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. Each bag is hand-packed by volunteers and contains 4-5 different activities, including access to digital resources. In 2024, partners including Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom, the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Alliant Energy, and Code to Connect contributed kits to the bags. With their help, 2,000 kits were distributed across the state using the South Central Library Distribution Service!

To request Science in a Bag kits for distribution at your library, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

How to get a FREE Science in a Bag STEM kit?

Stop by participating library locations (search ‘Science in a Bag’ on our event page or search by your location) during the dates of our festival, October 16-26, during regular library hours to get a free Science in a Bag STEM Kit courtesy of the Wisconsin Science Festival. 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.

• Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom
• Alliant Energy
• Ice Age Trail Alliance
• Morgridge Institute for Research Community Engagement
• WI Department of Natural Resources – Snapshot Wisconsin
• Code to Connect at UW-Madison
• Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at UW-Madison
• Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
• Wisconsin South Central Library System Delivery Services

The 2025 Wisconsin Science Festival Science in a Bag library application will open April 24th. Please check back here on or after April 24th for access to the application form!

Banner image by Ueda Photography.