Teen Science Café
Programming for teens developed by teens
The Bell Museum is partnering with the Teen Science Café Network to offer programs by teens for teens at the Bell. Programs will focus on climate change and will be planned by a Teen Advisory Board. Board members will plan and deliver programs, working with science experts from the University of Minnesota and beyond.
The Teen Science Cafe Network links teens with STEM experts, opening doors to exploration and discovery. Working together, teens develop and offer programs around a STEM topic for other teens. Along the way, they build knowledge, confidence, and a shared vision of the future. Board members learn about STEM topics, receive college-readiness training and learn how museums serve as a bridge for research and society. They’ll also share what they learn with other teens, in public programs they’ll organize at the Bell, monthly January-April 2026.
Our teen advisory board is working to plan these programs. Check back for more information.
Upcoming Teen Science Café
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Teen Science Café with Peter Neff
May 20, 6–8 pm Read MoreHow do we know what the atmosphere was like thousands of years ago? Find out with our guest Peter Neff, Assistant Professor in the Department of Soil, Water and Climate at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Neff is a glaciologist who traveled all the way to West Antarctica to discover past climate and environmental conditions.
For the hands-on activity portion, we will learn from Natalia Mossmann Koch how lichen can be used to measure the quality of air we breathe today.
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Teen Science Café with Brett Barney
April 15, 6–8 pm Read MoreThis month, Brett Barney, a professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota, will talk about his work on biofuels created from bacteria and algae. What does the future look like for biofuels to replace our current fuel systems? Let’s find out together!
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Teen Science Café with Christy Marsden
March 18, 6–8 pm Read MoreHear from Christy Marsden from the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP). MCAP offers resources and education to help communities in Minnesota respond and prepare for climate change impacts as well as conducting locally relevant research on climate impacts in Minnesota.
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Teen Science Café with Dr. Xue Feng
February 18, 6–8 pm Read MoreHow do researchers study climate change? How long have humans known about climate change? Meet our first guest speaker, Dr. Xue Feng. She is a professor at the University of Minnesota in the College of Science and Engineering, and she aims to discover new ways that water shapes ecosystem responses to climate change and use this knowledge to advance Earth system modeling and climate predictions.
Teen Advisory Board Members
Bobbi (she/her)
Grade: 12
Hi! I’m Bobbi! I’m most interested in environmental and biological sciences! I’m excited to plan events for other youth to share their voices and to get others more involved in STEM. I love reading, being outside, and meeting new people!
Drew (he/him)
Grade: 11
Drew is a homeschooled student in his junior year of high school. He is a participant in his district’s competition archery team, enjoys tabletops, and most importantly napping. His favorite field of science is paleoecology, but any foray into Earth’s history will sate his curiosity.
Lina (she/her)
Grade: 11
I’m currently a junior in high school, and I aspire to work in either research science or forensic science when I’m older. I’ve loved science since I was a little kid, and I’m currently taking CIS Chemistry at my school and enjoying it. In my free time, I enjoy watching video essays on YouTube and reading. I’m excited to be a part of the Teen Advisory Board here at the Bell Museum and hoping to help create a community bonded through a common interest in science.
Samantha (she/her)
Grade: 10
I’m interested in biology, ecology, and engineering. However, I love learning in general and finding out how things work. I’m excited for the opportunities this position has given me, both to learn and to teach, as well as to interact with the community of the area. In my free time, I like to read, write, and draw.
Siham (she/her)
Grade: 11
My favorite subject is Psychology, as I hope to major in it in the future. I’m really excited to be a part of the TSC Board because it gives me an opportunity to engage with experts in the many fields of science. My hobbies include baking, reading, and collecting jewelry!
FAQs
What is a Teen Science Café?
Teen Science Cafés are free public programs where teens and STEM experts connect. They feature conversations, interactive presentations, and hands-on activities that explore exciting science topics in depth.
Each Café is unique to its community and is led by teens, for teens, with the guidance of an adult leader. The Bell Museum’s program will focus on climate change and will connect teens with science experts from the University of Minnesota and beyond. No prior STEM experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore.
What is the Teen Science Café Network?
TSCN is a free community of practice and support system for those offering Teen Science Café programs. TSCN Members have free access to professional development materials as well as learning and networking opportunities, including a national conference and regional affinity groups.
TSCN is supported by the National Science Foundation and strengthened by professional evaluation. Our Cafés are rooted in core values: elevating teen voice, empowering teen choice, and fostering 21st-century skills that last a lifetime.
Can parents and guardians join the event?
We value creating a space for teens to socialize and interact with teens and scientists. If adults would like to stay onsite, they can stay in the lounge of the first floor, or browse our new exhibit Wonder. Teens will be upstairs on the second floor.
Teen Science Cafe generously supported by:
