Everyone knows New York is one of the best places in the world for art, culture and entertainment, but did you know that NYC is big in the science scene, too? There are plenty of science-oriented New York City attractions available this spring, including the 2013 World Science Festival. Hosted in New York each year by the Science Festival Foundation, this year’s festival is from May 29 to June 2, 2013, and will be held in locations across the city. The Science Festival Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the wonder and significance of scientific discovery with the general public. This series of events is perfect for any visitor or local interested in learning more about our world. Sessions span a variety of topics, formats, and styles, including everything from conventional lectures and multi-media presentations to pie-making, film-viewing, and a science themed StorySLAM. Here’s a selection of just a few of the many sessions available during the 2013 World Science Festival.
Big Picture Questions
One of the great things about modern science is just how much exciting and groundbreaking work is being done in labs, universities, and research facilities around the world. These sessions feature cutting-edge topics and big questions that humans have always asked about themselves and the universe. Spooky Action: The Drama of Quantum Mechanics Speakers: Brian Greene, Maia Guest, Carl Howell, Michael Roush Wednesday, May 29, 2013 / 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM Also available on Thursday during the same time slot in the same theater. The New Victory Theater This popular session is all about the mysteries of quantum mechanics, from Einstein’s day to our own. Learn how quantum theories radically changed the ways scientists understood the fabric of the universe. Perfect for the aspiring astrophysicist or Michael Crichton fan.![Image of Accessories,](https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/new-york/featured_images/World-Science-Festival-2013-2.jpg)
Science and Food
Some of my favorite sessions this year combine the human love of food with the science that produces it. Learn all about the science behind some of your favorite snacks and beverages, alongside a history of the ways in which advances in modern technology have changed both our diet and our relationship with food as a culture. Cheers to Science! A Drinkable Feast of Beer, Biotechnology, and Archaeology Speakers: Sam Calagione, Patrick E. McGovern Thursday, May 30, 2013 / 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM The Bell House The art of brewing beer dates back to 9000 BC, making it quite possibly the oldest use of biotechnology in human history. Beer was also influential in shaping the human diet, agricultural industry, and scientific progress. Explore ancient ales, and even try a few samples! When else can you say you’ve tried a 3,500-year-old Nordic Grog recipe? (Grog tastes a lot better than it sounds.)![Image of Carrot, Food, Produce,](https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/new-york/featured_images/World-Science-Festival-2013-3.jpg)
Family-Friendly Sessions
Because the World Science Festival offers such a diverse selection of events and talks, there are a few that aren’t designed with kids in mind (see above: “Cheers to Science!”). Fortunately, Festival planners are putting on a bunch of great events that kids and families will enjoy. The Dance of the Planets: An Evening Under the Stars Saturday, June 1, 2013 / 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park This is the event for kids who love to stargaze (the ones with glow-in-the-dark stickers on the ceiling, too). This outdoor party beneath the Brooklyn Bridge will be a great opportunity to explore the wonders of the night sky alongside leading astronomers. There will be live music and plenty of telescopes to go around (although you’re encouraged to bring your own if you have one). Amateurs and professionals all welcome! [Tip: If your kids love stargazing here, visit the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History for more astronomical fun.] Cool Jobs Speakers: Baba Brinkman, Katherine Isbister, Michelle Khine, Amanda Kinchla, Edwin Olson Sunday, June 2, 2013 / 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts![Image of Animal, Dinosaur, Indoors, Person,](https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/new-york/featured_images/CC_T_Rex-195x300.jpg)