We don't use that term "science free-for-all" loosely. The carnival and nearly all of the Philadelphia Science Festival events are, indeed, free. (Phillies game and some restaurant happenings not included). The festival is underwritten in part by the National Science Foundation and in part by local sponsors.
And the intent is to attract people from all walks of life, whether they're scientists themselves (hundreds will participate), science groupies, CSI fans, foodies, beer geeks or little kids who like projectiles and slime.
There's even a show at tomorrow's carnival geared toward NFL Cheerleader groupies. At 3:10 p.m., a group of current and former pro cheer-women with day jobs in the sciences will perform as the Science Cheerleaders. "Sammi Jo," who shakes her big brain at Baltimore Rams games, is a chemistry teacher, for instance.
"We're trying to show Philadelphia and the region that science is important, fun, engaging and accessible," said festival director Gerri Trooskin. Here, some highlights, categorized into subsets for key niches of the Science Festival-going public:
SCIENCE FUN FOR KIDS
Tomorrow's Science Carnival at Logan Circle is the big kahuna, with 90-plus booths and two stages featuring live entertainment. A Jell-O science exhibit from the Chemical Heritage Foundation will explore, among other mysteries, why Jell-O doesn't stick to pineapple chunks.
NextFab Studio will show off its 3D printer. Chemists and engineers from Philadelphia University will mess around with slime. The Philadelphia Zoo, Academy of Natural Science, Please Touch Museum and Franklin Institute will staff a kiddie science zone.
