Statewide Engagement

The Bell offers STEM Nights, aiming to support statewide organizations by providing them with all the materials and resources to host a Bell STEM Night event. Some of the participating organizations included 4H, South Central Service Cooperative, and Boys and Girls Clubs. These events gave students and families the opportunity to learn about natural history, science, technology, engineering, and math through engaging, hands-on activities. All the activities were designed with non-science educators in mind, so anyone could feel confident leading them, from a parent volunteer during a STEM Night event or later on as an activity in your classroom.

If you’re interested in hosting a Bell Museum STEM Night in the future, please complete the interest form below.

Submit an interest form 

For any questions, you can reach out to Ellie Hechter at STEMNights@umn.edu or call 612-626-0684.

As Minnesota’s Astronomy Classroom, the Bell aims to provide state-of-the-art planetarium experiences and astronomy resources both onsite and across the state. This is why, each year, the Bell hosts a Statewide Star Party which engages individuals across the state to provide hands-on learning and opportunities to experience stargazing. During this event, partnering community and education organizations throughout the state host their very own Star Parties, with support from Bell educators. This event centers on a specific theme within astronomy, engages experts across astronomy branches and cultural lenses, and also includes a live virtual program component to ensure participation and access to opportunities.

Science & Nature Activity kits are one of the ways the Bell aims to bring hands-on science content to students and families who may not typically have access to STEM education resources or experiences. These kits contain everything needed to complete 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. Since 2020, the Bell has worked with community partners to deliver Science & Nature kits at no cost to community centers, social service organizations, schools, libraries, and other organizations. In 2022 and 2023, the Bell expanded its reach by working with partners in communities throughout Greater Minnesota, such as the Arrowhead Library Systems and Ely Public Library.

In 2022, the Bell launched a new K-12 summer camp in the heart of Minnesota’s agricultural communities in Greater Minnesota. This new camp, titled My Food Story, is in partnership with the University of Minnesota North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) and the Boys and Girls Club of Greenway and Grand Rapids. During this camp, Bell educators were hired in Grand Rapids, Minnesota to host exciting STEAM activities with campers. The camp curriculum features NCROC agriculture researchers as an opportunity to engage campers in active and innovative agricultural science as they explored the question, “where does my food come from?” Summer camps run Monday through Thursday and are open to the public and Grand Rapids/Coleraine Boys and Girls Club locations for children who have completed grades 1-5.

2024 Summer Camps

From inner space to outer space, and everything in between, our expert science staff bring exciting content to you in a unique, immersive environment. ExploraDome programs range from journeys through the universe and all the way back to earth in explorations of seasons, climate, and even the human brain! Our portable planetarium travels throughout the state of Minnesota year round and is perfect for classes, school fairs, and community events. You can schedule multiple grades (preK-12) and a variety of interactive programs on the same day. Look at our tour schedule to find out when you can book us in your area for spring 2024!

The Bell’s virtual programs are designed to connect your group with a museum educator online for a live, interactive program about our natural world and the universe around us. Turn the mic over to a Bell Museum educator to engage your students in standards-based science and learning without ever leaving your classroom.

This program aims to connect adult, English-language learners who call Minnesota home. Participants have the opportunity to practice their language skills while learning more about the unique nature and biodiversity of Minnesota.