What is Science in a Bag?

First introduced in 2021, the Science in a Bag program provides free take-home kits filled with hands-on activities, which are available for pick-up at libraries throughout Wisconsin. This program is presented by the Wisconsin Science Festival in partnership with the Morgridge Institute for Research. Each bag is hand-packed by volunteers and contains up to six different activities, in addition to access to digital resources to expand the Science in a Bag experience. In 2025, partners including Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom, the Ice Age Trail Alliance, PPG, Alliant Energy, and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin contributed kits to the bags. With their help, 3,000 kits were distributed throughout the state thanks to the South Central Library Distribution Service. Check out all the sites that received and distributed bags in 2025 below!

What does the Science in a Bag program mean for your library?

The Science in a Bag program provides free, hands-on STEAM kits to libraries all across Wisconsin. By offering free, take-home STEAM kits, libraries can reach patrons of all ages with engaging, accessible activities that spark curiosity and creativity. This program helps bridge gaps in access to educational resources, supports lifelong learning, and reinforces the library’s role as an inclusive community space where science and exploration are available to everyone, while being an easy way to engage with the Wisconsin Science Festival as an event host.

See below for testimonials and learn more about how to apply to be a Science in a Bag pick-up site!

Stop by participating library locations (filter for ‘Science in a Bag’ on our event page, search by your location, or find a site using the interactive map above and linked below) during the dates of our festival, October 15-25, during regular library hours to get a free Science in a Bag STEM Kit courtesy of the Wisconsin Science Festival while supplies last. Actual pick-up dates and times may vary by location. Please check the individual event page for the library of interest to see the times they will have kits available for pick-up. Activities are generally appropriate for students grades K-8 and feature science and research happening in the state of Wisconsin.

In addition, visit the SCIENCE IN A BAG DIGITAL RESOURCES DASHBOARD for further instructions and bonus activities related to the Science in a Bag kits! Before beginning Science in a Bag activities, please get permission from a responsible adult. Link to the resources dashboard will be available closer to the start of the festival.

Don’t forget to let us know what you thought of your science fun by completing our short feedback form!

For more science fun check out events happening in your area during the Wisconsin Science Festival or join our email list to be notified about future events.