If your kids have a vacation break in April, like the kids in the New England states (Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut), consider heading to Cambridge, Massachusetts next year to geek out during the annual Cambridge Science Festival.
As they say on their website,
the Cambridge Science Festival is a celebration showcasing fun and the leading edge in science, technology, engineering, art, and/or math in our region. A multifaceted, multicultural event, the Cambridge Science Festival makes science accessible, interactive and fun, highlighting the impact of STEAM in all our lives.
Be mindful, though, that the science-related events start before the festival officially opens, and sometimes go on after it ends, so you may not be able to see everything if you come for just a week.
This year (2015), for instance, the Cambridge Science Festival included a series of events marking the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity, which started with a March 26 event “Cosmic Loops: Music Beneath the Stars” at the Museum of Science.
And the “Black (W)hole” interactive experience at the Central Square Theatre ran into May.
While you browse through the 2015 Program Guide, you’ll quickly see that it’s sometimes hard to choose with event to attend!
Here are just a few highlight from this year’s events:
Speaking of Einstein
Speaking of Einstein was the official Cambridge Science Festival kick-off event, held on the evening of Friday, April 17 at the First Parish Church in Cambridge, MA.
Prof. Galison, by the way, is one of the instructors of a FREE on-line edX course “The Einstein Revolution.”
You might think that people have better things to do on Friday evening, than to go watch a group of academics discuss Einstein, but you are wrong. The place was packed.
Panelists of “Speaking of Einstein” talk from afar. We didn’t arrive early enough to get good seats.
The first question posed by the moderator to the panelists was: When did you first hear of the theory of relativity?
Now, while most people would not find it strange that most scholars said they first learned about this breakthrough theory around the middle school, my son was a bit surprised. He first read about Einstein in second grade, when he picked up a copy of Albert Einstein and His Inflatable Universe in the amusing but educational “Dead Famous” series. (Yes, he’s a total nerd and I wouldn’t have him any other way.)
Other questions asked about Einstein’s life, his influence on today and future, and wondered about what he’d say if he were alive today.
Prof. Natarajan remarked that if Einstein were brought to 2015, he’d be surprised that we all rely on him so much, while Prof. Galison ventured Einstein would be surprised that we can observe so much about black holes nowadays.
I had to chuckle when during the Q&A session, in reply to “Do you believe in time travel?” Prof. Randall promptly and curtly but with a smile replied “No!”
Cambridge Explores the Universe
Cambridge Explores the Universe held at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics held on Sunday, April 19, was the only event held at the Center for the entire festival. During the week the Center is of course busy with teaching and research, but that Sunday they opened its doors to visitors.
And they were packed as well!
Lots of people, families with kids, and grown ups with no children in sight lined up to look at the sun through one of the many telescopes set up in the Center’s parking lot. From the looks of it, several people tried out several telescopes, like we did, since each had a different colored filter.
Looking for spots on the sun during the Cambridge Science Festival event at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
At first it was hard to notice anything, but after I trained my eye, I actually did see bursting sun spots in a couple of times!
My son was surprised how frequently the telescopes had to be adjusted due to sun movement. You don’t really notice the sun move much, usually, do you? You would if you looked at it through the telescope – it would soon be beyond the lens range and you’d have to adjust your angle.
Among other things on display were a radio telescope:
Radio telescope on display during the Cambridge Science Festival event at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
and a very simple, but interesting sunspotter:
Sunspotter on display during the Cambridge Science Festival event at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
My son also stopped in front of several posters lining the halls of the Center:
one of the posters lining the halls of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
“The Islands” exhibit examines the mysteries of island biodiversity and evolution, and displays examples from Australia, Galapagos, New Guinea, and many other places.
