ATLANTA — Mercer University and Mercer Health Sciences Center are sponsors of the annual Atlanta Science Festival, which culminates in the Exploration Expo, to be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 23 at Piedmont Park.
The festival, launched in 2014, is a two-week celebration of science and technology. Taking place March 9-23, it features more than 100 interactive and educational events. The expo, a giant science bash that is free and open to the public, promotes science exploration, discovery and innovation through hands-on interactive booths, live demonstrations and shows.
At the expo, Mercer will offer demonstrations from the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy and School of Engineering around the theme “How Does Science Impact Your Life?”
College of Nursing (10 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.)
“SAM”
Robyn Lance, Assistant Professor of Nursing and GBAN Faculty Advisor
In this interactive demonstration, “SAM” – the College of Nursing’s Simulated Auscultation Manikin – will demonstrate a variety of lung and heart sounds. SAM is an innovative teaching tool to assist in learning about normal and abnormal sounds such as wheezing and heart murmurs. In addition, participants will learn how to count their pulse, feel a carotid pulse, and use a stethoscope.
College of Pharmacy (11:20 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.)
“Fight Germs and Learn Science: DIY Hand Sanitizer Workshop”
Dr. Tyler Boyd, Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, and Dr. Philip Mensah, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
In this interactive demonstration, participants will mix their own hand sanitizer gel, learn the science behind it, and discover why clean hands matter.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (12:40 p.m. – 2 p.m.)
“How Does Your Brain Work?”
Dr. Katharine Northcutt, Professor of Biology
In this interactive demonstration, participants can color and assemble a “brain hat” that illustrates the general regions of the brain, including the major lobes and hemispheres. Then, participants can look at and dissect sheep brains to see how the inside of our brain looks! Finally, participants can also explore how our brain can be tricked, using optical illusion tests.
College of Health Professions (2 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.)
“What Moves Me”
Dr. Dan Dale, Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Dr. Tami Phillips, Clinical Professor of Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions
This interactive demonstration will explore some of the ways your body moves and how that can impact your ability to go to school, work, and play. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to measure joint motion and muscle strength in their arms and legs, test their balance, and speak with physical therapists about the importance of movement and how to stay active.
School of Engineering (3:20 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.)
“Robots in the Skies”
Dr. Anthony Choi, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Director of the Machine Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory
In this interactive demonstration, drone flight simulator stations will be set up where participants can learn how drones work and how to safely fly them.
About the Atlanta Science Festival
The Atlanta Science Festival is an annual celebration of the world-class learning and STEM career opportunities in metro Atlanta, featuring 100+ engaging events for curious kids and adults at venues all across the region. The Festival is engineered by Science ATL and 80+ community partners, with major support from founders Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, presenting sponsor Delta Air Lines, and other sponsors NCR Foundation, UPS, Cox, and more.
