The seventh annual Nebraska Science Festival – presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center – runs throughout the month of April and includes an array of science- and technology-related activities in 20 communities across the state.
With more than 100+ SciFest activities, there is something for every age and interest. Gaze at the stars, discover a STEM career and learn about weather, the biology of stress and engineering. 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 Lincoln, Raymond, Denton and Nebraska City area:
Kregel Windmill Factory Museum – open throughout the month
Step inside the modest, one-story structure on Central Avenue in Nebraska City, Neb., and enter a world that few have experienced; the manufacture of windmills as tools of modern technology circa 1902. Cost: $8, adults; $5, students; 4 and under are free.
Weatherfest – April 6, 9 a.m.
Learn all about weather and the science that influences it at the 2019 Weatherfest at the Nebraska Innovation Campus. The day’s activities include visits with local weathercasters, emergency management vehicles on display and weather/climate hands-on activities/demonstrations. Storm spotter training workshop, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free admission.
Hyde Memorial Observatory – April 6, 13, 20 and 27, all 8:30 to 11 p.m.
Gaze at the stars every Saturday night. Free.
Sci-Pop Interactive – April 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A day of mystery and illusion with demonstrations, hands-on activities and interactive fun on the science behind Harry Potter and Comic Book Heroes at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum near Ashland, Neb. Guests are encouraged to come in costume of their favorite character. Cost: $12 adults, $11 military and seniors, kids 12 and under are free.
Nebraska Star Party – April 6, 2 to 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. to midnight
The Branched Oak Observatory in Raymond, Neb., will host a star party for all lovers of space science and astronomy. The observatory will be open between 2 and 4 p.m. for safe viewing of the Sun, with special telescopes. That evening, see galaxies, nebulae, star-clusters and the red planet Mars through a variety of telescopes. Free.
Oh Snap! Science – April 10, 17 and 24, all at 10:30 a.m.
Join the Lincoln Children’s Museum for a short 10-20 minute demonstration to amaze and engage kids in a range of scientific subjects and encourage kids to ask “why?” Free with museum membership or admission.
The Nature Center at Dusk – April 12, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Take in the sights and sounds of dusk at the Pioneers Park Nature Center during a guided hike experience. Register by April 10 as there is limited space. Cost: $8.50.
Third Tuesday Bird Walks – April 16, 8 to 10 a.m.
Sharpen your birding skills, meet fellow birders, and get to know the birds founds along the prairie trails during these free guided bird walks at the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center in Denton, Neb.
Power of Wind and Water Art Show – April 22-27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The annual art contest at Kimmel Education & Research Center in Nebraska City, Neb., features original art work that illustrates wind and water power.
Resilience: Film Screening and Discussion – April 23, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and also 6 to 7 p.m.
Learn about the biology of stress and the science of hope through a compelling, research-based film and reflective discussion at the Child Advocacy Center, 5025 Garland Street in Lincoln. Resilience: the Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope chronicles the use of brain science to disrupt cycles of violence, addiction and disease. Registration recommended as space is limited.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Senior Design Showcase – April 26, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Overlooking Nebraska’s iconic football field, the College of Engineering’s 2019 Senior Design Showcase will be held in the East Stadium Club of Memorial Stadium. This is the Nebraska’s premier undergraduate engineering student design event. The showcase features many student projects with real-world applications.
Lincoln Earth Day – April 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lincoln Earth Day is a free, kid-friendly event for the entire family to enjoy at the Jane Synder Trails Center at Union Plaza, N 21st Street in Lincoln. Enjoy musical performances, hands-on demonstrations, food trucks, green vehicles and more.
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 Metro Credit Union, the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, and media sponsors KETV and the Omaha World-Herald.
To learn more about SciFest, and to see the full schedule, go to: www.nescifest.com. 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.
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Nebraska Science Festival highlights in Lincoln, Nebraska City area
