Nebraska Science Festival

Illustrated Poem Contest
2022-04-01 - 2022-04-24 | NE
Each year, as part of Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW), the American Chemical Society (ACS) sponsors an illustrated poem contest for K-12 students. The Omaha ACS section invites all area students to compete. The theme of CCEW 2022 is The Buzz About Bugs: Insect Chemistry.
Students in grades K-12, click here for more Information.
Parents and Teachers: You can also find digital educational resources and activity ideas at the ACS website.
Questions? Contact ErinGross@creighton.edu

NE SciFest Art Contest
2022-04-01 - 2022-04-30 | NE
Open to all ages, we want you to create (draw, paint, glue, sculpt) artwork that reflects ocean life and be entered to win an NE SciFest swag package.
Three winners will receive a swag bag of NE SciFest goodies.
Send a clear photo of your creation to nescifest@gmail.com by April 30 to be entered to win a prize. All art will be showcased on the festival social pages in May.

NE SciFest Scientific Smore's Ice Cream
2022-04-01 - 2022-04-30 | eCreamery Ice Cream & Gelato, 5001 Underwood Ave, Omaha, NE, 68132, United States
Available all April, our new NE SciFest signature ice cream flavor from eCreamery: SCIENTIFIC SMORE’S!

Scientific Smore’s: Double Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Chocolate Chunks, Graham Crunch and Marshmallows.

Teen PSA Challenge
2022-04-01 - 2022-04-30 | NE
Nebraska Cures is inviting teens to participate in their second annual teen public service announcement (PSA) competition designed to promote science and engage in science advocacy. The competition theme is the “Climate & Health Challenge.” The competition challenges teens to create and share PSAs on social media that educate about the impact of climate change and extreme weather on physical and mental health.
Entries can be made in three categories: pictures, infographics and short videos (60 seconds or less). Entries can be made on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and must use #ClimateHealthChallenge and either #NebraskaCures or tag the organization. $50 prizes will be awarded in each category. Winners will be announced in early May.
Participants must be 13-19 years old and live in Nebraska. Additional details and a full list of rules are here.

Fred G. Dale Planetarium at Wayne State College
2022-04-01 19:00 - 19:45, 2022-04-02 13:00 - 13:45, 2022-04-08 19:00 - 19:45, 2022-04-15 19:00 - 19:45 (America/Chicago) | 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 Schedule
Fridays: Planetarium show is at 7 p.m., and laser show is at 8 p.m.
Saturdays: Planetarium show is at 1 p.m., and laser show is at 2 p.m.

April 1, 7pm: Understanding the Large-Scale Structure of the Universe
April 2, 1pm: Understanding the Large-Scale Structure of the Universe
April 8, 7pm: Observational Astronomy
April 9, 1pm: Observational Astronomy
April 15, 7pm: A Universe of Mathematics
April 16, 1pm: A Universe of Mathematics
April 22, 7pm: A Tribute to Science Fiction
April 23, 1pm: A Tribute to Science Fiction
April 29, 7pm: Biology and the Universe
April 30, 1pm: Biology and the Universe

King Science & Technology Magnet Science Day
2022-04-02 09:00 - 12:00 | King Science and Technology Magnet, 3720 Florence Blvd., Omaha, NE, 68110, United States
Join King Science & Technology Magnet for a morning of activities put together by their healthcare, zoo and space programs.

Create a traveling first aid kit, create pollinating seed cards/bombs, and flying free flight Gliders.
Incase of bad weather, this event will move indoors.

"Mini-Messier Marathon" at Branched Oak Observatory
2022-04-02 21:00 - 2022-04-03 00:00 | Branched Oak Observatory, 14300 NW 98th St., Raymond, NE, 68428, United States
Sure, you may have seen M42- the beautiful Orion Nebula or M31- the incredible Andromeda Galaxy but what about the ENTIRE catalog of 110 deep-space “Messier Objects”? We are going to give it a try, and do so ALL in ONE evening. Are we crazy? Well, we are astronomers, so you be the judge. Join us on April 2nd for just a few hours or for the entire evening, and you are guaranteed to see a bevy of beautiful galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters through our variety of telescopes.

This event, like all Branched Oak Observatory General Public events, is FREE of charge and open to anyone interested in the night sky. You are welcome to bring binoculars or telescope, but there is certainly no need- we will have that covered for you.

Branched Oak Observatory in located very near, but NOT inside the Branched Oak Lake and Recreation area 13 miles NW of Lincoln, Nebraska.

