North Museum’s Cosmic Bash is supporting STEM Education by “Powering the Future.”
North Museum’s Cosmic Bash is supporting STEM Education by “Powering the Future.”
Saturday, May 17 at Foundry48, Lititz
(LANCASTER)—The innovative ways we can source renewable energy on planet earth will be featured at North Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Cosmic Bash, presented by Atomic, on Saturday, May 17. Tickets are now available at northmuseum.org/cosmic-bash/. Hosted by WGAL News8 anchor and award-winning reporter Susan Shapiro, the event benefits the museum’s many STEM education programs, and includes a silent auction reception, an irresistible live auction, scientific exhibits, a gourmet dining experience curated by Rettew’s Catering, and live music by Temple Avenue Jazz.
“Guests at this year’s Cosmic Bash will embark on an unforgettable adventure as we continue our mission of inspiring curiosity, discovery and a lifelong appreciation of nature, science and cultures,” said North Museum’s CEO Andrea Rush. “All sponsorships, donations, and monies raised will crucially benefit free and reduced-cost STEM education programs for children in Lancaster County and central Pennsylvania.”
Single tickets for the Cosmic Bash are $175, available by clicking here. The 10th annual signature fundraiser is presented by ATOMIC.
Sponsors include: Atomic / First National Bank / Rhoads Energy / EnerSys / Anne & David Lloyd / Pippa & Tom McPhillips / Susan & Richard Seavey / Jim Steltz / Lancaster County Workforce Development Board / American Crane & Equipment Corporation / Marysia & Salvatore Dina / Richard Clark, Ph.D. & Sepi Yalda, Ph.D. / Fulton Bank / Bernadette & Eugene Gardner / Hall Media Solutions / High Companies / Lancaster Country Day School / Dr. Clark McSparren / Northwest Bank / Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health / Richter Precision / RKL, LLP / Trout CPA / WEBBER/SMITH Associates / Cargas / ELA Group, Inc. / American Society for Military Engineers, Philadelphia Post / Garber Metrology / RETTEW / Dr. Victoria & Steve Zuckerman / Linda & Doug Weidman /Eudora Roseman / Turner Buick GMC / Hummer Turfgrass Systems, Inc. / Regupol America, LLC / Sauder's Eggs / Ron & Diane Umble / Radius Mobile Bike Shop
Media Sponsor: WGAL 8 / Uproot Creative Services / Sam Soliman Photography /
Now in its 73rd year, the North Museum impacts thousands of local students and their families annually through its education initiatives in the Museum, in the community, and at home. Programs include field trips, early childhood education programs, summer camps, STEM Sisters, the Science and Engineering Fair for middle and high school students, and many other educational programs designed to create access to free and reduced-cost STEM learning opportunities and strengthen the foundation of youth in the Lancaster community and beyond.
The Art Gallery posts the next Open Call For Art
OPEN CALL FOR ART
Insects surround us. Whether beneficially pollinating our gardens or spreading disease, insects leave their mark. They forage, they swarm, they camouflage, they predate. They communicate and learn socially, they metamorphosize, they create a hive mind. They help us mark the seasons, they challenge our picnics, and inspire us to create science fiction movie monsters.
Gardens are habitat for insects. They are mini ecosystems or even wild places within the footprint of our domestic space. From as small as a container to as large as a meadow, the garden is a refuge for wildlife and a place to contemplate nature.
Does your work look to the natural world and our place within it? Do you contemplate the future of biodiversity in our wild spaces?
Artist Luke Jerram says, “Referencing the stained glass windows and bell towers of the Duomo in Florence, Palm Temple is both an experimental optical pavilion and a contemplation space designed for the public to consider the impact humanity is having on nature.”
Where do you go to contemplate nature? When you look to insects what do you find? When have you felt awe in the presence of Hexapoda?
The North Museum of Nature & Science invites regional artists to explore their relationship to the insect world, gardens, and our greater impact on biodiversity found within wild spaces more broadly. Diverse interpretations are encouraged.
ART SUBMISSION FORM LINKED HERE
Entry Deadline: Sunday, May 18
Exhibit: June 2025
GSK Science in the Summer–Back for 2025!
