So You Want to Learn About… ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Want to learn more about the great outdoors and the planet we call home? #ATLSciFest 2020 has plenty of events for the explorer in you! Start planning your Atlanta Science Festival experience with these curated events, taking place all over metro Atlanta March 6-21. Learn all about the current state of climate change, take a stroll through nature, participate in eco-geo expeditions, and more! Keep reading to learn more.
Climate Odyssey 2100 | Friday, March 6th 8:00pm – 9:30 pm
Presented by Science ATL, The Weather Channel, the National Weather Service, Peachtree City, Out of Hand Theater
Atlanta Science Festival is thrilled to present our 2020 Launch Event! 2100: A Climate Odyssey will transport you to the year 2100, when life is a little different due to climate change. As a major storm hits Atlanta in this immersive theatrical experience, we will peer into the future and discover how we can work together to mitigate disaster.
5% of proceeds will be donated to the Captain Planet Foundation to empower positive change for the earth. Get tickets to this thrilling event here!
Exploring the Natural World Through Art – Part 1 | Saturday, March 7th 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Presented by AIR Serenbe, Frazer Center
The Information Age has brought an understanding of far-flung ecosystems to more people than ever before. But it has also, paradoxically, divorced our personal relationship with the natural world with increasing, screen-mediated distance. Poet, performer, and conservationist, Robbie Q. Telfer will hold these two conflicting truths as one, like a tiny baby, at once profound and poopy. Learn more about this free event here.
Stick around for “Part 2” of this event, featuring a soundwalk with Lady Eve.
Exploring the Natural World Through Art – Part 2 | Saturday, March 7th 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Presented by AIR Serenbe, Frazer Center
Explore how listening techniques can help increase our subtle perception of the environment. Join Lady Eve for a Soundwalk through the Woolford Gardens at the Frazer Center as she examines how the sounds heard in a particular location are as unique as a fingerprint, and develop a deeper understanding of how we fit into our ecosystem. Learn more about this free event here.
Wildflower Walk | Saturday, March 7th 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Presented by Fernbank Museum
Join a Fernbank scientist to explore Fernbank Forest, a 65-acre mature mixed-hardwood forest located in the heart of metro Atlanta. You’ll get to explore the diversity of native plants and wildflowers and learn to identify them by their leaves and flowers.
This tour is for ages 8 and up. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 404.929.6400 to reserve your spot. Space is limited to 30 people, so make your reservation early. Check back for weather updates. There is plenty of free parking available in the Museum parking lot. Learn more about this event here.
Champion Tree Walk | Sunday. March 8th 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Presented by Trees Atlanta
Each year, Trees Atlanta teams with partners to search for some of the oldest, heartiest, and most beautiful trees our city has to offer. These fine trees are compiled into a list of nationally-recognized “Champion Trees.” In this walk with Fernbank ecologist Eli Dickerson, we’ll dive into the process of selecting Champion Trees. Eli will help you identify ten native tree species, and will explain why it’s especially important to protect and preserve old trees. Join Eli in selecting Atlanta’s 2020 Champion Trees! Grab your tickets to the event here. Learn more about this event here.
Rock n’ Walk | Sunday, March 8th 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Presented by Georgia State University
Millions of years ago, a massive magma chamber cooled below ground near Atlanta, never erupting through to the surface. Now, we call it Stone Mountain. Join GSU Geosciences on a hike to explore this unique granite dome. You can start the hikes or swing by for a hands-on learning session at the Historical and Environmental Education Center where the geologists will explore the history of this notable natural landmark. You’ll also be able to ‘walk’ a Giant Traveling Map of Georgia, engage in activities with rock and mineral specimens, and explore other natural landscapes using Google Cardboard VR as you make your way up the mountain. Groups will depart the Education Center frequently. Learn more about this free event here.
