The 2014 Nebraska Science Festival had something for everyone.
Adults sipped a special Belgian Hibiscus beer (yes, it was pink), asked questions of a stem cell scientist, sat inside electric cars and learned the science of bacon and wine.
Toddlers and teens launched soda rockets, touched a sheep heart, made rubber balls, ate spoonfuls of a special SciFest ice cream and went on nature hikes.
And, that only scratched the surface of the four-day Nebraska Science Festival, which drew approximately 12,000 people to 30 venues in such cities as Omaha, Lincoln, Ashland, Kearney and Wayne.
For the second year, SciFest fans enjoyed hands-on activities, talks, tours, nature experiences, exhibits, performances and other science-related events. Presented by UNMC, the festival is designed to make science accessible, interactive, relevant and fun for kids and adults alike.
“Every day, I heard kids and adults say, ‘whoa, this is awesome,’” said Kacie Gerard, science outreach programs coordinator at UNMC and organizer of the Nebraska Science Festival.
“Watching them enjoy science and learning made me say, yes, this is awesome.”
During his free keynote presentation, Jeff Corwin – executive producer and host of the award-winning weekly series, Ocean Mysteries – explained the importance of environmental conservation by showcasing an American boa constrictor and such keystone species as an alligator snapping turtle, cane toad and American alligator.
Back this year was the Dancing Scientist, aka Jeffrey Vinokur, whose chemistry demonstrations – set to hip-hop music and done while dancing – educated and entertained thousands of SciFest fans.
Elsewhere, the Omaha Children’s Museum’s Mad Scientist made mega foam explode from a tiny beaker and Michael Sibbernsen of the Strategic Air & Space Museum made kids’ hair stand on end with an electrostatic generator. Whatever the site or activity, SciFest fans discovered the broad impact science has in everyday life.
In addition to UNMC, sponsors included the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures and media sponsors KETV and the Omaha World-Herald.
Planning already is underway for the 2015 Festival, which runs from April 10-18.
View photos and a video from this year’s Nebraska Science Festival at www.nescifest.com.