Celebration of Science & Technology (a.k.a. GeekOut!)

Saturday, May 11, 2019

On May 11, 2019, the Port Angeles City Pier will again host the free, community-oriented celebration of science from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. People of all ages and interests are invited to engage with scientists at booths and presentations, and examine infographic posters that provide examples of how science works locally to contribute to our communities and our quality of life. To put a face on science in the community, Science on Display provides profiles of local active and retired scientists and science educators.

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Port Angeles City Pier stage with a welcome and opening remarks. Dr. Nick Bond will speak about “Hatching a Plan to Save a Northwest Icon,” taking a deeper look at the past, present, and future of salmon in Washington State. Then learn from Erin Gless of Island Adventures Whale Watching the exciting story of humpback whales retuning to the Salish Sea.

At noon, Paul Kolensikoff will enlighten and amaze us again this year with “Einsteins Hair-Raising Story.” Matt Jordon will then take our imaginations to celestial bodies in the night skies and the importance of “Saving the Dark.” Hands-on activity is in store with Brad Griffith as you learn how without power tools or steam wood bending can get the job done.

Also back is Science on Display honoring the broad spectrum of retired and active scientists and science educators living on the Olympic Peninsula. From each profile, learn what inspired him or her to pursue a chosen field. Many residents are not aware of the science education, applied science, and interesting research conducted by their neighbors. Science on Display puts a face from the community on science in the community.

Why celebrate science?

We celebrate science because it helps us understand hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes and how to capture, store, and use power from the sun. Science has shown us that it’s important to wash our hands and to cover our mouths when we sneeze. We use science to heat our homes, grow our food, and predict the weather. Visit with local scientists and scientist practitioners as they show you how they use science in their work and lives. Science is everywhere, everyday.

GeekOut! is a self-sustained community event hosted annually at Port Angeles City Pier by Feiro Marine Life Center. Support for this event is provided from across the north Olympic Peninsula by volunteers who are members of Olympic Climate Action, North Olympic Orca Pod, Sierra Club – North Olympic Group, as well as residents and friends, who annually volunteer in the Corn Booth at the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend. These same volunteers fostered this local celebration in 2017 with a shared mission to celebrate the essential role science and technology plays in all our daily lives.

Where: Port Angeles City Pier and Feiro Marine Life Center (315 N. Lincoln St, Port Angeles, WA 98362)

When: 10:00 am (opening speaker) to 4:00pm, May 11, 2019

Cost: Free

For additional information, contact Melissa Williams, melissaw@feiromarinelifecenter.org, (360) 417-6254, or Krestine Reed, NOPVoices@att.net, (360) 397-3420.