ALEX’s Picks for Groups
Looking for #ATLSciFest events perfect for large groups or field trips? We’ve got you covered with events for all ages! Start planning your Atlanta Science Festival experience with these curated events, taking place all over metro Atlanta March 6-21, 2020.
Full Dome, Half Price Space Spectacular | Saturday, March 7th, 2020 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Presented by Fernbank Science Center, National Informal STEM Education Network (NISENet)
Cultivate your scientific curiosity at Fernbank Science Center during our Full Dome, Half Price Space Spectacular. Join Jennifer Swanson, the award-winning author of the children’s book Astronaut-Aquanaut, for an exciting, interactive presentation that will have you soaring into space or diving deep into the ocean. Learn more and get tickets here.
Complete the Circuit: Meet a Woman Scientist! | Saturday, March 7th, 2020 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Presented by 500 Women Scientists: ATL Pod
Young girls need female role models if we want to close the gender gap in science and engineering. This event is the chance for middle school girls to meet face-to-face with real women in science, ask questions about their careers, and imagine themselves as scientists, too. Together, we’ll build a circuit and play games to encourage discussion. Parents will learn about how to nurture their daughter’s love of science and help them succeed. And there will be ice cream! Get tickets for families here.
How Snakes Work | Saturday, March 7th, 2020 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Presented by Amphibian Foundation, HowStuffWorks
There is hardly a group of animals more feared and misunderstood than snakes. Myths and misinformation have surrounded these animals since humans first showed up on the planet and started getting creeped out by snakes. How are they able to do everything without any arms or legs? Join the Amphibian Foundation and HowStuffWorks to explore this fascinating group of reptiles and discuss how they sense, function, move, eat, and capture prey. We’ll save time at the end to meet a diversity of snakes from all over the world. Register for this event here.
Rock n’ Walk | Sunday, March 8th, 2020 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. Learn more about this event here.
Family Science Carnival | Sunday, March 8th, 2020 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Presented by The Paideia School, Science of Fun STEM Camps
Bring the whole family out for a science carnival mashup! Parents and kids can play with (or against!) each other in games based on some of your favorite classic science experiments and beloved carnival games: Air Cannon Shoot, Giant Jenga, Sound Wave Splash, and more! Note: Parents, please register for yourself in addition to your child. Register here.
Not Just Newts: Behind the Scenes with the Amphibian Foundation | Sunday, March 8th, 2020 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Presented by Amphibian Foundation
Atlanta is home to a unique nonprofit dedicated to the conservation and research of amphibians amidst a global population decline. In 2016, the Amphibian Foundation formed to focus on conserving two of Georgia’s most imperiled species (Gopher Frog and Flatwoods Salamander). Since then has begun working on other native and globally endangered amphibians. Closed to the public, this is a chance to see the conservation collections and meet Foundation staff working hard to save these vital and sensitive animals from extinction. Register here!
Milo the Magnificent: puppets + science! (Multiple sessions) | Tuesday, March 10th, 2020 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Presented by Center for Puppetry Arts
Join the Center for Puppetry Arts and Alex & Olmsted as they introduce you to Milo the Magnificent! Catch this puppet show about magic and then dive into the science and art behind the show! You’ll participate in our Create-A-Puppet Workshop™ and get hands on with specialized learning stations that share the science and technology behind puppetry! Have a blast learning about the magic and science of puppetry arts. Use code “ASF” to get 25% off your ticket! Get tickets here.
Note: There are two showtimes daily on March 10, March 11, March 12, and March 13 at 10am and 11:30am.
Surface Tension and Suminagashi (Multiple sessions) | Tuesday, March 10th, 2020 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Presented by Fulton County Library System
Science is art! Join us for an engaging activity exploring where science and art meet. Why is surface tension important? Because it may allow engineers to create items that can “walk on water.” You’ll learn about the study of surface tension and the ancient Japanese art of beautiful Suminagashi, and you’ll even get to create beautiful works of art yourself! Learn more about this free event.
Note: This event repeats at other libraries on March 13th and March 17th.