A Quick Background On the Messier Catalog and Messier Marathons.
Between the years of 1760 and 1781, French astronomer and “comet-hunter,” Charles Messier (pronounced mess-ē-ā), produced a list of 103 “fuzzy objects” in the sky. His catalog was created so he and other comet-hunters could differentiate between permanent celestial objects and the transient phenomena for which they were searching. Messier observed the skies through a 4” telescope from the middle of Paris, France, so his list was somewhat limited to only brighter objects and to only certain parts of the celestial sphere. Between 1921 and 1966, historians found evidence for seven additional objects that Messier (or his assistant) had collected but did not have a chance to append the master list. These objects have since been added to the official catalog bringing the total number to 110. The Messier Catalog is composed of 56 Open and Globular Star Clusters, 40 galaxies, 11 Nebulae, 1 Double Star, 1 Asterism (a star pattern), and 1 “object” that is in fact a particularly dense patch of stars in the Milky Way. Although there are far larger and more complete catalogs available to astronomers, the Messier Catalog can be thought of as “the best and brightest” deep space objects visible in the northern hemisphere.

Each year, between mid-March and early April, there is a “window of opportunity” to view nearly all 110 Messier objects in a single evening starting strictly at sunset and ending at sunrise. On April 2nd, we are going to give it a try… and you are invited!

The Flora of the Nebraska Tallgrass Prairie: Past & Present
2022-04-03 12:30 - 15:00 | Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th Street, Denton, NE, 68339, United States
Join us for this free exhibit opening highlighting the research about the “human ecology of Nebraska’s tallgrass prairie” conducted by history majors at Doane University. Special items from Doane University’s Perkins Library and Archives will be on display, including the botanical watercolors of Mary Doane, the sister of Doane’s founder, Thomas Doane.
Materials related to Goodwin Sweezey and the Doane Herbarium will be present, which Goodwin created while a faculty member at what was then known as Doane College. The exhibit, which runs through April 2022, will also focus on the work Spring Creek Prairie does to preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
“The Flora of the Nebraska Tallgrass Prairie” is part of the Humanities Research for the Public Good grant program by the Council of Independent Colleges and supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Teen DIY: Morse Code Bracelet
2022-04-05 09:00 - 21:00, 2022-04-05 18:30 - 19:30 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
A Morse Code Bracelet is a minimal and meaningful bracelet that can be a great gift or fun to create for yourself. Select a name or phrase and then use the International Morse Code chart to figure out the number of dots and dashes you will need. The library will provide all of the needed supplies. Limited to 20 in-person and 30 take-and-make participants aged 12–18. Registration is required.

Register here: https://cityofkearney.org/Activities/Activity/Detail/Teen-DIY-Morse-Code-Bracelets-302

Fairytale STEM with NE SciFest
2022-04-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln., Omaha, NE, 68144, United States
Join Omaha Public Library staff to explore STEM by way of familiar and popular fairytales. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are all around us, even in the stories we love. Explore one or more of these concepts with hands-on activities inspired by a tale. All supplies will be provided.
This program is recommended for children in grades 1-5. Register here.

Omaha STEM Community Connect: STEM Happy Hour
2022-04-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St., Omaha, NE, 68107, United States
You’re invited to this in-person event that highlights the STEM Community Platform, and how it serves as a critical piece in leveraging business and education expertise to close the talent gap. Learn how you can be a part of this shared opportunity to grow our STEM talent and assure Omaha remains a vibrant STEM Community. Each guest will receive a complimentary drink ticket. Though it is a free event, tickets recommended: www.eventbrite.com/e/omaha-stem-community-connect-stem-happy-hour-tickets-264241201547

Little Saplings: Sprouting Seeds
2022-04-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Schramm Education Center, 21502 West Highway 31, Gretna, NE, 68028, United States
Seeds are tough, but they can also be sticky, crunchy, and even fluffy! Learn how a plant starts its life as we examine different types of seeds.
Do you have a little one who loves animals, nature, and the outdoors? Are you looking for opportunities to explore the outdoors together with your children? Join us for Little Saplings, Schramm Education Center’s early childhood nature discovery program. Little Saplings, a monthly program designed for children ages 2 – 5 and their adult caregiver, will bring nature themes to life for your child through story time, sensory activities, crafts, and outdoor exploration!
The cost to participate is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program and includes admission to the Education Center after the program; pay at the front desk upon arrival. Schramm Family Pass members participate free. No park permit is required in the center’s parking lot. For questions about the program, please contact Jen Ruyle, Outdoor Education Specialist, at 402-332-5022 or jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov.