GSK supported and in collaboration with The Franklin Institute's curriculum, the 2025 program will focus on Health Sciences.
The program, in its 39th year, has reached an estimated 23,400 nationwide!
Are you an organization looking to host a summer science camp? Look no further! North Museum of Science and Nature connects organizations looking to host a summer camp at their location with Science in the Summer curriculum, materials, and training.
Last year 902 area students, ranging from Pre-K through grade 12, completed GSK's (GlaxoSmithKline's) Science in the Summer™ program! That was a record number of attendees, increasing the impact of this already popular seasonal program.
This summer's theme will be "Health Sciences," and it will offer students the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of real scientists and engineers, engaging in exciting hands-on activities that bring the world of health science to life. Students will discover different career paths, from dietitian to orthopedic doctor, and develop their scientific thinking skills in a fun and interactive way.
Download the Health Sciences Overview
This program is made possible by a generous grant from GSK and with curriculum developed by The Franklin Institute.
The North Museum, GSK, and the Franklin Institute are longtime collaborators on the Science in the Summer program, which primarily targets students in grades 2 through 6, with an emphasis on reaching those from underserved communities and lower income households.
"Thanks to GSK and the Franklin Institute we were able to reach over 900 students last summer,” says Kate Wilson, Senior Manager, Visitor & Volunteer Services. “This free program offers a hands-on look at various STEM careers which many students did not even know existed! Now they might want to pursue those paths in the future. This is an opportunity some of the members of our community would not normally have access to due to financial and other constraints. We look forward to offering this program each year, and can't wait for 2025!"
As a leader in STEM education and advocacy, the North Museum is proud to present GSK's Science in the Summer™ program to the community for many years, and is deeply grateful to GSK for their ongoing commitment to enriching the community through the utilization of and access to quality STEM education programs, and the exceptional curriculum provided by the Franklin Institute.
If your organization has an interest in participating in GSK's 2025 Science in the Summer™ program, presented by the North Museum, please contact Kate Wilson, Senior Manager, Visitor & Volunteer Services at 717.358.4116, kwilson@northmuseum.org.
2025 Science Fair Winners Announced
NEARLY 200 STUDENTS COMPETED, 2 CHAMPIONS ON THEIR WAY TO ISEF
Photography by @anneoftheforest and Soliman Photo & Video
Nearly 200 students from 23 schools in Lancaster and Lebanon counties gathered at Millersville University on Thursday to show off their science projects at the North Museum Science & Engineering Fair. The students were vying for a chance to compete against 1,500 of their peers from around the world in May at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Columbus, Ohio. The fair’s junior division had 125 student competitors, while the senior division had 57. The regional competition, which North Museum hosts annually at MU, is one of six fairs associated with the international competition, and the top two projects in the senior division proceed to the world stage at no cost to the students.
For more, go to LancasterOnline.com.
(LANCASTER) March 13, 2025—North Museum congratulates all the students who competed at the 72nd annual North Museum Science and Engineering Fair, presented by Arconic Foundation! Our heart-felt thanks to the judges, coordinators, teachers, sponsors and all who make this fair a STEM success! Congratulations Ansh Dwivedi, Grand Champion, and Ethan Albright, Senior Division Champion, for winning top honors! They have both earned a place at the ISEF to compete with 1,700 of their peers from around the world! North Museum is honored to pay for registration, fees, travel, and accommodations for its two Champions.
For all senior and junior division category winners, visit our Science and Engineering Fair Winners Page.
2025 Grand Champion
Ansh Dwivedi, Warwick High School, 12th Grade
Category: Chemistry, Energy, & Materials Science
Senior Division Champion
Ethan Albright, Hempfield High School, 11th Grade
Category: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Senior Division Reserve Champion
Ella Strickler, Elizabethtown Area High School, 12th Grade
Category: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Junior Division Champion
Alden Hendricks, Lancaster Country Day School, 8th Grade
Category: Plant Science
Junior Division Reserve Champion
Jermaine Edwards, Lancaster Country Day School, 8th Grade
Category: Earth Science
Photography by: Soliman Photo & Video
Watch: Total Lunar Eclipse, North Museum Astronomer Answers Questions
March 13, 2025. Cole Penkunas, resident astronomer at North Museum of Nature and Science in Lancaster Pennsylvania, explains what you can expect from this week's total lunar eclipse on WGAL8. What did he have to say about the Blood Worm Moon in March, 2025?
