The sixth annual Nebraska Science Festival – presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center and scheduled for April 19-28 – 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.
You’ll find the entire festival schedule (with details and registration links) on www.nescifest.com, including these activities of interest in the Lincoln, Raymond and Ashland area:
NJAS State Science Competition – April 19
The Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences returns with its annual State Science Competition at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Free.
Morrill Hall – April 19-28
—Experience ‘Nano’ – In this interactive exhibition, the entire family is engaged in nanoscale science, engineering and technology. The 400-square-foot exhibit lets you listen, look and touch to discover a world too small to see. Regular admission.
—Guts & Glory: A Parasite Story – Enjoy this temporary exhibit exploring the complex relationships of parasites and their hosts. Participate as a scientist to learn "why" and "how" research is conducted on the most common mode of life on Earth – parasitism. Regular admission.
Lincoln Children’s Museum
–Super Sprouts – 10 a.m. on April 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27 – Toddlers, preschoolers and their caring adults will practice fine and gross motor skills, hear and interact with silly stories and songs, make new friends and most importantly, PLAY! Join us for special science-themed activities during NE SciFest. Free with daily admission or a museum membership.
—Full STEAM Ahead – 2 p.m. on April 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27 – Elementary-aged children will engage with STEAM concepts through a hands-on activity or guided demonstration. Free with daily admission or a museum membership.
Maiben Memorial Lecture by Thomas Clemente, Ph.D. – April 20, 11 a.m.
The 129th annual meeting of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences features presentations of research by professionals, graduate students and undergraduate students from across Nebraska. The Maiben Lecture (keynote) will feature Thomas Clemente, Ph.D., Eugene W. Price Professor of Biotechnology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Free.
Nebraska Science Olympiad – April 21, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Nebraska Science Olympiad is a national science program with high school and middle school students competing in such areas as anatomy, ecology, herpetology, material science and engineering. Winning teams advance to the national tournament. Teams compete on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus. Spectators are invited to view the public events, such as engineering events, the 8 a.m. opening ceremony and the 5 p.m. closing ceremony. Free.
SciPop Interactive at Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum – April 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Discover a day of mystery and illusion with demonstrations, hands-on activities and interactive fun on the science behind Harry Potter and comic book heroes. Live-action role-playing participants will entertain the public. Guests are encouraged to come in costume of their favorite character. This event is in partnership with the University of Nebraska. Free for ages 12 and under; general admission for adults: $12 for adults, and $11 for military/seniors.
NE SciFest Star Party at Branched Oak Observatory – April 21, 8 to 10 p.m.
Branched Oak Observatory will open its gates to science and astronomy enthusiasts throughout the state. See celestial wonders like star clusters, galaxies, nebulae, and planets, through a variety of different sized telescopes. Free.
Earth Day BioBlitz – April 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A BioBlitz is a 24-hour event in which teams of volunteer scientists, families, students, teachers and other community members, work together to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms as possible. Join us at the Wildlife Safari Park to participate in mammal counting, butterfly netting, bug viewing and plant and tree discovering. Stay a few minutes or all day. Guests also are welcome to join us on April 21 for a BioBlitz Campout ($40 per person). The BioBlitz event itself is free for Wildlife Safari Park members or with paid Wildlife Safari Park admission.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo "Earth Day & Party for the Planet" – April 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Say hello to your favorite animal friends and watch a show on the Animal Encounter Stage. Regular admission.
Nebraska Engineering Senior Design Showcase – April 27, 1 to 3:30 pm
Stop by the 2018 Senior Design Showcase – overlooking Nebraska's iconic football field in Memorial Stadium – and browse the new and innovative projects from graduating Nebraska engineering students, vote on your favorite project for the People’s Choice Award and tour the Nebraska Athletic Performance Lab and Memorial Stadium. Free.
Lincoln Children’s Museum "LES Super STEAM weekend" – April 28-29
Join Lincoln Electric System (LES) and the Lincoln Children’s Museum for Super STEAM Weekend! On April 28 from 10 a.m. to noon, you'll see an LES bucket truck up close. You'll also learn about the tools they use on the job and can try on a uniform to join the crew! On April 29, you'll learn about electricity and create power yourself with one of their hand-crank generators. Regular admission.
Lincoln Earth Day – April 28, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Join in the fun at Union Plaza on 21st Street between O St and Q St in Lincoln. Free. Visit the SciFest website for more information, including a schedule of events.
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 the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, Metro Credit Union, NEST 529 College Savings, Metropolitan Community College 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).