Celebrating the Wonders of Science

The Atlanta Science Festival, an annual celebration of all things science, is taking place in metro Atlanta this month (March 8-22). The festival features more than 100 educational and engaging events across the city, all focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. More than 50,000 children and adults participate every year, making it one of the largest science festivals in the U.S. 

Programs include presentations, hands-on activities, performances, and storytelling shows. Most of the events are free, but registration is required. Guests can explore a variety of topics this year, such as coffee and chemistry, the love of Lego, cyborgs and brain imaging, as well as tree treks and forest walks. The festival culminates in the Exploration Expo, a giant science party in Piedmont Park.

Earlier this month, I took part in the Escape Room Science Trail at Mason Mill Park. Written by Ranger Jonah, participants are challenged to complete a series of educational puzzles posted along the South Peachtree Creek Trail boardwalk. The self-guided tour has information on plants and animals you'll find in the area, as well as history and conservation efforts. The "escape room" was a great way to spend a weekend - informative, fun, and outdoorsy. My teammate and I finished the 1.5-mile trail in about an hour. While solving puzzles, we saw ducks, geese, fish, and a variety of turtles. 

The festival is truly a community effort, with more than 80 partner organizations, such as local schools, museums, businesses, and civic groups. The Atlanta Science Festival was founded in 2014 by Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber. It is engineered by Science ATL, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to science learning opportunities and highlighting the STEM innovations happening in Atlanta. To learn more about the Atlanta Science Festival, visit https://atlantasciencefestival.org/.