Lincoln and surrounding communities are hosting Nebraska Science Festival events this year, giving residents of all ages an opportunity to explore the wonders of science.
“We’re thrilled to have the Lincoln community involved in this year’s Science Festival,” said Kacie Baum, a member of the Festival’s Advisory Board. “If you love science, want to learn more or are looking for a family-friendly event, be sure to take part in the Nebraska Science Festival. There’s definitely something for everyone.”
The 2014 Festival will kick off on Thursday, April 24 when Nebraska Wesleyan University hosts the first Nebraska Science Festival Teachers’ Night. A handful of exhibitors will share their programming and educational support for the region. The “Dancing Scientist” will perform short demonstrations.
During this year’s Festival, which runs April 24-27, there is an array of activities planned. Families are encouraged to visit the Nebraska State Museum-Morrill Hall to see the Smithsonian exhibit Titanoboa: Monster Snake. There, visitors will learn about the discovery, reconstruction and implications of this enormous reptile, which measured 48 feet long and weighed up to 2,500 pounds.
On April 25, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, SciFest attendees can hear from Olympic Bobsled medalist Curtis Tomasevicz, a UNL electrical engineering alum. His presentation highlights E-week, a tradition since 1913 that recognizes and rewards the accomplishments of engineers.
Scientist and cancer survivor Paul Knoepfler, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, will discuss stem cell science on April 25 at the Nebraska Champions Club. Dr. Knoepfler will discuss and answer questions about stem cell science that will help attendees distinguish between false hype and legitimate hope.
On April 26 and 27, the Lincoln Children’s Museum will entertain and educate visitors with their Mad Scientist Show and a 360-degree science program in the Discovery Dome Planetarium. Visitors also will see their newest permanent exhibit and meet Pickle, a robot made by kids for kids.
Stop by the Lincoln Children’s Zoo April 26 and 27 to participate in hands-on learning stations focused on animals, nature and science.
If you’re curious about electric cars, you can talk with Lincoln and Omaha Tesla Motor owners on April 26 as they showcase Tesla-produced electric cars in the parking lot of the Strategic Air and Space Museum near Ashland, Neb.
While there, head inside the Strategic Air & Space Museum (both on April 26 & 27) and discover the 60 Days of Science exhibit, which allows you to take the power of basic science principals and connect them to experiences that spark innovation and discovery. You might blow a hole through a pop can using just atmospheric pressure, make invisible ink or a magnetogram, float on air on a hovercraft, watch a demonstration of burning elements (fireworks) with diffraction lens glasses and more.
Love rockets? Then head to Jansen, Neb., to watch the Heartland Organization of Rocketry’s first large rocket launch of the year. See commercial motors on April 26 and research launches on April 27.
To find out more about these Festival events – as well as activities in Kearney, Wayne and Omaha –visit the Festival’s website at www.nescifest.com, “like” the Festival on Facebook and follow the Festival on Twitter.
About the Nebraska Science Festival
The Nebraska Science Festival is a four-day series of events designed to make science accessible, interactive, relevant and fun for kids and adults alike. Presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), the Nebraska Science Festival is a collaboration of organizations and individuals interested in the advancement of science literacy. Now in its second year, organizers intend for festival programming to eventually stretch across the state.
In addition to UNMC, other sponsors include The Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures and media sponsors KETV and the Omaha World-Herald.