As one of the displays explained:
Biologists studying islands have long noted that smaller mammals, such as rodents, are more likely to exhibit something known as insular, or island, gigantism. Larger-bodied animals, like humans and elephants, trend in a different direction. They are smaller on island than on the continent, showing insular dwarfism.
my daughter reading the information about The Islands exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History
My kids liked the most the rare fossil cast of Homo floresiensis, a relative of modern humans:
Homo floresiensis, on display at The Islands exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History
The display informed us:
Because of its diminutive stature, this miniature fossil human, Homo floresiensis, has been nicknamed “the Hobbit.” The specias was a close relative of modern humans that lived on Flores Island between 94,000 and 17,000 years ago and stood a mere 3.5 feet tall.
The kids were also fascinated by the moa skeleton:
My 6′ tall son in front of the moa skeleton on display at the Harvard Museum of Natural History
According to the informational label:
The moa seen here – Dinornis novaezelandiae – is one of the largest of nine species known. It grew up to 12 feet tall and weighed over 500 lbs.
Next Year’s Cambridge Science Festival
I hope these three examples convinced you to plan for Cambridge Science Festival 2016! Since it always coincides with the April vacation, you can already mark it on your calendar – April 15 through 24, 2016!
I would like to thank the Cambridge Science Festival for providing me with two free tickets to Speaking of Einstein. Both my son and I truly enjoyed the discussion!
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20 thoughts on “What to do during the April Break? Go To the Cambridge Science Festival!”
This sounds like a terrific use of Spring Break. I know my daughter would love the opportunity to visit as well – so many great speakers and in a great location. Sarah Ebner recently posted…The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower Of London
Thank you for reading, Sarah! Yes, if your kid likes science, this is a very good use of a spring break, even if you don’t live in the area. You could still squeeze in some sightseeing in addition to the festival.
My daughter would definitely enjoy this Science Festival. I would love it because she would be having fun while learning. Thanks for the recommendation. Brenda recently posted…It wouldn’t be make believe, if you believe.
This looks like so much fun! My kids would love to visit the Science Festival. I always prefer activities when they have fun and learn something at the same time. Dana recently posted…Family Friendly Accommodations in Costa Brava, Spain
Thank you for reading, Dana! I’m the same way – fun is fun, but we always try to do something educational as well. Plus in this case, educational was fun for them too! Mission accomplished!
Thank you for reading, Lesley! If you like science, go for it. The program does include a whole bunch of activities geared toward adults, like lectures about hoops and beer-making. After all, alcohol is chemistry, and chemistry is science. Right?
Love the idea of exploring a science festival with kids! Such a great way for parents AND kids to enjoy some time together and learn a bit–a reason why we love visiting our science center here in Seattle. I would have loved to have a look through some of those telescopes! Kate recently posted…Why Travel is Good for Your Parenting: Perspective from Lake Wenatchee, WA
Thank you for reading, Kate! We haven’t been to Seattle yet, but I’m sure when we do, we will visit the science center. We always go to the science centers or museums, wherever we are, if there is one.
This sounds like a wonderful (and educational!) way to spend the school holidays. My budding scientists would love this. It’s also a great way for kids to experience science in a practical way rather than simply reading about it in textbooks. Katja – globetotting recently posted…10 Family-Friendly Hotels for Adventurous Animal Lovers
See, science can be fun! I know my nerd-child would love to go to something like this, especially if it involves newly-hatched emu chicks 🙂 Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) recently posted…History and family fun at French Lick Resort
I remember Science Fairs when my son was in middle school but this one at Cambridge sounds like the best ever and most inspiring. Pity I’m on the other side of the country. Elaine J. Masters recently posted…Visiting Tijuana – Treasures of culture and food
Jolanta, I am definitely putting the fest on my calendar for next April (if we stay in town). they gave us the brochures in Vi’s elementary school but for some reason she did not want to go (too young or might have been scared by some dino pics; she is 5- what are your thoughts age-wise?) Victoria @celebratetheweekend recently posted…Why We Took Our Kids to Vegas (and should you?)
