As we head into another weekend of the Atlanta Science Festival, there’s still so much to do and learn. Many of these events, which continue through March 25, are so much fun that you might not even notice you’re learning something new.
Now in its 10th year, the festival explores the intersection of science, technology, engineering and math with the food, nature and the arts. It’s an enlightening and entertaining way to learn about the many ways science is woven into our everyday lives.
“What we really try to do is connect science to things that everybody is interested in because not everyone is not interested in science, or they think they’re not,” said festival co-founder Meisa Salaita on our weekly Go Atlanta podcast recently (listen below). “But they’re interested in fashion … or they’re interested in food, and we can tell you how science is connected to that.”
Among Saturday’s events are the Southside River Rendezvous, which takes a look at some hidden features of the Chattahoochee, Flint, and South rivers. And at Decatur’s Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, participants can go on a Salamander Stroll to witness wildlife with experts from the Amphibian Foundation. In McDonough, “A Berry Sweet Experience” will take a look at molecular gastronomy.
Credit: Rob Felt
Credit: Rob Felt
On Sunday, the Paideia School will host the Family Science Carnival, where classic science experiments will get mashed up with beloved carnival games. You can also explore the Wylde Center’s Oakhurst Garden in Decatur, including a behind the scenes tour of their greenhouse and a chance to taste honey from the center’s beehives.
Throughout the week, there are opportunities to learn and be entertained. At the Alliance Theatre, “Roob and Noob” is an interactive adventure which follows two curious scientists as they build machines from simple objects, highlighting the importance of learning through simply playing. The show takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Also on Tuesday at the GSU Perimeter College Clarkston Campus, take a groovy trip back in time to “The Psychedelic 60s” with an exploration of 10 scientific achievements from that decade along with a chance to make your own “moon rocks”, psychedelic lava lamps and color changing flowers.
At the Peachtree Library, the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy will present “Germ Busters,” which will show participants how to make hand sanitizer and offer a look at different pharmacy careers and how to prepare for them.
Credit: Rob Felt
Credit: Rob Felt
There are events aimed at adults, too, including “Jazz Hands: A Science Comedy Event.” The festival’s brochure asserts that scientists are funny, noting that “because we’re scientists, we’ve got data to back that statement up.” This event is for ages 21 and up and happens at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the World Studio at Zoo Atlanta. And 7:30 p.m. Friday night at Arches Brewing in Hapeville, “Solve for X” is a science variety show where professional artists will do short performances inspired by science and scientists take on improv comedy.
Friday brings chances to explore the Doll’s Head Trail at Constitution Lakes and the wildflowers in Fernbank Forest. That’s the day to look to the skies, too, as the Dunwoody Observatory hosts “Stars, the Moon and Other Out of This World Awesomeness.”
Credit: Rob Felt
Credit: Rob Felt
For those unable to venture out, there are virtual events. On Thursday night, join science journalists and authors Bethany Brookshire and Maryn McKenna online as they discuss Brookshire’s new book “Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains.” Register for the event on the science festival’s website.
It all culminates with the Exploration Expo on Saturday, March 25, when everyone is invited to Piedmont Park to celebrate science. The free, daylong event promises that you’ll be able to smell outer space, 3-D print your own bones, get a look inside a jet engine, control a robot with your brain and so much more. You can also meet frogs, lizards, snakes and, of course, scientists.
IF YOU GO
Atlanta Science Festival
Through March 25. At venues all across metro Atlanta. The festival concludes with the Exploration Expo at Piedmont Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance to the free expo is at the Charles Allen Gate at 10th Street and Charles Allen Drive. For details on all festival events, visit atlantasciencefestival.org.
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