Around 250 high school students will explore the life of a country veterinarian, build structures of great height and strength and learn what it means to be an aquatic ecologist as part of Bemidji State University’s 23rd “Share the Future in Science and Mathematics” symposium, May 1.

The symposium is designed to expose middle school aged girls and boys to careers in science, mathematics and technology. This full day of activities begins with a keynote address about engineering and engineering-related careers, followed by 30-minute small group presentations by people working in careers in biology, chemistry, environmental studies, nursing and other areas of science and technology.

The program opens with a welcome at 9:40 a.m. in Hagg-Sauer Hall 100, followed by the opening keynote, “Engineering,” presented by Sam Horak and Kelly Meyer, school liaisons with the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Other speakers at the symposium’s morning sessions include:
• Dr. Marcene Hammer, veterinarian; “All Creatures Great and Small,” the life of a country veterinarian in Clearwater County
• Dr. Andy Hafs, assistant professor of biology at Bemidji State; “What’s On the Hook? The Fish of Minnesota,” exploring the work of an aquatic ecologist
• Allison Mackay, physical therapist at Choice Therapy in Bemidji; “Your Body in Motion,” exploring the ways science influences how you move and how your body works
• Horak or Meyer; “Super Structures,” a hands-on workshop where students work in teams to build human-scale structures of great height and strength using dowel rods and rubber bands
• Timothy Goodwin, assistant professor of professional education at Bemidji State; “The Magic Matter Generator,” investigating the functions of a machine that doubles any liquid put into it
• Aspen Easterling, advising coordinator for Bemidji State’s Department of Professional Education; “Online Photo Editing and Drawing,” an exploration of free online tools for drawing and editing photos

During the afternoon, students will participate in hands on science activities spanning a variety of different disciplines. The symposium includes lunch and an ice cream social, and the participating students will have an opportunity to win door prizes throughout the day.

Share the Future is sponsored by Bemidji State University, the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium, and the American Chemical Society, Red River Section.

Contact
• Dr. Julie Larson, professor of chemistry; (218) 755-2791
• Dr. Keith Marek, professor of chemistry; (218) 755-2788