Health and the Human Body

Health & The Human Body

Learn about the amazing science of health, the human body, and everything in between! These 2025 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 8-22.

Celebrate STEAM: The Atlanta Science Festival Launch at Georgia Tech | March 8th

Presented by Georgia Tech, Science ATL

Kickoff the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with Georgia Tech!

Whether you’re interested in robotics, brains, biology, space, art, nanotechnology, paper, computer science, wearable tech, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or systems engineering, there will be activities for you! Visit campus for hands-on STEAM activities, exhibits, demonstrations, opportunities to meet student researchers, learn about the research, and so much more happening at Tech! 

After parking, find your way to the registration tent in the Visitor Area 4 Lot, pick up your passport and start your galactic journey through all our STEAM activities!

 

Register here!

 

Father of the Cyborgs | March 9th

Presented by Georgia Tech Neuro Next Initiative

Father of the Cyborgs tells the story of a neurologist in the late 1990s whose relentless effort to unlock speech for locked-in patients nearly incapacitated him when he decided to have his own brain implanted. Watch the documentary and then discuss brain-computer interfaces, mental privacy, and the future of neurotechnology with Atlanta thought leaders in neurotechnology and neuroethics!

 

No registration necessary

 

The Mercer Science Spectacular!  | March 13th

Presented by Mercer University

Dive into the World of Discovery at the Mercer Science Spectacular!

 Calling all young explorers and curious minds! 🌟 Join us on Mercer’s gorgeous Atlanta campus for the Mercer Science Spectacular – an action-packed adventure in health sciences that’s fun for the whole family!

Get ready for a Scavenger Hunt like no other! You’ll explore, experiment, and experience exciting activities that’ll make science come alive. Roll up your sleeves for hands-on, gooey pharmacy experiments, discover how your body moves with exercise science activities, dive into delightful demos led by the College of Nursing, and much more!

 🎉 What’s in Store?

Food trucks with tasty treats 🍔

Free parking for everyone 🚗

Fun games and giveaways 🎁

A special appearance by Mercer’s mascot, Toby the Bear! 🐻

Complete the scavenger hunt, and you’ll unlock a super-secret surprise prize – just for you!

 

Bring your friends and family and join the fun! This free event kicks off on Thursday, March 13, at 4 PM—the perfect after-school adventure. Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

 

No registration necessary

 

Neuroscience & Your Senses: An Exploration into Your Brain!  | March 15th

Presented by Georgia State/Georgia Tech Center for Advanced Brain Imaging, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University

Neuroscience can teach us a lot about how the brain works in your everyday life! Take our interactive center tour as we explore human senses and how the brain looks as we engage in daily activities. Researchers from Georgia State University and Georgia Tech will lead this interactive tour and field all your burning questions about what’s going on inside your brain, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other techniques. Members of the public from all age groups are welcome to attend and learn more about how you can volunteer to participate in critical studies at the Center for Advanced Brain Imaging 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.

Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event! 

 

No registration necessary

 

Proton Precision: Inside Emory’s Proton Therapy Center | March 15th

Presented by Emory Proton Therapy Center

Get a behind the scenes look into the Emory Proton Therapy Center’s cutting edge technology, including 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.

Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

 

Register here!

 

Health Storytelling: Carl Zimmer and “Air-borne” | March 19th 

Presented by Emory University – Center for the Study of Human Health, Georgia Center for the Book

Every day we draw in 2,000 gallons of air — and thousands of living things. The air teems with invisible life, yet this last biological frontier remains so mysterious that it took over 2 years for scientists to agree that the Covid pandemic was caused by an airborne virus. In conversation with author and journalist Maryn McKenna, New York Times columnist Carl Zimmer will lead us through the living atmosphere, weaving together gripping history and new threats to global health.

 

Register here!

 

Get Your Blood Pumping with the Science of Weightlifting! | March 19th   

Presented by Georgia State – Department of Kinesiology and Health

Looking to improve your health? There are few ways better than lifting weights! Join certified exercise professionals in exploring the world of sports science as you learn how to workout efficiently, safely, and productively, and set a path to get in the best shape of your life!

 

Get your tickets here!

 

Follow That Food! An Interactive Exploration of the Digestive System | March 19th

Presented by Clayton State University

If you are reading this, you have probably eaten something within the last 12 hours. Do you wonder what is happening in your body to that food? Through this interactive exploration of digestion, you will learn about the many twists and turns that your food takes while in your body. This exploration will stop at important landmarks in your digestive tract and will include activities that will add to your knowledge about digestion! It’ll be fun for the whole family!

Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

 

Register here!

 

Exploration Expo | March 22nd

Presented by Science ATL 

Come on out to the explosive conclusion of the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with 100+ hands on science experiments, including many focused on human health! Free for the family!

 

Register here!

 

Critter Time

Are you a sucker for weird animal facts? Love to spend time with 4, 6, or no-legged friends? Check out these upcoming events all about the little (and maybe not-so-little) crawling, flying, and slithering critters here in Atlanta. Start planning your animal encounters at the Atlanta Science Festival, taking place March 8-22.

