COSI Science Festival offers STEAM events leading to Saturday celebration
The 2024 COSI Science Festival, the Midwest’s largest science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) event, kicked off Wednesday morning with events throughout the state that culminate at the Big Science Celebration, which is free to the public, on Saturday at COSI, 333 W. Broad St.
With more than 100 community events, the festival offers something for everyone, from kids' activities to adult events to family-friendly fun. Events fall into one of five categories: Be a Scientist, the Adult Science Series, the BioBlitz, Arts Events and Science Block Parties.
Here are a few highlights of the festival:
Daily
BioBlitz: COSI invites everyone in the state to contribute to scientific research by participating in Ohio’s BioBlitz. A BioBlitz is a way for community members − individuals, families, schools and organizations − to work together to find as many species of plant and animal life as possible in Ohio. You can participate on your own anywhere or take part in events with others at parks and natural spaces.
To participate, download the free iNaturalist app from the Apple or Google Play store and create a profile. Using the app, take a clear, focused photo (or a few) of a plant or animal in nature and upload it as an observation. Naturalists and other community members can help you to identify the organism. (Please do not track pets or gardens.)
Read about more BioBlitz events at metro parks and other locations at cosiscifest.org/bioblitz-2/#bioblitz.
Science-themed karaoke and trivia: At these events in the adult-science series, add some fun to your evening with high-energy, game show-style trivia and be a rock star with Excesss Karaoke and Trivia. Go to any Excesss show through Friday and you could win free tickets to the COSI exhibit "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition."
Times and locations vary. For schedules, go to triviacolumbus.com and karaokecolumbus.com.
More: COSI celebrates its 60th year as a STEAM science museum for all ages
Wednesday
How bagels are made, 6-8 p.m.: Take a tour of Fox's Bagel & Deli, 3012 E. Broad St., Bexley, then pick out a bagel to boil and bake. Color some bagel art and enjoy a bagel-stick appetizer and pickle while you wait. Families can work together to make pizza bagels for dinner.
Register at bit.ly/3UDvApM.
Test-driving soap-box derby racing cars, 3-7 p.m.: Kids from 7-18 years old can drive down Derby Hill at Big Run Park, 4201 Clime Road, and learn the science of gravity drag racing, including aerodynamics, triangulation, potential energy and more.
Reservation slots are taken every 15 minutes starting at 3 p.m. Parents/guardians must sign a waiver for each driver. Contact columbus@soapboxderby.org for reservations and waiver paperwork.
Registration is required at columbus.soapboxderby.org/races/2024-cosi-scifest-test-drives.
Thursday
Rocket-building, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Participants ages 5-15 can blast off into the world of rocketry, making their own models under the guidance of Whitehall Fire Chief Preston Moore at the Whitehall Community Park YMCA, 402 N. Hamilton Road. Cost is $5.
Register at bit.ly/49Yjw6Z.
COSI block party, 6:30-8 p.m.: COSI and Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation are partnering at Huber Park, 1520 Davidson Drive for an evening of exploring local businesses and organizations to learn how science is everywhere. Stop by the Kona food truck to discover the science behind shaved ice. No registration required.
More: USA Today Readers' Choice Award names COSI second-best science museum in nation
Friday
How creating art affects your brain, 4-6 p.m.: COSI is emphasizing the "A" in STEAM with arts-oriented activities like this event presented by We Amplify Voices, 1327 Sullivant Ave. Explore the science behind the stress-relieving power of creativity while crafting a collective gratitude tree and personal grounding rock.
Register at forms.gle/EjMCMJ2fcQNx9FMB7.
Unraveling the art and science behind brewing beer, 6:30 or 8 p.m.: Adults (21 and older) can learn about brewing with some COSI demonstrations during one of two sessions at Land-Grant Brewing Co., 424 W. Town St.
Register at bit.ly/4dp3XIn.
Saturday
The Big Science Celebration launches with an 11 a.m. opening ceremony at COSI's main entrance.
The celebration is to feature more than 130 exhibitor stations with hands-on demos hosted by STEAM professionals, researches and experts from academia to zoology.
In addition to food trucks on-site, a variety of musical performances are to take place. Returning from last year, Squonk is to perform their new show, "Brouhaha," at noon and 2:30 p.m. and give audience members the chance to play the giant "squonkcordion."
For more information about the COSI Science Festival, visit cosiscifest.org.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: COSI Science Festival has public events throughout state this week
