You Don’t Have To Be A Science Geek To Have Fun At Sanford’s It’s All About Science Festival

Science fairs were always a big deal in our house when I was a kid. Our parents were medical people and I think my dad (a psychiatrist) was hoping one of us would become a doctor. So these school events were important; to them anyway.

The only science fair project I actually remember doing was a study on leukemia in cats and its correlation to progress being made in treating leukemia in humans. The reason I remember it is because during my research, I discovered that children with leukemia at that time (late 1960s-early '70s), by and large didn't fare very well. I was shocked to learn that children got cancer, that they could be born with it and even die from it!

The impact of that science fair project has been permanent. No I didn't become a scientist, (my sister Carolyn did though--good work Mommy & Daddy!), but I have had a life-long empathy for cancer victims and a huge interest in cancer research and treatment.

The reason I bring this up is because Sanford is hosting its Third Annual It's All About Science Festival this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sanford Research Center, 2301 E. 60th Street North, here in Sioux Falls. It is a celebration and exploration of all things science, technology, engineering and mathematics (the STEM subjects) for children and adults of all ages.

There will be numerous hands-on activities, demonstrations and exhibits from groups, educators, and STEM industries, in addition to entertaining and educational performances, horse-drawn wagon rides from McCrossan Boys Ranch and so much more! There will of course be food vendors so you'll be able to buy beverages, lunch and snacks too. For more info and directions on how to get there, click here and check them out on Facebook here.

Maybe you have a future Einstein, astronaut or Bill Gates leaving a mess in the kitchen right now! They will love this festival and so will you!