Nebraska Science Festival highlights in Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney area

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. Enjoy the wonders of science while learning about raptors, agriculture, craft beer and constellations. 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 Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney area:
 
Constellations of the Southern Sky – April 5 at 7 p.m. and again at 8 p.m.
Join Dr. Joel Berrier as he presents, " Constellations of the Southern Sky" at the University of Nebraska at Kearney planetarium, 2401 11th Ave., in Kearney. Free.
 
Open Book Club – "This Blessed Earth" – April 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Sponsored by the Kearney Public Library, the club will discuss "This Blessed Earth" by Ted Genoways. Open to anyone 18 and over. No registration required.
 
The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer
Visit the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island to see the railroad exhibit; take a blacksmith class April 6-7 (register online) or see flora, fauna and feed the ducks onsite at Hornady Family Arbor.
 
Edgerton Explorit Center
The Edgerton Explorit Center in Aurora, Neb., instills the joy of scientific discovery and exploration through hands-on learning experiences. Cost: $7 per person.
 
Hastings Museum: Nature Nook
Explore Nebraska’s environments up close: prairies, wetlands, rivers, agricultural habitats and more through an interactive journey! Cost is $8, adults; $7, seniors; and $6, child.
 
Kearney Public Library
The library will host a variety of activities including a STEM night (April 10) for elementary-aged children, LEGO time (April 18) and talon talk (April 24).
 
SkillsUSA Nebraska Leadership & Skills Conference – April 12, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The state championships showcase the best career and technical students as students work against the clock and each other to prove their expertise in more than 180 contests. The event is held at the Heartland Events Center & Fonner Park in Grand Island. 
 
Downtown "Do The Brew" – April 27, 5 to 8 p.m.
This craft beer tasting event in downtown Hastings features over 100 craft beers from more than 60 different state, regional and national breweries. Participants will learn the process of creating such unique craft beers. Purchase tickets online.
 
Bader Memorial Park Bird Hike – April 27 at 7 a.m.
Join the Bader Memorial Park team in Chapman, Neb., for a leisurely, 90-minute hike. Free for all ages.
 
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).
 
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