Nebraska Science Festival

Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World
2021-04-04 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-06 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-08 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-10 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-11 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) and 1 more date | The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th Street, Omaha, NE, 68108
Explore the history of the world’s most popular musical instrument in GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World. Experience diverse genres of music and discover the science of pitch and tone. Crossing over cultural boundaries, the guitar has had a significant impact on a wide variety of groups from gypsies to cowboys to teenage rebels. See over 100 historical artifacts, including more than 70 guitars, that immerse you in the heart of music. Experience the rush of the world’s most iconic musical instrument through the powerful lens of science. You, too, can play the Guinness Record-holding 43.5 foot long guitar. Discover how the selection of different materials and strings, fused with electromagnetism and amplification, create an elaborate device that has revolutionized music.
Regular Admission applies. See website for details and COVID-19 policies.

Omaha Children's Museum STEAM Wagon
2021-04-05 09:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-06 09:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-07 09:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-08 09:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-09 09:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-10 09:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-11 09:00 - 16:00, 2021-04-12 09:00 - 16:00 | Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 South 20th Street, Omaha, NE, 68102
Look for the Omaha Children’s Museum (OCM) STEAM Wagon throughout the museum daily. Each day will feature exciting science, technology, engineering, math, and art experiences. Perhaps today we’ll learn about rockets or what makes a bubble float! What is Playdough made of? What colors mix together to make purple? Learn the answers to these questions and more at the OCM STEAM Wagon.

Hours:
Monday – Friday 9am-4pm
Saturday – Sunday 9am – 5pm
Free for Members. Regular Museum Admission for non-members.

Ask a Scientist Podcast with Dr. Bill Sullivan
2021-04-06 | NE
Ask a Scientist Victoria Crystal will be interviewing Dr. Bill Sullivan, professor of Pharmacology, Toxicology, Microbiology & Immunology at Indiana University School of Medicine. He is also the author of the book “Pleased to Meet Me,” which describes how genes, epigenetics, psychology, and the microbiome conspire to shape our personality and behavior.

From Frying Pans To Fenders: The Birth Of The Electric Guitar
2021-04-06 18:30 - 19:30 | NE
Join The Durham Museum via Zoom for a tour of our current traveling exhibition, GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World, featuring special guest HP Newquist from The National GUITAR Museum. Newquist will talk about the creation of the electric guitar, using instruments from the collection to show how music changed from acoustic to electric—and from quiet to loud. You’ll learn how the electric guitar was invented out of necessity—players couldn’t hear themselves—and discover how it evolved from a small metal “frying pan” to become the loudest and most recognizable instrument in the world.
An award-winning author, documentary director, broadcast producer, and the former Editor-in-Chief of GUITAR Magazine, HP Newquist oversees the development of The National GUITAR Museum and also serves as its chief curator. His unique background and experience have led to the creation of an innovative museum and the successful exhibition, “GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World.” on display now at The Durham Museum. During the course of his career, Newquist has worked with hundreds of guitarists, written more than twenty books that have been translated into dozens of languages, and worked on making advanced technology an everyday reality. His first novel, BEHEMOTH, is available now.
There is no cost to attend this virtual presentation, but registration is required. Once you have registered, you will be emailed a link to access the program. (Select the burgundy ticket icon to register. Please note: your online reservation is not complete until you’ve clicked the “Check Out” button.)
**Please note: This event occurs at 6:30PM CST**

Acrylic Fluid Art Workshop - North Platte
2021-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 | McCook Community College, 1101 Halligan Drive, North Platte, NE, 69101
Learn at least 16 of the latest techniques of acrylic fluid art-acrylic pouring! This technique can be used as a standalone piece of art or as a base for additional art, such as stencils, original art or mixed media. This is a form of art everyone can do and it is quite addicting once you start.
The first part of the class will consist of demonstrations of the techniques and explanations of what the best surfaces are for each technique. Learn about surface preparation and the materials to use for the best results and how to get the coveted “cells.” Once the demonstration is done it is your turn. Choose your favorite techniques to try as you pour on two wood blanks.
Registration required.

The 22nd Women in Science Conference
2021-04-09 15:00 - 18:00, 2021-04-10 08:45 - 12:00 | NE
The 22nd Women in Science Conference, postponed from 2020, has been rescheduled for April 9-10, 2021. Sponsored by Nebraska EPSCoR, the NebraskaSCIENCE Program of Excellence, and the Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education, this two-day event brings high school students from across Nebraska and the Midwest region together online to explore interests in science careers. Women in Science is for students who want to interact with career and academic professional women in science, meet current undergraduate science students and other high school students who are interested in science, and discover countless professions as diverse as biologists, geologists, engineers, food scientists, computer scientists, and those in the medical fields.
The 2021 conference will be held online on Zoom. Friday’s schedule will consist of a keynote speaker and a virtual field trip. Saturday morning will feature two live workshops with UNL faculty and a panel with undergraduates majoring in STEM fields. We ask that teachers and their students Zoom together from school in one classroom.
Registration required.

