2, Mankato, MN
Student’s Choice Award: Team Sesame, St Clair, MN
Spirit of Rube Award: Southland 2, Adams, MN
Team that traveled the farthest award: Shananigans, Carlton, MN
Team that exemplified the theme award: Eagles 1, Edgerton, MN
Team that used the most duct tape: Witch Doctors, New Richland, MN
We hope to see all of you again next year.
SAVE THE DATE!
Our High School Rube Goldberg Competition is scheduled for Wednesday, February 20, 2013.
Our Collegiate Rube Goldberg Competition is scheduled for Thursday, February 7, 2013.
1st Annual MavBot Competition
Anyone can enter a robot in the 1st Annual MAVBOT Competition.
Teams of any size (i.e. one or more persons) can enter robots however no more than two robots may be entered by any team.
When: Saturday, November 19, 2011, 9 AM – 12 noon.
Where: Centennial Student Union, Room 253/4/5, Minnesota State University Mankato.
Two participant classes are available. Novice class for Elementary and Middle School and Advanced Class for High School, College and Adult.
Novice Class Prize: Lego 8547 Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Robot
Advanced Class Prize: $250 MSU Mankato Scholarship
Pre-registration is required by sending an email to Dr. Vince Winstead.
For more information and preregistration.
MN Project Lead the Way 2011 Regional Conferences
Join us for a one-day conference about how to successfully use Minnesota’s PLTW curriculum and how it supports student attainment of Minnesota Academic Standards. We are using a regional conference model, rather than a statewide conference, to provide greater access to our PLTW schools and those schools that may be interested in implementing the program. The daily agenda/schedule is intended to be open in order to accommodate teachers’ scheduling needs. Please arrive at the beginning of a session. There is no charge for the conferences. PLEASE REGISTER HERE.
Funding support for conferences is provided by the 3M Foundation.
REGIONAL CONFERENCE LOCATIONS
September 19-October 24, 2011
| 9/19/11 (Monday) |
Ridgewater College, Willmar REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept. 15, 2011 |
Conference Program Information |
| 9/26/11 (Monday) |
Minnesota State University, Mankato REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept. 20, 2011 |
Conference Program Information |
| 9/30/11 (Friday) |
Saint Paul College, St. Paul REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept. 26, 2011 |
Conference Program Information |
| 10/3/11 (Monday) |
Hennepin Tech, Eden Prairie REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept. 27, 2011 |
Conference Program Information |
| 10/7/11 (Friday) |
St. Cloud State, St. Cloud REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Oct. 3, 2011 |
Conference Program Information |
| 10/14/11 (Friday) |
Bagley High School, Bagley REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Oct. 10, 2011 |
Conference Program Information |
| 10/24/11 (Monday) | Alexandria Tech, Alexandria REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Oct. 18, 2011 |
Conference Program Information |
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE/AGENDA
| 9:00-10:00AM | Introduction of Co-Affiliate Directors and MN PLTW Update Dr. Kurt R. Helgeson, Associate Dean, College of Science and Engineering, St. Cloud State University and Dr. Aaron Budge, Chair, Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Minnesota State University |
|
| 10:00-10:15AM | Break | |
| 10:15-10:45AM | Critical Issues Breakout | Jim Mecklenburg, MN PLTW Program Director |
| 10:45-11:00AM | Discuss Issues | |
| 11:00-Noon Potential PLTW Program Participants are invited to begin here. |
Frameworks Overview and Other Curricula Resources | Kristil McDonald, Clearbrook-Gonvick |
| 12:00-12:45PM | Lunch Buffet | |
| 12:45-2:00PM | Frameworks Continued | Kristil McDonald |
| 2:00-3:00 PM | Addressing Critical Issues Q & A | Jim Mecklenburg |
| 3:00PM | Conference Adjourns | |
| 3:30-4:30PM | PLTW Information Session for Schools Considering Implementation | Jim Mecklenburg |
Minnesota State University, Mankato and St. Cloud State University are the new engineering affiliate partners for MN Project Lead the Way. The University of Minnesota will continue as a PLTW participant but will no longer carry leadership responsibilities. As engineering affiliate partners both St. Cloud and Mankato offer college credit for PLTW courses. In addition, St. Clouds offers Industrial Technology scholarships and Minnesota State Mankato offers $500 scholarships for PLTW alumni. Dr. Kurt R. Helgeson, Associate Dean, College of Science and Engineering, St. Cloud State University and Dr. Aaron Budge, Chair, Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Minnesota State University serve as Minnesota’s Affiliate Directors.
