The fifth annual Nebraska Science Festival – presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center and scheduled for April 20-29 – is around the corner. And, with a multitude of science- and technology-related activities in communities across the state, it’s not too early to plan your SciFest schedule.
With more than 100 SciFest activities, there is something for every age and interest. See how a newspaper press works, make slime, try a five-course bug sampler, track a weather balloon, sample a fortified wine, make a tin can robot, learn about the solar system, discover a STEM career, watch Academy Award nominated, science-themed movies, and more. You’ll find the entire festival schedule (with details and registration links) on www.nescifest.com. Here are a few activities of interest in the Omaha-metro area:
SciFest Social Media Scavenger Hunt – April 20-29
All ages are invited to participate in the statewide SciFest Social Media Scavenger Hunt. Simply take a picture of the item in the clue and post it to Facebook (comments section), Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #nescifest. Each day, one winner will be chosen at random for a SciFest T-shirt. Winners will be contacted through direct messaging.
Pluripotent Stem Cell and Adult Stem Cell Therapy Issues and Solutions – April 21 from noon to 1 p.m.
The Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures is hosting a free lunch and learn with Mahendra Rao, M.D., Ph.D., who is internationally known for his research involving human embryonic stem cells and other somatic stem cells. His discussion is in the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education on the UNMC campus (parking available in Lot 36). RSVP required.
Mobile Fabrication Laboratory – April 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stop by the Do Space parking lot and check out Metro Community College’s PROTO lab, a fully-operational prototyping workshop on wheels! The trailer includes all the tools that are needed to make almost anything, including a number of 3-D printers, laser cutters and other high-tech equipment. Walk through the trailer and get a close-up of the equipment in operation.
STEM University at UNO – April 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha will conduct free hands-on workshops for families. Registration required. Also, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be multiple hands-on stations presented by the College of Education in an expo style event in UNO’s Roskens Hall. Students can rotate through a variety of hands-on activities such as launching a straw rocket, creating a balsa wood plane to take home, and playing with different types of robots. No registration is required for the Roskens Hall event! In addition, there will be a computer science open house in the Roskens Hall Atrium from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., which requires no registration.
Fontenelle Forest – April 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Did you know that when you visit Fontenelle Forest you have the opportunity to explore a rare and endangered ecosystem? We are proud of our historic oak woodlands and savannas, and are working to restore them to their former glory. Some of the oak trees found here are nearly 300 years old! Join us in the forest as we explore the secrets and stories of these oaks through experiments, demonstrations, stories and play. Regular admission.
Metropolitan Community College – April 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Stop by MCC's South Omaha Campus, Mahoney building for five rooms of hands-on fun! The activities encompass a variety of science disciplines including physics, chemistry and biology. Learn the scientific method and employ it during many great experiments.
Infusion Brewing Co.: SciFest beer & tours – Several dates
Try a specially-made SciFest beer, which will be available April 20-29 at both Infusion Brewing Co. locations: 6115 Maple St. and 6271 S. 118 St. Scifest fans also are invited to register in advance for tours at either location. Tours will be as follows:
Infusion Brewing Co. (Benson) tours:
- April 24 – 7 p.m.
- April 22 and 29 – 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Infusion Brewing Co. (Southwest) tours:
- April 22 and 29 – 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- April 23 -2 p.m.
Tours are $10/person, and groups are limited in size to 15. Tours include a free glass and four free beer samples during and after the tour. Reservations are appreciated.
March for Science – Omaha – April 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Join us in the March for Science – Omaha, a sister march to the March for Science taking place that day in Washington, D.C. The goal of the celebration march: For science to be understood among all, regardless of scientific background. Meet at Elmwood Park at 5:30 p.m. for an introduction, a speaker and a ‘We Love Science’ photo "booth" set up by NESciFest. The march will begin at 6 p.m. and travel from Elmwood Park to Stinson Park in Aksarben Village. Those who wish to participate in the event, but not march, may join us at 7 p.m. in Stinson Park for more family-friendly festivities.
Balloon Launch – April 24 & 25 at 8:15 a.m.
Omaha Public School students will launch science experiments into near-space (about 100,000 feet) to study the Earth's atmosphere at high altitude and its effects on several different objects. Launch attendees will receive a code to key into their smart phone to see the mission’s path. The following launches are weather dependent, but tentatively scheduled near 8:15 a.m.:
- April 24 – Hale Middle School, 6143 Whitmore St., 20 students will take part in a launch from the school grounds.
