Hands-on technology fun at the Oregon Science Festival at OMSI

Enjoy highlights of the interactive opportunities provided at this now-annual celebration of all things science in East Portland, put on by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry …

During the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s “Oregon Science Festival”, visitors of all ages try their hand making Cardboard Creations at the Tinker Camp exhibit.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The culmination of the five days of events put on by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) – called “Science Week” – was their third annual “Oregon Science Festival” on the weekend of September 13 and 14.

“It brings together individuals, families, and all lifelong learners to celebrate the importance of science – so necessary to our local culture, education, and economy,” exclaimed OMSI Director of Events Melony Beaird.

Benjamin and Charlotte, and their dad Brian Goldberg, have their safety goggles on for their experiments at this exhibit.

On their new “Curiosity Stage”, in OMSI’s front plaza, magician Jim Straight is one of the acts that delight large audiences.

The two-day weekend festival offered 41 partner booths, science demonstrations with OMSI educators, as well as workshops and events throughout their campus.

Some visitors were attracted to craft activities, such as making a key chain sand mold, and then watching as it was cast into metal. Others learned how to make electronic circuits. And, many guests attended lectures and demonstrations.

Visitors watch a 3D printer in action at the West3D exhibit.

Portland State Aerospace Society member Hessah Alsaadon show the avionics, or the “brain”, of their LV2.3 rocket.

“We consider this to be the ‘event of the year’ for those who love science, engineering, or innovation of any kind!” Beaird enthused. “This year, attendees are finding more fun-filled, hands-on learning about robotics, fossils, sustainability, and music, than ever before.”

In the OMSI Turbine Hall, it’s painter Simran Gleason of ‘Slow Camera Paparazzi’ at work.

Proudly showing off the paper airplane they made in “Cardboard Creations”, while experimenting with electronics, is the Wackett family.

And so it went, with families taking in shocking Tesla-coil demonstrations, petting live reptiles, learning the basics of stop-motion animation, trying out “smart glasses”, and interacting with robots – many of the families attending left OMSI with imaginations invigorated, and tired kids.

What’s happening at OMSI now? Check their website: CLICK HERE.

On our Front Page: The Vasques family successfully make “Flubber” in the OMSI Chem Lab during the Oregon Science Festival.

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