K12 Programs—Science Festival—Michigan State University

March & April 2023

Our K12 programs help Michigan students make real-world connections to classroom curriculum across the STEAM disciplines. We’ll connect you directly with K12 educators across Michigan whose students are curious to learn all about your area of expertise.

Presentation Types

Ask a Scientist

Connect directly with classrooms through our virtual Ask a Scientist program! Share a short demonstration or talk and give students the opportunity to ask questions about your field 1:1.

Classroom Science

School trips are back in 2023! Visit local schools in Michigan and share your science through talks, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

STEAM Field Trips

Invite Michigan students to visit your museum, nature center, lab, or research facility for a behind-the-scenes STEAM experience!

How to prepare

Read through the Science Festival Presenter Guide to learn more about program formats and how to plan your event.

This program is meant to be fun and informal, but please be prepared with a 30-45 minute presentation on your area of expertise. Your presentation should be jargon-free and get students excited about your field. Demonstrations, classroom activities, and interactive presentation formats are encouraged! Please remember, all MSU Science Festival K12 programs must be free for teachers and students.

Things to consider

Include a short demonstration, engaging videos, or trivia games
End your presentation with clear takeaway messages
Weave in Michigan Academic Standards and Next Generation Science Standards
Why is your area of study important and relevant to their lives?
What are the most exciting and rewarding parts of your job?
What inspired you to pursue your type of work?
What is your vision for the future in your field that motivates you each day?

The entire presentation should last 45-60 minutes in total, including time for questions unless otherwise agreed on between yourselves and the teachers.

How schools will prepare

In order to help spark conversations and keep students engaged, we will ask teachers to have their students each prep 3 questions to ask in advance of your presentation. You may not get through all of these questions, but the hope is to get students thinking and curious about your area of study.

Next steps & what to expect

After you fill out the proposal form, the Science Festival team will put together a database for teachers containing your program information and contact information. You should hear from us in early January 2023 about your acceptance.

Starting in February, teachers will be able to reach out to you directly to set up programs. The Festival team will be in touch in the weeks leading up to your programs reminding teachers to prepare their student questions and collect information about the programs you’ve set up. At any time, please feel free to reach out to the festival team to have your program taken off the list if you have reached your capacity for school sign ups.

Questions?

Feel free to reach out to us at any time at scifest@msu.edu. Questions specific to school programs can be directed to Katherine Hagman at hagmanka@msu.edu.