By Jade Thornton, OMAHA, Neb. – Throughout April, the Nebraska Science Festival will host events across the state aimed at connecting Nebraskans with science in practical, accessible ways. From public demonstrations to educational panels and family-friendly activities, the festival’s approach emphasizes participation over promotion.
Science Outside the Classroom
First held in 2013, the festival was developed as a response to the perception that science is often limited to textbooks or labs. Organizers designed the month-long event to take science into public spaces, creating opportunities for people to engage with it in more familiar settings.
“The goal was just to get kids, teens, adults, seniors, just interested and engaged in science in a different way,” said Kacie Baum, a representative of the festival. “Instead of just going to a classroom or reading about it online, it was to get them out in the community… seeing science every day in things they maybe wouldn’t think science was a part of, like food or drink or different activities.”
Accessibility Over Expertise
The festival’s events range from small neighborhood gatherings to museum exhibitions and university panels. Organizers and participants say the wide variety of formats is meant to lower the barrier to entry, especially for those who may not feel confident navigating scientific topics.
“Sometimes I think science is overwhelming, or people don’t think they’re smart enough,” said Erin Dahl, a STEM professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha. “So by having the events that the Nebraska Science Festival has, I think it’s an approachable way for families, and it’s inclusive too.”
A Broader Community Conversation
While science is the central focus, those involved say the festival is also about community. The hope is to create spaces where people feel comfortable asking questions and exploring unfamiliar topics—without the pressure of formal education settings.
Organizers emphasize that no background in science is necessary to attend or enjoy the events. Instead, they see the festival as a way to highlight how science intersects with everyday life, from food and nature to art and technology.
What’s Ahead
Events are scheduled throughout April in various cities and towns across Nebraska. A full schedule and additional details are available on the Nebraska Science Festival website.
