Do you want to be a part of the 2024 Festival of Science?
You have the chance to submit your idea for a talk, demonstration, workshop, guided walk or nature activity.
Taking place on May 4th, the Scavenger Hunt includes 20 participating destinations, an exclusive event tee-shirt, refreshments at the culminating event, volunteer support, a convenient bus pass for the day, and, an abundance of joy and inspiration! At the post-event celebration, everyone is a winner with prizes for top teams and attendee-voted superlatives, along with a slideshow of your terrific selfies, and snacks. Register today for an adventure-packed day with the Festival of Science!
Discover the captivating intersection of science and storytelling in the heart of Flagstaff, Arizona as local writer and educator, Nicole Walker, unravels the hidden secrets of the coastal redwoods. In a recent blog post, Nicole tells us about the intriguing exploration of resilience, shedding light on the ability of redwoods to utilize decades-old carbon for rejuvenation after wildfires, a topic inspired by her personal experiences with the annual fire concerns in Northern Arizona.
Visit our website to read the full article!
This year marks our 35th anniversary, and we’re gearing up for an even better Science in the Park. With Giving Tuesday right around the corner, will you make a contribution towards Science in the Park?
Families get to experience 50 unique science demonstrations—physics, chemistry, and more! What’s more, youth-focused vendors participate at no cost, so every child can join in.
Imagine the impact: your support nurturing a future scientist or STEM professional. Your donation creates ripples of inspiration that last a lifetime.
Ready to be part of something amazing? With your help, we’ll reach our $5,500 goal. The Festival Board has generously offered a one-to-one match up to $1,000! Make your gift online by December 2 and it will be doubled! Or, send us a check to: 2700 S. Woodlands Village Blvd. Set 300 – 284, Flagstaff Arizona 86001!
The USGS Open House is now re-scheduled for Sunday Nov. 5 from 1-4 pm! Explore interactive displays and activities related to geography, biology, hydrology, planetary science and mapping! Free to the public!
Located at the USGS Flagstaff Science Campus: 2255 N Gemini Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.
Inspired by the proliferation and success of TED’s winning formula for engaging, short talks in an intimate, fun setting, the Flagstaff Festival of Science presents the annual SCI Talks (Science, Communication, Innovation) event at the Coconino Center for the Arts. Since 2015, SCI Talks highlight local scientists and science educators sharing their research and innovative science communication ideas.
Quantum Scientist, Ines Montano, explains how we are on the precipice of a technological revolution. Ecologist, Jut Wynne, will share his experiences with caves from around the globe. Artist, Robert Long, highlights how his artwork gives underrepresented organisms louder voices and visually compelling self-worlds. Terra BIRDS founder, John Taylor, describes how his organization teaches environmental stewardship in schools through gardening.
On September 30th, Plein Air in Open Spaces will now be taking place at the TerraBirds greenhouse at Ponderosa High School. Due to the forecast of inclement weather this weekend, this event will now be taking place at 2384 N Steve’s Blvd.
From 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., join Flagstaff Open Spaces for drawing and painting inspired by nature. Supplies will be provided. All ages and abilities are welcome! This event is free and reservations are not required.
New location: September 30th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at TerraBirds greenhouse, 2384 N Steve’s Blvd.
Bring the family together and view this year’s on demand Science Bedtime Stories. In 2023, the Festival is proud to present the following four authors and their science books for kids!
Nancy Marshall reads her action-packed book A Rattler’s Tale: When Wild Animals Encounter Humans. Captivatingly illustrated by a fisheries biologist, discover what happens when a skunk meets Mom in the shed and when the mountain lion lands on the family car.
Monica Brown reads her coming of age story, Sharuko: el arqueólogo Peruano/Peruvian Archaeologist. Growing up in the late 1800’s, Julio Tello spent time exploring in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. His bravery earned him the boyhood nickname Sharuko, which means “brave” in Quechua.
Rodo Safranac reads his illustrated story, The Red Tail Tale on the Arizona Trail.. In his book, Rowen, a young, red-headed explorer, and Rojo, a clever, red-tailed hawk meet, bond, and experience a wonderful adventure on the fascinating Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Don Lago reads All About the Grand Canyon. With rich storytelling about this natural wonder, our youngest science enthusiasts will also enjoy beautiful illustrations as they wind down to sleep.
