Field Trips

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) is excited to welcome as many K-12 students to campus as possible. We are always happy to meet and help future engineers, scientists, and community leaders discover their interests in STEM.

School group visits

Cool Chemistry

• Cool Chemistry offers an opportunity to explore the wonders of chemistry with the Chemistry Chapter of Women in Science and Engineering (WISE).
• Girls in grades 6, 7 and 8
• Visit the Cool Chemistry website for more information.

Energy and U shows

• These fun and interactive shows use explosions, flames, flying pop bottles, music, and dancing to help youth learn the first law of thermodynamics, the scale of world energy use, and the significant energy challenges that we face. Hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.
• Grades 3-6
• Visit the Energy and U website for more information.

Physics Force

• Group of wild and crazy physicists who use highly visual and entertaining stunts to teach the elements of their science; annual Physics Circus shows in the winter, performances at the State Fair and many other venues. Hosted by the School of Physics and Astronomy.
• Grades K-12
• Visit the Physics Force website for more information. 

Additionally, school groups and youth organizations are invited to participate in an engineering challenge, tour a research laboratory, learn about the college experience from undergraduate students, and more through customized field trip experiences.

To request a field trip to the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (CSE), complete the field trip request form. For assistance with planning your visit, contact [email protected].

Special departmental offerings

Several departments and research groups offer on-campus experience opportunities and schedule them directly through their websites. Read the descriptions below for more information.

Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering department

• Enjoy tours, demos, and hands-on activities for groups interested in bioproducts and biosystems engineering, including: biofuels, nanotechnology, environmental sensors, biofilters, food safety, energy systems, water quality, mycology, and much more!
• Grades 6-12
• Contact: [email protected]

Chemists in the Classroom

• Chemistry demonstrations hosted at your school or on the University of Minnesota campus illustrate important chemical principles with age-appropriate explanations. Hands-on experimentation may sometimes be offered. For older students, discussions about careers in chemistry can also be included.
• Grades K-12
• More information about Chemists in the Classroom

Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering department

• Tour an award-winning facility seven floors underground with laboratories studying safe and sustainable structures, innovative transportation systems, and fluid flow that address society's challenges like climate change, population growth, and renewable energy. Schedule a tour of the Civil Engineering Building and research facilities. We will work with you to create a custom visit for your group. Alternatively, you could have the CEGE Student Ambassadors visit your classroom—virtually or in-person. A visit to CEGE can include; hands-on classroom activities and demonstrations led by current UMN students, research facility tours, or interaction with CEGE faculty and undergraduate students
• Grades K-12
• Contact: [email protected]
• More information about CEGE field trips

Minnesota Nano Center 

• Tours of the Nano Center, including the new state-of-the-art cleanroom, and demonstrations on the science and applications of nanotechnology.
• Grades 9-12
• Contact: Dr. Jim Marti (Senior Scientist and Outreach Coordinator) [email protected]

Minnesota Robotics Institute 

• Come see robots in action at our new state-of-the-art robotics research labs in Shepherd Laboratories. The 20,000-square-foot space includes nine flexible robotics labs and various work spaces—one lab is two-stories high to accommodate flying robots; other labs are home to underwater and ground robots.
• Grades: K-12
• Contact: [email protected]
• More information about Shepherd Lab & Tours