The Science Fair Mentoring Project begins its fourth year this fall at Neveln and Banfield elementary schools.

The program is preparing for another year promoting and supporting students with participation in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Expo, a science fair. The program will continue to mentor third and fourth graders at Neveln and Banfield schools.

In the three previous years, the program has exposed 550 Austin elementary students to science through events at Riverland Community College, mentored 161 students with participating in the Steam Expo and provided transportation and support for 52 students to participate in the Regional Science Fair in Mankato.

This year’s program is gearing up with kick-off events at Riverland Community College on Oct. 25, 27 and Nov. 3.  Faculty volunteers from the college will lead students through experiments designed to introduce them to the scientific method.  Students who participate in the program will also be able to hear from scientists active in various fields in an event called “Meet the Scientists.”  Mentors will then work with the students from November to February to help them complete experiments and prepare a presentation for the STEAM Expo, scheduled for Feb. 23, 2018 at I.J. Holton Intermediate School in Austin.  All experimental supplies are provided to students who participate in this program at no cost to their families.

The Science Fair Mentoring Project joined with the Austin Public Library in 2015 to reach out to students and parents not involved in our mentoring programs at Neveln and Banfield. Four Saturday Science Experience events were offered to introduce children to the scientific method, forming and testing a hypotheses, collecting data, and drawing conclusions. These events are open to all ages.

Science Fair Boot Camp for Parents sessions were also offered at the library for parents interested in helping their children prepare for the science fair. Last year, 132 parents and students attended these events at the library. This year’s Saturday Science Events are scheduled for Dec. 2, Jan. 20, and Feb. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the library. All ages are welcome to attend and experience and learn more about science.  Science Fair Boot Camp for Parents will be held on Dec. 4 and Jan. 8 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The same program will be held both nights.

The Science Fair Mentoring Program is also trying to expand its support of parents through a new partnership with the Community Learning Center.  Additional Science Fair Boot Camp for Parents classes will be offered to reach more families and support more students with participation in the science fair.

If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering with this program, please contact Catherine Haslag, Project Coordinator, at  sciencefairmentormn@gmail.com

You can also visit the program’s website at  www.sciencefairmentoring.org.