Nebraska Science Festival

StoryWalk®: “Dig In!”
2024-04-17 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-18 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-19 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-20 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-21 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108
Take a stroll through the Lauritzen Gardens arboretum and explore all of the creepy, crawly, dirty, muddy, green, and growing things that can be found in the garden. Following along with the story “Dig In!” by Cindy Jenson-Elliott, your family can take part in some fun activities. StoryWalk® combines the love of reading with healthy, fun activities that fit the theme of the story to exercise your brain and body. Included with paid admission or with garden membership.

Boys Town Hall of History Hands-On Weekly Activities
2024-04-17 10:00 - 16:30, 2024-04-18 10:00 - 16:30, 2024-04-19 10:00 - 16:30, 2024-04-20 10:00 - 16:30, 2024-04-21 11:00 - 16:00 | Boys Town Hall of History, 14057 Flanagan Blvd., Boys Town, NE, 68010, United States
Visit the Boys Town Hall of History and learn about various science topics with weekly activities. Each week, the Hall of History will host staff-led science activities during regular business hours. Stop by each week to check out the rotating activities!
Weekly Features:

April 1 – 7: Comic Book Station

Make your own comic book and take photo with our 6 ft 2 in Captain Marvel.

April 8 – 14: Magnifying

Learn about and explore with different magnifying glasses and microscopes.

April 15 – 21: Windmills

Learn about our windmill and make your own windmill.

April 22 – 30: Blueprints

Learn about blueprints, make your own blueprint and do Lego construction.

Business Hours:
Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Free Adult Blood Pressure Checks
2024-04-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Community Wellness Collaborative at The Highlander, 2120 N 29th St., Suite 200, Omaha, NE, 68111, United States
The Nebraska Science Festival in collaboration with the UNMC/Nebraska Medicine Community Wellness Collaborative is excited to provide free adult blood pressure checks for the Omaha Community during the month of April. Blood Pressure checks will take place at the Community Wellness Collaborative at The Highlander (2120 N 29th St., Suite 200) on Wednesday, April 10th and 17th, noon to 1 p.m. Healthy snacks (while supplies last) and additional educational materials will be provided to those who stop in and get their blood pressure checked.

!CANCELLED! The Science of Ales & Lagers
2024-04-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Lucky Bucket Brewing, 11941 Centennial Road, Suite 1, La Vista, NE, 68128, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

NE SciFest with Lucky Bucket Brewing present The Science of Ales & Lagers. Owner Zac Triemert will guide you through the science behind ales and lagers (how are they similar, how are they different, come find out). The class includes a tour and optional tasting available for purchase.
Lucky Bucket is one of Nebraska’s oldest craft breweries, we tapped our first beer in January 2008 with the debut of Pre-Prohibition Lager which, along with Certified Evil Imperial Stout have been stalwarts on taps and shelves across Nebraska.
Free event for those 21 and over, registration required.

BRICKLIVE Brickosaurs
2024-04-18 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-19 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-20 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-21 09:00 - 17:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108
On display for the first time in the United States, experience BRICKLIVE Brickosaurs, an adventure of Jurassic scale at Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens. Marvel at 30 iconic dinosaur sculptures made from more than 1.5 million bricks and witness firsthand what it would have been like to come face-to-face with a herd of incredible reptiles, while discovering prehistoric plants in the garden’s collection. This dino-mite brick sculpture exhibit is included with garden admission and is FREE for garden members.

Mudpies
2024-04-18 09:30 - 11:00 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Looking for a unique setting in which to have fun with your child while learning about the natural world?
Mudpies is a structured program for children ages 3-5, at Fontenelle Forest, that encourages exploration of nature and interaction between a child and their caregiver. Each week, a natural science theme is explored through crafts, outdoor exploration, songs, stories, hikes and more! Each session will feature a different craft or activity, along with storytime and a guided hike. Come discover the joy of sharing nature with your child!
This program is for children ages 3-5 accompanied by a caregiver. Registration required.

COE Graduate Programs Information Session
2024-04-18 12:00 - 13:00 | NE
Join the UNL College of Engineering to learn more about the benefits of an advanced degree, application process, funding, and UNL Engineering programs at this information session. This is open to all prospective students interested in the College of Engineering.

