OMSI evolves ‘Mini Maker Faire’ into Oregon Science Festival

INCLUDES SCIENCE VIDEO | Take a look at how the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry advanced this summer festival as they’ve revitalized it this year …

The Oregon Science Festival put on by OMSI is to be a major summertime family fun attraction.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

After the pandemic stopped the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) from hosting their outdoor summertime “Portland Mini Maker Faire”, their staff elected to bring it back this year, on the weekend of September 16 and 17, as the Oregon Science Festival — the culmination of their inaugural, week-long “Science Extravaganza” that week.

The new Science Festival featured about 45 partner booths, hourly science demonstrations with OMSI educators, as well as many events and workshops inside the museum.

-2 Welcoming families to the Oregon Science Festival is OMSI Director of Events Melony Beaird.

“Our new Oregon Science Festival celebrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math,” began Melony Beaird, Director of Events at OMSI.

“The Oregon Science Festival helps further OMSI’s mission because it encompasses many different aspects of science, while being fun,” pointed out Beaird.

Making friends at the event is Una the Mermaid.

From Cleveland High School, demonstrating their robot, are members of the FIRST Robotics PIGMICE Team – Miles Ehrbar, Owen King, Sinyi Lu, Owen Woods.

“Even more, it’s providing young people the opportunity to think about how their curiosity could lead to a career,” Beaird went on.

“The vision and mission for the museum is helping kids foster a sense of wonder, and perhaps – someday – come up with a new way to address a real world problem!” she exclaimed.

Watch our video tour of this late summer event:

Hands-on exhibits were especially popular, much as they were during the previous “Portland Mini Maker Faire”.

Even in the high summer heat, kids tugged their parents from one activity to another, learning about electricity, physics, robotics – and the pioneer skills of fire-making.

At the Trackers Portland exhibit, Alex Zhang and his son Kaden, learn archery skills.

A fitting presentation, on a sweltering summer’s day, is PSU Climate Science Lab professor Paul Loikith presenting his lecture entitled, “The Anatomy of an Oregon Heat Wave”.

“Besides seeing the excitement on kids’ faces, I think one of my favorite parts of the festival are the variety of activities and learning experiences we’re providing here,” observed Beaird.

Discover what’s new at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

© 2023 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™

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