Be a Scientist
Be a Scientist, which inspires us to see science in our everyday lives while sparking visions of STEAM career paths. Past “Be a Scientist” events include conversations with real NASA astronauts and scientists; a Learning Lunchbox STEM kit demonstration led by 2020 Miss America Winner and biochemist Camille Schrier; an explosive live show from a local glassblower; a STEM contest to meet YouTube star and wildlife educator Coyote Peterson; and more.
Westerville Design Challenge
A showcase of middle school, learner-generated, innovative designs addressing community needs.
We Grow Scientists!
The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will host the second annual “We Grow Scientists” event on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 3:00-7:00 PM at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory.
Bexley’s Jeffrey Woods Scavenger Hunt
Kids and families will discover and enjoy all the wonders of spring at Bexley’s 20-acre, Jeffrey Woods with a Bingo Nature Scavenger Hunt. Children will explore, find and mark off several ecosystems and the critters, plants and trees that live there.
Explore Darby Creek!
Explore for stream life with an ODNR guide from the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program. Estimate water quality, observe the signs of a healthy stream environment, and learn what you can do to protect waterways.
Drop-In Tech Play
Stop by and explore some cool technology! Code a pair of robots for a race, create a circuit that powers a small fan, and more.
Gardening Fun at Dorrian Green!
Volunteers will assist with the pollinator gardens at Dorrian Green Park! Learn alongside Master Gardeners on how pollinators are planted and maintained and get your hands dirty in the process!
Get Your Hands on Science
Join us for fun and engaging activities demonstrating the connection between science and reading.
Test Drive a Soap Box Derby Racing Car
Test-drive a Soap Box Derby racing car down Derby Hill at Big Run Park. Everyone invited. Reservation slots taken every 15 minutes starting at 3pm. Open to boys and girls age 7-18.
Fantastic Fungi BioBlitz at Blacklick Woods
Be a scientist! Learn to use iNaturalist to record scientific observations and then set out on a 1.5-mile hike to observe, identify and record mushrooms and other fungi around Blacklick Woods.
Trash to Treasure
Did you know that each resident in Franklin County averages 4 to 5 pounds of waste everyday? Have you ever wondered where that waste goes? Join SWACO and Grove City Parks and Recreation as we learn about the science of the landfill and make some treasures out of the trash.
Wild Week Nights
Meet some of our central Ohio backyard wildlife in person! Live wild animal visitors include birds, mammals and reptiles. Learn about some of their amazing adaptations as well as ways we can help wildlife in our own backyards, prevent conflicts and peacefully co-exist.
Bioblitz with Columbus Recreation and Parks
Join us at the McKnight Outdoor Education Center for a bioblitz! We will be using iNaturalist to record what bugs, birds and other animals we find.
Bexley’s How to Make A Bagel
Join us at Fox's Bagels for a bagel-filled family evening involving a facility tour on the process that goes into making a bagel! Pick out a bagel to boil and bake and while you wait color some bagel art and enjoy a bagel stick appetizer and pickle! Families will then work together to make your own pizza bagels for dinner!
Changing DNA to Change Lives: Be a Gene Therapy Scientist
Understand how altering genes can revolutionize disease treatment and discover how gene therapy impacts patients’ lives. Step inside our new state-of-the-art facility as our experts guide you on a tour of the facility and a seminar on the science of gene therapy.
Rocket Building with the Fire Chief!
Embark on an exciting journey into the world of model rocketry with the Whitehall Fire Chief leading the way! Join us for a thrilling day of creativity, exploration, and awe-inspiring launches in the lower level of Whitehall Community Park (Weather Pending).
Sharon Woods BioBlitz: Woods & Water
Become a citizen scientist, and join the park Naturalists as we explore a State Nature Preserve and sample aquatic life. We’ll teach you how to use the free app iNaturalist to record and document the natural world around you.
Maker Mania: On The Lawn at CAS
Gather your friends and families and join us on The Lawn at CAS to celebrate COSI's 2024 Science Festival! From budding scientists to curious minds of all ages, there's something for everyone at our Maker Mania: On the Lawn at CAS.
From Prep to Plow: Exploring the Science of Snow and Ice
Have you ever wondered what goes into maintaining clear roads and bridges during a winter snow and ice event? If so, stop by our main office at 970 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 to see how we prepare to make sure the public can travel safely during a winter snow or ice storm.
Bexley’s Science Sampler
Little scientists will have the opportunity to build, play, and learn with some high-thought, high-fun materials. Participants can learn about the wonders of the world around them through hands-on science experiments!