For further information about Minnesota’s Regional PLTW Conferences contact:
Jim Mecklenburg, MN PLTW Program Director, james.mecklenburg@mnsu.edu
Judi Evans, MN PLTW Affiliate Assistant, judith.evans@mnsu.edu
Summer Science and Engineering Camps Available at College Campuses Across Minnesota
It is time to start thinking about summer camp 2011. Several are available for Junior and Senior High school students this summer. There are many engineering camps available on college campuses across Minnesota. Camps are being offered by Alexandria Technical College, Anoka Technical College, Itasca Community College, Mesabi Range College, Minnesota State University Mankato, Normandale Community College, St Paul College, South Central College-North Mankato Campus, and South Central College-Faribault Campus.
Engineering and Manufacturing Summer Camp at Alexandria Technical College
The camp includes engineering hands on experience, manufacturing shop hands on experience and tours of industry. This camp is limited to students from District 206-Alexandria with completed PLTW courses in 8th grade. 4 sessions.
Mon-Thu, Jun 13 – 16, 8 AM – 3 PM Alexandria Technical College
Camp Build My Future at Anoka Technical College
The camp includes hands on college level activities and exposure to multiple technical career paths.
For more information, contact Sarah Patnode at 763-576-4775 or e-mail spatnode@anokatech.edu. Ages: 11 – 13.
Mon-Fri, Jul 13 – 22, 9 AM – 2 PM Anoka Technical College
ICC Senior High Summer Engineering Camp
This 6-day residential camp fee includes: meals, lodging, project supplies, and outings.
Activities encompass: problem solving & team building challenges, hands-on design projects (computer applications, radio control and robotic interfacing, structural design challenges, 3-D modeling & graphics, alternative energy work, and the list goes on ……), guest speakers and industry tours, sports and recreational outings.
For more information, contact Kim Damiani at 218-322-2370 or e-mail Kimberly.damiani@itascacc.edu. Scholarships are available. Cost: $350. Grades: 10 – 12.
Mon-Sat, Jul 11 – 16 Itasca Community College
ICC Junior High Summer Engineering Camp
This 4-day residential camp fee includes: meals, lodging, project supplies, and outings. Activities encompass: problem solving & team building challenges, pulleys, levers, electricity, cool gadgets, robotic programming challenges.
For more information, contact Kim Damiani at 218-322-2370 or e-mail Kimberly.damiani@itascacc.edu. Scholarships are available. Cost: $285. Grades: 7 – 9.
Wed-Sat, Jul 20 – 23 Itasca Community College
Mesabi Range College STEM Camp 2011
The camp includes fun, hands-on learning in the area of Natural Disasters: The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math behind predicting, preparing, preventing and responding.
For more information, contact Lisa Kvas at 218-744-7587 or e-mail l.kvas@mr.mnscu.edu.
Mon-Fri, Jul 11 – 15, day camp Mesabi Range College
ZAP Camp Physics at Minnesota State University
Learn about physics in fun, hands-on way. Spend two mornings at Minnesota State Mankato doing physics experiments. Specific camp instructions will be mailed to campers prior to camp. For more information about ZAP CAMP, contact Judi Evans at 507-389-2110 or email Judith.evans@mnsu.edu. Scholarships are available.
COURSE #: 5350. Cost $20. Registration deadline is June 10, 2011 and must be done through www.mankatocer.com.
Tue & Wed, Jun 21 – 22, 9AM – 12 PM Minnesota State University Mankato
ZAP Camp Engineering at Minnesota State University
Experience engineering by building a bridge and solving an oil spill disaster. Learn even more about engineering on Minnesota State Mankato’s ropes course. Specific camp instructions will be mailed to campers prior to camp. For more information about ZAP CAMP, contact Judi Evans at 507-389-2110 or email Judith.evans@mnsu.edu. Scholarships are available. Deadline to register: Friday, July 8. Completed grades 6-8. 3 sessions
COURSE #: 5351. Cost $60. Registration deadline is July 8, 2011 and must be done through www.mankatocer.com.
