Science Museum of Minnesota

It’s been a beautiful week on the North Shore of Lake Superior! Scientists from the St. Croix Watershed Research Station spent the week sampling locations along Lake Superior and the rivers and streams that feed into it. As part of their ongoing monitoring efforts, they’re looking for a nuisance species of diatom called Didymosphenia geminata, often referred to as “rock snot.” Didymo has regularly been found in Lake Superior, but it has only recently appeared in our beloved North Shore streams. It has the potential to drastically change their ecology — and to deeply impact the economy of the region that depends on them. Thanks to funding from the Minnesota Environmental & Natural Resources Trust Fund and Minnesota Sea Grant, our scientists visited 47 different sites along the shore during this week’s intensive “Didymo Blitz.” They’ll be returning to the Station with hundreds of samples to analyze to help us better understand the current condition of our North Shore streams, why this Didymo proliferation is happening, and what it means for the region that so many of us love.

Look for special appearances by Science Museum of Minnesota researchers and citizen scientists at the Great Minnesota Get-Together, with speakers and activities August 22, 30, and 31! You can even submit questions for our scientists here: https://bit.ly/4drxEbC

”This topic isn’t just for the history books. You can purchase many fake cures today. It is important to weigh the costs, risks, and benefits of any medical choice you make. If something seems like it is too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.” Laurie Kleinbaum Fink, PhD, our William D. Wells Chair of Science and Senior Director of the Center for Research and Collections, joined Bob Kronemyer of MD+DI to chat about our collection of debunked medical devices, what we can learn from them, and preview the session she will lead at MD&M Minneapolis this October. Read more https://bit.ly/4dmekfR

Did you know the Science Museum of MN develops, designs, fabricates, prototypes, and installs exhibits for museums all over the world? Our talented team recently wrapped up #AdvancingHealth, a fascinating exhibit now on display at the Cincinnati Museum Center! The exhibit turns the body inside out, revealing how our internal systems work, how to keep them healthy, and details medical breakthroughs saving lives today. The comprehensive #AdvancingHealth is broken down into nine interactive sections focusing on the human heart, brain, lungs, muscles, bones, brain, digestion, immune system, and even mental health! Make sure to check it out the next time you’re in #Cincinnati and let us know what you think 🙌

Join us for a free lunch as we dive into the Maya history and culture of weaving with our Community Curators Aaron Johnson-Ortiz and Indigenous Maya Tzotzil multimedia artist Anton Vázquez! The event is free with registration and takes place at noon on Saturday, July 27. https://lnkd.in/g-HDMSUc

Freedom Schools in the house 🗣️ Yesterday, we welcomed 1,900 students from 15 schools for our annual Youth Science Day celebration! Curiosity ran wild as scholars explored the entire museum to themselves, embarked on live digital telescope journeys, and held a high-energy Harambee with a special read-aloud guest, Deidra Parish Williams, Executive Director at Trane Technologies Foundation! Scholars come from throughout Minnesota via Freedom Schools, a Children’s Defense Fund program providing students with comprehensive, culturally relevant summer and after-school enrichment. This includes scholars from the museum’s STEM Freedom School, which hosts nearly 200 kindergarten through eighth-grade students to build literacy, elevate STEM solutions, and curb summer learning loss. The outstanding event is made possible thanks to our partners at the Children's Defense Fund-MN Freedom Schools and Trane Technologies!

Huge thanks to the Pentair team members for dedicating some of their time today to facilitate hands-on activities with our visitors!

Our current Community Curator, Raquel Kaprosy, learned the art of weaving at just six years old. Believing that weavers tell stories through their looms, she is passionate about honoring her Guatemalan heritage through the textiles and stories she creates. 🧶 Witness Kaprosy in action during a live weaving demonstration at the museum on Saturday, June 1, at 2:30 p.m. The artist will share her techniques, inspirations for her artwork, and how community impacts curation! https://bit.ly/3uQ2iu5

Congratulations to Dr. Adam Heathcote, director of the Science Museum’s department of Water and Climate Change, who spent last week in the UK as a Loughborough Institute of Advanced Studies Visiting Fellow at Loughborough University. IAS invites outstanding international researchers from a wide range of disciplines to work with individuals and research groups on innovative projects that advance knowledge in their field. Heathcote spent the week in intensive data synthesis mode as he and his colleagues prepared to share their research into the greening of the Arctic. He also spent time sharing information about his work and his career path with early-career researchers. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4dzVF0i

Oh what a night! ✨ It was an unforgettable evening of exploration, connection, and community. Thank you to our partners and attendees for joining us at Science Celebration and supporting local STEM initiatives!