G. Stanley Hall Science Night
2024-04-18 17:00 - 19:00 | G. Stanley Hall, 7600 S 72nd St., La Vista, NE, 68128, United States
Join G.Stanley Hall for their inaugural Science Night on April 18.
Hands-on stations throughout the school will include: Floaters and Sinkers (with fruit), Zoomeranges, Chromatography, Density cubs, Microscope guessing game, Bubble measuring, Robotics unit with Spheros and Keva Planks, Seed Distribution, aluminum boats, and Rotocopters will be set up for families to explore.
Everyone attending will also have access to view the tomatospheres from their 6th grade science classes.

Virtual Science Cafe: "Indigenous Cancer Research Education for Environmental Justice"
2024-04-18 17:30 - 18:30 | NE
Join us on April 18 for a virtual science cafe for the Nebraska Science Festival. Drs. Idoate and Rookwood will be presenting, “Indigenous Cancer Research Education for Environmental Justice.”
This cafe will share how a National Cancer Institute-funded research education program centers Indigenous STEM pedagogy, practices, and resources to advance cancer education through an Environmental Justice framework.
Regina Idoate is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and an Associate Professor of Health Promotion in the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has a PhD in Preventive and Societal Medicine, Master’s degrees in Spanish Language and Culture & Christian Spirituality and a graduate certificate in Maternal and Child Health. Regina loves to collaborate across disciplines, colleges and cultures. She specializes in Indigenous research methods and works in partnership with public schools, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, communities and tribes to promote health and wellness.
Aislinn Rookwood is a mother of two and public health specialist who grew up in between Polson, Montana and Phoenix, Arizona. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Promotion in the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She also serves as the Director of Programs for CityMatCH. In the College of Public Health, she is the program manager for a research pathways program for underrepresented students. Her interests are focused on understanding how to better address children’s environmental exposures across the lifespan through community-engaged research, research workforce development, and primary care.
Zoom Link: https://unmc.zoom.us/j/98063364607?pwd=[REDACTED]
Passcode (if needed): 888400

Nebraska Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting
2024-04-19 08:00 - 19:00 | University of Nebraska East Campus Student Union, 1705 Arbor Drive, Lincoln, 68503, United States
The Nebraska Academy of Sciences will host its 134th Annual Meeting on April 19 at The University of Nebraska East Campus Union in Lincoln, NE. The meeting will be a HYBRID format with both in-person and remote-Zoom access for presentations and participation. This Meeting provides an excellent opportunity for students, faculty, and scientists to share their research results with peers and colleagues across Nebraska.
Please contact nebacad@unl.edu with questions and visit neacadsci.org for more information

Resilience: Film Screening & Discussion
2024-04-19 11:30 - 13:30 | BraveBe Child Advocacy Center, 5025 Garland Street, Lincoln, NE, 68504, United States
Adversity in childhood has lifelong effects on health and behavior. Resilience: the Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope chronicles the use of brain science to disrupt cycles of violence, addiction and disease. Learn more about treatment and prevention of childhood toxic stress and what is happening right here in Lincoln. Space is limited, registration is required.

Click the link below to preview the film:
https://kpjrfilms.co/resilience/

First Star Recycling Tour
2024-04-19 12:00 - 13:00 | First Star Recycling, 10330 “I” Street, Omaha, NE, 68127, United States
Join NE SciFest at First Star Recycling on April 19 at noon for a tour of Omaha’s leading recycling center.
First Star understands the importance and value of sustainable recycling practices and are passionate about making it easier and more economical for Nebraska and Iowa homeowners and businesses to manage their wastes.
As the leader in Omaha recycling, they are proud to help Nebraska and Iowa communities reduce their waste going to landfill and make the most from their wasted resources.
The tour will show the receiving area for residentially generated single stream recycling; sorting equipment; baling operations; inventory & storage for load accumulation; and shipping areas. We will also visit the shredding, cleaning, and lumber manufacturing equipment. While the tour shows equipment and processing operations, discussion will include waste stream impacts from recycling; need for materials to support a circular economy; and markets for materials we process.
Additional Info:

Tour is FREE, but registration is required. Space is limited.
No children under 8 permitted due to safety reasons.
Children over 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Closed toe shoes must be worn.
Safety hats and goggles will be provided.