Tune in and enjoy these special stories. Bedtime Stories is sponsored by Bright Side Bookshop. Bedtime Stories are filmed in Flagstaff by filmmaker Morgan Boatman of Winter Productions.
Bring the family together and view this year’s on demand Science Bedtime Stories. In 2023, the Festival is proud to present the following four authors and their science books for kids!
Nancy Marshall reads her action-packed book A Rattler’s Tale: When Wild Animals Encounter Humans. Captivatingly illustrated by a fisheries biologist, discover what happens when a skunk meets Mom in the shed and when the mountain lion lands on the family car.
Monica Brown reads her coming of age story, Sharuko: el arqueólogo Peruano/Peruvian Archaeologist. Growing up in the late 1800’s, Julio Tello spent time exploring in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. His bravery earned him the boyhood nickname Sharuko, which means “brave” in Quechua.
Since 1990, when Michael Crighton’s blockbuster “Jurassic Park” was first published—then brought to life on the big screen by Steven Spielberg in 1993—the prospect of cloning dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals such as woolly mammoths has captured our collective imagination. Although heavily fictionalized, Crighton’s story was based on actual work being done in the fledgling field of ancient DNA at the time, which began with the first study of DNA isolated from the remains of animals that used to be alive, which was published in the scientific journal Nature in 1984.
Dr. Beth Shapiro, herself a pioneer in the field of ancient DNA, will deliver the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation on Sept. 22 to kick off the 10-day Flagstaff Festival of Science.
The moment you’ve been waiting for! All events requiring reservations now have reservation links live. It is so easy to book your spot, but don’t delay! Many events have limited spaces.
Just go to the App or the website calendar, locate the event you’d like to attend, see if reservations are required and follow the link or instructions to secure your spot.
Remember, free tickets to the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation with Dr. Beth Shapiro are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Make your booking online.
Looking forward to seeing you this year for the 34th year of the Flagstaff Festival of Science!
On September 22nd, Dr. Beth Shapiro will share her research on the astonishing and controversial process of de-extinction, from sequencing ancient genomes to anticipating how revived populations might be overseen in the wild. In the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation, How to Clone a Mammoth, Shapiro explores the technical, ethical and ecological challenges of bringing extinct species back to life.
Many of our board members are hard at work planning more than 100 free events for the upcoming Festival, which will take place Sept. 22-Oct. 1. Reaching out across the community, they’ve invited local experts to share discoveries and insights about topics spanning the sciences, technology, and the arts. In addition to perennial favorites like Snook’s Science in the Park, Walk on Mars, open houses, guided hikes, tours, lectures, classroom talks, and hands-on workshops, events currently in the planning stages will enable participants to:
Northern Arizona University Professor Nick McKay, a climate scientist studying the past global climate, aims to change the way we interpret and gather data. As an associate professor within the School of Earth and Sustainability at NAU, Nick’s teaching and research focus on communicating complex scientific concepts to his students and conducting paleoclimatology research to better understand past climate changes.
You can support the Festival of Science’s Educational Inititatives on Giving Tuesday. A gift of $25 or more will get us to our $1,000 match and our $5,000 goal!
The Flagstaff Festival of Science needs your help to give kids the opportunity to find their moment of inspiration! That inspiration could be a pathway to their future career and the Festival is making those connections happen — but we need your help to reach our funding goal!
In our program connecting science professionals with classrooms, students are exposed to a plethora of topics including geology, engineering, biology, archaeology and more! Throughout the fall semester, we match scientists with classrooms in northern Arizona and kids get the chance to learn about STEM careers.
As students file into their 4th grade class at Sechrist Elementary, a photo of molten lava is streaming out of a volcano. “Volcanoes are Awesome!” is written across the top. There is a presenter at the front of the class that the kids aren’t familiar with, but that cool photo with hot lava catches their attention! Today, volcano expert, Greg Vaughan, is speaking to the class today about his work.
“What is a volcano?” he asks. Hands across the room shoot up. “Yes,” says Greg pointing to a student. “A mountain with lava inside;” “A mountain that was formed by tectonic plates and the magma has erupted.” He asks them what comes out of volcanoes and students guess ash, lava, smoke. Greg passes around ashes and a “volcano bomb” and each student can touch and hold items that were once inside of volcanoes!
