2021 Event
In recognition that the 2021 AAAS Annual Meeting will be held entirely online, AAAS has decided not to hold Family Science Days as part of its 2021 meeting.
A remote meeting presented obstacles for addressing the core objectives of the Family Science Days event: providing hands-on science activities for students and families and opportunities for in-person interaction with scientists and engineers. We thank the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees who have participated in past events, and we look forward to working together again in the future
AAAS Family Science Days historically has been 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.
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
Take a look at the 2020 AAAS Family Science Days stage show schedule and exhibitor list.
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.