2027 MESTA Conference
It’s time for the 40th annual Minnesota Earth Science Teachers’ Association conference!Date: Friday, February 5, 2027
Time: 8:00 am - 3:35 pm Location: District 287 Conference Center. 1820 N. Xenium Ln, Plymouth, MN 55441 Keynote Speaker, Break-out Sessions, Activity Share, Free Resources, Breakfast and Lunch included Hotel Accommodations: These hotels are near the conference facility. Call for prices and to make your own arrangements: Comfort Inn Plymouth: (763) 559 -1222 Crown Plaza Minneapolis: (763) 559 -6600 Ramada Plymouth: (763) 553 -1600 Optional Thursday Night Activity: 7:00 pm Thursday, February 4, 2027 Eagle Lake / Onan Observatory Norwood-Young America, MN $10 - Register in advance for this event with your conference registration Register by mail with the flyer linked HERE. Please include your payment with your registration. Online registration is now available! Click HERE to register. |
LocationDistrict 287 Conference Center
1820 N. Xenium Ln, Plymouth, MN 55441 |
THURSDAY EVENING EVENT
Reach for the Stars at Eagle Lake Observatory
Enhance your science curriculum and ignite your passion for the cosmos with the Minnesota Astronomical Society (MAS). Join us for an evening session featuring:
Enhance your science curriculum and ignite your passion for the cosmos with the Minnesota Astronomical Society (MAS). Join us for an evening session featuring:
- A guided tour of the facility's technology from a member of MAS
- Stargazing opportunities using the telescopes (weather permitting)
- Expert insights on observational astronomy for your classroom
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Alex Hastings
Science Museum of Minnesota
Giant Beaver: The Journey of Minnesota's State Fossil
State symbols are wonderful educational tools and opportunities, increasing awareness and instilling value for local natural heritage. Up until 2025, Minnesota was one of just four states in the country without a state fossil. The Science Museum of Minnesota held a vote with nine great candidates and the clear winner was the largest rodent ever in North America, the Giant Beaver. A multi-year campaign and massive effort finally and officially declared the Giant Beaver as Minnesota's state fossil. Learn about this amazing rodent of unusual size, its fellow Ice Age Minnesotans and the drama, determination and joy that ultimately led to this success.
Alex Hastings is the Fitzpatrick Chair of Paleontology at the Science of Minnesota. A specialist in fossil reptiles, he is widely recognized for his research on crocodile evolution and his role in discovering Titanoboa, the world's largest prehistoric snake.
Dr. Hastings earned his PhD from the University of Florida and is a dedicated science communicator known online as "Dr. Crocogator." Through his work, Hastings connects the public with prehistoric worlds, focusing on how ancient climate change impacted reptile biodiversity over millions of years.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Giant Beaver: The Journey of Minnesota's State Fossil
State symbols are wonderful educational tools and opportunities, increasing awareness and instilling value for local natural heritage. Up until 2025, Minnesota was one of just four states in the country without a state fossil. The Science Museum of Minnesota held a vote with nine great candidates and the clear winner was the largest rodent ever in North America, the Giant Beaver. A multi-year campaign and massive effort finally and officially declared the Giant Beaver as Minnesota's state fossil. Learn about this amazing rodent of unusual size, its fellow Ice Age Minnesotans and the drama, determination and joy that ultimately led to this success.
Alex Hastings is the Fitzpatrick Chair of Paleontology at the Science of Minnesota. A specialist in fossil reptiles, he is widely recognized for his research on crocodile evolution and his role in discovering Titanoboa, the world's largest prehistoric snake.
Dr. Hastings earned his PhD from the University of Florida and is a dedicated science communicator known online as "Dr. Crocogator." Through his work, Hastings connects the public with prehistoric worlds, focusing on how ancient climate change impacted reptile biodiversity over millions of years.
concurrent session presenter information
Geologic History of Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Dr. Annia Fayon, University of Minnesota
Growing America: Analyzing Data to Minimize Land Use Impacts
Heather Bryan, Nourish the Future
Integrating Computer Science to Support Designing Solutions for a Changing Earth
Dan Voss, University of Minnesota
Impact Cratering on the Earth, Moon, and Beyond
Dr. Jennifer Anderson, Winona State University
Dr. Annia Fayon, University of Minnesota
- At Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park, visitors can step into a landscape shaped by nearly 2.7 billion years of Earth’s history. Ancient ocean floor rocks, towering basaltic lava flows, and dramatic geologic features reveal the powerful tectonic forces that helped assemble North America along the edge of the Superior craton. Capped by the much younger Vermilion moraine, these Archean rocks have remained exposed near Earth’s surface for more than 2 billion years, offering a rare glimpse into our planet’s distant past.
Growing America: Analyzing Data to Minimize Land Use Impacts
Heather Bryan, Nourish the Future
- This session equips educators to bring data-driven environmental science into the classroom using Nourish the Future resources. Participants will engage in inquiry-based investigations analyzing soil, water, and land-use data to evaluate ecosystem health and human impacts. Teachers will learn to help students examine Earth system indicators, explain complex ecological challenges, and design actionable solutions using sustainable agricultural practices like conservation tillage and nutrient management.
Integrating Computer Science to Support Designing Solutions for a Changing Earth
Dan Voss, University of Minnesota
- Learn about the middle school unit developed by Open Sci Ed. In the unit, students investigate case studies of several communities that are facing water problems such as increased flooding or drought. Hear how students can engage with technology to collect and analyze data about water, climate, and atmospheric changes. Digital resources will be explored and edited as students design devices that can be used as solutions to address water problems and carbon imbalances.
Impact Cratering on the Earth, Moon, and Beyond
Dr. Jennifer Anderson, Winona State University
- Impact cratering is one of the main geologic processes that act on surfaces throughout our Solar System, forming the planets and dominating the first billion years of the Earth & Moon’s history. Impact cratering has influenced the Earth’s formation, history, atmosphere, climate, ocean circulation, and biosphere in addition to its surface. This session will discuss what happens during an impact event, the morphology of impact craters on the Earth and Moon, and how impact cratering played a role in the formation of the Earth and Moon. Participants will learn about impact cratering-related classroom activities and ideas that allow students to explore this important, exciting, and luckily not common (anymore) geologic process in the classroom.
Contact UsConference event information:
Stephanie Erickson [email protected] Conference registration questions: Jess Strom [email protected] |
MESTA LIST-SERV Subscribe |