Climate & Your Health
2022-04-06 12:00 - 13:00 | NE
You are invited to join the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures for a panel discussion on the impact of climate and extreme weather events on our physical and mental health.
Panelists include:
Dr. Jesse Bell – Director, Claire M. Hubbard Professor of Water, Climate, & Health Program, UNMC
Dr. Alison Freifeld – Dept. of Internal Medicine, UNMC
Dr. Jill Poole – Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, UNMC
Dr. Martha Shulski – State Climatologist, UNL
Register here.

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies
2022-04-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
From Star Wars to Frozen to Titanic to The Martian — join beloved astrophysics icon Neil deGrasse Tyson for an entertaining and enlightening review of all the science that our favorite movies got wrong and what they got right. His presentation will incorporate contemporary films plus some classics that you may not have known had any science in them at all.

To receive 25% off tickets (in price level 1-3 only), use code: SCIENCE22 at check out.

Legos at the Library
2022-04-07 15:45 - 16:45 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Come for some brick-snappin’ fun! You can design and build your own creations and enjoy hanging out with other Lego enthusiasts. We’ll supply the Legos, you just need to bring your imagination. No registration is needed for this program designed for youth ages 3–12.

#049Day
2022-04-09 12:00 - 16:00 | Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, 28210 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE, 68003, United States
After 6 years and over 32,000 volunteer hours, the interior and exterior restoration of the EC-135 “Looking Glass” TN #63-8049 has been nearly completed.
While there is still work being done on the wings and engines, the aircraft has been restored to its former glory and sits proudly in Hangar B at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.
Now, they are opening the aircraft to give you an opportunity to see this titan of the Cold War.
Join them on Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm for this rare opportunity to go inside the EC-135 and learn about the critical role it played in the Strategic Air Command fleet “Preserving the Peace.” The Curatorial Team and Volunteers will give brief tours of the aircraft interior and share stories of its history.
Regular admission applies and reservations are not needed for this event.
Tours will be limited to approximately 10 minutes to allow for as many guests as possible to view the aircraft.
To learn more about the EC-135, visit: https://www.sacmuseum.org/what-to-see/aircraft/ec-135-looking-glass/

Fairytale STEM with NE SciFest
2022-04-09 14:00 - 15:00 | A.V. Sorensen Branch, 4808 Cass St., Omaha, NE, 68132, United States
Join OPL staff to explore STEM by way of familiar and popular fairytales. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are all around us, even in the stories we love. Explore one or more of these concepts with hands-on activities inspired by a tale. All supplies will be provided.

Seuss-sational Science
2022-04-09 14:00 - 15:00 | W. Dale Clark (Main) Library, 215 S. 15th St., Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Meet the Omaha Children’s Museum’s resident “Seussical Scientist,” as we bring Dr. Seuss’ classics to life with experiments and silliness inspired by the legendary books! This larger than life program bridges literacy and STEM learning in a fun and engaging way! This program is a part of the Nebraska Science Festival. Check out the OPL events calendar for more science fun!
Childcare groups and other groups larger than 10, please call in advance.

McGoogan Library Speaker Series: Pharaoh's Midwives
2022-04-11 12:00 - 13:00 | NE
Mark Darby, MSN, RN, APRN, FNP-C, instructor in the College of Nursing at UNMC, will present at McGoogan Library‘s next Speaker Series on April 11 at noon. Mr. Darby will present on his book Pharaoh’s Midwives.

Darby has been a nurse for almost 40 years and is certified in Family and Mental Health as a nurse practitioner. He is the co-leader of the College of Nursing’s Creative Writing Project at UNMC and has been editor of the Journal of Nurse Jocularity for the past eight years. Darby self-published Pharaoh’s Midwives to answer the question: Are the Hebrew midwives in Exodus 1:15 – 21, named Shipporah and Puah, Hebrew or Egyptian, and why does that make a difference in the context of the racial tensions of society today?

This event is virtual. Registration for Zoom is required.

Fairytale STEM with NE SciFest
2022-04-12 16:00 - 17:00 | W. Clarke Swanson Branch, 9101 W. Dodge Rd., Omaha, NE, 68114, United States
In conjunction with Nebraska Science Festival, join OPL staff to explore STEM by way of familiar and popular fairytales. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are all around us, even in the stories we love. Explore one or more of these concepts with hands-on activities inspired by a tale. All supplies will be provided.
This program is recommended for children in grades 1-5. Register here.

Opera in Conversation: Exploring The Science of Memory with UNMC
2022-04-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Benson Theatre, 6054 Maple St., Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
Opera in Conversation is a series of three sessions surrounding Opera Omaha mainstage productions that features creatives, scholars, and other public figures with a hope to foster cross-disciplinary exploration of art, big questions, and community connections.
Join Opera Omaha on Tuesday, April 12th at 6:00pm at The Benson Theater and via livestream. When you register, please indicate if you plan to attend in-person or via livestream.
Opera Omaha’s new production of Eugene Onegin will be presented as a memory play. In this community conversation we will explore the science of memory with Dr. David E. Warren and Dr. John O’Hara from University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Admission is FREE, but registration is required.

