Randolph College Science Festival

Join us for 5 days of fun packed full of FREE science related events and activities for all ages, at SciFest 2024! All events are free and on Randolph College Campus.

Thursday, March 14, 2024————————————————————-
SciFest Pi Run – 3.14 mi fun run/walk to celebrate Pi Day and enjoy pie after!
6pm in front of Main Hall

Wednesday, March 20, 2024———————————————————–
AI Panel – Opportunities and Challenges
3:45 p.m. Reception; 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. Panel | Wimberly Recital Hall, Presser Building

Thursday, March 21, 2024—————————————————————
Keynote Speaker: Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023 and Nuclear Engineer
6:45 p.m. reception and photos – 7:30 p.m. event | Smith Hall Theatre, Smith Building
For her keynote program, Grace will share her perspective on “Clean Energy, Cleaner Future”, how the importance of cleaner energy options play a role in protecting our environment, and her journey of sharing these topics as her platform as a scientist, nuclear engineer, and titleholder of Miss America 2023. Please join us for a reception with refreshments before the program at 6:45 pm, with meet & greet opportunities with Grace and our event sponsors.
The Science Teaching Award from Randolph (STAR) Presentation sponsored by the Al Stroobants Foundation, will be presented at the beginning of the Keynote Program

Friday, March 22, 2024——————————————————————–
Women in Science Panel & Reception sponsored by Framatome
Panel 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Nichols Theatre, Student Center
Reception 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Hampson Commons, Student Center
We are proud of our alumnae! Learn how they have succeeded in their fields. Please join us if you’re interested in hearing from successful women scientists, but especially if you are considering going into a career related to science. To learn more about this year’s panelists, please visit this link. The Office of Alumni Relations is hosting a reception for the panelists and guests immediately following the panel discussion.

Poetry Jam! Reading and Awards Ceremony
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Thoresen Theatre, Leggett Building
Please join us for the reception, awards, and reading of all SciFest Poetry Jam finalists. Refreshments will be served.

A Scientist Goes to the Movies: Oppenheimer
7:30 – 10:45 p.m.| Thoresen Theatre, Leggett Building
Join us to watch a movie with live commentary from one of our faculty scientists along with our special guest Grace Stanke. Please note that this movie is rated R. Free popcorn for all!

Saturday, March 23, 2024——————————————————————
Science Day for 3rd-6th Graders sponsored by United Bank
11:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Michels Athletic Center, Norfolk Avenue

Science Day for Little Scientists
Afternoon sessions: 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. | Nursery School, Randolph Campus

Glow Stick Star Party
8:30 p.m. -10:00 p.m. | Winfree Observatory

Sunday, March 24, 2024 —————————————————————————————-
Maker Faire Lynchburg, partnered with Vector Space
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Main Hall, Front Campus

Maker Faire Lynchburg is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and love sharing what they can do. We partner with Vector Space, our local makerspace to bring this event to campus as part of SciFest. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, the Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, and projects. Activities are appropriate for all ages. A map of the event, list of Makers, and full schedule of events is coming soon! Check out all of the awesome makers that attended in 2023 here: https://lynchburg.makerfaire.com/makers-exhibits/

In addition to the Maker Faire, hands-on science exhibitions provided by the Randolph College Society of Physics Students will also be present! From non-Newtonian fluid to campus sustainability, we look forward to seeing everyone during Sunday activities!

SMASH @ SciFest
11:00 a.m. start | Alice’s E-Cade, Student Center

SciFest FIRST LEGO League Explore Build Challenge Expo sponsored by Genworth Financial
Event 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Smith Building
Public Viewing 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Smith Banquet Hall
Awards 4:00 p.m. | Smith Theatre

Virginia’s Region 2000 KidWind Challenge
10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Houston Memorial Chapel

Science + Art Saturdays Reception
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Ashley Jack Room, Smith Building