Resource Hub for STEM Educators
High-quality educational programs and supports are essential to the success of STEM students. The Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS) is here to help! Check back regularly — we look forward to creating even more resources and opportunities for STEM educators to connect as the year goes on!
Use this page to find:
MAS programs and events for students
Resources for teachers and students
Minnesota STEM resources
MAS Programs & Events
Regional Science Bowls
Science Bowl is a great chance for students to engage in STEM enrichment during a challenging time. In Science Bowl, teams of 4-5 students answer science and math questions, the highest-scoring team will represent Minnesota in the National Science Bowl. We have lots of online resources to get your team started!
Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF)
Hundreds of middle and high school students advance to the Minnesota State Science Fair from seven regional fairs. Even if your school does not hold a science fair, any student who completes a science project can attend your regional fair. The State Science Fair includes opportunities for STEM networking and enrichment — as well as the chance to advance to international competition and win awards from 35 different organizations.
There is free online training about ISEF rules, conducting ethical and safe research, setting up local SRC/IRB committees, and connecting projects to science standards. Confused about what forms to fill out? There are some great resources on our website: use the ISEF forms wizard, or try out WorkBook, review the overview of forms and dates, and the checklist for SRC review.
FORSE Mentoring & Enrichment
ongoing
Entering its seventh year, this ground-breaking program provides pathways for student populations traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields to participate in science fairs and engage in STEM learning and research. We are currently seeking additional partner schools and organizations for the 2023-2024 school year. Contact us to discuss how we can help your students engage in STEM learning.
Science Project Resources
Student Science Journal
Introduce your students to key concepts in scientific research through our Science Journal workbook, developed by MAS staff. This 42-page, step-by-step workbook can be printed, filled in digitally, or assigned through your LMS. Intended to guide middle school students through completing a science project, this resource can be adapted for use with high school students new to STEM research.
Getting Started Guide
Does leading your students and their families through developing a science fair project seem overwhelming this year? Check out our guide for students who are interested in doing their first science fair project. This guide clearly and simply covers the process of developing a project, project safety, and more. It also contains links to further resources for in-depth exploration of the scientific process.
Sample Student Videos
Visit our example project video page to access over two dozen award-winning student videos from the virtual 2020 state fair. These presentations cover a variety of grade levels, topics, and subject areas. MAS has developed a teacher’s guide to help use these presentations in virtual classrooms to teach STEM research and presentation skills. We also offer a one-page companion worksheet to this STEM research lesson.
Conducting Science Fair Research at Home
There are many ways to conduct fun, engaging, and meaningful Science Fair projects at home. Check out Science Buddies for ideas for science fair experimentation that can be done from home.
Share YOUR Best Lessons
Contribute to MAS Educator Resources
Do you have some great distance learning lessons, ideas, videos, or materials to share with other STEM teachers? We are collecting content, including worksheets, activities, lessons, and experiments that can be completed by students learning from home. Submit below.
Or, would you like to share what has worked this year for you through a video or Zoom chat with other teachers? Let us know!
Please contact us with questions or to discuss how you might share your best strategies with other teachers. Some stipends available.
Stay Connected!
Minnesota STEM News and Events E-Newsletter
Stay in the loop by subscribing to our monthly newsletter! Each issue highlights Minnesota STEM news & research briefs, STEM events, new ideas for engaging in STEM from home, and a spotlight on a Minnesota STEM organization. We also provide in-depth information about upcoming MAS programs and resources and a glimpse into our historical archives.
Compiled STEM Resources
STEM Story Corner Videos
We are continually updating and expanding our popular STEM story corner page. We've collected high-quality STEM video read-a-longs for educators to use during distance learning. We have over 20 videos (and growing) about inventors, ecology, astronomy, medicine, coding and more. Many videos are focused on either Minnesota topics or feature stories and illustrations emphasizing the diversity of the STEM experience. Sections are split into elementary and preschool age.
MN Resources for Educators
Our educator’s resource page is filled with dozens of great Minnesota-focused curriculum and teaching suggestions for students of all ages. Short descriptions and links lead teachers to a multitude of resources that can be used in the classroom, including videos, interviews, articles, study guides, and virtual field trips. We’ve also compiled a comprehensive list of STEM education organizations in Minnesota, including governmental and nonprofit entities.
Other Compiled Resources for STEM Engagement
STEM in Minnesota - Links to Minnesota’s STEM museums, nature centers, laboratories, zoos, aquariums, wildlife centers, and more.
STEM from Home - Ideas for STEM learning at home or in nature.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Resources for STEM in Minnesota - A compilation of organizations and resources for eliminating inequalities in STEM access, with sections for students, educators, and professionals.
STEM Programs for Students - Contains sections about free and low cost summer camps, national camps, awards, internships, and STEM competitions.
