Kansas Science Festival is a new initiative to co-create STEAM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math ) experiences that spark excitement and curiosity in learners of all ages.
“Science is part of all our lives whether we realize it or not. We hope to show science is not only occurring at academic institutions, but instead something the entire community participates in”, says Hannah VanLaanen, a medical writer based in Manhattan that serves as the treasurer of the Kansas Science Festival Foundation. “Most importantly, though, we hope all that join the activities will have fun.”
The signature event of this year’s Kansas Science Festival is a street festival at Downtown MHK, which happens this Saturday from 1-5 pm. Researchers and other STEAM practitioners from across the state will share what they think about and do on a daily basis through activities suitable for families and learners of all ages. In booths spread along Poyntz Ave, the County Plaza, and the Manhattan Public Library, visitors will be able to explore a model of a Mars rover, learn about mighty microbes and the science behind historical events in Kansas, or they can build and take home their own microscope.
A number of community partners have helped to make that vision a reality. This year’s Kansas Science Festival is co-sponsored by the Manhattan Brewing Company and Downtown MHK. In addition, Civic Plus, Community Health Care System, the Histochemical Society, Sodexo, Weis Realty, and the Kansas Science Initiative have provided financial support to organize events