Investigate: Terrific Trees
2021-04-10 10:00 - 10:45 | University of Nebraska State Museum – Morrill Hall, 645 North 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588
Learn about the history of Arbor Day, the importance of trees in our ecosystem, and common native trees. Then make a rubbing journal to explore trees in your neighborhood!

$8/member household; $10/non-member household

Virtual Learning Series: Vegetable Garden Basics
2021-04-10 10:00 - 12:00 | NE
Join the GROBigRed team for our virtual learning series on vegetable garden basics where we will cover two topics, via Zoom. The next session is Saturday, April 10, starting at 10am CT. Come prepared to learn and to ask questions – our experts will be standing by to answer your burning vegetable garden questions. Sessions are free but you must register.

Full Schedule Below:
10:00-11:00am: Container Vegetable Gardening
Panelist: John Porter
11:00am-12:00pm: Raised Beds
Panelist: Elizabeth Exstrom

12th Annual Nebraska Robotics Expo
2021-04-10 10:00 - 14:00 | NE
Welcome to the 12th annual Nebraska Robotics Expo. In response to COVID-19 this year it’s going virtual! This doesn’t mean the fun, excitement and educational opportunities are lost. In fact, this year there’s an even broader selection. We will have guest speakers such as Mr. C from PBS Full STEAM ahead, local STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) rockstars and a variety of vendor booths for guests to explore. Additionally, entries for the CEENBot showcase will be on loop for all to see. All are welcomed to attend this free event, there will be sessions designed for elementary, middle and high school students, caregivers, and educators.

This program has its roots in the Silicon Prairie Initiative for Robotics in Information Technology (SPIRIT) grant project, funded by the National Space Foundation and providing an instructional foundation for teachers in the use of robotics to teach STEM concepts. The CEENBot program also combines the technical expertise of faculty, staff and student volunteers from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering with educational expertise from the University of Nebraska – Omaha College of Education.

The registration link is https://hopin.com/events/nebraska-robotics-expo-2021

Composting 101
2021-04-10 14:00 - 16:00 | City Sprouts, 4002 Seward Street, Omaha, NE, 68111, United States
Turn your trash into treasure! Divert your food and plant waste and build your soil to grow healthier plants. Join City Sprouts’ Laura Simpson and Addie Gengenbach to learn different methods of composting and find out which is best for you.
Free. Registration required.

Acrylic Fluid Art Workshop - Kearney
2021-04-10 16:30 - 18:30 | Central Community College – Kearney, 1215 30th Ave, Kearney, NE, 68847
Learn at least 16 of the latest techniques of acrylic fluid art-acrylic pouring! This technique can be used as a standalone piece of art or as a base for additional art, such as stencils, original art or mixed media. This is a form of art everyone can do and it is quite addicting once you start.
The first part of the class will consist of demonstrations of the techniques and explanations of what the best surfaces are for each technique. Learn about surface preparation and the materials to use for the best results and how to get the coveted “cells”. Once the demonstration is done it is your turn. Choose your favorite techniques to try as you pour on two wood blanks.

Registration required.

Stuhr Museum: Fifth Grade & Up: 19th Century Science & Technology
2021-04-12 09:00 - 2021-04-30 11:00 | Stuhr Museum, 3133 West Highway 34, Grand Island, NE, 68801
This class is for students in fifth grade and older. Students will learn how science and technology of the late 19th century affected the daily lives of those who worked in communities on the plains. The focus of this class will be on the science and technology related to community business and trades, with an emphasis on communication, transportation and power. Students will experience how science and technology helped communities businesses though several hands on opportunities.

$4.25/Student; $4.25/Chaperone (within’ ratio)

Stuhr Museum: Third Grade & Up: Transportation
2021-04-12 09:00 - 2021-04-30 11:00 | Stuhr Museum, 3133 West Highway 34, Grand Island, NE, 68801
Join the Stuhr Museum for their Third Grade & Up: Transportation class from April 12-30. The class begins near the Static Train Display with a discussion of transportation on the Overland Trails and the meaning of the terms transportation and migration. The class then moves into the Gus Fonner Memorial Rotunda where they discover how the harness and the ox yoke are used to connect the horse or the ox to plows or wagons. The class then moves to Railroad Town where various wagons are viewed, and their unique parts – tongues verses shafts, brakes, leaf springs and wheels are compared. The class then moves from animal power to steam power with a visit to the rail yards in Railroad Town. The jobs of railroad employees, including the Station Master, Engineer, Fireman, Conductor and Brakeman are examined as the Depot and the Caboose are explored. The class ends with students learning how to operate the hand car on the rails.
$4.25/Student; $4.25/Chaperone (within’ ratio)

Science through Nature - The "ologies" series: Herbology
2021-04-12 09:30 - 11:30 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, NE, 68005
This year, students will learn about the “Ologies” or “the study of.’ Each session will focus on a different “Ology” and how it can be applied to the diverse ecosystem of plant and animal life within the Forest. This session you’ll learn about plants! What do plants need to survive? What’s the life cycle of a plant? You will investigate and get to answers to all of these important questions and more.

Registration required, $10 for members, $15 non-member. Pricing is per student.
**This event was previously known as Homeschool Science
