Students Witness Science in Action

Almost 100 students from central Minnesota schools spent the day immersed in science at Sourcewell's annual Young Scientists Conference, Oct. 2, 2025, at Central Lakes College – Staples campus.

Students in grades 4-6 experienced a wide variety of scientific topics firsthand. Science and technology professionals from around Minnesota hosted nine different presentations showcasing their careers and areas of expertise, from reptiles to rocket science.

Sourcewell’s student academic programs coordinator, Crysta Blake, said students were clearly excited and invested throughout the day, ready to make the most of the hands-on experiences.

“This year’s theme was ‘Science in Action,’ and that was obvious from the start!” Blake said. “By the end of the first session, the majority of students had already been onstage and involved. Students were so excited to interact with the topics and presenters, and we heard over and over how they were eager to tell their siblings, parents, and even grandparents about the day’s events.”

“We hope that excitement for science stays with them for a long time.”

Presenters and topics included:

Keynote

Dr. Tyronne Carter

America’s Fun Science | Interactive STEM Event

Experience the joy of science exploration in a hands-on, on-stage environment! Dr. Tyronne Carter, “Dr. Fun,” will both entertain and inform you through onstage science demonstrations of many different concepts in chemistry, physics, and more!

Dr. Tyronne Carter is an experienced teacher, principal, STEM instructor, and author and the founder of America’s Fun Science, a company that has been making and sharing tools for science learning across Minnesota for ten years. Its programs help promote team building, leadership, self-confidence, creativity, and joy. 

Kya Meunier

Snake Discovery | Snake, Rattle, and Roll!

Meet Minnesota’s reptiles! Join us to gain a greater understanding of our native Minnesota reptiles, and how they are important to the environment by watching a salamander eat, debunking turtle myths, touching snakes, and more! Learn why reptile conservation is important, and how you can help keep these beautiful creatures safe and healthy.

Snake Discovery provides engaging and educational programs at libraries, schools, nature centers, state parks, and more! Our programs allow people to interact with real reptiles from our backyards or around the world. Students are welcome to touch (and even hold) the ambassador animals for a truly hands-on experience.

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 | Beak Investigation

Minnesota’s birds have adapted to a bunch of different environments and lifestyles. You can tell the differences between them by the smallest details — even the shape of a beak! Learn about adaptation and the life all around us through hands-on exploration activities!

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!

Brenden Swanson

Fenworks | Esports and Drone Racing: Not Just Playing, but Learning

Get ready to explore the exciting world of esports and drone racing and discover how STEM concepts come to life! Prepare to dive into the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) industry and learn how video games can be used for learning, teambuilding, and competition. You'll be amazed by the opportunities for training and careers available to you. Let's get started!

Fenworks is a company that focuses on leveraging the power of technology to create an immersive, community-driven experience that propels students into the future of digital competition and STEM education through high-tech activities such as esports and drone racing.

Crystal Kapphahn, Rod Opheim, Donald Brusewitz, and Scott Braith

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 technology education teacher and technology coordinator at Upsala Area Schools, a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) lead mentor, and a representative for the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference and the Minnesota Robotics Coaches Association.

Kathleen Sheridan

Origami and You

Kathleen Sheridan is an origami teacher and owner of Origami and You. After teaching Spanish for 18 years, Kathleen decided to stop correcting papers and start folding them! She has loved origami since she was first introduced to it back in 4th grade. She teaches origami to students ages 7 to 97. She teaches at libraries, birthday parties, conferences, festivals and special events. She strives to bring a connection between herself, her students and the papercraft.