The third annual Nebraska Science Festival – presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center and scheduled for April 10-18 – is still a few weeks away. But, 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 schedule on www.nescifest.com, including these free activities of interest:
- Florence Branch Library – April 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. Children are invited to explore the exciting world of science! Guest instructor and experienced teacher Ms. Ziegler encourages a hands-on learning approach and the importance of recording observations. This program, Florence Science Club 3rd and up, is geared for the reading child who is comfortable following instructions and working with minimal guidance. If your child is highly motivated, but not in third grade yet, we encourage you to give us a call. Registration is required. For more information and to register, contact Paige G. Wagner, youth services librarian, at 402-444-5299.
- McMillan Magnet Center – April 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. McMillan Magnet Center, 3802 Redick Ave., will host a student-led, interactive evening of science. Attendees of all ages will enjoy physics, forensics, engineering and other science activities led by McMillan students and community partners. We also will have tables for guests to explorer careers and opportunities related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). As Nebraska’s only PLTW (Project Lead The Way) middle school, we look forward to demonstrating the many opportunities in STEM.
- Public Science Expo – April 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Durham Museum. There will be a wide variety of booths and hands-on activities to promote science and its impact in our everyday lives (see listing of booths on our website). You especially won’t want to miss the MEGA Brain, which measures approximately 18 feet long by 14 feet wide by 12 feet high. This giant exhibit, provided by Medical Inflatable Exhibits, provides visitors with a highly interactive educational experience about the central nervous system's most critical organ. Visitors enter the exhibit through the frontal lobe and exit through the cerebellum. Throughout the tour, visitors will learn about the various brain structures and normal brain function, observe examples of brain trauma and disease, and view displays explaining some of the latest neurological medical technologies such as brain imaging. Free museum admission with an NE SciFest ticket (available on our website).
- Omaha AHEC 8th grade Award Competition – April 11 from 9 a.m. to noon. The Omaha Area Health Education Center invites the public to Omaha North High School, 4410 N 36th St., (Haddox Center) to observe eighth grade Science Fair participants run through their project presentations. Science presentations and hands-on activities will be facilitated. Awards will be given out later in the day. Awardees will be guaranteed a slot in the State Science meet.
The Nebraska Science Festival is a collaboration of organizations and individuals interested in the advancement of science literacy. The Science Festival is designed to make science accessible, interactive, relevant and fun for kids and adults alike. In addition to UNMC, other sponsors, to date, include Nebraska Medicine, the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, Metro Credit Union, HDR, West Corporation and media sponsors KETV and the Omaha World-Herald.
For the full schedule of SciFest activities and participating sites, visit us on the web: www.nescifest.com. For additional info and updates, visit us on Twitter (@NESciFest) or Facebook (NE SciFest).
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu and follow us on social media.