Las Vegas – The Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival returns to the Las Vegas Valley with nine days of FREE educational events for the whole family. Kicking-off April 28, the festival features over 40 events and concludes with a Giant Science and Technology Expo at the World Market Center on May 6.
The annual community event, presented by the Las Vegas Natural History Museum in collaboration with the Clark County School District, strives to spark students’ curiosity and inspire them to explore careers in STEM by highlighting the unique science, technology, engineering, and math programming within our community.
All week long, school-aged children and their families can enjoy a variety of activities including interactive presentations, hands-on technology workshops, STEM movie nights, and behind-the-scenes tours of popular local attractions such as Shark Reef and the Bellagio fountains. Those unable to attend the activities during the week can visit the Giant Science and Technology Expo for a full day of unique and engaging science-themed experiences and educational entertainment like robotics demonstrations, meet and greets with animals and local scientists, as well as a chance to see some of the giant fossils discovered right here in Nevada.
“Nevada has such a rich history when it comes to science, technology, engineering and math,” said Alexandra Liebman, director of the Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival. “Since 2011, we’ve been able to showcase various STEM projects, companies, and groups throughout town. Whether they’re hosting an event or are exhibiting at the Giant Science and Technology Expo, the Festival is a great opportunity for businesses to get involved and offer resources, activities, and opportunities for our youth to learn more about their organization, what they do, and the science or technology they utilize.”
New this year, the Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival will award $1,000 to the CCSD school that has the most students and families attend the Giant Science and Technology Expo.
All festival events are free and open to the public. Registration is now open and required as participation for some events is limited and based on availability.
The 2023 Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival is made possible by the generous support of Clark County School District, Nevada National Security Site, NV Energy, MGM Resorts International, Gene Haas Foundation, Cox Communications, Arcata Associates Inc., and NVigate, powered by the Nevada State Treasurer’s Office.
Below is a sampling of the scheduled events, for a full listing visit www.scifest.vegas.
Friday, April 28 (Kick-Off): Rebel Science Explorers at the UNLV College of Sciences (AM), Tour at BlackFire Innovation Center (afternoon), and Public Talk with Vice Dean of UNLV School of Medicine (PM)
Saturday, April 29 (Outdoor Explorers Day): BioBlast at Clark County Wetlands Park; Junior Paleontologist Hike at Ice Age Fossil State Parks; Base Camp Family Day at Sunset Park; and STEM Movie Saturday at Galaxy Theaters at the Boulevard Mall – Vertical Freedom
Sunday, April 30 (Science is Everywhere Day): over 20 community partners across the valley offering special tours, demos and workshops featuring science and technology in their organizations
Events include, but are not limited to: Behind-the-scenes tours of Shark Reef and the Bellagio Fountains; The Mine Experience at McCaw School of Mines; various engineering and science demonstrations at six Clark County Library District locations; Robots Saving Lives at Southern Hills Hospital; Sign Science Techie Tour at Neon Museum; and a special tour of the Atomic Museum
For a full list of events, visit www.scifest.vegas/science.
Monday, May 1: Mission to MARS, interactive presentation by Dr. Arya Udry, a participating scientist on NASA’s 2020 Mission to MARS at West Sahara Library
Tuesday, May 2: Ologist Night at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, meet real scientists and learn about their career fields
Wednesday, May 3: Interactive event with medical residents at Southern Hills Hospital (AM); STEM Movie Night at Galaxy Theaters at the Boulevard Mall –Legend of the Enchanted Reef
Thursday, May 4: May the Science Be With You, DRI and the National Atomic Testing Museum welcome the community to explore science through the lens of Star Wars
Friday, May 5: Night at the Planetarium, join the CSN Planetarium and the Las Vegas Astronomical Society for a fun-filled night of space science and STEM activities.
Saturday, May 6: Giant Science and Technology Expo at the World Market Center, FREE full-day of one-of-a-kind science and technology experiences and engaging science-themed interactive booths and entertainment; list of exhibitors can be found here: www.scifest.vegas/expo.
Started in 2011, the annual Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival has quickly become the largest educational event in Nevada. Through engaging and educational programming, the Festival strives to spark curiosity and highlight the amazing science, technology, engineering, and math taking place right here in our community. The Festival makes science fun, accessible, and engaging for everyone—kids, families, and adults. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @scifest_vegas Instagram @scifest_vegas. Visit www.scifest.vegas for more information.
