2026 Sketching Dead Things Report

On Saturday, February 28, BYU students and animal specimens came together at the Bean Life Science Museum for the Sketching Dead Things event. After a brief introduction and overview of the evening, participants spread out across the museum to begin sketching.

Artists used a variety of materials, including their own sketchbooks and preferred mediums, along with supplies provided by the museum such as paper, pencils, a how-to video, and touchable classroom specimens. For an hour and a half, the museum galleries filled with focused creativity as students sketched their chosen subjects.

Afterward, everyone gathered to socialize, enjoy cookies, and share their work. Another successful Sketching Dead Things event came to a close—and we’re already looking forward to the next one!

Tasia, student educator

2026 Winter Tanner Lecture with Dr. Jessica Ware

Did you know, dragonflies mate while flying in midair?

At this semester’s Tanner Lecture on Thursday, February 12th, entomologist and Curator and Division Chair of Invertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History, Jessica Ware, masterfully outlined key aspects of the evolutionary history of dragonflies.

Students, faculty, and members of the public were awed as Dr. Ware walked us through the evolution of some of the key traits that dragonflies have optimized over their 300 million year history. Dragonflies are an incredibly diverse and wonderful group of insects that can be found across the globe—everywhere from puddles in parking lots to remote jungles. In case you missed the lecture, here are 3 fun facts about dragonflies:

1. Early dragonflies during the carboniferous period could be over a foot long!
2. Dragonfly wings are optimized depending on if they are primarily “fliers” or “perchers” that spend more time resting on plants.
3. Dragonflies such as the Globe Skimmer, Pantala flavescens, will migrate thousands of kilometers!

After her lecture and the refreshments, Dr. Ware was kind enough to take a look at our very own invertebrates here at the Bean. Our Chilean Rose-Hair tarantula, Belle, was even deemed “gorgeous.” Many thanks to Dr. Ware for sharing her time and expertise with all of us here at the Bean.

Margaret, museum educator

2026 Birding Nature Experienceship

On Saturday, February 7th, Keeli Marvel, from the Utah County Birders, expertly guided 20 bird enthusiasts on the Bean Museum Birding Nature Experienceship. Keeping in mind that “the early bird catches the worm,” participants gathered at the museum before sunrise, received instructions and materials, then enthusiastically embarked on the birding adventure. Time was split between the Provo River Delta and Timpanogous golf course. Each location had many lovely species and birders made fond memories in the brisk morning.

The following species were identified: American Coot American Crow American Herring Gull American Kestrel American Pipit American Robin American Wigeon American White Pelican Bald Eagle Black-billed Magpie Black-crowned Night Heron Brewer’s Blackbird California Gull Canada Goose Canvasback Cedar Waxwing Common Goldeneye Common Merganser Gadwall Great Blue Heron Great Egret Green-winged Teal House Finch House Sparrow Killdeer Lesser Scaup Mallard Northern Harrier Northern Pintail Pied-billed Grebe Red-tailed Hawk Red-winged Blackbird Ring-billed Gull Ring-necked Pheasant Rock Pigeon Ruddy Duck Sandhill Crane Song Sparrow Western Meadowlark White-crowned Sparrow

Rachael, museum educator

2025 Fall Mystery Dinner Night Report

On November 22, 2025, 61 unsuspecting guests arrived at the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum for a seemingly normal dinner party. Mr. Bean himself welcomed them and thanked them for coming to the semi-annual event. However as dinner was winding down, a loud scream echoed through the building and they were soon informed by the resident detectives 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 Conservatory, with the porcupine quills, by none other than Mrs. White. She tried to make a break for it, but was quickly apprehended and arrested. 

The top three teams who solved the murder were rewarded and cake was served.

Amy, museum educator

Evolutionary Tree of Life Exhibit Opening

On November 20th the Bean Museum hosted a grand opening for its historic new Tree of Life exhibit. Museum Director Dr. Michael Whiting gave a few remarks and cut the ribbon, after which guests were able to take their first tours of the new exhibit. Before heading into the exhibit, each guest was able to pick out a button with an organism in the exhibit to find as they explored the Tree of Life. To begin their journey, guests watched a video explaining the making of the Tree of Life exhibit and the work of students and curators that went into its creation. They walked through deep time, beginning with the first single celled organism and witnessing the evolution of the diversity of species on planet Earth as they progressed through the halls of the exhibit. 

A distinct sense of awe and wonder was present as patrons saw first hand hundreds of beautiful insect specimens, the jar of snakes, massive crabs, giant fossils, and even a few extinct animals. It was truly a night to remember and a celebration of the hard work of students and faculty over the course of 2 years to create this amazing new exhibit. Be sure to come explore the Tree of Life for yourself on the lower level of the Bean Museum!

Margaret, museum educator

Fall 2025 University Date Night

University Date Night was truly lit as hundreds of university students visited the museum to learn about bioluminescence during the Night of Lights. Curious visitors took a deep dive into current events as they explored the different levels of the ocean in “Journey to the Hadal Zone.” Many strange and wonderful creatures made an appearance there—and we’re not just talking about the students!

Fans of the firefly squid gave it a glowing recommendation when they found it again at the button station. Many guests also left with noticeably brighter countenances after visiting the glow-in-the-dark face-paint station.

Couples flashed each other (honor code approved) with flashlights and Morse code in the Firefly Room. Clear communication can be tricky, but they found a way. We don’t know how many people met their soulmate that Friday, but we definitely saw plenty of sparks!

Arissa, education assistant

2025 Wild Edibles Nature Experienceship Report

What is there to eat on campus? There are a few obvious answers: food from restaurants at the Cougareat, meals from the dining hall, snacks from vending machines. But hiding in plain sight are some other delicious options: plants!

Led by foraging expert Tom Smith, participants in the Wild Edibles Nature Experienceship spent a Saturday morning exploring the world of edible plants. Participants picked, gathered, tasted, cooked, ground, and sampled all kinds of food that you couldn’t find at a regular grocery store. On a tour of campus, they learned to see familiar places through new eyes - learning what plants can be eaten fresh, what can be cooked into delicious sauces or jellies, how to grind flour from acorns, and how to tap syrup from trees. Tom Smith entertained us with tales of foraging from his own life, and examples of how using what’s around us can be an everyday principle.

After the excursion, the team returned to the kitchen to sample some incredible dishes. Acorn flour cookies and bread, elderberry muffins, and homemade chocolate were all a huge hit, as well as a puffball mushroom soup. 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.

Leah, museum educator