Science Fair Mentoring Project – Austin Public Library!

The Science Fair Mentoring Project (SFMP) is beginning its third year.  To date, we have helped 118 different students participate in the STEAM Expo, 19 of those students participated for 2 years.  We also supported 21 students from Neveln in participating in the Regional Science Fair in Mankato in April.

This year, the program is expanding.  We are mentoring at Neveln as well as Banfield.  The SFMP is also partnering with the Austin Public Library and Riverland Community College with the help of a grant awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services to provide support to Austin elementary and intermediate school students who want to participate in the STEAM Expo (science fair).  A summary of events that will be hosted as a result of this partnership is provided below:

  • Provide kick-off activity at each school with demonstrations lead by Mad Science of Minnesota. These events are designed to expose students to the scientific method and get them excited about science.
  • Purchase additional chrome books and Wi-Fi hotspots students can check out through the Austin Public Library for use in completing their science fair projects.
  • Offer Saturday Science School at the Austin Public Library to teach students about the scientific method and provide guidance in selecting and completing a science fair project.
  • Develop a one-stop website with information about the STEAM expo and resources for completing a science fair project.
  • Offer evening workshops to assist parents in understanding how to complete a science fair project so they can better assist their children.

Dates for these events will be communicated to you soon.  We need volunteers to help with these activities.  Mentor orientations are scheduled for October 25 and November 2 at 6:30 at the Austin Public Library.  If you wish to mentor, you only need to attend one of these dates.

If you have any questions about this partnership or the activities and resources listed above, or would like to volunteer please contact Catherine Haslag at ScienceFairMentorMN@gmail.com.  You can also check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sciencefairmentormn/.