Aims to Raise Awareness, Trust in Science
South Side Science Festival
The South Side Science Festival, held at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park, aims to raise awareness and trust in science by bringing together youth and top scientists. The event, now in its third year, features interactive demos led by UChicago students, panels with top scientists discussing topics such as artificial intelligence and opportunities to learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and jobs.
A Learning Opportunity
For Randall Mcauley and Celia Paris, the event is a learning opportunity for their three kids, Ilsa, 6; Soren, 3; and 6-month-old Quins. Mcauley, a pediatrician, sees the event as a way for his kids to learn about science in a fun and interactive way. “Every single year we come and learn a little bit more,” Mcauley said. “The kids are just immediately captivated.”
Interacting with Scientists
The event provides an opportunity for youth to interact with scientists and learn about their work. Mcauley’s daughter, Ilsa, was particularly interested in programming and robotics, but was also drawn to a table with a mock archaeological dig site where she found a tooth that she thinks may have belonged to a saber-toothed tiger. “Science can be so many different things,” Paris said. “That’s what’s embodied by this event; anyone can do science, and it makes it feel really expansive, which is awesome for kids to be exposed to.”
Building Trust in Science
Co-founders Sarah King, an assistant professor in the university’s chemistry department, and Maanasa Raghavan, an assistant professor in the human genetics department at UChicago, created the event to bridge the gap between scientists and the public. “Public trust in science has been shown to be directly tied if people know scientists,” King said. The event aims to increase trust in science by providing a platform for scientists to interact with the public and share their research.
Looking Ahead
The organizers are looking ahead to future events, hoping to grow the festival even more. They want to see the festival become a sustainable and annual event, and are exploring the possibility of relocating to a different part of campus or helping other institutions set up their own versions.
FAQs
* What is the South Side Science Festival?
The South Side Science Festival is an annual event held at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park that aims to raise awareness and trust in science by bringing together youth and top scientists.
* What activities are available at the festival?
The festival features interactive demos led by UChicago students, panels with top scientists discussing topics such as artificial intelligence, and opportunities to learn about STEM education and jobs.
* Is the festival free?
Yes, the festival is free and open to the public.
* Can I bring my kids?
Yes, the festival is designed to be a family-friendly event and is suitable for kids of all ages.
* How can I get involved?
You can get involved by volunteering, attending the festival, or participating in the event’s planning committee.
