2024 Fall Trivia Night Report

On October 19 and November 16th, we had our popular trivia night here at the Bean Museum! Our October theme was centered around Halloween. Questions ranged from deadly decomposers to frightening fables and even included a horror movie trivia speed round! Participants sat next to specimens that they believed could scare the other teams. During this event, participants were shocked to learn about the grim truth of fungi and the romantic history behind bobbing for apples. The winners of this event won due to their knowledge of some of Hollywood's most iconic horror movies. They slashed out their competition and won some coveted Bean Museum bucket hats to prove it.   

November’s trivia night was a super event all about superpowers and superheroes! Participants were challenged with questions about real superpowers that both animals and plants possess and knowledge of their favorite superheroes. Everyone learned about exploding trees, and fruits, and the super strength of ants. Both of these events gave cookies to everyone as a consolation prize. Both of these events were completely sold out, and people were asking when the next event was going to be! Both of these nights were beyond exciting here at the Bean Museum.

Angie, museum educator

2024 Fall Mystery Dinner Party Report

Museum employees after a successful event.

On November 9, 2024, 61 unsuspecting guests arrived at the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum for a seemingly normal dinner party. However as dinner was winding down, a loud scream echoed through the building and they were soon informed that Mr. Bean had been murdered. An investigation was soon under way. 

After guests raced around the museum to solve riddles and interrogate suspects, it came to light that the murder was done in the dining room, with a hippo tusk, by none other than Colonel Mustard. He tried to make a break for it, but was quickly apprehended and arrested by the detectives present at the event. 

When asked why he committed the murder, he admitted to intense jealousy for Mr. Bean’s large collection of animals. The top three teams who solved the murder were rewarded and cake was served.

A couple solving Ms. Scarlet’s riddle.

A group solving Ms. Peacock’s riddle.

The culprit being arrested for his crimes.

Amy, museum educator

2024 Halloween Night Report

You’ve probably heard of Family Home Evening, but have you heard of Family Out Evening? At the Bean Life Science Museum, for Halloween Family Night? Held annually, this year’s event was once again a success.

The night’s activities featured creative balloon animal creations, story time, visiting with our live tarantulas, crafts, and collectable stamps to spin a wheel to win some neat prizes. 

Visitors could also help make a ‘potion’ in our elephant-foot-cauldron by selecting magic specimens from a wizard’s collection of potion ingredients, including newts and toads preserved in jars and bats and snake skins for extra ‘flavor.’

The highlight of the night may have been the Spooky Shows in our downstairs auditorium featuring halloween animal facts, howling along like wolves, lots of participation and laughter, and even a ‘missing’ live tarantula. 

It’s no hoax to say that both our museum educators and museum patrons all had a delightful, fun, and spooky evening!

Suzy, museum educator

2024 Fall Sketching Dead Things Report

On October 12th, 2024, the Bean Life Science Museum hosted their first ever drawing night, titled “Sketching Dead Things.” The night began with a brief introduction before the patrons were let loose to wander the Museum and sketch whatever specimens they would like. The educators provided helpful feedback and advice to those who asked for it and everyone had a great time. 

Throughout the event, guests had the opportunity to visit the classroom which had specimens on display from the education collection and a slideshow with simple sketching tips and ideas. The event ended with a gallery walk, where guests had the opportunity to show off what they sketched and to see what others drew as well. Many guests were very excited about the event and said they hope the Bean hosts another soon. 

Audrey Gordon, student educator

2024 Wild Edibles Report

A yellow flower in a landscaping bed. Red and blue berries on a hedge. Acorns fallen from the trees lining the campus sidewalks. These might just look like normal plants, but to participants in last Saturday’s Wild Edibles experienceship, they also look quite tasty! 

Led by foraging expert Tom Smith, our experienceship participants picked, gathered, tasted, cooked, ground, and sampled all kinds of food that you couldn’t find at a regular grocery store. After a brief introduction to the expansive field of foraging, our participants were led on a tour of campus, seeing familiar places through entirely new eyes. They learned what plants could be eaten fresh, what could be cooked into delicious sauces or jellies, and also which plants to avoid at all costs. They even collected their own bags of food to take home.

After the excursion, the team returned to the kitchen to sample some incredible dishes that Tom Smith had prepared. Acorn flour cookies, bread with Oregon grape jam, elderberry muffins, and homemade chocolate were all a huge hit, as well as a beef stew seasoned with juniper. Sage extract bubbled in a steam diffuser, and a casserole made of purslane baked in the oven. New tastes and smells were experienced by all, and participants had an unforgettable morning learning what wonderful things there are to eat all around us.

Photo credit: Ellie Lewis, Daily Universe

Leah, museum educator

2024 Insect Nature Experienceship Report

     On Saturday, September 21, 2024 the Bean Life Science Museum along with insect specialist Dr. Shawn Clark, hosted a hands-on insect catching experience. After a brief introduction of the event, patrons were taken on a tour of the insect collection located in the Bean Museum. Patrons were given the opportunity to see various insects from around the world, and hear facts about each specimen.

    After the tour guests loaded up into vans and the group drove to Lower Hobble Creek to explore the diverse riparian ecosystem. After a quick description of different nets and catching techniques, each participant was given a net and a vial of alcohol to preserve any insects they collected. With the guidance of Dr. Clark patrons quickly learned how to catch and preserve the various species of insects that they caught. Dr. Clark offered those interested the chance to mount their catches or even donate them to the Bean Museum’s collection. This event was a great success, and patrons were left with a greater appreciation for insect diversity and the planet they call home.

Courtney Thomas, educator

Exclusive Bean Museum Stickers!

Our exclusive Fall 2024 Bean Museum sticker is available now at the museum! Ask an educator about the sticker to receive one along with a list of all our events happening this semester. Come back again in a month or two for our Halloween Night sticker, available only at the Bean Museum. Both sticker designs were printed by uprinting.com.