North Museum's Planetarium has live shows every month! View the Calendar to see the next available Nigh Sky Tour.
Fall Fest Benefits Millport Conservancy and the Run
North Museum’s Fall Fest at Millport Conservancy
Benefits Lititz Run and Trail restoration
Family event Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(LITITZ, WARWICK TOWNSHIP)—Families are invited to explore Millport Conservancy’s natural wonders on Saturday, November 9, as the North Museum of Nature and Science and Millport Conservancy present Fall Fest. This fifth annual collaboration between two local non-profits is a fundraising event to support Millport Conservancy’s efforts to restore the Lititz Run stream through soil erosion control, wetlands restoration, and stream management and the North Museum’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education programming. The Conservancy’s 75-acre refuge for native wildlife and plant species includes Lititz Run, where preservation efforts have resulted in healthy, wild reproduction of both rainbow and brown trout, which can be found year-round in its waters.
Located at 737 E. Millport Road, the family-friendly event is filled with activities for children of all ages:
-Archeological Treasure Dig Pit
-Atomic Selfie Station
-Live Reptile Petting Zoo
-Nature Walks and Crafts
-Face and Pumpkin Painting
-Environmental Science and Sustainability Activities for STEM Sisters
-Bird Club Activities
-Veterans’ Recognition
-Food Truck by Gourmet Julie's Way
-Tasting Room for 21+ by Compass Mill Tap House, Meduseld Meadery, Stoll and Wolfe
-Distillery, Vine Bar, and more!
“Millport Conservancy relies on the generosity of donors to help us protect and preserve the land, the water resources and our heritage.” said Lynn Wohlsen Myers, Executive Director of Millport Conservancy and the daughter of the Conservancy’s founding couple. “Through the success of fundraising efforts like Fall Fest, the Conservancy will continue to be a treasured resource of educational and recreational experiences for students and the public.”
“Having partnered together successfully for the last five years, the North Museum is thrilled to hold Fall Fest at Millport once again in our joint effort to raise funds for the restoration of Lititz Run Creek." said Andrea Rush, North Museum CEO. "Our enduring alliance fortifies the missions of both organizations and accelerates our collective impact on the community."
In honor of Veteran’s Day, all Veterans, Active Service Members and First Responders will be admitted free of charge.
Fall Fest 2024 sponsors include Listrak, Marysia & Salvatore Dina, The Sheaffer Family, Univest, American Crane, Richard Clark, Ph.D. & Sepi Yalda, Ph.D., First National Bank, Gibbel Kraybill & Hess, LLP, Land Studies, Landis Homes, Sauder’s Eggs, Tiger’s Eye, Dr. DiComo & Family and Walters Services, Inc.
Registration Open for North Museum Science & Engineering Fair
Registration Opens for North Museum’s Science & Engineering Fair
Lebanon County school teachers and students invited to join 73-year-old competition!
(LANCASTER)—Registration for participation in the North Museum’s Science and Engineering Fair (NMSEF) is now open for Lebanon County teachers and adult sponsors. For the first time in its 73 years, the Science and Engineering Fair, presented by the Arconic Foundation, is open to Lebanon County school students in addition to the students of Lancaster County’s 20 schools, resulting in a forecasted record-setting number of competitors. All student registrations are free of charge and open to students in grades 6 through 12 from public, private, charter, online, parochial, and home schools. The competition will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Millersville University.
Teachers and students in grades 6 through 12 are encouraged to note these submission deadlines: Now through October 21, 2024, teachers may confirm their intent to participate. Students may submit their registration form from October 1 through October 21, 2024. Teachers/adult sponsors are advised to directly assist students as they complete the registration form. North Museum will also offer support to all educators wishing to assist students in finding a project, developing a research plan, and supporting student research.
