2017 MESTA Conference
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Graduate Credit offered from Hamline University
Graduate credit will be available for the conference. Credit and payment details will be available at this conference. Contact Ed Hessler at Hamline University if you need information prior to the conference date. ehessler01@hamline.edu.
Graduate Credit offered from Hamline University
Graduate credit will be available for the conference. Credit and payment details will be available at this conference. Contact Ed Hessler at Hamline University if you need information prior to the conference date. ehessler01@hamline.edu.
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Date: Friday, February 3, 2017
Time: 7:45am-3:00pm Location: District 287 Conference Center 1820 N. Xenium Ln, Plymouth, MN 55441 Optional Thursday night activity: Thursday, February 2, 2017 Tour the Minnesota Geological Survey’s Brand New Location! |
Keynote Speaker, Break-out Sessions, Activity Share, Free Resources, Breakfast and Lunch included
Optional Thursday night activity: Thursday, February 2, 2017
THURSDAY EVENING EVENT
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Minnesota Geological Survey Facility Tour
(Brand New Location!!) 7:00-8:00pm 2609 Territorial Road., St. Paul Urban Growler 5:30-7:00 pm (Dinner at your expense.) 2325 Endicott Street, St. Paul Phone 651-340-5793 |
Explore the wide range of available resources for Earth science teachers, scientists, and industry professionals. Imagine the possibilities in a place that features artifacts ranging from mammoth tusks to meteorite impact breccia.
Meet and network with colleagues in an optional social gathering and dinner (own expense) at Urban Growler before the tour. |
FRIDAY DAYTIME EVENTS
Keynote Speaker
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Jennifer Anderson
Winona State University Professor Anderson is a Planetary Geologist at Winona State University who specializes in impact cratering processes. Her experience includes research at the NASA Johnson Space Center. Originally from eastern Wisconsin, Jennifer earned BA degrees in Geophysics, Astrophysics, and Physics at the University of Minnesota before heading to Brown University in Providence, RI, to earn her ScM and PhD in Geological Sciences. Jennifer is passionate about helping science teachers meet their students’ needs |
Geology of Other Worlds
Fifty years ago, the solar system belonged to astronomers and their telescopes. In past decades, planetary missions have turned our interstellar dance partners into their own multitude of geological worlds and geologists have taken over. With orbiters, landers, rovers, and technology from all of the sciences, geologists are exploring these planetary objects and learning about the varied ways that geology expresses itself in places other than the Earth. At the same time, we’ve learned more about the geology of the Earth by studying its sister planets than we have about those other planets themselves. Our science is bursting at the seams with things like methane oceans, ice volcanoes, and activity on small objects that long ago should have cooled off. Professor Anderson will share new and exciting discoveries in our solar system, future missions that will change our understanding again, and how our understanding of the Earth is changing based on the geology of other worlds around us. |
Concurrent Session Presenter information:
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Bruce Olsen, Minnesota Groundwater Association
Harvey Thorleifson, Minnesota Geological Survey David Falkner, Minnesota Astronomical Society James Almendinger, St. Croix Watershed Research Station |
Expanding Student Knowledge of Groundwater Issues
Expanding student awareness about groundwater today can help our future adults better manage and protect our precious groundwater resources. Bruce will focus on describing groundwater related problems that Minnesotans must deal with in the future as well as opportunities to incorporate them as examples into teaching science, mathematics, and social studies. What’s New In Geologic Mapping? Have you ever wondered about how geologic maps are created and how to use them? Learn about how geologic data is sampled and compiled to create geologic maps of our state. Discover how students and teachers may use geologic maps through activities and models. Where Will You Be On August 21st? Dave Falkner, a life-long amateur astronomer, author and frequent presenter at astronomical events throughout the state, will review the differences between the geometry of lunar and solar eclipses, preview the solar eclipse that will be crossing the US this summer, show the best places to view the eclipse and what to expect here in Minnesota. He will also discuss safely viewing both partial and total solar eclipses and share web links to find more information. How Watersheds Work Dr. James Almendinger is a senior scientist at the research station. His research team studies how land use, climate change, atmospheric deposition, and watershed processes interact to affect the health of aquatic systems. This improved scientific understanding of "how watersheds work" has helped resource managers make better decisions about how to protect water supplies and reduce pollution in our water resources. Ultimately, their research addresses the challenges facing humanity in its relationship with its most precious resources. |