Health and the Human Body
Learn about the amazing science of health, the human body, and everything in between! These 2024 Atlanta Science Festival events are all about discovering aspects of what makes our bodies work. Start planning your Atlanta Science Festival experience with these events, taking place March 9-23.
Neuroscience is Looking for a Few Good Brains! | March 9th 11:00 AM
Presented by Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Join the GSU/GT Center for Advanced Brain Imaging (CABI) to explore what neuroscience can teach us about how the brain works! Take our interactive center tour and join researchers from Georgia State University and Georgia Tech as we explore the health and development of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other techniques. All age groups are welcome to attend and learn more about how you can volunteer to participate in critical studies at CABI that help us understand how the brain changes over the lifespan and how to resolve concerns about reading, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, tumors, and more. Expert scientists lead this interactive tour and field all your burning questions about what’s going on inside your brain!
Science Rx: Family Science Day at Monday Night Garage | March 9th 11:00 AM
Presented by Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Monday Night Garage
Have you got a fever for science? We’ve got the prescription! Join Mercer College of Pharmacy’s student pharmacists and professors as they guide you through some fun pharm-inspired science. Plus, parents can enjoy a cold brew – a win-win for everyone!
No registration necessary.
Piece of Mind: Film Screening & Workshop on Dementia Experiences | March 9th 3:30 PM
Presented by Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, National Circus School of Montreal – Centre for Circus Arts Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer (CRITAC)
Place yourself in the performer’s shoes in this interactive workshop following the screening of Piece of Mind: Dementia – an artistic performance highlighting scientific research and lived experiences of dementia. Together, Piece of Mind performers and attendees will dissect specific scenes from the film, discussing the creative process and delving into the underlying information, emotions and metaphors through creative movement. This workshop is hosted by Montreal-based circus and dance artists and scientists/clinicians/advocates from local Atlanta institutes.
Performing Data: Neurodegenerative Disease Research and Lived Experience Share the Stage | March 10th 7:00 PM
Presented by Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, McGill University, National Circus School of Montreal – Centre for Circus Arts Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer
How can we bring complex issues like Parkinson’s Disease to life through the arts? Co-created by neuroscientists, performing artists, people living with Parkinson’s disease and caregivers, Piece of Mind unites neuroscientific knowledge and lived experiences on the same stage. Through impressive acrobats, absurd theatrics, moving choreographies, and audience participation, the artists seek to shed light on challenges and resilience in face of Parkinson’s disease, address social stigma and misperceptions, and pique curiosity on current research avenues. Following the performance, we’ll have a live panel with the research team, performers, and local experts on Parkinson’s disease.
Nature’s Pharmacy with Emory University Herbarium | March 12th 6:30 PM
Presented by Emory University Herbarium
Join leading medical ethnobotanist and explorer, Dr. Cassandra Quave, as she shares the story of her quest to develop new ways to fight illness and disease through the healing powers of plants. Blend your own tea and create a DIY herbarium keepsake to take home!
How Do Astronauts Stay Healthy in Space? | March 15th 5:30 PM
Presented by Jennifer Swanson Books, Mayo Clinic Press
How do astronauts sleep in space? What do they eat? And how does microgravity change their eyes and their hearts? Award-winning children’s STEM author Jennifer Swanson will explore all of the COOL things that astronauts do while living in microgravity as told in her book, Spacecare: The Kids’ Guide to Surviving Space (Mayo Clinic Press Kids/Smithsonian). With interactive activities, awesome pictures and videos, this presentation will give you some out-of-this world knowledge about what it’s like to live in space!
No registration necessary.
Carnival in your Cranium: Exploring the Brain | March 16th Times Vary
Presented by Fernbank Museum
Welcome to the carnival inside your cranium. Let’s embark on a fascinating ride through the intricate pathways of the brain. Engage in mind-boggling puzzles that challenge your neurons to connect in ways you never thought possible. Explore the marvels of neuroplasticity as you tackle brain teasers, enhancing your cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills. Witness the power of teamwork as participants collaborate to unravel the mysteries of the mind, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared achievement.
Proton Precision: Inside Emory’s Proton Therapy Center | March 16th 10:00 AM
Presented by Emory Proton Therapy Center
Get a behind the scenes look into the Emory Proton Therapy Center’s cutting edge technology; high energy proton beams that target cancer with sub-millimeter precision. Learn the physics behind the treatment, and get a hands-on opportunity to treat the “patient” in your tour group! Join us for a journey through our clinical workflow and engaging activities on the Medical Physics concepts behind imaging, treatment planning, and radiation delivery.
Science Rx: Family Science Day at Hop City | March 16th 11:00 AM
Presented by Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Hop City
Have you got a fever for science? We’ve got the prescription! Join Mercer College of Pharmacy’s student pharmacists and professors as they guide you through some fun pharm-inspired science. Plus, parents can enjoy a cold brew – a win-win for everyone!
No registration necessary.
Is Pharmacy for Me? | March 19th 7:00 PM
Presented by Mercer University College of Pharmacy
Ever thought about a healthcare career? Consider pharmacy! Pharmacists are everywhere – researching life-saving medicines, leading large healthcare organizations, on the front lines of healthcare, and more.
You’ll learn about this fascinating healthcare segment from alumni and professors from Atlanta’s own Mercer University College of Pharmacy.
Our Disappearing Microbes | March 21st 6:00 PM
Presented by Georgia State University
Dive into the microscopic world with “The Invisible Extinction”! Join us for an eye-opening film screening that unveils how important microbes are for our health and how our lifestyles may be causing their demise. After the movie, enjoy some live Q&A of microbial experts and medical doctors as they unravel the science behind these tiny superheroes. Discover the incredible impact of microbes on our world and get ready for an evening of enlightenment and lively discussion. Don’t miss this chance to explore the unseen universe that surrounds us.