The Astronomy of Star Wars | Tuesday, March 10th, 2020 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Presented by Georgia State University Perimeter College
One with the Force are you? Join us for this all-ages dress up sci-fi adventure where we’ll lead a discussion on the worlds and aliens of the Star Wars films and compare them with the planets and life in our solar system, as well as extra-solar planets. Along the way, we’ll enjoy video clips inspired by Star Wars and other sci-fi favorites. Young Jedi and Padawan alike are encouraged to attend in their favorite sci-fi attire. Learn more about this free event.
Family Science Night with UGA Extension Fulton County | Thursday, March 12th, 2020 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Presented by UGA Extension – Fulton County, Stonewall Tell Elementary School
Come join the fun at Family Science Night with Fulton County 4-H as you explore science through hands-on and engaging activities! Rotate through various stations to explore concepts such as food science, animal science, agriscience, 3D printing, biological science, and more! There will be door prizes, learning, and of course plenty of fun! Drop in any time during the event! Learn more about this free event.
8th Annual Latino College & STEM Fair | Saturday, March 14th, 2020 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Presented by Georgia Tech CEISMC Go-STEM
We invite you to our 8th Annual Latino College and STEM Fair at Georgia Tech! Come join us for bilingual workshops, fun hands-on activities for the entire family, a college fair, and inspirational conversations with Latino college students, parents, professors, and other STEM professionals. This will be a free, fun, educational and exciting event organized by Georgia Tech’s GoSTEM program. Learn more about this free event.
Biomechanics Day: Animals in Motion | Saturday, March 14th, 2020 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Presented by Zoo Atlanta
Ever wonder how snakes slither or how frogs use their tongues? Why do flamingos stand on one leg and what is the physics behind elephant trunks? Drop in at Zoo Atlanta to celebrate the diversity of animals on Earth and the incredible ways they move. With help from biomechanics experts at GA Tech, you can participate in live demonstrations and presentations that are sure to generate excitement about biomechanics and applications in Bio-inspired Design as you tour the Zoo. This event is free with zoo admission. Learn more here.
Discovery Day at GSU | Saturday, March 14th, 2020 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Presented by Georgia State University
Explore four floors of science at Discovery Day! We’ll have hands-on science demonstrations from GSU departments and student groups: learn about the science of ice-cream (and make some yourself), the wonders of 3-D printing, create slime, touch brains, and more! Learn more about this free event here.
Investigating the Nanoscale | Saturday, March 14th, 2020 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Presented by Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology at Georgia Tech
How do scientists and engineers make and see nanoscale objects? What does your hair or an insect’s eye look like under a scanning electron microscope (SEM)? Through hands-on demos, learn what makes the nanoscale different, how harnessing it has led to improvements in products you use every day, and about future applications you can only imagine. Come early for “Science of Star Wars“ beginning at 10:00 am. Learn more about this free event.
Snake Day | Saturday, March 14th, 2020 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Presented by Fernbank Science Center, American Reptile Association, Georgia Reptile Society
Explore “snake senses” at the 6th annual Snake Day at Fernbank Science Center. Snake Day features family-friendly hands-on activities, informational talks, displays about snakes as pets and Georgia’s own native snakes, and of course, LOTS of live snakes to get up close & personal. Learn more about this free event.
The Journey of Our Water | Saturday, March 14th, 2020 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Presented by Fulton County’s Johns Creek Environmental Campus
Ever wonder where our water comes from and what happens to water before and after we use it? Come take an educational journey and learn about the ENTIRE WATER TREATMENT CYCLE! See the pipes and actual treated water and learn about where it goes when it’s all cleaned. Groups of 10 or more must register by emailing [email protected]. Learn more here.
Gwinnett 4-H Wacky Science from UGA Extension | Saturday, March 14th, 2020 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Presented by UGA Extension – Gwinnett County
Can you power a blender and make a smoothie by riding a bike? Have you checked out the latest technology with 3D printing or tested water for bacteria? Join us for an afternoon of science exploration and mystery where we answer these questions and more. UGA Extension and community partners join together to present lots of fun where everyone can become a mad scientist! Drop in any time during the event! Get tickets here.
CCPLS Family Tech Time | Saturday, March 14th, 2020 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Presented by Cobb County Public Library
Robotics! Virtual reality! Hands-on science! Come on out to the Cobb County Public Library System’s Family Tech Time for a family-friendly afternoon of fun and science. Educators are also invited to preview CCPLS STEM Stacker educator kits developed in partnership with the Georgia Science Teacher Association and UGA Cobb 4H. Learn more about this free event.