I wish there were more events like this when I was a kid. Mayeb I would have been more into science 😀 Looks like a very cool place to take your kid. eo.stories recently posted…The 7 Deadly Sins of Travelling
This sounds like a terrific use of Spring Break. I know my daughter would love the opportunity to visit as well – so many great speakers and in a great location.
Sarah Ebner recently posted…The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower Of London
Thank you for reading, Sarah! Yes, if your kid likes science, this is a very good use of a spring break, even if you don’t live in the area. You could still squeeze in some sightseeing in addition to the festival.
Oh yes, my kids would love to come and visit!
Sarah Ebner recently posted…The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower Of London
My daughter would definitely enjoy this Science Festival. I would love it because she would be having fun while learning. Thanks for the recommendation.
Brenda recently posted…It wouldn’t be make believe, if you believe.
Thank you for reading, Brenda! When you’re back from your round-the-world trip, I hope you WILL visit Massachusetts.
That looks like a really interesting festival. It’s great to see initiatives that encourage science-minded kids to explore their interest.
Fairlie recently posted…An addictive way to explore the world – geocaching for newbies
This looks like so much fun! My kids would love to visit the Science Festival. I always prefer activities when they have fun and learn something at the same time.
Dana recently posted…Family Friendly Accommodations in Costa Brava, Spain
Thank you for reading, Dana! I’m the same way – fun is fun, but we always try to do something educational as well. Plus in this case, educational was fun for them too! Mission accomplished!
This sounds like a terrific use of Spring Break! I would definitely consider it if I was in the area. Maybe something to add to the list. 🙂
Lesley recently posted…LOWA – The Boots of Choice for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Thank you for reading, Lesley! If you like science, go for it. The program does include a whole bunch of activities geared toward adults, like lectures about hoops and beer-making. After all, alcohol is chemistry, and chemistry is science. Right?
Love the idea of exploring a science festival with kids! Such a great way for parents AND kids to enjoy some time together and learn a bit–a reason why we love visiting our science center here in Seattle. I would have loved to have a look through some of those telescopes!
Kate recently posted…Why Travel is Good for Your Parenting: Perspective from Lake Wenatchee, WA
Thank you for reading, Kate! We haven’t been to Seattle yet, but I’m sure when we do, we will visit the science center. We always go to the science centers or museums, wherever we are, if there is one.
This sounds like a wonderful (and educational!) way to spend the school holidays. My budding scientists would love this. It’s also a great way for kids to experience science in a practical way rather than simply reading about it in textbooks.
Katja – globetotting recently posted…10 Family-Friendly Hotels for Adventurous Animal Lovers
See, science can be fun! I know my nerd-child would love to go to something like this, especially if it involves newly-hatched emu chicks 🙂
Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) recently posted…History and family fun at French Lick Resort
What an awesome, educational experience! We want to go!
Great pics too!
The Adventure Ahead recently posted…Feasting at the Farmer’s Market in Puerto Viejo
I remember Science Fairs when my son was in middle school but this one at Cambridge sounds like the best ever and most inspiring. Pity I’m on the other side of the country.
Elaine J. Masters recently posted…Visiting Tijuana – Treasures of culture and food
Sounds really interesting. My son loves science….I think this is a great option for when he’s a little bit older~
Jolanta, I am definitely putting the fest on my calendar for next April (if we stay in town). they gave us the brochures in Vi’s elementary school but for some reason she did not want to go (too young or might have been scared by some dino pics; she is 5- what are your thoughts age-wise?)
Victoria @celebratetheweekend recently posted…Why We Took Our Kids to Vegas (and should you?)
I wish there were more events like this when I was a kid. Mayeb I would have been more into science 😀 Looks like a very cool place to take your kid.
eo.stories recently posted…The 7 Deadly Sins of Travelling
I love when fun and learning come together. This would be fun for spring break!
Allison recently posted…Why we were wowed by Badlands National Park