Igniting Curiosity, Inspiring Innovation

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the halls of the WICK Science Building at St. Cloud State University buzzed with energy as 382 students from 13 member school districts gathered for the annual Spark STEM student conference. Hosted by Resource Training & Solutions, the event brought together students, educators, and STEM professionals for a day of discovery, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

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One teacher who attended as a chaperone summed up the experience perfectly:

"As a teacher, it (SPARK) reinforces the idea that students crave involvement."

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This sentiment captures the essence of Spark STEM—an event designed to engage young minds, nurture curiosity, and inspire a lifelong love of science, technology, engineering, and math.

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A Tradition of Inspiring Young Scientists

Now in its 18th consecutive year, the Spark STEM Conference continues to provide students across central Minnesota with opportunities to learn from STEM professionals and educators. The event inspires students to explore STEM fields and connect their interests to future possibilities.

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View photos from the conference >>

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This year’s conference featured 17 unique sessions, each designed to immerse students in hands-on experiences. From exploring cryogenics to coding robots, the sessions catered to a wide range of interests and skill levels.

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Highlights from the Day

Here’s a glimpse into some of the exciting sessions students participated in:

• Cryogenics: The Science of the Ultracold - Students experimented with dry ice and liquid nitrogen to learn about the states of matter, led by Jeff Payne from 3M Visiting Wizards.
• Cultivating Futures: Exploring Careers in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources - This session introduced students to career pathways in agriculture, sustainability, and agribusiness through interactive activities such as a combine simulator and resource management challenges. Presented by Courtney Spence from the MN Southern Agriculture Center for Excellence.
• VEXperience Coding - Students programmed VEX IQ robots to perform autonomous movements and learned about sensor integration. This session was led by Katie Frank from SCTCC STEAM Outreach & VEX Robotics.
• Color by Numbers - An engaging look at how math powers lighting effects for concerts and events. Students mixed colors and explored lighting technology with Vickie Burgett and Jim Sorby, freelance lighting technicians.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to the presenters, volunteers, and educators who made this year’s Spark STEM Conference possible. Your contributions helped create a memorable and inspiring experience for all participants.

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View photos from the conference >>

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For more information about the Spark STEM Conference from the event, please contact Alison Orgaard, CTE Manager, at aorgaard@resourcecoop-mn.gov.