Stand up for Science: Practical Approaches to Discussing Science that Matters

Learn More About the Michigan State University Science Festival

Science Festivals

By Michigan State University Science Festival Co-Founder and Coordinator Renee Leone

The Michigan State University Science Festival is an annual festival which began on the MSU Campus in 2013 and has since grown to include events across the state. The MSU Science Festival is one of less than 10 festivals in the nation, with a statewide presence and such an extensive breadth of presentation formats, and science related topics. Activities and events draw tens of thousands of visitors each year. 

While Science Festivals have enjoyed deep, well established roots in Europe for decades, they have only just become part of the Festival fabric here in the United States over the past ten or so years. 

People are more curious about science than ever! It’s in our news, politics and even our entertainment. Science impacts every aspect of our daily lives and shapes our future; yet it is often overlooked or misunderstood. Science Festivals aim to change this.

Science Festivals are multi-day celebrations of science, which spotlight the everyday wonders and cutting edge innovations taking place in a broad range of scientific fields.  They connect public audiences with science related researchers and professionals in dynamic experiences of science-LIVE.  Presentations may be offered in such formats as demonstrations, talks, hands-on expos, performances, tours, science café and pub nights, and much more.  Events spark curiosity and imagination; and inspire innovation and exploration. 

The goals of Science Festivals are many. They highlight the relevance of science to everything from our hobbies, sports, and entertainment, to our economics, healthcare, and favorite tech! They celebrate the interconnected nature of the STEAM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and raise awareness of the diverse 21st century careers available in these fields. They also bring researchers, science professionals, and a curious public, together to exchange ideas, and share in the understanding, experience and process of science together. 

Presenting at a Science Festival has its challenges. Sharing complex ideas of specialized scientific theory or research, without the use of technical language (aka:  Jargon) or reliance of contextual assumptions (as one might have with a professional colleague) requires a good deal of thought, creativity, and practice. Language must be accessible, ideas relatable, and activities engaging. Such presentation skills are also useful for professional, cross-disciplinary collaborations. In addition to providing guidance on presentation techniques and the opportunity to broaden the impact of a presenters work, Science Festivals also provide an established infrastructure that provides extensive marketing and logistical support.

The MSU Science Festival, like many such festivals, is free of charge, geared toward life-long learners of all ages, and provides special programming for k-12 school groups. Free programming is often what makes it possible for a family or school group to have their first experience interacting with a science professional.  

What is most notable about Science Festivals is that they are rich with curiosity, wonder and discovery- three hallmarks of great science! They engage, inspire, empower, and have the potential to be transformative!

Resources

• MSU Science Festival: http://sciencefestival.msu.edu/
• Science Festival Alliance: http://sciencefestivals.org/
• USA Science and Engineering Festival: http://www.usasciencefestival.org/
• World Science Festival: http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/
• North Carolina Science Festival: http://www.ncsciencefestival.org/
• Arizona SciTech Festival: https://azscitech.com/