Science & Nature Kits 2023

Bell Science & Nature Activity Kits bring hands-on science learning to communities and families who may not typically have access to STEM education resources or experiences. Now in the program’s fourth iteration, the Bell is delivering 10,000 kits per year to communities across the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota, with an increased focus on serving BIPOC communities. Since the program started in 2020, 73,000 children and caregivers have been impacted.

Since 2020, the Bell has worked with community partners to deliver materials-rich kits at no cost to community centers, social service organizations, schools, libraries, and other organizations. This program from the beginning has been made possible through the generosity of corporate, foundation, and individual donors—and this year was no different. Our donors included the WEM Foundation, 3M, Cargill, General Mills, Boston Scientific, Xcel Energy, the H.B. Fuller Foundation, Spire, Roundpeg Consulting, and UCare. 

The 2023 Science & Nature Activity Kit included four hands-on activities that a student could do alone or with friends, family, or classmates. The activities, developed by Bell educators for students in grades K-5, promote curiosity for nature, both close to home and out into the universe. This year’s activities included:

• Dandelion Discovery: Students make observations and collect dandelion specimens, similar to a real scientific herbarium collection.
• Water Wonder: Students conduct an experiment and learn about water’s unique properties.
• Fun in the Sun: Students learn about and prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse.
• Nature Near You: Students make a study plot and make observations about the nature near them.

Every kit includes all the materials to complete the activities and an activity booklet with step-by-step, illustrated instructions and suggestions for other resources and activities to extend and deepen learning. Each booklet includes a QR code linking to brief instructional videos in English and Spanish. Kits also include a free pass to visit the museum with a caregiver. As a special addition to help families prepare for the October 14 solar eclipse, the kits included custom Bell Museum solar eclipse viewing safety glasses.

In early July, the Bell staff coordinated delivery to community partners across Minnesota, who ensured the kits then got into the hands of students and families. In the end, we worked with 53 community partners in the Twin Cities metro and across Greater Minnesota. Some of our partners include: 

• Metro area community organizations such as Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, East Side Neighborhood Services, Centro Tyrone Guzman, Avivo, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, Frogtown Green, and Urban Roots.
• Public libraries across Minnesota including St. Paul Public Libraries, Ramsey County Libraries, and Arrowhead Library Systems. 
• Community centers in Greater Minnesota such as Coleraine Public Library/Boys and Girls Club, White Earth Community Center, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe – Onigum Center, and Lac Qui Parle County 4-H.

Our partners at the St. Paul Public Libraries have received lots of great feedback from visitors about the kits.

“The reactions I got when handing them out were sublime. Folks were surprised they were free and were genuinely delighted to take one” – Kayla at Sun Ray Library

“Folks are pleasantly surprised by the number of activities packed in the charming box and love the family day pass. I’ve heard, ‘we haven’t been to the Bell in a long time and it was always fun. Now’s our chance to visit again!'” – Margo at George Latimer Central Library

“Families are losing their minds over the kits. Kids just light up when they get them.” – Laurel at Hayden Heights Library

The growth of this initiative has been made possible through the generous support of our donors. In addition to their philanthropic investment, many have joined the Bell as community distribution partners for kits and served to connect the Bell with other organizations that serve children and families that now benefit from this program.