Chicago Botanic Garden Spring 2020

Awaken your inner scientist at the Science Festival at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Dive into the fascinating world of nature, just in time for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. e Science Festival allows kids and adults to test their knowledge with more than 40 free, hands-on experi- ments and activities. Try these: • Use biofeedback technology to mea- sure your brain waves and create dy- namic 3-D shapes that appear before your eyes. is work is the U.S. pre- miere from a England-based company. • Bring landscapes to life with your own hands at the new, interactive augmented reality (AR) sandbox ex- hibit. Mold sand and use AR to de- sign an elevation color map, 3-D topographic contour lines, and simu- lated water in real time. • Find inspiration from artist Marvin Tate, who uses everyday and found objects to examine how nature re- claims urban spaces in surprising ways. Observe his creative displays and create a found-object art piece to take home with you. Learn what you can do to help save the planet in a special Earth Day section that encourages action, including get- ting a sapling to plant (quantities lim- ited), learning natural lawn care, and becoming a community scientist. All weekend long, geek out with real scientists and horticulturists at pop-up stations. Join the scientists from the Garden’s Negaunee Institute of Plant Conservation Science and Action to study the behavior patterns of bees, learn how fungi talk to each other, ex- plore edible plants, and more. On Friday, April 17, the popular Sci- ence After Hours returns. Adults can mix and mingle while enjoying themed drinks and food (for purchase) and the chance to try all of the science activities. Make, discover, and explore at the ultimate science fair experience. Science Festival When: Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Regenstein Center. Free, regular parking fees apply. Science After Hours Friday, April 17, 6 to 9 p.m.; Regenstein Center. Member tickets: $8 in advance, nonmembers: $11 in advance ($2 more on day-of). Learn more chicagobotanic.org/sciencefestival DIY Seed Tape Want to know what kind of activity hap- pens at the Science Festival? Try making your own seed tape, which enables you to plant a row of straight, evenly spaced seeds. You will need: • Toilet paper • White glue • Seeds (e.g., carrot, lettuce, marigold— whatever you want to plant in a row) • A ruler (optional) Instructions: Roll out about 3 feet of toilet paper. Put drops of glue about a half inch from the bottom edge, about 2 inches apart (or two drops per square). Place a seed on each drop of wet glue. Fold the top edge over the seeds and allow to dry. Write the name of the seeds on the edge, roll up and store until ready to use. When ready to use, unroll the seed tape on the ground, cover with soil and water, and watch for the new seedlings to sprout. chicagobotanic.org 7