Public Programs
Join us at the 2025 MSU Science Festival
Save the dates: April 1-30, 2025
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! Our open call for proposals will open in early fall of 2024.
Presentation Types
STEAM Expo Zone Booth: Hands-on Science
Invite audiences of all ages to get hands-on with activities across the STEAM disciplines. Presenters will be provided with space, tables, chairs, electricity access, Wi-Fi, and water access if needed. Dates for the 2025 STEAM Expo Weekend will be announced in early fall of 2024.
Early Childhood Zone Booth: Hands-on Science
Host special activities and demonstrations for families with young children under 8 years old that support early childhood development. Presenters will be provided with space, tables, chairs, electricity access, Wi-Fi, and water access if needed. Dates for the 2025 STEAM Expo Weekend will be announced in early fall of 2024.
Maker Showcase
Calling all creators, makers, and innovators! Show off your creations at the festival’s first Maker Showcase. Mechanical contraptions, playful electronics, and more!
Talks, Demonstrations, and Performances
Talks, panel discussions, musical performances, story slams, poetry slams, chemistry demonstrations, and more! The sky is the limit. Below is a list of featured topics we are especially excited about this year:
- Edible Science: Join us for a tasty series celebrating global cuisine, human nutrition, agriculture, and the science behind the food we eat.
- Michigan Science: This series will highlight Michigan’s unique ecosystems, species preservation efforts, and the importance of protecting our rich biodiversity
- The Future & Beyond: What might the future look like? New technologies are being developed every day that will shape our lives and our futures. This series will shine a light on what is yet to come.
Presentations may be scheduled during Expo Weekend (4/5 & 4/6), Science After Dark events, or other festival events throughout April. Festival staff will reach out to you in January 2025 to discuss scheduling options.
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 during Expo Weekend (4/5 & 4/6) or during other public or youth programs throughout the spring. Festival staff will reach out to you in January 2025 to discuss scheduling options.
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. The 2025 date will be announced in fall of 2024.
Science After Dark
Programs designed for adult audiences: science pub nights, brewery and distillery tours, musical performances, late-night events, and more! Program venues and dates are TBD, but a festival staff member will reach out in January 2025 with scheduling options.
How to prepare
Our open call for proposals will open in early fall of 2024. Prior to that, you can read through the Science Festival Presenter Guide to learn more about program formats and how to plan your event. Our team is always happy to meet with you to discuss program ideas. Feel free to set up a half-hour zoom meeting
Things to consider
- Who is your intended audience and how will you engage with them during your event/presentation?
- How does your field of study or specific topics influence your audiences's future or every day lives? Why does it matter?
- How do you want to tell your story? What tone do you want to set for the event?
- What are your goal(s) or take-away messages?
Your answers to all of the above questions will help guide your event format and design choices prior to submitting a proposal.
Next steps & what to expect
Our open call for proposals will open in the early fall of 2024. After submitting a proposal, our team will then review your submission and reach out in early 2025 regarding the status of your proposal. Upon acceptance, we will share venue and scheduling options, and next steps for preparation.