A networking workshop series that connects STEM teachers with practitioners, resources, and each other.
STEM on Tap is a workshop series that connects STEM teachers with practitioners, resources, and each other.
Each workshop takes place at a brewery in the southwest metro and features a different STEM practitioner and topic. Workshops stand alone – attend one or attend them all!
The registration fee of $20 (2 for 1 if you bring a buddy!) includes food, 2.0 continuing ed hours, and access to the STEM on Tap Google Drive resource folder. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are available but not included.
This workshop series is sponsored by Nine Mile Creek Watershed District and Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District.
Each session will generally follow this schedule:
- 4:30-5:00: Dinner and networking
- 5:00-6:00: Presentation
- 6:00-6:30: Questions and networking
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2026-2027 Program Schedule
November 4th | STEM in Industry
Kannan Seshadri (he/him) | 3M and Kailey (she/her) | Beckman Coulter
4:30 – 6:30pm | 9 Mile Brewing, Bloomington
Learn how two scientists in Minnesota-based companies use STEM in their work, how they were inspired to become scientists, and hear about the amazing advances their companies are making in their respective industries to do things that seem like science fiction. Expect you’ll leave with new STEM career possibilities for your students, a few inspiring lesson tie-ins, and an appreciation for the innovative STEM industries that flourish in Minnesota.
December 2nd | The Cosmos in Your Classroom
Ron Schmit (he/him) | Jackson Middle School
4:30 – 6:30pm | 9 Mile Brewing, Bloomington
Learn from an astronomy educator about the tools and resources used at an observatory to explore the sky–and how you can engage students in your classroom without one! Ron will teach you a little about some of his favorite topics, as well as delve into some of the topics you choose. (Complete this survey to let us know which topics are most interesting to you.) Then, collaborate with Ron and other attendees to align what you learn with lessons you teach, curriculum learning targets, and state standards.
January 13th | Indigenous ecological knowledge and your classroom
Jennie Stackhouse (she/her) | Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
4:30 – 6:30pm | Fat Pants Brewing, Eden Prairie
February 3rd | Soils & Geology
Ben Meyer (he/him) | Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
4:30 – 6:30pm | Fat Pants Brewing, Eden Prairie
March 3rd | Aquatic Plants
Dan Larkin (he/him) | Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center
4:30 – 6:30pm | Fat Pants Brewing, Eden Prairie
April 14th | The Chemistry of Lake Management
Joe Bischoff | Barr Engineering
4:30 – 6:30pm | Fat Pants Brewing, Eden Prairie
Past Programs
October 7th | Minnesota’s PFAS Journey
Fawkes F. S. Char, Planning Director State | Agency PFAS Coordinator
4:30 – 6:30pm | 9 Mile Brewing, Bloomington
PFAS chemicals were first found in Minnesota groundwater in the early 2000s, spurring decades of research into their presence and potential health impacts. In 2021, several Minnesota state agencies came together to publish the PFAS Blueprint, which identified potential paths forward to prevent, mitigate, and clean up PFAS pollution across Minnesota. This presentation covers the progress Minnesota state agencies have made to address PFAS, especially since publishing the PFAS Blueprint, and where we’re headed next.
Check out some of the feedback we’ve received from past events!
“So fun! And so helpful, thank you!”
“Thank you for hosting this!! This is amazing!”
“Honestly. I needed this more than you know. I do cool things, but I forget that I do cool things. And you reminded me that I can expand on those cool things.”
“My heart has grown bigger. Thank you.”
“Keep up the great work in offering these inspiring opportunities! Looking forward to the next event!”
“As someone entering the field of formal teaching, this was a really fun way to get to know other teachers around the state! It was a nice size group and I appreciated Lori and the other staff facilitating some conversations.”