Apple Valley, Rosemount Students Learn to Think Like Engineers

Editor's Note: The following release comes from the Science Museum of Minnesota and Flint Hills Resources.

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Students from five elementary schools in Apple Valley and four in Rosemount learned to think like engineers at recent assemblies put on by the Science Museum of Minnesota.  The assemblies are part of the Experience Science program, a 15-year partnership between the Science Museum of Minnesota and Flint Hills Resources.  The program, which began in 1999, brings science and engineering-themed school assemblies to about 5,000 students at 26 elementary schools in Dakota County.  In addition to the assemblies, students participating in the Experience Science program also take field trips to the Science Museum.  Participating schools in Apple Valley include Greenleaf, Cedar Park, Diamond Path, Westview, and Southview elementary schools.  Participating schools in Rosemount include Rosemount, Shannon Park, and Parkview elementary schools and Saint Joseph Catholic School.

The Experience Science program is designed to enhance students’ interest and fulfill academic standards in science and engineering.  Flint Hills Resources employs hundreds of Minnesota engineers and skilled workers and has a vested interest in the future of engineering in the Twin Cities.

“We are fortunate to be able to partner with Flint Hills Resources to provide this program for children in our community,” said Dr. Eric J. Jolly, president of the Science Museum of Minnesota.  “Experience Science promises to equip a new generation with the tools to compete and innovate in a world where scientific literacy is critical to a successful workforce.”  

During the assemblies, presenters from the Science Museum of Minnesota used interactive models to show examples of real-world engineering problems and helped students think through the process of solving problems.  Students in younger grades attended assemblies on dinosaurs, while older students attended engineering assemblies.  At the dinosaur assemblies, students practiced their observation skills by examining and describing a dinosaur fossil that was found in Wyoming.  

At the engineering assemblies, students practiced problem solving and learned about the prevalence of engineering in everyday life.  At each assembly, a group of student volunteers worked together to move a large, fragile object in a limited amount of time without actually touching it or getting too close to it.  Assembly presenters also helped students become more cognizant of the engineering that surrounds them each day – from the lighting systems and sports equipment in the gymnasium; to toothbrushes, sinks, and air fresheners in their bathrooms at home – all things that were built to solve problems or meet people’s needs.

“The Experience Science program is a great way for us to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers,” said Scott Lindemann, vice president of operations and plant manager at Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery.  “As a high-tech manufacturer that employs hundreds of engineers and skilled workers, we want to do everything we can to help encourage young people to take an interest in these fields.”  

Minnesota schools are required to incorporate engineering material into curricula to prepare students for jobs of the future.  The standards reflect the state’s commitment to educate students about the modern scientific world.  Experience Science helps schools fulfill the standards in a way that is fun and engaging for students.