THE BENSON THEATRE’S COVID POLICY:
The Benson Theatre requires our audience members and guests of the theater to show proof of vaccination and to wear a mask or face protection for all events at this time.

If you are not comfortable disclosing your vaccination status you may join via livestream.

Tinker Tots
2022-04-12 18:30 - 19:30 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Join us for a hands-on STEM program designed especially for you and your preschooler. Help your child develop important math, science, and learning readiness skills while having fun! An adult caregiver must remain with the participating child. Limited to 10 participants ages 2–5.

Register today at https://www.cityofkearney.org/Activities/Activity/Detail/Tinker-Tots-184

Build, Connect, Create
2022-04-12 18:30 - 19:30 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Explore, create, and learn as you build with our collection of STEM toys, including Snap Circuits, KEVA Planks, Straws and Connectors, Magna-Tiles, and more! What is STEM? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. There is a push for youth to start learning about STEM early to empower them with skills to succeed and adapt to our increasingly complex and changing technological world. Limited to 25 participants aged 5–14 per session. Register today at https://www.cityofkearney.org/…/Build-Connect-Create-58.

Omaha Science Cafe with Common Senses Festival
2022-04-13 09:00 - 10:00 | NE
Join Michael Hollins, James Coleman and Dr. Matthew Goodwin for our next virtual Omaha Science Café on April 13 at 9am.
This team is behind two of the Common Senses Festival installations. Essentially the two installations, combined, make up The EMMA project. Think a prescriptive environment that uses sensors to assess a person’s arousal state and then adjusts (lighting, sound, projections) to help someone self regulate.
The virtual Science Café will be offered via zoom and livestreamed to the Science Cafe Facebook page. Viewers do not need a Facebook account to view the livestream.
Register here for the zoom link.
Science Cafés involve a conversation with an expert about current science topics. They are open to everyone. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. Experts give a brief presentation followed by a Q&A period.

Speaker Bios
Michael Hollins is the Director of Community & Business Engagement for the iEXCEL program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Previously, he served as Chief Creative Officer for community and arts organizations such as KANEKO and Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE). Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) in Anthropology, Philosophy, and Film Studies and Master of Arts in Cinema & Media Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and volunteers with the Nebraska Writers Collective, Autism Action Partnership, tbd. Dance Collective and Film Streams.

James Coleman is a current doctoral student at Princeton University and is a former Senior Project Engineer at JB&B. Specialized in “Smart Buildings,” he facilitates the adoption of cutting-edge technology to deliver better occupant experiences in buildings, for all who use them. In collaboration with Dr. Goodwin, he developed The LivingRoom: a controllable environment that allows occupants to curate a calming space for themselves out of lights, sounds and images. James aspires to make Smart Building technologies widespread, so that all may benefit from environments that understand their unique preferences.

Dr. Matthew S. Goodwin is an Interdisciplinary Associate Professor with joint appointments in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences and Khoury College of Computer Science, where he is a founding faculty member of a new doctoral program in Personal Health Informatics and Directs the Computational Behavioral Science Laboratory. Dr. Goodwin was a former Visiting Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School, Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University, and Director of Clinical Research at the MIT Media Lab. He has previously served on the Executive Board of the International Society for Autism Research and the Scientific Advisory Board for Autism Speaks. He has over 20 years of research and clinical experience working with children and adults on the autism spectrum and developing and evaluating innovative technologies for behavioral assessment and intervention, including video and audio capture, telemetric physiological monitors, accelerometry sensors, and digital video/facial recognition systems

Raptors & Rye
2022-04-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Mercury, 329 S 16th St #3, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Do you love rye? Do you love raptors? Have you ever thought it would be fun to drink rye and talk about raptors? Well, this is the event for you!
Before the rye is poured, Denise Lewis, Director of Programs from Fontenelle Forest, will talk all things raptors. Come early to see these glorious creatures up close and personal – just please no touching.
After the raptors, Clark Ross, owner at Mercury, will end the evening with the science of rye. Attendees can purchase a sampler and taste along for $25.
This is a free event (unless you are purchasing a tasting sampler), though tickets are required due to space being limited.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE.

Seuss-sational Science
2022-04-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Benson Branch, 6015 Binney Street, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
Meet the “Seussical Scientist,” as we bring Dr. Seuss’ classics to life with experiments and silliness inspired by the legendary books! This larger than life program bridges literacy and STEM learning in a fun and engaging way.