Research has shown that people often have stereotypical views of what a scientist looks like and what they do. For many people, especially young people this view is of a “mad scientist” with wild eyes, white hair sticking up all over their heads, wearing a lab coat, and holding bubbling flasks. This person is also almost always male. In recent years projects like “I Am a Scientist” (https://www.iamascientist.info/) have been working to broaden people’s conceptions not only of what scientists look like, but also what they do.
Come check out SciTalks at the Coconino Center for the Arts, featuring four TEDx style talks from local artists, scientists and educators. First, join us at 6 p.m. for “Um Actually: Science Edition”, a science trivia game show, followed by the talks at 6:30 p.m. FREE!
The talks include:
Understanding the Largest Earthquakes on Earth with Underwater Imaging by Donna Shillington
Finding the Humane in Digital Fabrication through Self-Portraits by David Van-Ness
Accelerating Carbon Dioxide Removal: Safely, Equitably and Economically by Dr. Jennifer Wade
Get Out! Or, Effectively Experiencing the Outdoors with Kids by Moran Henn
Ongoing this week at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Science Bedtime Stories launch on our website. Enjoy recordings of local authors reading their children’s books with science themes! In these recorded segments, bring the whole family to enjoy a bedtime story! 2022 Bedtime Stories are sponsored by Bright Side Bookshop.
In celebration of this year’s festival, enjoy the Festival Insights Blog on our website! The blog features posts from a variety of event hosts from this year’s festival discussing their work and their programs! The blogs include articles from disease ecologist Jeff Foster, artist Erika Tsouras and many more!
Learn about the amazing science and innovation taking place in Flagstaff and get ready for some incredible events that will be held this upcoming week!
Festival offers more than 100 events in 2022 – something for everyone! By the Flagstaff Festival of Science Learn about the unique topics, one-of-a-kind venues and fantastic programs! Downloadyour Passport today! Events include: W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation Mummies,…
Dr. Kevin Gurney is trying to change the way we understand carbon emissions by constructing information systems maps in very fine detail. He and his research team collect thousands of federal data sets of information about roadways, cities, and more and then process this data to generate the greenhouse gas emissions from the emitters. His work gives scientists a better understanding of exactly how specific greenhouse gas emissions impact the global carbon cycle and the climate crisis. Gurney also uses his research to help inform policymakers of how their cities and regions are producing greenhouse gasses in an effort to generate policies that are more environmentally conscious.
This year’s Festival theme is “Pyramids to The Peaks,” with world-renowned Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass appearing live to deliver the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote presentation on Friday, Sept. 23, in NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium. The evening also features a local dance performance; an annual tradition celebrating the theme of this year’s Festival with the NAU Community Music and Dance Academy.
Audiences will delight in a journey with legendary Dr. Hawass into the vast and mysterious kingdom of Egypt’s ancient world. Where great pyramids dot the landscape and monuments to the gods tower into the sky, eventgoers will retrace extraordinary discoveries of hidden tombs, immense riches and the life and death of King Tut.
Are you a scientist, researcher, expert in your STEAM field, or a representative at a scientific institution? You or your business could share your research, programs, or activities with the community in this year’s Festival!
The deadline to register to host an event with this year’s Festival is June 1!
Workshops, talks, trips, tours, videos, performances and more that highlight innovative STEAM projects are all welcome to participate in the 2022 Festival!
In a world defined by cities reaching for the sky, Dr. David Gillette has dedicated his life to looking below the surface at the world that once was. Dave is many things: a paleontologist, a geologist, and a biologist, who studies the history of the Earth through the lens of evolution.
Although Dave is retired, he is still active within the research and outreach community. With his trusty rock hammer, Dave explores the life that once existed on Earth millions of years ago, taking opportunities as they come to him to explore new areas and find new fossils, as well as to share his work with the public.
This is your opportunity to make a difference with the Flagstaff Festival of Science! Your ongoing support as a meaningful friend to the Festival has helped us develop compelling and powerful events each year! This year, our keynote speaker will bring the fascinating world of pharaohs and Egyptian gods, right here to our mountain town!
Dr. Zahi Hawass, world renowned Egyptologist and presenter, typically charges $50- $150 for ticketed events, but here in Flagstaff audiences can attend for FREE as we promise to make science accessible to all! But we need the help of our donors today, to make a difference in science education!
The Festival has a goal to raise $3,000 in this campaign!
(We are one third of the way there with one day to go!)