The inclusion of Lebanon County students marks the NMSEF’s expansion to a regional fair, joining Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Harrisburg’s Capital Area events as Pennsylvania’s four regional science and engineering fairs. As one of six fairs in Pennsylvania affiliated with the world’s largest pre-college competition, the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the NMSEF’s top two students’ projects from the senior division earn a place at the ISEF to compete with 1500 of their peers from around the world. The North Museum pays for registration, fees, travel and accommodations for its two Champions. Lebanon County has no similar competitive science and engineering event.
“The North Museum is thrilled by the generosity of the Arconic Foundation, and their ongoing commitment to supporting access to STEM education opportunities for students in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties,” says Scott Downs, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships. “We continue to be grateful for the financial support we receive from the many sponsors of the NMSEF, as well as the outstanding contributions from our judges, volunteers, and participating teachers and students.”
Presenting sponsor Arconic Foundation’s $50,000 grant will have a crucial impact on central PA’s student scientists. Businesses interested in sponsorships may contact Scott Downs, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships. Community volunteers are also needed to assist at the event and may contact sciencefair@northmuseum.org.
North Museum’s resident astronomer, Cole Penkunas, commented,
“As a former Warwick High School student, the NMSEF was the pinnacle of my STEM education each year. The competition was formidable and prepared me for the demands of thesis fulfillment at The Pennsylvania State University, where I focused my research on very massive stars, particularly luminous blue variables, Wolf-Rayet stars, and their possible link. I’m excited to see what the young scientists in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties will bring to the competition this year!”
GSK Science in the Summer–Record Success
Students became “Space Scientists” during GSK’s Science in the Summer™ at North Museum in collaboration with the Franklin Institute.
The program, in its 38th year, has reached an estimated 23,400 nationwide!
The North Museum congratulates 902 area students, ranging from Pre-K through grade 12, who completed GSK's (GlaxoSmithKline's) Science in the Summer™ program this past summer, presented by the North Museum of Nature & Science. The number of attendees was a new record this year, increasing the impact of this already popular seasonal program. This summer's theme was "Be a Space Scientist," and it offered students the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of real scientists and engineers, engaging in exciting hands-on activities that brought the world of space exploration to life. Students discovered different career paths, from Astrobiologist to Spacesuit Designer, and developed their scientific thinking skills in a fun and interactive way.
The program was made possible by a generous grant of $20,000 from GSK, with curriculum developed by the Franklin Institute.
We would also like to thank our outstanding community partners for working with our team on successful outreach and implementation:
- The Mix at Arbor Place
- Project Purpose
- Lebanon County Library
- Janus School
- Boys & Girls Club
- North Museum
A combination of trained educators, made up North Museum staff members and volunteers from our partner organizations, presented 27 programs over the summer.
The North Museum, GSK, and the Franklin Institute are longtime collaborators on the Science in the Summer program, which primarily targets students in grades 2 through 6, with an emphasis on reaching those from underserved communities and lower income households.
Through its success at the museum, Science in the Summer programming was adapted and modified to be inclusive for students in Pre-K and grade 1, as well as those in middle school and high school.
"Thanks to GSK and the Franklin Institute we were able to reach over 900 students this summer,” says Kate Wilson, Senior Manager, Visitor & Volunteer Services. “This free program offers a hands-on look at various STEM careers which many students did not even know existed! Now they might want to pursue those paths in the future. This is an opportunity some of the members of our community would not normally have access to due to financial and other constraints. We look forward to offering this program each year, and can't wait for 2025!"
As a leader in STEM education and advocacy, the North Museum is proud to present GSK's Science in the Summer™ program to the community for many years, and is deeply grateful to GSK for their ongoing commitment to enriching the community through the utilization of and access to quality STEM education programs, and the exceptional curriculum provided by the Franklin Institute.
The theme for GSK's 2025 Science in the Summer™ program will emphasize Health Sciences.
