Science & Society
Science isn’t just about experiments in the lab; it touches all parts of life. Come on out to these Atlanta Science Festival events, taking place March 7-21, to learn more about the societal impacts of science.
Discovery Walk Decatur | March 7 10:30am
Presented by: Science ATL
For ASF2026, Science ATL is debuting a new Discovery Walk through downtown Decatur! Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On this docent-guided through Decatur, you will uncover some of this secret science on a family-friendly 2-3 mile route with ten intriguing science stops. Come on out and enjoy the lovely spring weather and learn a little science along the way!
Please note – at moments, the sidewalk is narrow and may be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair.
Learn more here
Einstein’s Ghost Tour | March 7 7:00pm
Presented by: Georgia Tech – STEM Comm
Meet the ghosts of Albert Einstein and other historical scientists such as Marie Curie and George Washington Carver, as they share the tales of their lives, their research, and their *demise*.
As you wind your way through a dark maze of frustration and inspiration, you will learn about science, test your knowledge via our interactive app, and collect each ghost’s talisman of discovery. Prepare to be afraid! Prepare to be amazed!
Learn more here
Paranormal Phenomena and Pseudo-Sciences | March 11 6:00pm
Presented by: Georgia State University Perimeter College – Dunwoody
Flat Earth, aliens, astrology, oh my! What’s science? What isn’t? Join scientists and academics to dig into the evidence and science behind these topics and more!
Learn more here
The Limitations of Labels: A Science and Spirituality Panel | March 12 7:00pm
Presented by: First Christian Church of Decatur, Gentle Spirit Christian Church
Identifiers, categories, demographics, labels. Now more than ever, we are able to define every facet of the human experience with some kind of descriptor. But do these descriptions encourage diversity or disunity? Do scientific terms and labels provide grateful understanding or confused fear? How do the things we call ourselves shape our selves? What are the spiritual, social, and neurological effects of the labels we use for ourselves and others?
Join Gentle Spirit Christian Church, First Christian Church of Decatur, and distinguished guests for a panel discussion on identity, society, personhood, and the ways that our definitions define us. We look forward to engaging in this topic with you!
Learn more here
From Crisis to Innovation: 50 Years of Renewable Energy | March 14 10:00am
Presented by: The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Georgia Tech, Georgia Tech Solar Racing
From President Carter’s 1970s solar panels on the White House to today’s high-tech solar vehicles, the look and efficiency of clean energy has been rapidly changing. Join the Carter Library and the Georgia Tech Solar Racing team for an engaging panel discussion on the evolution of clean energy.
Hear from experts about how Carter’s early response to the Energy Crisis helped spark a clean energy revolution—and see modern innovations in action! The Georgia Tech Solar Racing team will bring their solar vehicles onsite for the public to view and interact with, offering a hands-on look at the future of sustainable transportation.
Don’t miss this chance to connect a determined past with the innovations driving tomorrow!
Learn more here
Discovery Walk Emory | March 14 10:30am
Presented by: Science ATL
Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. Come explore one of these spaces with our Discovery Walk of the Emory campus. Lucy, our Emory Discovery Docent, will lead you on this 2.5 mile route through campus with ten intriguing science stops. Bonus – the walk ends at the Carlos Museum and your map will get you free admission!
Learn more here
Afro-STEAM | March 14 12:00pm
Presented by: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA)
The West Atlanta Watershed Alliance presents Afro-STEAM, a celebration of science through an Afrocentric lens! Much of our modern world, including technology, medicine, art, and even space exploration, has been shaped by Black and African thinkers and cultures. Join our “career play day” event as we recognize and explore those contributions with past, present, and future change-makers. Participate in hands-on STEAM activities, interactive presentations, and engaging demonstrations inspired and led by STEAM professionals of Afro-Diaspora descent.
Learn more here
In Flight: A Roundtable With Women in Aviation | March 14 4:00pm
Presented by: Théâtre du Rêve (Theater of the Dream)
Ever wondered what it takes to become a pilot, and what it took in the beginning of flying planes in general? Join Théâtre du Rêve (Theater of the Dream) as we chat with, and learn from, leading experts in the field about how planes work and what it’s like to be a pilot, with a focus on women and people of color’s experience in the industry.
Learn more here
Become a Climate Hero! | March 15 2:00pm
Presented by: Climate Fresk, Science for Georgia, Roots Down
The Earth’s climate doesn’t have to be a mystery! Join Climate Fresk’s environmental stewards who’ll guide you and your family through an interactive, edifying card game about the causes and consequences of climate change. Walk away with accessible action items, learn how to make a difference in your community, and participate in micro-actions that can make a macro-difference! 2 MILLION people have already become environmental stewards through this workshop, join us and become one of them!
Learn more here
Health Wanted Trivia Night With Host Laurel Bristow | March 19 6:00pm
Presented by: Emory University: Rollins School of Public Health, WABE
Science Team Trivia Night!
Join host Laurel Bristow, infectious disease expert, research scientist, and host of the popular Health Wanted podcast at Monday Night Garage!
Test your knowledge of health and science, enjoy a good time with friends, and mix and mingle with other science enthusiasts! Team up with friends to compete for fun prizes! Don’t have a team already? We will pair you when you arrive.
Learn more here
HEALTH STORYTELLING: Book talk with Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the CDC | March 19 6:00pm
Presented by: Emory University – Center for the Study of Human Health, Georgia Center for the Book, Emory Center for Public Scholarship and Engagement
How do we stop the world’s worst killers? Dr. Tom Frieden knows because he has been there — in the field in the US and abroad as a disease detective, and in the director’s suite at the CDC under President Barack Obama. On a livestream, he’ll discuss his new book THE FORMULA FOR BETTER HEALTH with journalist Maryn McKenna, laying out what’s worked in the past and what we need to do now to improve the world’s health and our own.
Learn more here
