Nebraska Science Festival soon kicks off, offering weeks of activities

LINCOLN — Statewide events designed to show in fun ways how science intertwines in the lives of adults and kids will begin soon as part of the annual Nebraska Science Festival, which was initiated a decade ago by the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Lasting through April, the festival offers a wide spectrum of activities, ranging from a March 26 “Become a Storm Spotter” night at the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus to a monthlong moonwalk challenge.

UNMC, the state’s public medical and research center, started the festival in 2013 and has since been assisted by a number of organizations. The goal, sponsors say, is to help make science accessible, interactive and relevant for kids and adults alike.

A festival website offers a detailed list of activities. Many are free, but some require reservations that can be made via the website. Here’s a sampling:

• Omaha Science Café – On April 2 at 7 p.m., Max Kurz, scientist at the Boys Town Institute for Human Neuroscience, to present “The Brain That Heals Itself” at Omaha’s Slowdown. The free event is open to anyone 21 years and older. 
• Open House at the UNL Student Observatory – On the evenings of April 5 and 19, see the stars, planets and moon from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.
• Science Sundays – The Omaha RiverFront each Sunday in April, 1-2 p.m., to offer hands-on, family-friendly science activities, while supplies last.
• The Great American Eclipse Viewing at Branched Oak Observatory – On April 8 from noon to 3:30 p.m., visit the observatory in Raymond, Nebraska, for “up close” look through safe solar telescopes.
• Introduction to Falconry – April 11 at 6 p.m., an event about the ancient sport of falconry at the Kearney Public Library.
• Bird Outings –April 16, 8-10 a.m., a bird guide outing around trails at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon in Denton, Nebraska.
• Boys Town Hall of History – Different topics, from comic books and magnifying glasses to windmills and blueprints, offered at various times and days at the Omaha campus.
• Lucky Bucket Brewing Tours in La Vista – Saturday tours available to sign up for and learn about how science plays a role in beer-making. 
• Return of the Thunderbirds – April 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Indian Center, Inc. in Lincoln, offers a cross-cultural community event celebrating the return of rain, thunder, spring and bird migration.