Philadelphia Science Festival Brings the Fun and Learning
The 2014 Philadelphia Science Festival is back and better than ever. This year’s festival runs from April 25th through May 3rd and includes plenty of activities that are free or low cost. The carnival will be on Saturday, May 3, 2014 but don’t wait until then to start going to events! Here are some highlights of the first three days of the festival. Make sure to check out Philadelphia Science Festival for a complete listing of events and activities.
Friday, April 25
Kick off the festival with the ever popular Astronomy night. Choose from one of the 26 locations throughout the city or suburbs and get ready for some serious stargazing. Telescopes and star maps will be provided.
Free Intended for: Families, students, adults
Saturday, April 26th
Discovery Day
Take advantage of the (hopefully!) nice weather and attend one or all of the outdoor science activities. The fun starts at 10 am in West Philadelphia’s Clark Park and continues throughout the day at Hunting Park, the Schuylkill Center, and Fox Chase Farm. With demonstrations, interactive activities, and local scientists on hand there’s bound to be something for everyone.
Free Intended for: Families, students, adults, educators
Sunday, April 27th
Life in the Graveyard
Start off your morning with a visit to Laurel Hill Cemetery for their Life in the Graveyard program. You’ll discover how even an old cemetery can be teeming with all forms of life.
Free Intended for: Families, students
Microscope Station
If you’re curious about your DNA head over to the University City Science Center where they will be hosting Microscope Station: Creating a Science Self Portrait of your Cells. Using digital microscopes you can examine your cheek cells and hair follicles.
Reservations required. $5 individual $10 family Intended for: Families, students
Clothes of the Future
Love fashion and science? Clothes of the Future: Wearable Technology at the ExCITE Center at Drexel University will explore how clothing can extend beyond style to incorporate cutting-edge technology.
Free Intended for: Families, students
Chicks, Bees, and Farm Fun
Visit a working, urban farm located in the heart of Germantown. Chicks, Bees, and Farm Fun will include a tour of the greenhouse and a firsthand glimpse into how this farm functions and promotes environmental sustainability.
Free Intended for: Families, students
Mess Fest
Science can be fun and messy. For a hands-on science experience times ten attend the Franklin Institute’s Mess Fest. Soap bubbles and homemade slime are all part of the fun. Parents, you may want to bring a change of clothes for your kids.
Pay what you wish Intended for: Families
Science of Skateboarding
Wondering about the how-to of skateboarding? Make your way to Paine’s Park in Center City for the Science of Skateboarding demonstration. You’ll see momentum, friction, and centripetal force in action.
Free Intended for: Families, students, adults
Sounds Made Up
Sounds Made Up: (True) Tales from the History of Science at World Café Live features local comedians and historians as they discuss scientific inventions and some of their more surprising results.
Reservations required $10 Intended for: Adults