Do you remember your childhood science experiments? Like baking soda volcanoes, making soap, or fitting a hard-boiled egg into a soda bottle? Whether you enjoyed your science classes or not, get ready to experience science in exciting new ways at the fifth annual Philadelphia Science Festival (PSF). PSF is a citywide collaboration that showcases and celebrates science and technology in everyday life; it features more than 100 interactive events, lectures, debates, hand-on activities, and science education activities from April 24 to May 2. Get ready, get nerdy, and check out some of the best events for students during this awesome festival!
Science Night at the Ballpark
When: April 25, 5:05 p.m. – End of game Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia Cost: $8
The Phillies are taking on the Atlanta Braves, but that’s only one part of the excitement at the ballpark during PSF. The main level of the first-floor concourse will feature 12 sports-themed activities, such as the science behind the perfect field grass, the aerodynamics of pitching, and robots playing sports. As you complete activities and visit exhibits, you can earn free giveaways. You don’t need to be a baseball expert or a scientist to enjoy this night—with inexpensive tickets and awesome pre-game activities, this night at the ballpark is fun for everyone!
Explorer Sunday at Rowan University
When: April 26, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Where: Science Hall, Westby Hall, & James Hall, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ; Technology Park, 107 Gilbert Parkway, Mullica Hill, NJ Cost: FREE!
Explorer Sunday is a day devoted to discovering science; nature center, museums, gardens, and other locations across the region will host a multitude of events. Rowan University will be featuring a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) celebration that you won’t want to miss. You’ll have the chance to explore science through world cultures and history, design and play your own video games, watch a show in the planetarium, or see how computer science and engineering go hand-in-hand with art. There will also be a 3D tour of the heart, brain, and body cells at the university’s CAVE system at Tech Park. Come out and enjoy an afternoon of science and art working in harmony. If you can’t make it out to Rowan, there are many activities taking place all over the city that day, from DNA (Cell)fies to student-run urban ecosystems.
Science of Networking
When: April 28, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Where: Quorum at the University City Science Center, 3711 Market Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia Cost: FREE (with registration)!
Part of every college student’s education is professional development, and a key component of professional development is networking. Whether you’re an arts student or a science student, the ability to build a professional network is an invaluable asset. This program will showcase the science behind networking success and show students how to cultivate a great network. There will be presentations and a panel discussion featuring Matt O’Donnell of the University of Pennsylvania, Nick Marzano of Young Involved Philadelphia, and Monet Thomas-Anderson of Campus Philly. Then the floor will be cleared for a mixer, offering students the chance to exercise their newly-gained networking skills. The panelists and five additional professionals will be present, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable professional advice and learn the science behind it!
Nerd Nite: Science Myths Busted!
When: April 29, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Where: Frankford Hall, 1210 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia Cost: $5
Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage may not be there, but this night of myth busting is sure to be just as exciting and interesting as their TV show. Myth-busting nerds will examine popular myths and their rebuttals, and three speakers will offer their expertise: gastroenterologist Stephanie Moleski of Thomas Jefferson University will inform the audience on gluten intolerance; Ned Gilmore of the Academy of Natural Sciences will navigate fact and fiction concerning cryptids; and Kimberlee Moran, a Philadelphia Geek Awards winner, will offer a reality check about the forensic accuracy of crime shows like CSI. Los Festingos will provide the musical entertainment for this fun night of myth busting! Seating is first come first serve, so get there early to get a good seat.
Science Carnival on the Parkway
When: May 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway near the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Cost: Free!
Over 175 exhibitors from all areas of science will be on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Saturday, May 2. All of the exhibitors will give you answers to all the important science questions: how do your bones stay together? what’s invading our forests? how do you make slime? can you teach a robot to dance? There will also be live entertainment from an engineer-turned-juggler and Science Showdown. There will also be food trucks to keep up your energy. Stop by for a little while or stay for the whole day!
This is just a glimpse of the over 100 events that PSF will be hosting throughout the week. There are countless other events ranging from nature explorations to seafaring science to robotics. Check out all the other amazing events that this week-long celebration of science and technology has to offer! Be sure to connect to the festivities with #GetNerdyPHL.
