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!”
North Museum’s Cosmic Bash celebrates PA’s natural history at event to support STEM education
North Museum’s Cosmic Bash celebrates PA’s natural history at event to support STEM education
Saturday, May 20 at The North Museum of Nature and Science
(LANCASTER)—Celebrating Pennsylvania’s rich resources of natural history, the North Museum invites supporters of STEM education, science, and nature to its 8th annual Cosmic Bash. The signature fundraiser will be held on Saturday, May 20, at the North Museum of Nature and Science, where guests will be entertained both in the museum and on the lawn of the Franklin & Marshall College campus.
Event design sponsor ATOMIC, which is known for its over-the-top spectacles created for world-class award shows and corporate events, will lend its creativity to showcasing some of the North Museum’s 350,000+ collection objects and lighting up the night in harmony with the event’s natural surroundings. “This year’s theme, Pennsylvania’s Natural History, will provide the visual backdrops that traditionally dazzle and delight our guests,” said Andrea Rush, North Museum’s CEO. “The North Museum hosts such a diverse collection of artifacts that help to tell the story of our state using minerals, gems, fossils, plants and wildlife.”
The Cosmic Bash benefits free and reduced-cost STEM education programs for children in Lancaster County and central Pennsylvania, and includes a silent auction, tapas-style dinner under an outdoor tent, and live auction of treasured items and experiences.
Event sponsorships are available by phone at 717-358-7188 or by contacting Scott Downs at sdowns@northmuseum.org. Beginning at $2500 for a table of eight, sponsors for the Cosmic Bash will enjoy prominent recognition and numerous corporate benefits. Single tickets for the Cosmic Bash also available and are $150, available online here or at 717-358-3941.
Sponsors include National Novelty Brush Company, ATOMIC, First National Bank, Anne and David Lloyd, Metzger Family Foundation, Dr. Clark McSparren, Alegre Events, Argires Marotti Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster, Marysia and Salvatore Dina, EnerSys, Franklin & Marshall College, Bernadette and Eugene Gardner, Lancaster County Motors, Lancaster Country Day School, High Companies, Rhoades Energy Corporation and Trout CPA.
The North Museum reaches over 1 million households through its education initiatives in the Museum, in the community, and at home. Programs include at-home learning activity packs, free field trips and after-school programs, an annual 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.
Now in its 70th year, the North Museum of Nature and Science is committed to its mission to enable knowledge of nature and science by inspiring individuals, engaging communities, and connecting organizations.