 

Animals in Motion: Biomechanics Day at Zoo Atlanta  | March 8th
Presented by Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Tech
Ever wonder how orangutans swing, or how an elephant trunk works? Join us at Zoo Atlanta to celebrate the diversity of animals on Earth and the incredible ways they move. With help from biomechanics experts at Georgia Tech and other major US universities, guests can participate in live demonstrations and presentations sure to generate excitement about biomechanics and applications in Bio-inspired Design. No matter your age, you’ll walk away engaged and inspired to learn more about yourself and the natural world.

Get tickets here

 

Turtle Quest | March 8th
Presented by Fernbank Museum
Join the Fernbank Museum for hands-on, interactive stations where you’ll dive right into turtle-themed activities! Play an exciting turtle board game, craft your very own turtle suncatcher, and test your knowledge with a habitat matching game, pairing turtles and tortoises with their homes.
This event repeats multiple times during the day on March 8th.

Get tickets here

 

Biology of the Despised: Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) | March 8th
Presented by The Amphibian Foundation, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA)
In addition to amphibians, as our name suggests, the Amphibian Foundation also works to address some of the urban pressures impacting reptiles. One group of animals that is not only misunderstood, but truly despised are Cottonmouths. We’ve been working with the community since the beginning to help you discern facts from fiction, and even teach you how to enjoy living alongside Cottonmouths! Come explore these awe-inspiring animals, and let’s see how much of that fear is actually fascination.

Get tickets here

 

Critter Quest: Helping Science Discover Your Backyard Critters | March 8th
Presented by Atlanta Urban Wildlife Working Group, Trees Atlanta, The Amphibian Foundation, Birds Georgia, Fernbank Museum, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech
Ever wondered what critters live in your backyard? Interested in helping scientists know more about where those critters live? We’ve got just the event for you! At our Community Science Training event, you’ll learn about organizations studying wildlife in Atlanta and how you can help through Community Science. Join scientists as we show you the ins and outs of how we study wildlife and you can too. These trainings will include birds, amphibians, and mammals!

Register here!

 

Getting Birdy with Birds Georgia | March 9th
Presented by Birds Georgia
What is the one of the only organisms that you can find on all 7 continents? BIRDS. So… it’s time to Get Birdy with Birds Georgia! Join us for a family friendly instructional crash course where you will learn all about birds, from flight to feathers. This workshop will include hands-on activities, binocular bird watching, and so much more. If you have ever thought about becoming a bird watcher, this is a great place to start!

Register here!

 

Flying into the Future | March 9th
Presented by Chattahoochee Nature Center, Northside Hospital
Flying into the Future is where science and nature collide to bring you activities focused on STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. We are all about forward-thinking at this Family Fun Day! Come ready to learn about flying animals at Wings to Soar and test your tinkering skills with STEAM-themed partners, crafts, games and activities.  Plus, participate in one of the activities that will be part of the EcoTinker Science Stations! Come back after the event to check out the other science stations beginning on March 10th.

Get tickets here!

Salamander Stroll  | March 9th
Presented by The Amphibian Foundation, Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
Come on out to Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in Decatur and witness wildlife with the Research Team from the Amphibian Foundation. Become ‘citizen scientists’ and perform an amphibian ‘bioblitz’ inventory of the preserve documenting salamanders and frogs in one of the greatest strongholds for amphibians inside of the perimeter! It’s fun for the whole family!
Be sure to bring your cell phones to upload images of what we find to iNaturalist.

Register here!

 

Living Wild: Reptiles, Amphibians, and Arachnids | March 15th
Presented by Fernbank Museum
Explore the amazing world of animal classifications! Visit engaging stations—Reptiles, Amphibians, and Arachnids—where hands-on activities will help you discover the unique traits of each group. Plus, meet our animal ambassadors for an unforgettable encounter with these fascinating creatures. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn and experience the diversity of the animal kingdom!
This event repeats multiple times during the day on March 15th.

Get tickets here

 

Tiny Monsters of Sibley Pond | March 15th
Presented by National Park Service, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Join the National Park Service staff for a tiny monster hunt! Discover the extraordinary bio-diversity of strange, weird, and amazing creatures that live in Sibley Pond. Search through leaf litter, dig through detritus, collect critters and more! This is a hands on, get your fingers dirty field investigation. What tiny monsters will you find lurking in Sibley Pond?
This event repeats on March 16th.

No registration necessary

 

Urban Slug Walk | March 16th
Presented by Georgia State – Department of Geosciences
Feeling sluggish? So are we! Come on out on a slug filled adventure where we’ll use our eagle eyes to search for these slimy and fascinating creatures, and learn all about them as we hike through a local city park! Download the <a href=”https://www.inaturalist.org”>iNaturalist</a> app beforehand, and we’ll use that to identify what we find and contribute data to the Atlanta SLIME (Snails and slugs Living In Metropolitan Environments) project.

Register here!

 

Not Just Newts: Behind the Scenes with the Amphibian Foundation | March 16th
Presented by The 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, we’ve 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!

Get tickets here!

