Walk to the Moon Challenge
2024-04-01 - 2024-04-30 | NE
NE SciFest is challenging everyone in Nebraska to show their love of science by participating in a 30-day exercise challenge that will collectively take us to the moon. The challenge will start April 1, and end on April 30. Any type of exercise will count (miles, minutes or steps) and ALL exercise will be converted into steps for the challenge. The challenge is going to take all our effort as it will require us to cover 238,855 miles or 477,710,000* steps.
Collectively, Nebraska, we can do it!
*Based on the average of 2,000 steps per mile.
How to submit your steps:
Steps for App:

Download the Challenge Runner App
Register (if you haven’t already)
Scan the QR Code to enroll in our challenge
Start tracking

Steps for browser (if you don’t want to do the app and track via your smart watch).

Go to the link below on April 1: https://www.challengerunner.com/enroll/9556ay-4gmm
Register.
Upload your steps weekly or daily in the browser.

NE SciFest Essay Contest
2024-04-01 - 2024-04-30 | NE
The NE SciFest Essay Contest is back again. This year we want you to write an essay answering the question below and be entered to win a NE SciFest swag package.
This year’s SciFest essay question: In honor of our keynote speaker – and her high school science teacher and mentor, Mr. Carlock, who encouraged her interest in science – tell us about an important science mentor in your life.

Contest is open to all Nebraskans 19 years and younger. Essays must be emailed to nescifest@gmail.com by April 30, 2024.

NE SciFest Art Contest
2024-04-01 - 2024-04-30 | NE
Back for a fourth year is the NE SciFest Art Contest.
Using our keynote speakers’ background in animal behavior as inspiration, create artwork that reflects your favorite animal.
Three winners will receive a swag bag of NE SciFest goodies.
All entries must meet the following requirements:

All entrants must live in the state of Nebraska
Each participant may only submit one image. However, a teacher/coach/parent may submit multiple images
Must be able to email a clear, well photographed image of creation to NE SciFest

BRICKLIVE Brickosaurs
2024-04-08 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-09 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-10 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-11 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-12 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

StoryWalk®: “Dig In!”
2024-04-08 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-09 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-10 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-11 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-12 09:00 - 17:00 | 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
2024-04-08 10:00 - 16:30, 2024-04-09 10:00 - 16:30, 2024-04-10 10:00 - 16:30, 2024-04-11 10:00 - 16:30 | 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.

Solar Eclipse Party at the Park
2024-04-08 12:00 - 15:00 | The RiverFront, 900 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Come down to The RiverFront Plaza at Lewis & Clark Landing from 12 to 3 PM to celebrate an unforgettable celestial experience! This year’s Solar Eclipse will be a rare cosmic event that you won’t want to miss!
Join The RiverFront for Eclipse themed activities suitable for the whole family, including out of this world solar treats, viewing opportunities, and so much more!
Safety First:
The RiverFront will provide Eclipse viewing glasses and guidance to ensure everyone can enjoy the Eclipse safely!

The 2024 Great American Eclipse Viewing at Branched Oak Observatory
2024-04-08 12:00 - 15:30 | Branched Oak Observatory, 14300 NW 98th St., Raymond, NE, 68428, United States
In collaboration with the Nebraska Science Festival, we are pleased to offer “The 2024 Great American Eclipse Viewing at Branched Oak Observatory.”
Some people go an entire lifetime and do not have a chance to see a single Solar Eclipse. Here in the United States, we have had the opportunity to see THREE spectacular solar eclipses within just a seven-year time period; the Total Solar Eclipse here in Nebraska in 2017, The Annular Eclipse (“Partial” in NE) in 2023, and this year another Total Solar Eclipse (“Partial” in NE) on April 8th.
Although you can view the Partial Solar Eclipse anywhere in the state, we invite the community out to Branched Oak Observatory for a unique chance to see the eclipse “up close” through our amazing safe solar telescopes. Not only will you get to view the Partial Eclipse, you will see Sunspots, Solar Prominences, Granulation, Filaments, and so much more on the surface of our closest star.
Note: Solar viewing is dependent on the weather. Solar glasses will be available for FREE while supplies last.
Visit theboo.org for more information about Branched Oak Observatory.