Preparing to file your taxes is stressful for us all but it’s also when we’re most aware of our yearly giving. As a loyal follower of the Flagstaff Festival of Science you understand the value of bringing the excitement of STEAM and joy of discovery to Northern Arizona. Why not plan ahead to help both the 2022 Festival and your taxes? (If you’ve recently made a donation to the Festival’s Spring Campaign, THANK YOU!)
In the pursuit of understanding the unknown, Audrey Martin, Corrosion Metallurgical Engineer at W. L. Gore & Associates, chronicles the story of taking opportunities, and the tough questions needing answers along the way. Audrey’s work spans both engineering and science, where she works in research and development (R&D) and supports product development for medical implants used to save and improve lives in patients. Audrey’s work is to ensure that these products are corrosion-resistant and safe for patients to use for long amounts of time. Corrosion, the gradual destruction of materials through interaction with the environment, is all around us and affects our lives every day from the products we use to the cars we drive.
The 2022 Flagstaff Festival of Science will reveal “Pyramids to The Peaks” on September 23- October 2, 2022 in Flagstaff, Arizona. World-renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, Ph.D., will begin the free, 10-day adventure with a compelling presentation sharing his passion for archeological discovery in the fascinating world of pharaohs and Egyptian gods.
Incredible discoveries by Dr. Hawass include the Tombs of the Pyramid Builders at Giza and the Valley of the Golden Mummies at Bahariya Oasis. One of his most significant research efforts was the Egyptian Mummy Project, which used modern forensic techniques such as CT and DNA analysis to answer questions about royal mummies, including King Tutankhamun’s family, and solves the murder mystery of Ramesses III.
An emerging star in the field of planetary science, Lucas McClure is a graduate student in the Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University, with a Bachelor of Science in Physics with an astronomy concentration from the University of Tennessee.
You can make a difference today, when you give to the Festival of Science! Donors like you make our impactful STEAM programs happen right here in Flagstaff.
Established in 1990, The Festival of Science is the longest, continuously running, entirely free science festival in the world. On Giving Tuesday, consider making a gift of any size to the Festival of Science and help keep this excellent community event FREE!
During our GivingTuesday campaign, your donation is doubled when you give! A generous donor is willing to match up to $1000 in donations during the campaign, allowing your contribution to go further. However, it is critical that we reach our goal of $1000 to unlock the funds in this match!
Giving Tuesday, November 30, is a global generosity movement, one to which you can contribute meaningfully. This popular day of giving back has grown to inspire millions of people to make a contribution during the holiday season.
How can YOU make an impact on GivingTuesday? Donate to the Flagstaff Festival of Science!
There are many virtual and in-person science events around Flagstaff this winter. See the list below to make sure you don’t miss out!
You’ve likely seen them soaring high above canyons and perching in tall pine trees, and now, majestic birds of prey like the Harris Hawk, American Kestrel and Ferruginous Hawk will share Wheeler Park with families as the International Raptor and Falcon Center introduces learners of all ages to these predators of the sky.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18, Science in the Park will feature live animals, microscopic organisms and prehistoric cultures.
Join us at Wheeler Park!
Build a Puebloan wall, create pictographs, play catch with a robot and safely view the sun!
Explore life-saving medical devices with innovators and engineers under the W. L. Gore & Associates tents and maybe even be a heart surgeon for the day!
And, don’t miss the talented athletes from Momentum Aerial as they leap and spin above the ground! Watch these artists demonstrate the laws of physics that keep them up in the air and their audiences on their toes!
Flagstaff Festival of Science
Friday 17 Plein Air Demonstration at Buffalo Park. 4 p.m.; free.
Friday 17 Stories in Stone with Dr Awe, Ardrey Auditorium. 7 p.m.; free.
Saturday 18 Plein Air Demonstration at Wheeler Park. 10 a.m.; free.
Saturday 18 Snook’s Science in the Park, Wheeler Park. 10 a.m.; free.
Sunday 19 Cultural Cooking Workshop. 1 p.m.; free.
Sunday 19 The State of the Climate. Virtual event. 3 p.m.; free.
Monday-Wednesday 20-22 Bedtime Stories. Virtual event. 7 p.m.; free.
Tuesday 21 Cloud Walk in Buffalo Park. 2 p.m.; free.
