MSU Science Festival
"Our goal was to share the curiosity and excitement that motivates the quest for new knowledge, and ignite that same passion, adventure, and awe in festival attendees."
Hiram E. Fitzgerald, Associate Provost, University Outreach and Engagement
Michigan State University held its first-ever MSU Science Festival in April 2013, bringing mid-Michigan communities together with MSU scientists in a shared exploration of the science that touches our everyday lives. The ten-day celebration featured topics from astronomy to music to zoology, geared for lifelong learners of all ages.
More than 150 unique activities, ranging from lectures to hands-on activities, demonstrations, guided tours, and music/arts performances, were presented by MSU faculty, staff, and students, as well as a number of community participants. All Festival events were free and open to the public.
For the weekend days of the Festival, the Lansing State Journal sponsored an Expo Tent where hands-on activities, especially for families and school-age children, were available. One day at the tent was dedicated to a School Expo Extravaganza Day for school groups only.
2013 MSU Science Festival Sponsors
- Consumers Energy
- Dean Transportation
- Delta Dental
- Domino's
- Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Impression 5
- Information Technology Empowerment Center
- Johnson Controls
- Lansing Makers Network
- Lansing State Journal
- Meijer
- MSU Federal Credit Union
- WKAR
- Wolverine Worldwide
MSU sponsors:
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- College of Communication Arts and Sciences
- College of Social Science
- CREATE for STEM Institute
- Department of Forestry
- Residential College in Arts and Humanities
- Office of Admissions
- Office of the Provost
- University Outreach and Engagement
"We wanted to convey the scientific wonders in our world and inspire the curiosity of all lifelong learners."
Renee Leone, Science Festival Coordinator
Other event locations included the Red Cedar River, a bird netting and tagging site, a mock archeological dig, and many more.
The Second Annual MSU Science Festival will be held April 1-6, 2014. For more information visit sciencefestival.msu.edu.
Best-Attended Events
- Facility for Rare Isotope Beams/ National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory open house
- The Music of Math and the Math of Music lecture
- The Secret Life of Trees hands-on activity
- Science Theatre performances
Evaluation Results
- Of 412 respondents, 90% said they would attend the next Festival
- Over 75% reported more science knowledge and more positive perceptions of scientists
- Sponsors and presenters came from 78 colleges, departments, centers, and units
- Written by Catherine A. Gibson, University Outreach and Engagement
