Apply Now to Host a Pre-Expo Festival Event
Festival Finale Expo Dates: April 27-29, 2012
Deadline to apply to host an event: February 28, 2012
Attention all Festival Partners and Science Organizations in the Greater Washington, DC area (including Northern Virginia and Maryland):
 Would you like to host an event as part of the 2nd USA Science & Engineering Festival? We are now accepting proposals for events to be held during April 2012 in the one month period leading up to the finale Expo which will take place April 27-29, 2012. The ideal Festival Event is fun and engaging, with the science or engineering component incorporated in a clever or unusual way. Whether you are planning a workshop, family activity, scavenger hunt, open house, panel discussion, reading, movie screening, performance, or whatever else you want to do, pre-Expo Festival Events are a great opportunity to show people of all ages and backgrounds how fascinating science and engineering can be. So have fun with it! Create an event that will attract people from all walks of life and give them a glimpse into the amazing world of science.
Our goal is to have a lively mix of events for adults, middle and high school-age students, as well as younger children.
Here are some examples of previously popular events:  SeaWorld Family Learning Night (Example of an Interactive Family Event)Julie Scardina has shared her life-long love of animals and commitment to wildlife conservation with audiences ranging from a few children in a classroom to millions of viewers on national television. Join her for 'SeaWorld's Family Learning Night' where she and some of her exotic animal friends will educate, entertain and amaze guests. The evening will begin with the chance for kids to touch sharks, see penguins up-close and take part in an educational conservation activity.
The Chemistry of Love (Example of Lecture and Discussion)
What do romantic love and obsessive compulsive behavior have in common? For centuries the domain of poets and musicians, new research is revealing what lovers have always known: It is a matter of the "right chemistry", but is that all?
Science of Wine (Example of Lecture and Interactive Wine Tasting/”C”-level event)
Heard the news? Red wine has anti-aging properties. Learn about the science of taste perception and recent scientific discoveries about red wine – then sample several carefully chosen vintages.
Dumbledore’s Transfiguration Class (Example of Science Magic Show for Kids)
Explore the science behind the magic at Hogwarts Academy with Muggle, Professor Alan McCormack. Harry Potter's Moaning Myrtle, Fawkes the Phoenix, and Hedwig the Owl will be our guests during this fun magic show that will leave you pondering mysteries.
 The Politics of Science (Example of Panel Discussion)With the dramatic decline in interest in the sciences by Americans, what can the government do to help America keep its competitive edge? Join in on a Town Hall discussion with a panel of leading politicians and scientists as they discuss this vital issue.
The American Nerd (Example of Reading, Discussion and Book Signing)
Join critically acclaimed writer, Benjamin Nugent, the author of American Nerd: The Story of My People -- a cultural history of the nerd -- for a reading, book signing and discussion. The Los Angeles Times called it "One of the season's most talked-about cultural studies." He'll speak about how the modern concept of the nerd evolved during the 19th and 20th centuries, and how the presentation of the nerd in popular culture has changed over the past several decades.
University Science Sampler (Example of a University Open House)
The sampler will feature interactive experiments and exhibits to be experienced by the whole family and students of all ages, including geological and planetarium exhibits, laser demonstrations, hands-on experiments in our Electron Microscope Facility, CSI Labs, and making Ice Cream using liquid nitrogen, and much more.
 Math Walking Tour (Example of Guided Walking Tour)
Walk from the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden to the Hirshorn Museum Sculpture, and let Glen Whitney share where math is "hiding" all around you!
An Evening of Science Comedy (Example of Light-Hearted Entertainment Event)
Join Brian Malow for an evening of science comedy. Brian is the (self-declared, but oh-so-true) "Earth's Premier Science Comedian. His humor invites his audience to join him in roaming through and laughing at the wonderful and crazy world of science.
For more examples of events held as part of the inaugural USA Science & Engineering Festival, Click Here
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Event must be held in April 2012, daytime or evening in the Greater Washington, DC area (including Northern Virginia and Maryland)
- All events must be free to the general public (exceptions must be approved by Festival organizers)
- You are responsible for organizing all aspects of the event, including content, pre-registration if needed, staffing etc.
- The Festival organizers will select events from all applicants. Our goal is to have 2-3 event per day, possibly more on the weekend.
Our promise to you:
- We will market your event to the general public through our website, newsletter, e-blasts and other marketing tools.
- Your event will be listed on the USA Science & Engineering Festival online Calendar of Events.
- We will provide you with up to 5 Festival T-shirts for your event staff and volunteers to wear.
- USA Science & Engineering Festival staff or volunteers will attend your event and set-up USA Science & Engineering Festival signage to brand the event as part of the Festival.
- USA Science & Engineering Festival staff or volunteers will be available to help you with event set-up and on-site management, if desired.
Let us know what you would like to do by filling out the below form. We look forward to hearing from you!
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