If your organization has an interest in participating in GSK's 2025 Science in the Summer™ program, presented by the North Museum, please contact Kate Wilson, Senior Manager, Visitor & Volunteer Services at 717-358-4116, kwilson@northmuseum.org.
Dr. Nitin Tanna competed at the Lancaster County Science Fair as a 7th grader; now, he's a judge
"When Dr. Nitin Tanna and his family moved to Lancaster in 1972, Tanna was a fourth grader, and his primary concerns were developing his English speaking skills and adjusting to the unfamiliar environment he could come to call home. Tanna and his family moved to Lancaster as Ugandan refugees; he spoke Swahili and Gujrati. But Tanna did much more than improve his English in those first few years in America. By the end of seventh grade, he’d have a second place award from the Lancaster County Science Fair and a blossoming passion for scientific inquiry...."
Read this article by Olivia Schlinkman at lancasteronline.com
Lancaster County Bird Club Announces Strategic Partnership with North Museum of Nature and Science
LANCASTER COUNTY BIRD CLUB ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTH MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
Partnership will expand educational offerings on wild birds in Southcentral Pennsylvania
Feb 1, 2024. LANCASTER, Pa. — Lancaster County Bird Club (LCBC) has formed a strategic partnership with the North Museum of Nature and Science to enhance ornithological educational and outreach in Southcentral Pennsylvania with particular emphasis on finding ways to share the science of ornithology and the hobby of birding with residents of Southcentral Pennsylvania and help develop an understanding of wild birds and the conservation issues they face with today’s youth.
“Lancaster County Bird Club is proud to have a nearly 90-year history that has established us as one of the preeminent ornithological organizations not just in our area but the nation,” said Ted Nichols II, LCBC president. “Our ability to fulfill our mission is enhanced through building and strengthening partnerships with organizations in our area with similar missions. Strengthening our partnership with the North Museum – that goes back to their founding in 1953 – is a win-win for both of us when it comes to working together to explore ways to showcase the joys of birding and finding ways to inspire today’s youth – and all those that call Southcentral Pennsylvania home – by our feathered friends.”
As part of the partnership approved by the LCBC Board of Directors in December 2023, LCBC will now hold their September through March programs at the museum on the second Thursday of each of those month’s starting at 7 p.m. The programs are free and open to the public and feature a speaker on a topic related to the science of ornithology and the hobby of birding.
The organizations will also look at ways to collaborate on enhancing existing educational offerings related to wild birds and their conservation as well as expanding birding-related offerings to particularly target youth through engaging a variety of different youth-focused organizations. The partnership will also open ways for both entities to collaborate on birding-related offerings at Millport Conservancy where the museum recently took over oversight and support roles at and will utilize as a permanent outdoor classroom space. The two organizations will also explore ways to work together to see that the museum’s world-class ornithological collection – with most specimens dating back to the 1800s – will continue to inspire for generations to come.
The Lancaster County Bird Club has a long history of involvement and association with the museum resulting from the club’s early ties to Franklin & Marshall College and ornithologists and staff at the college that would be key to the museum’s founding. Lancaster County Bird Club remains one of the longest-supporting financial contributors of the museum supporting the museum’s natural history program and world-class ornithological collection since its founding.
Lancaster County Bird Club has been dedicated to securing the cultivation of public sentiment in the preservation of Lancaster County’s native bird life since being founded in December of 1937. The club is a non-profit membership organization with a mission focused on bird observation, bird conservation, bird education and promoting the recording and dissemination of bird observations. The club contains more than 350 members and fulfills its mission through building partnerships and a variety of robust offerings such as field trips, lectures, programs, scholarships and more. More information on the club is available at www.lancasterbirdclub.org.
MEDIA NOTE: Media are invited to attend a kick-off event featuring members from both organizations on Feb. 8 starting at 7 p.m. at the North Museum of Nature and Science, 400 College Ave., Lancaster. Remarks on possibilities created by the new partnership will be given by leadership from both organizations and attendees will have an opportunity to peruse the museum’s ornithological collection and hear from F&M Professor Dan Ardia on how the collection continues to be used for research today. Please RSVP to lancastercountybirdclub@gmail.com prior to the event if you plan to attend.