What do we do?
Every year, Student Activities offers a selection
of academically enriching opportunities for students K-12.
We are here for YOU!
National Nuclear Science Week Poster Contest
October
Students across Berrien County are invited to participate in
the NSW Poster Contest, presented by Cook Nuclear Plant’s Women in
Nuclear group and sponsored by Berrien RESA. Teachers can also
incorporate lessons in their daily classroom activities about nuclear
science. Visit
www.nuclearscienceweek.org to learn more!
Career Pathway Day
November
Rotary Essay Contest
Contest: February
Awards Luncheon: TBD
The collaboration between Berrien RESA and various Berrien County Rotary Clubs is designed to encourage student participation in an essay writing contest. One senior student from each high school in Berrien County will be selected to write an essay about a given topic derived from Grade Level Content Expectations in Social Studies. This student essay provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they know by synthesizing information and explaining their understanding of concepts and ideas with a specific purpose in mind.
Cloverleaf Spelling Bee Competition
February at The Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College
The
competition features Berrien and Van Buren county public and parochial
school districts' top three middle school spellers in an individual
spelling contest. Students will compete for numerous cash prizes with
the top prize being admission to the
Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee held in Washington D.C. in the spring. In order to compete in this
event, schools must sign up a team with both the regional level and the national level.
Science Olympiad
Middle/High School: March at Lake Michigan College
Middle/High
School Science Olympiad is an opportunity for Berrien County students
to compete using hands-on science skills and knowledge. Science Olympiad
is hosted at Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, MI. Middle and high
school Science Olympiad is a regional competition of which the winners
for each division go on to compete at the state level. In order to
compete in this event, schools must sign up a team with both the
regional level and the
state/national level.
Elementary School: March
Elementary School Science
Olympiad is designed for Berrien County students in grades 1 through 5.
Science Olympiad is hosted at Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor,
MI. The Elementary Science Olympiad is a non-competitive day that allows
Berrien County elementary students to learn science through hands-on
activities and experiments.
Community Student Art Exhibits
March - April
Hosted by the Berrien RESA, Krasl Art Center and Box Factory for the Arts, this annual event showcases students' artwork in grades 2-12 every spring. Both Elementary and Middle School/High School Exhibits display visual art in any medium, from painting and sculpture to photography and fiber arts.
Berrien County International Science and Engineering Fair
March - April at Berrien RESA
This event is open to high school students who conduct research either as a team or individually and prepare a "science board" display. Local professors, teachers, engineers and business professionals who serve as judges for the projects.
Michigan High School Math & Science Symposium
April at Buller Hall, Andrews University
The MHSMSS is a unique chance for students to present original STEM-based research at the high school level. The event is formatted to emulate professional science conferences. There are three ways to get involved: a student may give a full-fledged oral and visual presentation of their research, present their work in poster format, or participate as an observer and learn from the findings of their peers. Presentation abstracts are formally published each summer.
Registrations processed before April 12 are $20 for presenters and $10 for observers. (The fees jump to $25 and $15 respectively after that date.) Registration fees cover refreshments, lunch, and program. Presenters receive a medal, as well as a copy of the published abstract booklet.
An additional, and optional, opportunity offered at the Symposium is the BEST Early Berrien RESA Public Science Announcements Contest. Any current high school student may participate. This contest requires participants to create a two-minute "public science announcement" (PSA) video on a science-related topic of interest, importance and relevance to the general public. Selected videos will be featured at the Michigan High School Math & Science Symposium, where the top three will be chosen. Winning submissions will be published to YouTube after the event.
Southwest Michigan Mini Maker Faire
May at Whirlpool Compass Fountain in St. Joseph
This highly interactive event is open to the public and has something for all ages. Inventors, crafters, scientists, artists, and creators of all types come together to share their projects with the community. Makers are encouraged to apply online at
swmimakerfaire.com.