K12 and Youth Programs
Free educational programs for students of all ages!
Every spring, the MSU Science Festival offers free educational programs for youth groups, schools, and classrooms across Michigan. Program registration is now open for the programs below.
Natives in STEAM Exploration Program
Hosted in partnership with the MSU Native American Institute
Friday, April 10 - Sunday, April 12
Hosted across MSU's campus
For grades 9-12
Registration is now open through March 6
The MSU Science Festival, in collaboration with the MSU Native American Institute, invites Native students (9-12th grade) to the campus of Michigan State University to participate in STEAM education programs Friday, April 10 - Sunday, April 12. Students will meet with indigenous scientists, experience culturally-reflective programs across the STEAM disciplines, and tour MSU's campus. All meals and lodging is provided.
SciFest BioBlitz Nature Journals
Hosted statewide throughout the month of April
For students and classrooms of all ages
Registration is now open through February 6
Discover the biodiversity in your own backyard! Join the MSU Science Festival for a community-led biodiversity survey throughout the month of April. With SciFest student nature journals, you can encourage your students to document observations of any living organism they see (animals, plants, fungi, insects, and more). Explore the natural world around you and see how many species you can spot!
The festival's Student Nature Journal will teach students about BioBlitz and Citizen/Community Science Programs, share frequently observed species during Michigan spring, and guide students through careful observation of nature. These journals are free to Michigan educators and will be delivered to your school free of charge. Deliveries are limited to groups of 30+ students.
Join the SciFest iNaturalist project (optional)
If you'd like to contribute student observations to the festival's iNaturalist project, you have the opportunity to join as an educator and upload images on your students' behalf. iNaturalist created a very helpful educator's guide to share more about how you can use its app (and companion SEEK app) in your classroom.
Student Sustainability Summit
Hosted in partnership with EGLE, MDARD, and Grow the Earth
Friday May, 8 from 9am - 3pm
STEM Teaching and Learning Facility on MSU's campus
For grades 6-12
Registration opening soon
Students attending the summit will delve into the intricate realms of Michigan's environmental quality, the food and agriculture industry, and the imperative of sustainability. Through a series of interactive breakout sessions, engaging exhibits, and exploration of environmental careers, the summit seeks to educate and inspire future leaders to become stewards of the Earth.
Join us for a day filled with exploration, learning, and inspiration as we collectively work towards building a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future with a focus on strategies to address climate change. Together, let's empower the next generation of leaders to champion positive change for our planet