Celebrating Animals in Music and Medicine | March 20th
Presented by Emory University, Molecules and Pathogens to Populations and Pandemics program at Emory University, Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta, Emory Center for Public Scholarship and Engagement, Princeton University Press
What does a cat doctor practice? Meow-dicine!
In this event, you’ll learn that there’s more to animals than meets the eye. In fact, musicians, healers, and scientists have been inspired by animal medicine for thousands of years! Join pianists William Ransom and Julie Coucheron as they play a four-hand piano rendition of the Carnival of the Animals to celebrate swans, cats, and elephants in music, while biologist Jaap de Roode reveals how these animals use medicine and what we can learn from them. The event will be moderated by influential psychologist Kenneth Carter, and will also feature a book signing.
Please note a ticket does not guarantee a seat. Please arrive early to ensure you can get a seat.

Register here.

 

Adventure Cubs Learn About Regal Red Pandas! | March 20th
Presented by Zoo Atlanta
Calling all Adventure Cubs, ages 0-5, and their favorite grownups for a morning of exploration, learning and fun!
Explorers will learn about Red Pandas through a game, craft, story, and singalong before visiting the Red Panda’s habitat to make observations and draw connections to the lesson. This is a great opportunity to make friends and spend time with your little explorers as they discover new skills and learn about wildlife. All topics and activities are designed for children ages 2-5, with opportunities for exploration for ages 0-2.

Get tickets here!

 

Exploration Expo | March 22nd

Presented by Science ATL 

Come on out to the explosive conclusion of the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with 100+ hands on science experiments, including many focused on technology! Free for the family!

 

Register here!

 

Celebrate Science at Home with #AtHomeSciFest!

Atlanta Science Festival #AtHomeSciFest

Life sure is a little strange these days, and we are all feeling a bit upside-down. Even though the Atlanta Science Festival is canceled this year, we know you are still thirsty for science. That’s why we are inviting you to share the science YOU are learning at home!

Introducing… #AtHomeSciFest

Starting Monday, March 23, post a video, image, or story of how you are learning/doing science at home using #AtHomeSciFest and tagging @ATLSciFest on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We’ll be sharing your content and selecting two random winners every week through April 3 to receive two Atlanta Science Festival t-shirts, an ALEX sticker, and social media bragging rights. 

You can upload a video of your latest experiment or citizen science project, post pics of nature observations or your latest science haiku, broadcast a Facebook Live event, and more! Just be sure to tag us @ATLSciFest and use our hashtag, #AtHomeSciFest, so we can share! Plus, we’ve asked our partners to share some of the content that you might have seen at the Atlanta Science Festival Exploration Expo. So look out for content from Kai XR, Piedmont Park Conservancy, CitizenScienceHD, and more. You can get started by checking out the resources below and watching these simple home science experiments for kids with Emory’s Dr. Doug Mulford!

Follow #AtHomeSciFest and Atlanta Science Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to discover great ideas for science learning at home. Keep reading to get inspired!

Share a SciKu – the Science Haiku

Atlanta Science Festival Science Haikus

A science haiku is an easy idea for your first #AtHomeSciFest contribution! With our friends at Guerilla Haiku Movement, we’ve made the sciku an Atlanta Science Festival tradition. A haiku is a three-line poem – the first line should have 5 syllables, the next line 7 syllables, and the final line 5 syllables. The ancient Japanese form of expression doesn’t have to rhyme, but it should tell a story about what inspires and moves you. Chalk a sciku (science haiku) on your driveway, sidewalk, or other public space, and post a picture to your social media channels. Write about your favorite science topic, a question you’ve always been curious about, or what wows you about the natural world. Consider a public health message to your neighborhood, or translate CDC guidance into verse, or offer a message of hope and comfort to people affected by coronavirus, or a word of support to healthcare workers. Then post and tag it with @AtlSciFest, #AtHomeSciFest, and #SciKu.

Here are some examples to inspire you from our 2019 Exploration Expo!

Resources and Ideas for Science at Home

Citizen Science Activities for all Ages

  • Watch SciStarter’s Intro to Citizen Science video and get started on projects to help gather light pollution data, track the flu, report litter in your neighborhood, document change in weather and climate, and help Alzheimer’s researchers analyze blood flow in brain images.
  • Identify plants, animals, fungi around you with the iNaturalist app. Your observations contribute to real research on biodiversity. Or use Seek, the kid-friendly version which does not collect user information.
  • Join the Earth Challenge 2020 for projects to monitor and mitigate threats to environmental and human health in your community.
  • Participate in Atlanta City Nature Challenge April 24-27, 2020 and help us beat other cities to document the most species of plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms found in nature using the iNaturalist app
  • Join the Pollen Nation with CitizenScienceHD to help make a pollen map of Georgia.
  • Take a virtual field trip to science museums around the world.
  • Solve puzzles for science with FoldIt (including a new coronavirus puzzle)
  • Go birding while social distancing.

Science Activities for Kids

(Thank you to our friends at Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network for sharing some suggestions!)

Resources for Parents/Teachers

Science ATL is always working on creative ways to engage metro Atlanta in science throughout the year. We know these are unsettling times, but we invite you to participate in #AtHomeSciFest to build science community while social distancing. For the most current information about COVID-19 and its prevention, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Georgia Department of Public Health.