The Nebraska Science Festival begins April 1, and runs through April 30, with a myriad of science and technology-related activities.
Participating cities include Ashland, Bellevue, Denton, Grand Island, Gretna, Kearney, Lincoln, North Platte, Omaha, Raymond and Wayne.
The science festival, launched in 2012 by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, is a statewide event where participants discover the importance of science and how it is intertwined in our daily lives. Activities are interactive, relevant and fun for kids and adults.
Activities will be promoted on NeSciFest.com, as well as on Twitter (@NESciFest) and Facebook (NE SciFest). Some indoor events require the wear of masks.
Below are some of the SciFest events offered in April (times listed are CDT). To see all events (or learn if reservations or tickets are required), go to nescifest.com and click “Schedule.” Find events by date.
Public Science Expo at The Durham Museum, Omaha — a free, in-person public expo with a variety of hands-on science activities. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, tickets are required. Reserve tickets with a time reservation by visiting The Durham Museum website. April 30, 9 a.m. to noon.
King Science and Technology Magnet activities with health care, zoo and space programs; April 2, 9 a.m.-noon
Ask a Meteorologist virtual event with KETV NewsWatch 7’s Meteorologist Caitlin Harvey. Virtual event, Nebraska Science Festival Facebook page. April 28, 10-11 a.m.
Bryan Middle School STEAM Family Night — hands-on science, math, art and engineering activities for students and families to complete together. April 26, 3:15-5 p.m.
Ms. Frizzle's Wacky Science Weekend — The Magic School Bus is rolling into the Omaha Children’s Museum for a fun weekend of science and exploration. Visit a slime bar, catch science shows, make volcanoes erupt and meet Ms. Frizzle and more. Free with museum admission. April 22, 9 to 4 p.m., April 23 & 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
National Geographic Lunch and Learn live with biomedical scientist Zoltan Takacs at the Holland Center, Omaha. Ask questions related to Earth’s Deadliest Lifesavers and Zoltan Takacs career. April 20, noon.
Raptors & Rye – Learn about raptors and the science of rye at Mercury. Tickets are required due to space limitations. Event is free. Rye tasting and sampler cost is $25. April 14, 6-7 p.m.
Virtual Omaha Science Café — Discover an environment that uses sensors to assess a person’s physiological or psychological state and then adjusts (lighting, sound, projections) to help someone self-regulate. Learn about this via Zoom or livestream on the UNMC Science Cafe Facebook page (Facebook account not needed to view). April 13, 9 a.m.
Explore The Science of Memory with UNMC — Join Opera Omaha at The Benson Theater or via livestream for a new production of Eugene Onegin. The community conversation will explore the science of memory with UNMC scientists David Warren, PhD, and John O’Hara, PsyD. Free admission, but registration is required. April 12, 6 p.m.
Presented by UNMC, 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 and media sponsor KETV.
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