Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence

03/04/2026

🛠 Build a Chain Reaction Machine and Compete at EMDC!

The @ Engineering Machine Design Contest (EMDC) is coming to Minnesota State University, Mankato on April 17, 2026, and there’s a brand-new way for students and families to participate!

🆕 Introducing the 2×2 EMDC Challenge

Build a 2 ft × 2 ft × 2 ft chain reaction machine and bring it to the EMDC Championship to compete.

Divisions include:

• Grades 3–5
• Grades 6–8
• Grades 9–12
• Adult / Open Division

Individuals or pairs can compete, making this a fun challenge for students, families, and anyone interested in engineering creativity and problem-solving.

The event also brings together student teams from across the region to showcase their engineering designs and innovations.

(Industry professionals are also welcome to volunteer as event judges and help inspire the next generation of engineers!)

Learn more:
https://engineering.mnsu.edu/2x2-emdc
Judge sign up:
https://forms.office.com/r/xNfnFA0E5a

Sponsors: 3M, Boston Scientific, Siemens, Xcel Energy, Electrical Consultants Inc, ISG, Spinner USA, Upper Story, Bolton & Menk, Inc.

02/06/2026

Teachers: Explore Microelectronics & Semiconductors—No Experience Required!

Want to connect what you teach to real-world technology and advanced manufacturing happening right here in Minnesota? Apply for our Microelectronics Mini-Externship & Curriculum Training!

Who it’s for:
Secondary educators in engineering, manufacturing, electronics, physics, math, computer science, mechatronics, automation, and applied sciences.

Designed to be turnkey and beginner-friendly

What you’ll do:
• Learn hands-on microelectronics curriculum
• Participate in a short industry mini-externship
• Get planning support to bring it back to your classroom

When:
• Curriculum Training: August 3–7
• Mini-Externship: 2 days (dates vary)

Where: Statewide (training in the metro area)
Cost: FREE + $750 stipend

Apply by March 2 for priority consideration!

👉 Learn more & apply here:
https://mncoe.my.canva.site/microelectronics-externship/details

Hosted by the Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence with support from the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem Partnership Grant (Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development).

🔄 Know a teacher who’d love this? Tag them or share!

02/05/2026

Engineering Teachers — This One’s for You!

Looking for a hands-on, industry-connected summer PD that you can bring straight back to your classroom? Join us for the Siemens Engineering Design Teacher Training this June!

Who: 9–12 grade educators (CTE, engineering, physics, STEM & more)
📅 When: June 22–26
📍 Where: Shakopee, MN
💵 Cost: $400

What’s included:
• 5 days of immersive, in-person training
• Siemens Engineering Design curriculum access
• Master teacher-led instruction
• CAD software & classroom-ready resources
• A 3D printer to take back to your school!

This experience is designed to help you implement real-world engineering design using tools and strategies aligned with industry and workforce needs.

👉 Learn more & register here:
https://engineering.mnsu.edu/siemens-engineering-design-summer-teacher-training/

Hosted by the Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence with funding support from Minnesota Perkins.

🔄 Know a teacher who’d love this? Tag them or share!

Minnesota STEM Ecosystem, Siemens

02/04/2026

Students ask: “When will I ever use this?”

Teacher externships help educators answer that question with real examples, real careers, and real industry experiences.

When classrooms connect to careers, engagement grows.

Apply today.https://engineering.mnsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Externships_Industry-in-Every-Classroom.pdf

Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence, AgCentric, Minnesota STEM Ecosystem

01/09/2026

🎲 How does play build real STEM skills?

Hands-on experiences and intentional play help students develop the foundations they need for engineering, problem-solving, and computational thinking—but figuring out how to use play effectively in real classrooms can be challenging.

Join us for a free Virtual STEM Educator Workshop on February 10 (10:00–12:30 CT) focused on using play, tinkering, and exploration to support meaningful STEM learning across grade levels and learning environments.

Speaker: Alysssa Boswell, CEO and co-founder of Upper Story

✨ Practical, low-cost ideas
✨ Toys, games, and experiences with purpose
✨ Strategies you can use right away
✨ Open to educators across grades, settings, and learner needs

🎁 Bonus: Three attendees will win award-winning STEM games.

Can’t attend live? The session will be recorded, and CEUs may be earned by submitting a brief summary of learnings.

👉 Register today and feel free to share with colleagues who might be interested. https://engineering.mnsu.edu/stem-educator-workshop/

06/22/2024

We had an exciting week at the Siemens Engineering Design Summer Teacher Training! 🌟
Middle school & secondary educators gathered for an enriching experience led by Master Trainers Bill Kuschel and TJ Hendrickson.

Using the FREE Siemens Engineering Design curriculum for 9th-12th grade, developed by Tom White and Dick Blais, attendees utilized FREE SolidEdge 3D Modeling software. Each participant received a 3D printer for their classroom, equipping students with real-world tech skills and the curriculum to maximize its usage.

A big thank you to all the passionate educators who attended! Your dedication to enhancing STEM education is inspiring. Together, we’re helping to prepare learners for a career or college...but why not both?

02/19/2024

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) is celebrating Engineering Week with a Women in Engineering virtual career panel. Join them in discussing engineering as a Navy civilian with four accomplished women engineers from NSWCPD and a keynote address by Ms. Lori Zipes, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.

Thursday, February 22, 2024, 11:30AM EST
Register:

02/01/2024

Engineering Machine Design Contest students never fail to impress!

Take a look at Teaching Today - Minnesota Winter 2024 on page 26! A nice feature of our EMDC Ambassador, Luqman, from New Century School in St. Paul.http://www.teachingtodaymn.com/TTMNWinter2024.pdf

12/22/2023

Read the latest post on the Director's Blog!
https://engineering.mnsu.edu/embracing-diversity-building-an-inclusive-engineering-future/

11/09/2023

New Resources!         Cross-curricular. Inclusive. Sense of belonging. Low-to-no-cost. Flexible implementation. Junior Division 5th - 8th Grade Senior Division 9th - 12th Grade LEARN MORE! Overview H