- April 25 – Bryan High School, 4700 Giles Rd, 400 students will take part in a launch from the school’s football field.
Total Solar Eclipse Lunch and Learn – April 24 from noon to 1 p.m.
On Aug. 21, the lunar shadow will cross Nebraska – marking the day of the Great American Eclipse. As the moment approaches, more and more people are asking: Where should I go? What should I do? What should I expect? How can I observe safely? Join Denis Svechkarev, Ph.D., UNMC Pharmaceutical Science and member of the Omaha Astronomical Society, in the Sorrell Center, Room 1005 (parking available in Lot 36) for a brief introduction to the eclipse basics, as well as an overview of local circumstances and safe observing tips. Solar glasses have been donated and will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
Omaha Children's Museum – April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy hands-on science experiments, science shows and dome shows all day long during our Lil’ Scientist Day. Free with admission to the museum.
The Science of Madeira at Herbe Sainte – April 25 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Join Sommelier Aaron Halbert as he presents, The Science of Madeira at this 21 and over event. Enjoy samples of the four types of Madeira as you learn about the differences, their flavor profiles, how it’s made and more. Madeira is a fortified wine available in a range of dry to sweet styles. It gets its name from the island of Madeira, a small, beautiful rock in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Tickets will be available. Space is limited.
King Science and Technology Magnet/Zoo Career Academy & 5 p.m. screening of Hidden Figures – April 25 from 6 to 8 pm
Interested in zoological architecture, aquaponics or space? Stop by King Science and Technology Magnet to see how students created or redesigned exhibits from the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, learn the benefits of using aquaponics as a way to grow food and enjoy a 30-minute trip into space via their planetarium. Families also are encouraged to attend a free screening of the Academy Award nominated film, Hidden Figures.
Hidden Figures – April 25 at 5 p.m. at King Science and Technology Magnet and 6:30 p.m. at Bryan High School, and April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Omaha North High
Families are encouraged to attend any of these free screenings of the Academy Award nominated film, Hidden Figures. Following the viewing at North High, participants are invited to join science teachers on the football field to view stars and planets through a telescope. At King Science, visitors also may view STEM projects by students.
Women in Science: A panel discussion – April 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Panelists will share their life experiences, as well as lessons learned, as they inspire others to consider STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers. Panelists include: Francesqca Jimenez of HDR Architecture, Jessica Maxwell, M.D., of the University of Nebraska Medical, Rebecca Stavick of Do Space and Nancy Williams of No More Empty Pots.
Drop-in Coding Corner – April 26 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Do you love to play video games or surf the web for cool websites? Have you heard people talking about the importance of coding, but you don’t know what that is or how to do it? Drop by the library and give it a try.
McMillan Magnet Middle School – April 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Tour students' presentations from their own research in science, architecture, math and engineering. Visitors also can participate in student-led, hands-on activities that teach science concepts and demonstrate how science can both build student reading skills and their interest in reading. McMillan is the only Nebraska middle school that is part of Project Lead the Way, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics through eight different specialized classes taught by 13 trained Project Lead the Way teachers.
Inside Out – April 27 at 8:30 p.m.
Attend a free screening of the Academy Award nominated film, Inside Out, on the green space at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs and refreshments (non-alcoholic). Prior to the movie, from 7-8 pm, SciFest fans will have an opportunity to informally visit with representatives from BHECN – The Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska – and learn more about improving access to behavioral health care across the state of Nebraska. In the case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.
Art + Science – April 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Join us as three scientists discuss topics relevant to current exhibitions at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.
- 1-2 p.m. Michael Hoff, Ph.D., the Hixon-Lied Professor of Art History at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will speak about Greek archeology and the true story of the Parthenon Marbles.
- 2-3 p.m. Sofia Jawed-Wessel, Ph.D., assistant professor in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at the University of Nebraska at Omaha will present about women's reproduction.
- 3-4 p.m. Neuroscientist Karina Blair, Ph.D., from Boys Town will speak about the science of trauma.
Presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Nebraska Science Festival is a collaboration of organizations and individuals interested in the advancement of science literacy. In addition to UNMC, other sponsors, to date, are Nebraska Medicine, Metro Credit Union, the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, Novozymes Blair, Inc., and media sponsors KETV and the Omaha World-Herald.
In addition to NeSciFest.com, you will find SciFest updates and information on Twitter (@NESciFest) and Facebook (NE SciFest).
We are Nebraska Medicine and UNMC. Our mission is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.