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Dann Siems Fundraiser

Raffle tickets for the Dann Siems fund raiser are available at the HSC counter. Please click here for details.

To: All Northern Minnesota Media

Contact: A. S. Elwell, Executive Director, Headwaters Science Center

            Telephone: 218-751-8632; e-mail: ljelwell@paulbunyan.net

Press Release   March 23, 2010

  Headwaters Science Center to Form Regional Advisory Group

Headwaters Science Center needs help as it plans for an exciting future. Regional citizens interested in working as volunteers towards the development of the new HSC are encouraged to come in or call 218-444-4472 and leave their names and contact information. They will have opportunities to take part in bringing an important asset to northern Minnesota.

Headwaters Science Center, located in downtown Bemidji, had planned to start on the detailed design of its much needed new facility this year and was included in the bonding bill that Minnesota’s House of Representatives and Senate passed and sent to Governor Pawlenty for his signature. Though he had been informed about the 23-county regional area served by HSC, the Governor saw it as a “local project”, and explained his line-item veto of the Center in his letter to the legislature by saying that “The bill contains too many appropriations for local projects, which are funded while some statewide priority needs are disregarded.”

 There may be an opportunity to approach the State for partial funding for design in 2011, according to area legislators.

 HSC’s mission is to provide intellectual stimulation and enjoyment for all children and adults in its northern Minnesota service area with scientific and technological interactive displays, exhibits, and programs otherwise unavailable in the region.  The Center will work with regional educational organizations and relevant community entities to assure that exhibits and activities will enhance and supplement educational programs.

 In addition to serving the general public, HSC serves schools and other groups in northern Minnesota and is a regional tourist attraction. It also works with other regional nonprofit organizations in helping them to serve their clients. In 2009, the Center served almost 30,000 visitors, many of whom travel over 150 miles to Bemidji.

 Future plans for the Science Center include increased collaboration with Bemidji State University, Bemidji Technical College, and regional tribal colleges. The new Center will have an astronomy facility that will be available for use by other educational institutions and intends to work with BSU to provide research opportunities for college students and school students at middle and high school levels with particular foci on water resources and biology.

 Recent studies show that the United States has fallen from its foremost position as a leader in scientific fields, now ranking well behind many nations in turning out college graduates in science-based education. Research indicates that a majority of K-12 students have mediocre introductions to the processes and fields of science. Early and pleasurable exposure to science is important in encouraging youth to enter such fields. Many adults do not see the science that surrounds them in their everyday lives, nor do they understand the importance of knowing some basic biological and physical facts in the maintenance of personal health.

 Headwaters Science Center provides a number of programs for persons of all ages as well as workshops for teachers. Present space limitations prevent HSC from reaching its potential, though new exhibits and programs are in the planning stages. The new building will be built on land provided by the City of Bemidji along the Mississippi River between Lakes Irving and Bemidji. For more information about programs and activities at the Center, the web page is www.hscbemidji.org

Wish List

• 4” plastic pots
• metal or wood working tools
• vacuum cleaner
• 20-30 cup coffee maker
• raptor food (call for details)
• plastic food & animals for program use
• first aid kit
• clean empty pop bottles with caps
• live compost worms (red wrigglers)

THANK YOU to everyone who has brought in donations

New Exhibits Coming Soon!

Exhibit Grand Opening!

The first phase of HSC’s new Communications Exhibit is ready for use. The working telegraph has been a popular attraction throughout the winter, with many visitors busy sending Morse Code messages from one station to the other. The telegraph segment, sponsored by Paul Bunyan Telephone, is the first of many that will feature the history of communication from smokesignals to present-day wireless technology. The official grand opening of the exhibit will be Saturday, June 5. By that time we’ll have prototypes for signage and informational displays on which we will welcome comments in order to improve the presentation for its final configuration. Throughout the afternoon on that day we’ll have coffee, punch, and snacks for all visitors. There will be door prizes, gifts, and special discounts in the store.

Marine Aquarium

HSC would like to thank all those who have made donations for the on going maintenance of our saltwater tank. It has allowed us to purchase an electronic controller to monitor and adjust the heater, chiller, and fan setup as well as replace the filters in our RO (reverse osmosis) setup for maintaining water quality. Careful and consistent maintenance and monitoring are crucial to the long-term success of a saltwater aquarium, whether it is managed for fish or as a reef tank such as ours. This is both time consuming and expensive. We very much appreciate your help in financing this beautiful addition to our exhibit.

Rock, Mineral and Fossil Exhibit