Children interact with a science display during the 2017 Family Science Days event in Boston. | Atlantic Photography Boston
AAAS Family Science Days is a free public science event that offers an array of hands-on family and child-friendly activities. It is held during the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting, the largest general scientific conference in the world.
The 2019 AAAS Family Science Days event is Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the AAAS Annual Meeting, being held at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC. Family Science Days features interactive booths appropriate for K-12 youths and their families, highlighting diverse areas of science, as well as a live stage show and the chance to talk with scientists.
Family Science Days demonstrates the AAAS commitment to promoting public engagement with science, a central part of its mission to advance science and serve society. It provides an opportunity for local science organizations to gather and connect with their communities and gives the scientists attending the meeting a chance to see public engagement in action. The event is advertised to families via local media, schools, community organizations and participating institutions.
Participation opportunities for local science organizations include:
- Presenting an interactive booth with hands-on science programming
- Leading a 30-minute stage show featuring visually exciting science demonstrations or experiments that really “wow” the audience
- Nominating scientists to present as part of the Meet a Scientist program
See the 2018 AAAS Family Science Days stage show schedule and exhibitor listing here.
Benjamin Brown-Steiner gives a talk on atmospheric science during the 2017 Meet a Scientist program in Boston. | Atlantic Photography Boston
About the Meet a Scientist program
As part of Family Science Days, the Meet a Scientist program consists of short, lively presentations by scientists and engineers. Topics vary from why they chose a science career to the more fascinating, gross or inspiring aspects of their work. The program seeks to exemplify diversity in science. After presenting briefly onstage and answering questions from audience members, speakers interact with attendees one-on-one.