Interactive umbrellas, astronauts, as World Science Festival returns to Brooklyn

Hands-on tech, astronomy, chemistry, nature lessons for all

May 31, 2017 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The World Science Festival brings a number of events to Brooklyn this week, including a participatory performance piece by Pilobolus and MIT involving LED-lighted umbrellas, shown above. Photo by Oriel Pe'er, courtesy of the World Science Festival

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The annual World Science Festival brings hands-on, immersive science activities to New York City this week, with a number of fascinating weekend events in Brooklyn.

Projects in Brooklyn Bridge Park include a participatory performance piece by Pilobolus and MIT involving LED-lighted umbrellas with colors controlled by attendees. All ages will enjoy stargazing with astronomers and experts including Bill Nye and astronauts Yvonne Cagle and Leland Melvin. Scientific sails in New York Harbor will also be launching from the park.

Nature enthusiasts can join in the Great Fish Hunt at several Brooklyn locations, including Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bush Terminal Piers Park, Kaiser Park, and Valentino Pier. Attendees will strap on a pair of waders, cast a net, and discover what’s living under the water.

A number of smaller venues will also be hosting activities. Chemistry enthusiasts can check out the chemical reactions of baking at Four & Twenty Blackbirds Bakery in Gowanus; urban farmers can learn how to raise fish and grow plants at OKO Farms in Bushwick. Kids can get a microbiology lesson at Brooklyn College.

Many events are open to all comers. But some require RSVPs and waiting lists are already forming, so it pays to get online and sign up soon.

The festival runs now through June 4. Visit www.worldsciencefestival.com for full details.