Public Programs
April 1-30, 2023
Every fall, the Science Festival team hosts an open call for presentations across the STEAM disciplines. We're always looking for new and innovative programs. If you have an idea for a new program or event, we'd love to hear from you! Below are a few program formats you can participate in at this year's event.
Presentation Types
Expo Zone Booth: Hands-on Science
Invite audiences of all ages to get hands-on with activities from any of the STEAM disciplines at the Expo Zone. The 2023 festival expo will take place throughout the MSU STEM Building on April 1 & 2 from 10 am - 4 pm.
Talks with the Experts
Talks and panel discussions with experts across the STEAM disciplines.
Dazzling Demonstrations and Performances
Musical performances, story slams, poetry slams, chemistry demonstrations, and more! The sky is the limit.
Behind the Scenes Tours and Open Houses
Invite visitors on a special behind-the-scenes guided tour of your lab, museum, garden, archives, or facility. Host an open house for your space where visitors can drop by and explore at their own leisure. On-campus tours will take place on April 1st & 2nd with expo.
Nights at the Museums
Invite visitors to experience science LIVE in your museum!
Statewide Astronomy Night
Explore the wonders of the universe with local audiences at your planetarium or observatory during SWAN on April 29th.
Science After Dark
Programs designed for adult audiences: science pub nights, brewery and distillery tours, late-night events, and more!
Statewide Earth Day Celebration
Celebrate Earth Day with BioBlitz exploration events, tree plantings, community cleanups, sustainability fairs, and more taking place on April 22nd across the state of Michigan. Fill out this form to get involved.
BioBlitz!
A community science-led tally of living things taking place at nature centers, parks, and other natural areas. In-person outdoor exploration events will be April 22nd for our first Statewide Earth Day Celebration. Check out our BioBlitz Guide and fill out this form to get involved.
STEAM Adventures
Anything from geocaching Adventures, self-guided outdoor tours, scavenger hunts, and other programs that encourage people to get outside and explore!
How to prepare
Read through the Science Festival Presenter Guide to learn more about program formats and how to plan your event.
Watch our MSU Science Festival 101: Be a Presenter! webinar recording.
Preview the proposal and gather the necessary information with our blank proposal document.
Things to consider
- Who is your intended audience and how will you engage with them during your event/presentation?
- How can you make your presentation/event accessible?
- What are your goal(s) or take-away messages?
- How can you inspire people to get involved or interested in STEAM?
- Tell your story or a story about your topic. How did you get interested in your topic? Why is what you do or work on important?
Next steps & what to expect
After submitting a proposal, our team will then review your submission and reach out in early 2023 regarding the status of your proposal. Upon acceptance, we will share venue and scheduling options for both virtual and in-person presentations, as well as next steps for preparation.
If you have any questions or would like help planning your event or developing your proposal, please contact our team to set up a meeting. We’re always happy to help. You can also read through our Presenter Guide for more helpful SciFest information.