Solar Eclipse Viewing
2024-04-08 12:30 - 14:00 | Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln., Omaha, NE, 68144, United States
Join Omaha Public Library for a scientific adventure of planetary proportions as we read about and make models of a solar eclipse. Then, we’ll make paper viewers and go out to see the celestial event for ourselves!
This program will take place from 1pm-2pm and is recommended for children ages 5-10 with a caregiver, but patrons are encouraged to stay and watch the event with their children as long as they’d like.
Reminder: Never look directly at the sun during an eclipse!
Registration opens March 1. Call (402) 444-4848 to reserve a spot.

Mudpies
2024-04-09 09:30 - 11:00, 2024-04-11 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.

Seniors Understanding Nature
2024-04-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Join Fontenelle Forest for their Seniors Understanding Nature (SUN) lecture series at the Nature Center! Each lecture will cover a different topic. April’s topic: Earths Unsung Heroes: Fungi!
Fungi are often considered the original internet and nature’s recyclers. They can provide food and medicine to humans and also clean up ecosystems. How do fungi work to accomplish these tasks? Miles Adams, CCO of Myco Industries Group, will explain how fungi function and provide more fun facts.
Snacks and coffee are available before the presentation. This program is for adults ages 55 and up who enjoy learning about the natural world.

Urban Pollinator Habitat: Supporting Health & Wellness Webinar
2024-04-09 12:00 - 13:00 | NE
The UNMC Office of Sustainability will host an online webinar to teach about urban pollinator habitats and their impact on health. The speaker for the free webinar will be Benjamin Vogt, owner of the prairie-inspired design firm Monarch Gardens, and Bob Gittins, president and founder of Nebraska Monarchs.

Discovery Leader Training
2024-04-09 12:00 - 15:30 | Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th Street, Denton, NE, 68339, United States
Interested in becoming a Discovery Leader for Spring Creek Prairie? Join us for a free (and fun) training session on Tuesday, April 9, from 12:00-3:30 p.m. We’ll provide the training and lunch, you volunteer your time and passion.
Discovery Leaders help lead school and daycare field trips into prairie, woodland, and pond habitats. Our approach to education programs is exploratory, with hands-on investigations and open-ended activities to encourage participants to make observations and come to their own conclusions. Discovery Leaders encourage exploration, model good observational skills, and ask guided questions. Field trips mainly occur spring and fall. Any amount of help is appreciated, from twice a week to twice a month.
Contact Senior Education Manager, Jason St. Sauver, for more information.

Shutterfly Study Hall
2024-04-09 13:30 - 14:30 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Set aside some time to visit the Kearney Public Library and work on your Shutterfly photo book. This “study hall” will allow you time to work on your project with Connie Jelkin and library staff on hand to assist with your questions. You can work on a library computer OR bring your own device.
Notes & Requirements
Participants should be able to access their photos either online or bring them on a flash drive. Personal laptops may also be used, if desired.

Bookings
Please log in with your library credentials to reserve your place at this event. You may also book by phone or at your nearest library.

Nerd Nite Omaha
2024-04-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Saro Cider Lounge, 1012 S 10th St., Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Nerd Nite is a monthly lecture-in-a-bar series where people share their expertise, nerdy hobby, and or/niche knowledge of the world with others in a casual environment (like the Discovery Channel — with alcohol!). Be there and be square.

When: Tuesday, April 9 at 7 PM
Where: Saro Cider Omaha, 1012 S 10th St.

Talks include:
– “Climate Hope” by Farrah Grant, an instructor of geography at UNO
– “A Brief History of Biomechanics: Classical Roots to Present” by Dave Kingston, assistant professor of biomechanics at UNO
– “So I hear you hate Economics, may I have a moment of your time?” by Matt Pierson, associate director of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education

Free Adult Blood Pressure Checks
2024-04-10 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.

Space: It's Out of This World
2024-04-10 17:00 - 18:00 | Benson Branch, 6015 Binney Street, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
Become a Space Cadet with Omaha Public Library! Join the Omaha Children’s Museum as we tour our solar system and learn important physics, chemistry, and engineering concepts. Blast off with a combustion reaction, find out what happens when there is no air pressure, and watch as we make our own version of a comet!
This program is designed for kids grades K-5, but all ages are welcome.

Introduction to Falconry
2024-04-11 18:00 - 19:00 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Join Devin Jaffe of Mile High Falcons to learn about the ancient sport of Falconry at the Kearney Public Library! Meet some of the birds, learn about training and regulations, and ask questions. Don’t forget to bring your camera, this will be an unforgettable experience!
Please be mindful that movement and noise agitates the raptors. Attending this program requires patrons to sit still for one hour. Because of this, and due to the graphic nature of the sport of Falconry, this program is suggested for ages 12 and older.
