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Spotlight Science: Climate Stories
Saturday | May 02, 2026 | 10:00 am–2:00 pm
We’ve heard that talking about climate change may be the most important action we can take. But it can be hard to know where to start. Today’s guests can help with that challenge. Explore the ways we talk about climate change with our families, in our communities, and to ourselves. Find your climate story, and hear from others about theirs!
At 11:00 am, Jothsna Harris will explain “Why Climate Stories Matter”, in a talk on the power of climate storytelling, with stories from featured guests, including Melody Arteaga of CEED. Jothsna is the founder of Change Narrative, which builds capacity in the climate justice movement through the power of our stories.
At 1:00 pm, join Jothsna to “Craft Your Climate Story: Imagine the Future (with Art)” in a workshop offering prompts for storytelling, a short guided meditation to help you envision the future you want to see, and vision boarding with drawing and art-making, and opportunities for small-group discussion. Participation in this workshop is limited. Please register in advance through Eventbrite.
Click here to RSVP for workshop
Make your own climate journal zine with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency! Learn about climate change, reflect on how it affects wellbeing, and have meaningful conversations.
Explore Face to Face, a public art installation (and swing!) by Alyssa Baguss and friends, designed to spark meaningful reflection about our relationship with the Earth.
Share your stories and nature memories with Backyard Phenology, a collective of artists, scientists, educators, and students, with founders based at the University of Minnesota.
Experience the connection of art, science, and conservation when you play with a giant movable monarch butterfly and visit with the Environmental Quality Board to learn about what you can do to protect pollinators.
Enjoy picture books in a reading nook from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Climate Literacy, which shares resources to help caregivers and families choose books that can help young people navigate our climate future.
Join the Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy (CEED) to create two collective vision boards, about our current climate reality and the future we dream for our communities. Together, we’ll use art materials to reflect the way we think, feel, and tell stories about our climate!
Dig into climate science stories with researchers! Dr. Natalia Mossmann Koch will show you how to use lichen as a simple, inexpensive air quality monitor, and the Lynn Waterhouse Lab will have fun challenges that show how researchers learn about aquatic invasive species.
Spotlight Science is a regular program connecting you to current science conducted at the University of Minnesota and in our community. Join researchers, students, and special guests for conversations and unique interactive experiences.
Partners
- Change Narrative
- UMN Center for Climate Literacy
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Environmental Quality Board
- Backyard Phenology
- Center for Earth, Energy, and Democracy
- Natalia Mossman Koch
- Lynn Waterhouse Lab
- Alyssa Baguss
This is an in-person event at the Bell Museum. Activities and events will be held throughout the museum and are included in the cost of regular admission.
The Bell Museum is fully committed to creating an inclusive environment. We are proud to offer multiple services or resources detailed at the link below. For additional information or to request an accommodation, please contact the accessibility office at 612-625-4511 or bellaccess@umn.edu.