The fourth annual Nebraska Science Festival – presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center and scheduled for April 15-23 – 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 schedule on www.nescifest.com, including these activities of interest in the Lincoln, Denton, Jansen, Raymond and Ashland area:
- NE SciFest Star Party at Branched Oak Observatory – April 15 from 8 to 11 p.m.
In celebration of the Nebraska Science Festival, 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. Your view of the universe may never be the same. As always, Branched Oak Observatory events are absolutely free of charge, open to the general public, and wonderful for the entire family. For more information, visit their website.
- Strategic Air and Space Museum: Science of Music – April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visualize sounds in exciting and engaging ways. The Science of Music will feature both live bands, including the USAF Heartland of America Band, and museum educators who will perform scientific demonstrations of how music can be created with everyday items. These demonstrations are performed using scientific effects of vibrations, waves and dancing flames on water. Younger visitors will get a chance to make their own mini-guitar to take home with them. Science of Music is sponsored by Midlands Community Foundation.
- Ploughshare Brewing Co.: The Biochemistry of Beer Making – April 17, 18, 19, 20 – each day from 5 to 6 p.m.
Learn the biochemistry of beer making during this ADA accessible brewery tour. Visitors will learn more about our brewing process with poster stations describing the chemical and biological processes associated with MASHING (enzymatic conversion of cereal starches to sugars and dextrins), BOILING (precipitation reactions, hop oil isomerization), and FERMENTATION (yeast growth and fermentation phases, metabolic processes leading to production of alcohol, CO2, esters, phenols, and other flavor compounds).
- UNL Weatherfest – April 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, the 16th annual Weatherfest offers activities for all ages. Past Weatherfest events have included weather-balloon launches, tornado generators, search and rescue teams with equipment on-site, interactive displays, and weather- and science-related exhibits – all with the purpose of educating the public about weather and science in general. Local area weathercasters will be on hand and visitors will be able to try out their weathercasting skills in the Weatherfest Weather Studio. There will be emergency management vehicles and equipment on site, and scientists will give talks on weather and climate topics in the auditorium of Hardin Hall. The public is invited to participate in a storm spotter training workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Parking and admission are free.
- Words 4 Birds at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center – April 17 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Nebraska State Poet Twyla Hansen and Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center invite you to celebrate nature, birds, and National Poetry Month at our first ever Words 4 Birds. Writing workshops (registration is required) will be followed by a "bring-your-own" picnic on the prairie. The day will finish up with readings by local poets. Visit their website for details, the day’s schedule and to register.
- Astronomy Day – April 17 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Join Mueller Planetarium at Morrill Hall for "Astronomy Day." Interact with astronomers, engineers and physicists to learn about planets, optics, telescopes, space travel, nanotechnology and more. Mueller Planetarium also will present full-dome shows as part of the event. Regular museum and planetarium admission.
- Lincoln Children’s Museum STEAM Sunday: Sheldon Museum of Art – April 17 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on activities thanks to the help of our community partners. Discounted admission with a SciFest ticket (available at nescifest.com).
- T.H.O.R. (The Heartland Organization of Rocketry) – April 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us for a high-power rocket launch. This free event takes place on private land 2.5 miles east of Jansen.
- UNL SciPop Interactive – April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Join science outreach groups on the plaza adjacent to the Adele Coryell Hall Learning Commons (UNL City Campus) for interactive activities featuring the physics of Harry Potter, the chemistry of sustainability, virtual reality, and more. This is an outdoor event, but in the case of inclement weather will move to space in, and under, a covered walkway. For more information about SciPop Talks, visit their website (http://unl.libguides.com/scipoptalks).
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 include the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, Nebraska Medicine, Metro Credit Union, 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).