As you can probably tell by the title, this week’s post is inspired by an old Thomas Dolby’s song that has been stuck in my head for about a week. From physics to biology to the delicate science of fermentation, take advantage of these sciencey events all over Philly!
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
When: Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Cost: $3 admission fee, $10 Skate Rental
Experiment with physics at the new RiverRink in Spruce Street Harbor Park! Go on a date with that cute girl/boy in your class or grab a group of friends to teeter precariously on wheels while enjoying views of the river. Presented by Blue Cross, cardholders get in for free. Tickets are available online. Have fun learning how to skate backwards! Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to do roller derby!
Point Breeze Pop Up
When: Thurs 4-10 p.m.; Fri 4-11 p.m.; Sat 12-11 p.m.; Sun 12-10 p.m. Where:1622 Point Breeze Ave Philadelphia, PA 19145 Cost: Free admission; pay for drinks and food
If you are of drinking age (21), enjoy the results of fermentation at this Beer Festival! Try out the selection of 35+ beers and local food trucks for an experience that is both tasty and fun. Beers include several drafts and cans. Food trucks include Poi Dog, Curbside Creamery, and more! Some of the proceeds will go towards Fair Food Philly, an organization dedicated to bringing “locally grown food the marketplace and to promoting a humane, sustainable agriculture system for the Greater Philadelphia region.”
Sittin’ In
When: Wed. Sept 9 – Doors Open at 8 p.m., Live Show at 9 p.m. Where: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Cost: Free
Listen to varying wavelengths at the Kimmel Center’s live jam session, hosted by Julie Dexter. “Blending edgy horns, choice vinyl, cutting edge MC’s and soaring vocalists, each session is unique, led by a stellar lineup of guest hosts and their band of choice.” Emcee Ciarra and The IIIVibe Collective will be performing in addition to others.
Clearly Beautiful: Photographs by Adam Summers
When: Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Weekends and Holidays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University Cost: Free with admission
Check out these gorgeous photos at Drexel’s Academy of Natural Sciences! Adam Summer, a University of Washington biology professor, created beautiful images of the inner skeletal tissues of fish by soaking the specimens in dyes and enzymes to produce beautiful, elaborately geometric designs. Sometimes science generates hard evidence, but other times, it produces works of art that speak to our souls.
In the Artifact Lab: Conserving Egyptian Mummies
When: Tues-Sun 10-5pm Where: Penn Museum Cost: $10 with Student ID
This glass enclosed conservation lab allows visitors to watch members of the Penn Museum Conservation Department study, clean, and conserve Egyptian artifacts, including paintings, ancient funerary artifacts, and a real LIVE MUMMY! The museum has a cool blog that shows what the lab is working on at any given time. As of August 29th, they are working on the conservation of Nespekashuti, likely a “singing master” from the New Kingdom era.
