Students Get Curious About Science

Young Scientists Conference returns for fourth year in Staples, Minn.

Almost 200 students from central Minnesota schools spent the day immersed in science at Sourcewell's annual Young Scientists Conference, Oct. 8-9, 2026, at Central Lakes College – Staples campus.

Students in grades 3-8 experienced a wide variety of scientific topics firsthand. Science and technology professionals from around Minnesota hosted presentations showcasing their careers and areas of expertise, from magic to robotics.

Sourcewell’s Student Event Specialist, Crysta Blake, said Hudson the Magician opened the conference with a high-energy, interactive show demonstrating that magic is art, magic is math, and magic is science. Students were captivated and learned how observing, critical thinking, problem solving, and even creativity all play a role in STEM fields.

“This year’s theme was ‘Get Curious,’ and students connected well with the presenters showing genuine curiosity while participating in hands-on learning experiences,” Blake said. “The day was just pure fun and such a great atmosphere for digging in and getting curious. Presenters, teachers, and students were all smiles and had a blast throughout the day!”

“One of my favorite parts was seeing this conference grow to two days this year, which allowed us to welcome more students and build a stronger STEM community across our region.”

Presenters and topics included:

Keynote

Steve “Hudson” Cotariu

Hudson the Magician | STEM Magic Show

Get ready for a high-energy STEM experience where science and magic collide! Hudson the Magician combines mind-blowing illusions, surprising science, and interactive fun in an unforgettable STEM magic show designed to spark curiosity and excitement in students in grades 3-8.

Steve “Hudson” Cotariu has been performing magic for more than 40 years and is one of the fortunate few to have turned a childhood hobby into a career. Cotariu performs as Hudson the Magician for corporate, educational, and family audiences. He also owns and operates Twin Cities Magic Academy, where he helps kids build confidence and communication skills while they learn magic during summer camps. Cotariu’s career has taken him from the military to NASA physics laboratories to corporate boardrooms. And now to the stage. Along the way, one thing remains constant: curiosity.

Headwaters Science Center | Combustion

Fire! Fascinating human-kind for all of history. Whether seen as a life-giving tool or death-dealing disaster, its power is a force. In this demonstration, clouds of fire flash into the air, metals burn, and balloons explode. These phenomena and more are woven into a discussion of the basic nature of a chemical reaction using combustion as an example.

HSC first opened its doors in July 1993 with a few home-made exhibits and a small gift store. By March 1994, eleven large Science Carnival exhibits had arrived from Pacific Science Center and HSC celebrated the formal opening of its exhibit hall.

Mike DeLuca

Geology | Rocks and Minerals

Let's explore the fascinating world of rocks and minerals! We'll discover how they form and make up our amazing planet, and how to look closer to tell them apart. Get ready for an exciting hands-on experience with rock specimens and take one home with you to remember this incredible adventure!

Mike DeLuca has worked in mining, mineralogy, and education. He has a master’s degree in earth science mineralogy and he teaches geology around the country. He has worked with the Bureau of Land Management and the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum.

Megan Raschka and Jennifer Behm

Bell Museum | MN Frog and Toad Olympics

Students of all ages will love learning about the different frog and toad species in Minnesota and their amazing and unique adaptations for survival. Students will discover how Minnesota’s amphibians climb, hop, swim, camouflage, and survive our freezing winters — and compete to see if they can “out-jump” them!

Megan Raschka and Jennifer Behm are part of the Statewide Engagement team at the Bell Museum. Their goal is to bring the Bell Museum’s natural history and astronomy programs throughout the entire state to help create a museum without boundaries!

STEMbound | STEM Challenge: Explore, Design, Build, Solve!

Students: Ready to put your problem-solving skills to the test? In this hands-on STEM session, you’ll explore different maker tools and equipment and take on a short series of challenges, puzzles, and creative problems. There’s more than one way to solve a problem, so bring your curiosity and creativity. Explore the tools, try out your ideas, learn from what happens, and see what you can do!

STEMbound | Explore, Play, and Discover: STEM Maker Resources

Teachers: Explore, play, and discover STEM Maker resources available for your classroom! Try the same hands-on challenges as students, experiment with STEM equipment, and gather ideas for engaging learners. You’ll also explore EZR, our new rental system that makes it easier to see what’s available and check out equipment for use with your students.

Lakewood Health System | Life-Saving Science in Action

How do medical teams help people, in everyday appointments and in emergencies? Use an ultrasound machine to literally see your own heart beating, watch emergency medicine like CPR demonstrations firsthand, and explore an ambulance to learn everything it can do to help save lives!

Since 1936, Lakewood Health System has made it their business to ensure the health and well-being of their patients and communities. Located in Staples, Minn., they're focused on an entire spectrum of care, not just helping people get well, but staying well, at every stage of life.

Russell Strachan

Aerospace | Space & Aviation: Understanding What’s Up!

It’s not rocket science…or is it? Explore the vast world of space exploration and aviation with a former NASA engineer! Learn the nuts-and-bolts of spacecraft development, plus the latest advances in aviation. And that's not all: You'll also discover the many career opportunities that await you in this field. Buckle up and get ready for an adventure that you'll never forget!

Mr. Strachan has earned two degrees in aerospace engineering, and has worked in the military, government, education, and commercial worlds. His experience includes the Global Positioning System (GPS), the CIA, and the NASA Space Shuttle Program. He is also a substitute teacher in math and science at Brainerd and Pequot Lakes schools.

Curtis Robertson

Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference | FIRST Robotics

Robotics is a fast-growing field of competition that helps develop a love for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Come learn how high schools competing with the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) are changing the future for students. Come see a competitive robot in action, talk with some students currently involved with FRC, watch videos on what competitions look like, and see how FRC is a program that’s open to EVERYONE!

Curtis Robertson is a Global Field Operations Specialist in Minnesota for FIRST, a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) lead mentor, and a representative for the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference and the Minnesota Robotics Coaches Association.

Tyler Grunewald

CLC: AgCentric | LEGO AgBots

Discover how technology is transforming the future of agriculture! Students in grades 3-8 will explore careers in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) and learn how AI and robotics are being used in the field. Then, working in teams, they’ll use LEGO pieces to design and build an agricultural attachment for an Edison robot, test their creation, and make improvements. It’s a hands-on challenge combining agriculture, technology, creativity, and teamwork!

Tyler Grunewald is the Agriculture Program Coordinator for AgCentric, Minnesota State’s Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence. Based at Central Lakes College in Staples, Tyler develops hands-on learning experiences that introduce students to agriculture, robotics, automation, and emerging technology. He enjoys helping young people discover how science, creativity, and problem-solving connect to the future of agriculture.