Fred G. Dale Planetarium
2024-04-19 19:00 - 19:45, 2024-04-20 13:00 - 13:45 | Fred G. Dale Planetarium, Gulliver Dr., Wayne, NE, 68787, United States
Doors open 20 minutes prior to the start of a show. Planetarium shows generally include a tour of the current night sky, a view of the constellations, and a full-dome video. All shows last about 45 minutes.
April Shows:
Friday, April 5 – Eclipse Weekend!
7 p.m. Planetarium show – Eclipses and Phases of the Moon
8 p.m. Planetarium show – Eclipse Across America 2024
Saturday, April 6 – Eclipse Weekend!
1 p.m. Planetarium show – Eclipse Across America 2024
2 p.m. Planetarium show – Eclipses and Phases of the Moon
Sunday, April 7 – Eclipse Weekend!
1 p.m. Planetarium show – Eclipses and Phases of the Moon
2 p.m. Planetarium show – Eclipse Across America 2024
Friday, April 12
7 p.m. Planetarium show – Tales of the Mayan Skies
Saturday, April 13
1 p.m. Planetarium show – The Sky We Don’t See
Friday, April 19
7 p.m. Planetarium show – STARS
Saturday, April 20
1 p.m. Planetarium show – Astronaut
Friday, April 26 – Spring Season Final Weekend!
7 p.m. Planetarium show – Cosmic Colors
Saturday, April 27 – Spring Season Final Weekend!
1 p.m. Planetarium show – Oasis in Space

Open House at the UNL Student Observatory
2024-04-19 21:00 - 23:00 | UNL Student Observatory, 625 Stadium Dr., Lincoln, NE, 68501, United States
See the stars, planets, and moon from UNL’s campus! Please note, the event might be canceled due to clouds and weather. Decision to cancel will be posted on the calendar by 3pm on Friday. Events will occur twice a month on Friday evenings. Lets hope for good weather!
Directions: Take the elevator or stairs to the top floor. Observatory is the large dome and shed at the south-west corner of the parking garage.

Fun with Fossils: Stomp Chomp Roar at Lauritzen Gardens
2024-04-20 12:00 - 15:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108
From noon to 2 p.m., explore Stomp Chomp Roar’s fossil cart at Lauritzen Gardens and learn all about dinosaurs with Dinosaur Ranger Anthony and his friend Paleo. Then join us on the festival garden patio from 2 to 3 p.m. for an entertaining dinosaur show and prehistoric pep rally (weather permitting)! Included with paid garden admission, free for garden members.

The Science Club at Yates Illuminates
2024-04-20 13:30 - 16:30 | Yates Illuminates, 3260 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE, 68131, United States
The Science Club at Yates Illuminates will organize during April as a regular session of The Science Club (meeting every other Saturday) on April 6, and April 20, from 1:30 to 4:30. Youth 6-16 are welcome. Parents of youth under 11 must stay with the youth and contribute to learning and doing the activities. During this time enjoy solar powered hydrogen fuel cell model cars, programmable buildable robot cars, renewable energy sources buildable kits, basic electricity buildable kits, lego kits focusing on the Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Artemis rocket and moon landing ahead programs and much more.

Spring Wildflower Hike
2024-04-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Embrace the beauty of nature at Fontenelle Forest’s Spring Wildflower Hike!
Let their Naturalist Educators lead you through a one-mile hike on the Hackberry and Linden trail loop to discover the ephemeral treasures you can only see during spring at the Forest.
This hike will guide you to delicate blooms of Spring Beauties, the vibrant white petals of Bloodroot, the dainty charm of Dutchman’s Britches and the graceful allure of the Trout Lilly.
Learn about each flower’s unique characteristics, ecological roles and folklore.
Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a first-time curious explorer, the Spring Wildflower Hike offers a delightful opportunity to witness the fleeting beauty of spring and discover the hidden gems within our local ecosystem.
Registration required.

Lucky Bucket Brewing Tour
2024-04-20 15:30 - 16:30 | Lucky Bucket Brewing, 11941 Centennial Road, Suite 1, La Vista, NE, 68128, United States
A lot of things (and science) go in to making great beer and spirits, and Lucky Bucket Brewing wants to share their craft with you.
Tours are approximately 1 Hour long and are currently offered at 3:30pm (cst) every Saturday.
$20 per person ticket includes:

Kick start your tour with a complimentary pint of draft beer of your choice to enjoy along the way
Tour of brewery, distillery and tasting room lead by one of our brand ambassadors
Two 5 ounce beers and Two 1 ounce samples of select spirits
20% off any apparel, glassware, or beer and spirits To-Go

Please note, tours should be booked by 1pm cst the day before your desire tour date and tour groups are limited to 12 people per tour.
