Archive for Events
2012 Rube Goldberg Competition
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.
2012 Rube Goldberg Competition.
Friday, February 10, 2012.
8:30 AM – 2 PM.
Minnesota State University,
Centennial Student Union Ballroom,
Mankato, MN 56001.
Task: Inflate a balloon and pop it.
Registration Deadline: Monday, January 30, 2012.
Registration limited to 25 teams.
Max of 3 teams per school will be allowed.
Machines must fit through a doorway that is 58.5″ wide X 81″ high,
this is reduced from national requirements
due to space limitations.
(Fee Waived)
The 2012 Rube Goldberg Official Rule Book is now available.
Register on the Rube Goldberg website.
PLEASE NOTE: Balloon Requirement Update
All entrants for High School, College and Online contests are required to supply their own balloons.
(This has been changed to better accommodate all entrants logistically)
Any questions contact: Judi Evans
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.
Project Lead The Way(R) Receives National Recognition from the Education Commission of the States
Organization Works to Strengthen Math and Science Education
DENVER, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire
The Education Commission of the States (ECS) is pleased to award Project Lead The Way(R) (PLTW) the 2009 ECS Corporate Award. The tribute honors for-profit corporations or non-profit organizations with sustained commitment to and investment in improving public education. The award will be presented by Minnesota Governor and ECS Chair Tim Pawlenty as part of the 2009 National Forum on Education Policy, July 8-10 in Nashville, Tenn.
Collaborating with schools, industry, state government and universities, PLTW works to build future generations of successful engineers and technology savvy graduates. PTLW supports a series of middle and high school courses that are project-centered, problem-based and technology-integrated, preparing students to excel in high-tech fields. With rigorous and relevant context tied to national standards, the program responds to a common student question: “Why do I have to learn this?”
“This is a perfect example of a public/private partnership engaging and challenging students to apply their skills and knowledge to real life situations,” notes ECS President Roger Sampson.
Project Lead The Way leadership believe that when schools apply activities and problem-based learning, they generate an “increase in student motivation, an increase in cooperative learning skills, higher-order thinking and an improvement in student achievement.” Research has shown this to be true. According to an evaluation by High Schools That Work, PLTW students scored significantly higher in both mathematics and science high school assessments. The National Center for Education Statistics 2006-07 True Outcomes report explains that students who participate in PLTW are five times more likely to graduate college as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors than those who do not.
The organization was started in the 1980s in upstate New York by Richard Blais and Richard Liebich, becoming an independent not-for-profit organization in 1997. Today, the program is expanding across the country with an eye to new and engaging curriculum.
“We are extremely honored to receive this award, particularly at a time when our country needs a new generation of innovators to remain economically competitive in the 21st century global economy,” said John Lock, CEO of Project Lead The Way. “We remain committed to attracting more students to science, math, engineering and tech fields in the coming years by expanding the reach of PLTW’s critical-thinking and project-based curriculum to more schools around the country. By helping students apply what they learn in math and science to innovation and real life problem-solving, we can create America’s next “Innovation Generation’ and regain our economic competitive advantage.”
The Education Commission of the States (ECS) is the only nationwide, nonpartisan interstate compact devoted to education. ECS helps governors, legislators, state education officials and others identify, develop and implement public policies to improve student learning at all levels. A nonprofit organization, ECS (www.ecs.org) was formed in 1965 and is located in Denver, Colorado.
Project Lead The Way(R) is a national 501c3, not-for-profit educational program that helps give middle and high school students the rigorous ground-level education they need to develop strong backgrounds in science and engineering. For more information, please visit: http://www.pltw.org.
SOURCE Education Commission of the States Mary Ann Strombitski, +1-303-299 3609, mstrombitski@ecs.org, or Ashley Zaleski +1-303-299-3698, azaleski@ecs.org, both of the Education Commission of the States
Center of Excellence Awarded Continuing Funding
Minnesota’s Centers for Excellence which include the Center for Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence, have been awarded continuing funding for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Linda Baer announced in a memo date June 3, 2009 that the Centers will be funded at approximately $4M, reflecting a 12% funding reduction from past awards. “My expectation is this funding level will assist each Center in maintaining momentum and the current and planned initiatives presented earlier this year by each Center of Excellence,” states Baer.
“This funding will allow the Center to continue to move forward with strategic initiatives that support Minnesota’s industry sector,” says Dr. Ronald Bennett, Executive Director for the Center. “Building an educated, technically skilled pool of workers is critical to Minnesota’s economic success both nationally and globally. Our goal is to increase that pipeline flow across the full spectrum of people pursuing STEM careers.”