Playing Mother Nature: A Night of Simulating Earth Science Phenomena! | Tuesday, March 10th 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Presented by Georgia Institute of Technology School of Earth and Atmospheric Science
Ever wonder how weather systems are formed in the atmosphere? Or perhaps you would like to know how an earthquake develops? How does Earth’s terrain evolve over long periods of time? If you have any interest in Earth Science, this event is for you! Come join members of the Georgia Tech School of Earth and Atmospheric Science on a hands-on adventure as we show off some amazing tools to demonstrate the formation of weather systems, ocean circulation, earthquakes, and other Earth science phenomena! Learn more about this free event here.
CHaRM Recycling Tour | Thursday, March 12th 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Presented by Live Thrive Atlanta’s CHaRM
Have you ever wondered what to do with dated electronics or old bottles of household cleaner? What about textbooks, old cans of paint, or even an old mattress? Join us for a tour of Live Thrive Atlanta’s CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) Facility, where you’ll learn about what happens to our waste and how to make sustainable changes in your household.
There are two instances of this event: 10:00am and 1:00pm. Free parking is available onsite. Learn more about this free event here.
OneEarth/OneChance | Thursday, March 12th 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Presented by Women’s Caucus For Art of Georgia, Georgia State University Perimeter College
Join us for One Earth/One Chance – Artists Standing for an End To Global Warming. The event will feature an exhibition of work inspired by the climate crisis from 70 local visual artists, performance art, and a panel discussion with four climate crisis experts. Parking is available onsite. Learn more about this free event here.
I.D. the Trees! | Saturday, March 14th 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Presented by DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs
If Atlanta is really “The City in the Forest” shouldn’t we know what kind of trees surround us? Join DeKalb County’s Ranger Jonah for a walk all about trees. Learn techniques for identifying trees by their bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit. From the common water oak to the rare winged elm, come fall in love with trees at Mason Mill Park! Grab your tickets to the event here. Learn more about this event here.
We Eat Trash: The Science Behind Worm Composting | Saturday, March 14th 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Presented by UGA Extension Clayton County, Clayton County Government
What happens to that moldy package of strawberries you throw away once they’re in your trash can? What about your vegetable scraps from cooking? They eventually break down or decompose. Worms love to eat food like this! Join UGA Extension as we learn about using our household food waste to feed worms that can turn our trash into rich compost for our gardens. You will take home your own worm bin to turn your trash into something useful. Grab your tickets to the event here. Learn more about this event here.
Garden Detox | Saturday, March 14th 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Presented by Historic Westside Gardens, Georgia Department of Public Health, Environmental Protection Agency, Emory University
Come discuss heavy metal soil contamination in West Atlanta to learn what you can do about it. We will have food and interactive games and giveaways to make it fun but also educational! Learn more about this free event here.
Eco-Geo Expedition | Sunday, March 15th 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Presented by Georgia State University
Grab your phone and get ready to hike up Arabia Mountain for a scavenger hunt that includes geocaching, identifying unique species, and finding geologic features beneath your feet! Stop by the nature center to claim your scavenger hunt card before you get started and consider joining a guided hike to learn about plants, insects, and more as you explore the landscape. Learn how to use the iNaturalist, Rockd, and Geocaching apps to record your observations and share your discoveries with the global community. Learn more about this free event here.
Splash into Stream Science | Sunday, March 15th 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Presented by GSU Geosciences, Fulton County Public Works Project, WET Adopt-a-Stream
Examine the world of water in your own backyard by catching and studying bugs that reveal the health of a local stream in southwestern Atlanta. Test water quality and learn how changing environmental conditions can affect the livelihood of habitats and how that relates to human activities.
Join in games and engage in laboratory and field science at different stations next to the creek, or jump in and “get your feet wet” to participate in data collection in the water! Make sure you wear closed-toed footwear, and ideally, waterproof options (e.g., waders, rain boots) if you plan on going into the creek to collect water samples. For those who don’t want to get wet, we will have several activities that don’t require going into the creek! Learn more about this free event here.
Can’t get enough science? Discover the full #ATLSciFest 2020 schedule here!
