STEM Inspiration Stations

Most groups choose to bring us in for 1.5-2 hours. If your event is much shorter or longer, let us know. We may be able to guide you toward an assembly or workshop that will work better for your group.

The typical time it takes a family to move through each package:

Small = about 30 min

Medium = about 45 min

Large and Extra Large = about 1 hr

All our activities are designed with elementary-age students and their families in mind. Unfortunately, we don't offer activities well-suited for kids under 5 without significant supervision.

Our staff will arrive one hour before the start of an event that has booked a small or medium package and an hour and a half before the start of an event for a large or extra-large package.

30 minutes before a small or medium event and 45 minutes before the start of a large event, we will need all volunteers (one for each table) present to be trained on their activities.

Please provide one table for every activity plus one additional table. Some activities work best when participants can sit, so please have a handful of chairs on hand. We typically do these activities in one large room, like a gymnasium or cafeteria. If you need to split the activities into separate spaces, please let us know during the booking process, as we may require additional volunteers or setup time.

If adding an assembly or demos, please provide a large open space for our educators to create a small "performance space" with students sitting on the floor to create an "audience." Typically, we perform assemblies in a gym or cafeteria, while demos can usually work in a classroom or library. Some demos and assemblies require access to power near the performance space and water in the building.

We typically send 1-3 educators to an event to set up the activities, train volunteers, troubleshoot and assist during the event, and clean up at the end. The volunteers facilitate the activities during the event. Volunteers enhance the learning and fun factor of each activity. It also helps everyone stay safe. Don't worry; volunteers don't need to have a Ph.D. in Astrophysics. They need to be enthusiastic about working with kids and ready to learn! Our staff will cover all the necessary training and ensure your volunteers feel comfortable facilitating their activity.

30 minutes before a small or medium event and 45 minutes before the start of a large event, we will need all volunteers (one for each table) present to be trained on their activities. Volunteers must be 14 or older, and each table must have a volunteer present.

If on the night of the event, you cannot provide as many volunteers as requested tables, we can only set up as many activities as you have volunteers, and you are still required to pay the total price. If you are worried about providing volunteers, let us know, and we can guide you toward an a la carte option or suggest adding an assembly, workshop, or demo.

Volunteers can be anyone from your community who is a science fan and enjoys interacting with kids and families. They must be at least 14 years of age. They can be students from your nearby high school or college seeking volunteer hours, parents of students from your school, or even teachers from the school. In any case, these volunteers are members of your community who are capable and enthusiastic mentors for the next generation of scientists and innovators.

A La Carte selection might be right for you if you cannot recruit and provide volunteers to help staff the tables. This way, educators from The Bakken Museum will fill the activity facilitator role.

Inspiration Stations - cost $75/hr per table + $25 setup fee

Repeating Science Demos

Assembly Shows

Most of our activities are not designed to work outdoors. However, if you would like us to attend your outdoor event, let us know, and we'll work with you to find activities that will fit your needs. Most often, participation in an outdoor event would be limited to 1-2 A La Carte table activities.

We prefer it! Besides, this is your event, so make the most of it! We love joining in the fun and seeing friends from other STEM and Education organizations. If you have other partners at the event, please let us know who they are or what they are bringing, so we can avoid overlapping activities.