Tuesday 21 Intersectional Struggles and Maya Identity Among Western Honduras Indigenous Communities. 5 p.m.; free.
Learn More
We are excited to host Science in the Park again this year at Wheeler Park!
At this fair, the whole community is invited to a free family-friendly event where science, discovery and play are at the center of an incredible day!
Do you have a business that would like to participate?
At Science in the Park, the whole family gets to experience the joy of science! Register for a booth today at this fun event taking place Sept. 18!
Registration is due in one week, by June 30.
It is hard to believe that 7 months have passed since the 2020 Festival and that the 2021 Festival is right around the corner! As we plan this year’s line up of exciting programs, we like to look back as well AND hear from you!
2020 definitely had it’s challenges and we are so proud of the hybrid Festival that was produced! As you reflect with us, can you share what you loved about the 2020 Festival? Was there a specific virtual presentation or a socially-distanced outdoor event that inspired you? Perhaps a topic or theme that you learned about for the first time? And don’t forget to ask your kids what sparked joy for them!
Are you a scientist, educator, or presenter at a scientific institution? Do you or your business want to share your research and programs with the community?
We are calling for submissions to host an event with this year’s Festival!
Workshops, talks, trips, and programs that highlight innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math are all welcome to participate in the 2021 Festival, scheduled to take place in September!
Submissions are due by April 31.
Learn about Our Education Initiatives and Get Involved!
Through our educational intiatives, we have connected hundreds of youth with the joys of scientific discovery!
We are very pleased to kick off the 31st annual Flagstaff Festival of Science–also known as the “Best 10 Days of the Year”–on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020.
Here is a brief overview of some of this weekend’s events. Visit our website at Scifest.org for the full list of more than 60 activities, and remember, everything is free!
The 2019 Flagstaff Festival of Science continues through this weekend! Here is just a FEW of the events going on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Go to the program for the full listing, and remember, everything is free! Festival Program of…
The 2019 Flagstaff Festival of Science continues through this weekend! Here is a brief overview of some of the events going on today (Thursday). Go to the programfor the full listing, and remember, everything is free! Festival Program of Events…
Science in the Park to be held Saturday, Sept. 21 at Wheeler Park. Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s Early Childhood Fair on Sept. 28 is included in festival’s passport. Free tickets also available for NAU’s Kitt Recital Hall FLAGSTAFF…
The 2019 Flagstaff Festival of Science starts on Friday! This year we’ll go To the Moon and Beyond in our 30th anniversary season to bring you over 100 free events for the entire family! The FREE, award-winning 10-day Festival, Sept. 20…
Lunar Legacy Calendar Video: Moon Mapping Lecture Gene Shoemaker and Flagstaff in History Rich Kozak, Historian July 10th, 6:00 pm Coconino Community College, Lone Tree Campus Flagstaff is known around the world as the ‘home of astrogeology’, and its name…
Lunar Legacy Calendar Video: Moon Mapping Lecture From the Mountain to the Moon Dr. Ivo Lucchitta and Dr. Baerbel Lucchitta February 13th, 6:00 Coconino Community College, Lone Tree Campus Scientists with the US Geological Survey throughout the Apollo missions, Drs.…
Lunar Legacy Calendar Video: Lunar Cratering Lecture The Epic Journey of Apollo 8 November 14th, 6:00 Coconino Community College, Lone Tree Campus Fifty years ago, three astronauts, carried aloft by a Saturn V booster, passed into the influence of the…
Get Program/Passport› Support the Festival › The 2018 Flagstaff Festival of Science is here! Here is a brief overview of some of Thursday’s events. Go to theprogram for the full listing, and remember, everything is free! Science Talks How Microbes Affect…
Get Festival Program/Passport› Support the Festival › The 2018 Flagstaff Festival of Science Starts Today! Here is a brief overview of some of this weekend’s events. Go to the program for the full listing, and remember, everything is free! W. L. Gore…
The 2018 Flagstaff Festival of Science, Accelerating into the Future, will explore the astounding changes our lives may take in the next few years. The FREE, award-winning 10-day Festival, Sept. 21 – 30, 2018, will showcase signature events such as Science…
(CCC&Y Reminder: Flagstaff Festival of Science Begins Sept. 23) By Cynthia Pardo, First Things First Photo courtesy of First Things First Toddlers and preschoolers learn naturally by exploring and experimenting. What appears to adults as play is really forming and…