Test Drive a Soap Box Derby Racing Car
Test-drive a Soap Box Derby racing car down Derby Hill at Big Run Park. Everyone invited. Reservation slots taken every 15 minutes starting at 3pm. Open to boys and girls age 7-18.
Behind the STEAM | An Inside Look at Boonshoft
We will be offering a packed afternoon of fun hands-on, interactive, behind the scenes programs highlighting each of our many parts. All programs are included in general admission!
Drop-In Tech Play
Stop by and explore some cool technology! Code a pair of robots for a race, create a circuit that powers a small fan, and more.
Homeschoolers COSI BioBlitz- Be a Citizen Scientist
Join the naturalist for a fun and interactive citizen science program! Using iNaturalist, we’ll observe Glacier Ridge’s biodiversity on a guided hike.
Ecosystem Exploration: Ponds, Pines, & Prairie
Borrow our nets to explore what lies within the tall grasses as we hike through the prairie to the white pine forest. At the boardwalk, borrow a dip net to reach into a wetland, rich with aquatic creatures. Science comes alive at The Dawes Arboretum!
Worthington Tree Nursery Workday
Help FLOW at the Worthington Tree Nursery. All supplies will be provided.
Summer BioBlitz Palooza
Explore nature on the Wayne National Forest at the Baileys Trail System and Lake Vesuvius! To participate, simply download the free iNaturalist app on your smartphone and log plants, animals, and other natural features that you find.
Summer BioBlitz Palooza
Explore nature on the Wayne National Forest at the Baileys Trail System and Lake Vesuvius! To participate, simply download the free iNaturalist app on your smartphone and log plants, animals, and other natural features that you find.
Adventure at the Lake with Brave Wilderness
Come on out for a wet and wild bioblitz at Blendon Woods Metro Park. Mario from the Brave Wilderness team will join us as we hike behind Thoreau Lake to look for wetland wildlife, big and small.
COSI BioBlitz- Be a Citizen Scientist
Join the naturalist for a fun and interactive citizen science program! Using iNaturalist, we’ll observe Glacier Ridge’s biodiversity on a guided hike.
STEM in the Park
Join us at Friendship Park for an afternoon of STEM related fun from 2pm-3pm!
Touch A Truck
Enjoy an afternoon of climbing, pretending and exploring different kinds of vehicles at this year’s Touch–a–Truck event, Friday, May 3, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Dozens of vehicles will fill parking lot for you to explore.
Stepping into Firefighting History
Step inside the 1908 restored City of Columbus Fire Station #16, where we pay tribute to our firefighter's past, present, and future. Through a collection of hand-drawn, horse-drawn, and motorized apparatus, visitors can retrace the steps of firefighters and learn about their day-to-day lives in the engine house.
Drop-In Tech Play
Stop by and explore some cool technology! Code a pair of robots for a race, create a circuit that powers a small fan, and more.
Reaching for the Stars: Ohio’s Future in Supporting US Aviation and Aerospace Innovation
Join the Ohio House of Representatives Aviation and Aerospace Committee for an afternoon of fun, discovery, and inspiration.
Park After Dark
Come join the outdoor education staff at Alley Park for some fun stations and activities in the park, afterdark. Activity stations will include a night hike, moth identification/collection area, up close and personal with the nature center animals, a craft, and smores over the campfire. Fun for all ages, under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Community Egg Drop
Hatch a plan with your family to “egg”ineer a creative contraption to protect an egg that will be dropped from the Norwich Township Ladder Truck. We supply the materials to see if you can make your egg survive the drop.
How Do You S.T.E.A.M.
Calling all curious minds and creative spirits! The City of London is thrilled to present the "How Do You STEAM?" Expo in partnership with the amazing COSI!
Curious Kids
Explore your world! Create, discover and dive into science with Curious Kids! Hands-on science fun for families with kiddos ages 3 years to 6 years old.
Discover Esports
Explore the world of esports! Review what esports competitive gaming is, discover popular game titles and learn how to compete independently.
Ecology On Tap
Ecology on Tap brings you live music and lighthearted talks about real science. We will have local music followed by 2 speakers from Ohio State University present 20 minute presentations on their area of expertise.
Coffee Chemistry: Unraveling the science behind Coffee
There's a lot of science that goes into making a great cup of coffee. Unravel "The Science Behind Coffee" with us at Crimson's Coffee Chemistry event on Friday May 3rd from 3-6pm.