DESIGNORAMA | Saturday, March 14th, 2020 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Presented by Drew Charter School
DESIGNORAMA is Drew Charter School’s annual family-friendly celebration of inventing, making, and creating. This event brings together makers, crafters, inventors, hackers, scientists, and artists for a fair full of fun and inspiration. Come see what others are making and be inspired to tap into your own creativity! Learn more about this free event.
Don’t You Snap at Me! | Sunday, March 15th, 2020 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Presented by Amphibian Foundation
Join us for a discussion and (completely safe) live exhibit exploring the biology, myths, and legends of our largest, most notorious, and most despised native vertebrates – the Snapping Turtle. See them up close and personal while learning about their ecology and the role they play in our urban ecosystem. Learn more about this free event!
Small Bites & Science Day on the Farm | Sunday, March 15th, 2020 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Presented by Small Bites Adventure Club, Love is Love Farm
Join us for a day of science on the farm with Small Bites Adventure Club! You’ll prepare and try new foods with farmers and chefs, exploring the math and science from farm to plate along the way. You’ll also learn how small urban veggie farms can help feed a city. Wear outside clothes and shoes, and make sure you bring water. Register for this event here.
Splash into Stream Science | Sunday, March 15th, 2020 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. Learn more about this free event.
Mad Science Fest | Monday, March 16th, 2020 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Presented by YMCA of Metro Atlanta, TAG-ED, STE(A)M Truck, Alliance Theatre, Connect ATL STEAM
Come join the YMCA and TAG-ED for a day of family fun! At the Mad Fun Fest you’ll have a chance to do fun experiments, enjoy special activities by the Alliance Theatre, STE(A)M Truck, the Brown Toy Box, and a few other surprise guests! Join us to learn how you can be a champion for STEAM education in your family and community. Register for this event here.
Cobb 4-H Family Science Night | Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Presented by UGA Extension-Cobb County
Come join the fun at Family Science Night with Cobb County 4-H as you explore science through hands-on and engaging activities! Rotate through various stations to explore concepts such as food science, animal science, agriscience, virtual reality technology, biological science, and more! There will be door prizes, learning, and of course plenty of fun! Register for this event here.
Outdoor STEAM | Wednesday, March 18th, 2020 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Presented by West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Inc.
Join the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and a host of partners to experience O-STEAM: Outdoor Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math at the 26-acre Outdoor Activity Center in Southwest Atlanta, a part of the Atlanta Children’s Forest Network! Learn more about this free event.
Become an Archaeologist! | Thursday, March 19th, 2020 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Presented by Emory University Department of Anthropology
Have you ever wondered how people lived in the past? Archaeologists are the detectives of science working to answer this question. Join Emory University experts for a set of activities where you can learn how to extract DNA, perform chemical analysis to discover the uses of artifacts, and put ancient objects and skeletons back together like a puzzle. Learn more about this free event.
Science for EveryBODY | Friday, March 20th, 2020 9:00 am – 12:15 pm
Presented by Chattahoochee Technical College
Join us as we take a tour through the human body and explore the inner workings of the amazing place we call home. Peer through a microscope, touch a real brain, see the inside of a real heart and interact with exciting exhibits designed to help kids from 2 to 102 better understand how we live, breath, work, and smile. Learn more about this free event!
#ATLSciFest’s Exploration Expo! | Saturday, March 21st 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Atlanta’s biggest interactive science event is FREE and open to adults, families, and children of all ages and interests. Touch a human brain! Build biological machines! Show off your craziest socks on the Giant Traveling Map of Georgia! Look inside a jet engine! Draw with 3-D pens! Taste miracle berries! Meet predators, parasites, and pollinators! Pen your own science haiku! Stare down an owl! Build a marsh or freeze a marshmallow! Measure how loud your mom is!
With more than 100 hands-on, interactive science booths from local organizations, universities, and companies, we’ll be showing off Atlanta science at this year’s Exploration Expo in Piedmont Park. Learn more about the Expo here!
Can’t get enough science? Discover the full #ATLSciFest 2020 schedule here!