Tue-Thu, Jul 19 – 21, 9 AM – 4 PM Minnesota State University Mankato
ZAP Camp Robotics at Minnesota State University
Learn about robots in fun, hands-on way by building one. Spend two days at Minnesota State Mankato building a robot. Specific camp instructions will be mailed to campers prior to camp. For more information about ZAP CAMP, contact Judi Evans at 507-389-2110 or email Judith.evans@mnsu.edu. Scholarships are available. Limited to 20 students. Completed grades 6-8. 2 sessions
Cost $40. Registration deadline is July 22, 2011 and must be done through www.mankatocer.com.
Tue & Wed, Aug 9 -10, 9AM - 3:30 PM Minnesota State University Mankato
Engineering is Math and Science and Creativity Too! STEM Camps for Middle-school Girls
The camp includes project work to include creating a simple desktop model of a hovercraft.
For more information, contact Nancy Louwagie at 952-358-8738 or e-mail nancy.louwagie@normandale.edu.
Mon-Fri, Jul 11 – 15, day camp Normandale Community College
Mon-Fri, Aug 1 – 5, day camp St Paul College
ZAP Camp at South Central College-North Mankato Campus
South Central College is offering a summer science, technology, engineering, and math camp (STEM) to children, ages 11-15. The camp will focus on project-based, hands-on experiences in fields such as Mechatronics, global information systems, and micro biology. There will also be a social and physical recreation component. Camp concludes with campers presenting their projects to their family and friends at celebratory picnic on campus. All snacks, lunch, and project materials are provided. Enrollment is limited to 50. Some scholarships are available. More information will be mailed to registered campers prior to the camp week. Ages: 11-15, 5 sessions.
COURSE #: 5352 $135. Registration deadline is July 8, 2011 and must be done through www.mankatocer.com.
Mon- Fri, Jul 18 – 22, 9 AM- 3:15 PM South Central College-North Mankato Campus
ZAP Camp at South Central College-Faribault Campus
South Central College is offering a summer science, technology, engineering, and math camp (STEM) to children, ages 11-15. The camp will focus on project-based, hands-on experiences in fields such as Mechatronics, global information systems, and Energy and Construction technology. There will also be a social and physical recreation component. Camp concludes with campers presenting their projects to their family and friends at celebratory picnic on campus. All snacks, lunch, and project materials are provided. Enrollment is limited to 24. Some scholarships are available. More information will be mailed to registered campers prior to the camp week.
For more information, contact Nicole Tacheny at 507-389-7427 or e-mail Nicole.tacheny@southcentral.edu. Cost is $75. Ages: 11-15, 3 sessions.
Registration deadline is June 30, 2011
Tue- Thu, Jul 12 – 14, 9 AM- 3:15 PM South Central College-Faribault Campus
Increasing Pipeline Topic of ASEE Panel Discussion
Minnesota State University, Mankato Departments of Mechanical and Civil, and Electrical and Computer Engineering hosted the 2010 North Midwest Conference of the American Society for Engineering Educators on October 21-23. Faculty from colleges and universities throughout the upper Midwest attended the two-day conference. Highlights included keynote speaker, Joe Albright, delivering industry’s perspective on the graduating engineer in “Engineering Education: A View from the Receiving End, ” and a luncheon panel discussing outreach programs for K-12 students intended to spark interest in engineering as a career.
Moderator Jon Rippke, President of Bolton & Menk, Inc., began by the discussion sharing his experience trying to recruit Latino engineers. When Rippke learned there were no Latino students from southern Minnesota pursuing civil engineering at Minnesota State Mankato, he contacted Guadalupe Quintero, director of Latino Affairs for help. She suggested a career fair specifically for Latino high school students from southern Minnesota. “We found a great deal of interest,” said Rippke. Called Latino Engineering and Academic Day (LEAD) registrations were stopped at 160 students, but more than 200 students attended. “We expect to see measureable results from these efforts in three or four years,” he commented.
College instructors, Shirley Biel, Normandale Community College, and Bart Johnson, Itasca Community College, as well as Mike Pace, professional engineer, Unimin Corporation, offered unique program information as well as tips for partnering with community groups such as Boy Scouts of America to reach prospective students.
The conference wrapped up Saturday morning with a hands-on workshop preview given by representatives of the ExCEEd Teaching Workshop. The full ExCEEd (Excellence in Civil Engineering Education) course, a week-long program developed and supported by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), provides training for civil engineering faculty throughout the United States. The mission of ExCEEd is to disseminate significant, proven innovations in engineering education practice, especially methods shown to improve student participation and learning.
