Children and adults of all ages enjoyed astronomy and physics-related shows, activities, and tours at Astrofest in the Eyring Science Center on Saturday, May 21.
Each year the BYU Department of Physics and Astronomy holds an event centered on astronomy with various activities and learning opportunities to help children see science as something more than just a class they have to take.
According to Dr. M. Jeannette Lawler, who organizes the annual event with Dr. Denise Stephens, the department tries to add at least one new element each year.
This year’s addition to the event was an astrobiology exhibit showcasing some of Dr. Byron Adams’ research on microorganisms in harsh environments.
Biology may be in the College of Life Sciences, but that is not an issue.
“We’re really trying to turn this into a space-oriented science day, not just an astronomy day,” Lawler said. “We’re trying to actively include other groups on campus.”
The next hurdle to tackle for Lawler and Stephens may be finding more space to include additional activities and to accommodate more attendees.
Lawler said the success of this year’s event was due to the more than seventy volunteers who were punctual and willing to put their all into their designated sections.
The volunteers ran various stations, some where they helped children make paper airplanes; star wheels, or rotating paper star maps; origami; rockets; and more. The children seemed to have a good time and the volunteers enjoyed facilitating the excitement.
One of the volunteers, Cristal Labonte, said her favorite station was rocket building.
“I love seeing the kids get so excited about science,” Labonte said.
Lawler compared Astrofest to a recital of sorts for science and mathematics.
“We get the kids together and they get to see all of the things they can do with science and they get to run around having a good time,” Lawler said. “Hopefully it improves students’ attitudes about science and gets them to think, ‘Science is fun and it’s something I can do.’”