Ready to see the night sky in a whole new light? As we continue our Science in the Parks series, we are excited to journey across the cosmos with C2ST, our solar system ambassadors, and–of course–the Chicago Park District to bring astronomy to Life at Jackson Park

Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a seasoned veteran of the night sky, this program should be a blast! Together we will experience Saturn at opposition, when it gets larger, brighter, and closer than any other time of year! This summer, we will learn about astrolabes, an astronomical multi-tool that has been used to track the sky for the last 2,000 years!

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Although the meaning of self-care can vary across different contexts, it is generally recognized as acts or gestures that aim to maintain and promote an individual’s health for themselves or their community. Whether wanting to support our spiritual, mental, emotional, or physical health, there are always ways in which we seek to take care of ourselves and each other; giving and receiving this care, however, is made difficult by the constraints and tensions we face in our daily lives. 

Join us at Palmisano Park for an engaging day of food experiments and art creation! Learn about different methods of preparing and extracting dye from colorful fruits and vegetables!  Experiment with making plant-based dyes and use them to create beautiful paintings while engaging in mindfulness and reflection. Together, we will learn about the science of self-care, explore ways to meaningfully engage in self-care practices, and create beautiful art! The activities we will deliver are open to all ages and the program will include…

• Dye Extraction Workshop
• Art Creation Session
• Mindfulness and Reflection Activity

Restrooms in the Field house will be open and available for participants. Light ‘brain healthy’ snacks will be also be available!

*Science in the Parks is an ongoing effort by C2ST to live up to our philosophy that “Science is for Everyone.” Not only do we want to join your community, but we want to return and provide science programs that are relevant to you in the future.*

Join us for an illuminating panel discussion on the transformative future of air travel, Electric Horizons: The Future of Sustainable Air Travel. As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, alternative fuels emerge as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. This event will bring together leading experts, innovators, and industry pioneers to explore the cutting-edge developments and challenges in sustainable aviation. Join C2ST at Harold Washington Library on August 12th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and talk with Dominik Karbowski, Manager of the Low-carbon Aviation group Eco-Mobility at Argonne National Laboratory, Joseph P. Schwieterman, Director of the Chaddick Institute at DePaul University, and R. Eric Jones, Associate Dean and Professor of Aviation at Lewis University, Pedro J. Ortiz-Toral, the Program Director at GTI Energy, and Megan M Zahos, Principal Operations Inspector, Greater Chicago Flight Standards District Office.

Hormones help regulate various body processes such as growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction. We can think of our body’s endocrine system as one that acts like a communication hub where hormones are used as messengers! Certain chemicals, which can be natural or human-made, can play tricks by either mimicking hormones, blocking them, or interfering with their production or breakdown; We call these sneaky trickster chemicals endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs can be found in things we use every day like certain plastics, pesticides, and some products like cosmetics or cleaning agents. In short, we are exposed to EDCs through the air, water, or food we consume. What are the potential effects of subjection to these disruptors, even in small amounts? What health concerns should we be looking out for as a result of exposure? Join C2ST and Dr. Jodi Flaws to learn more about the impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on reproductive health and more!

C2ST is partnering with Instituto Cervantes for a conversation between María Blasco, Scientific Director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) and Head of the Telomeres and Telomerase Group (CNIO); Human Cell Atlas leader Sarah Teichmann, and artist Daniel Canogar, renowned for his algorithm-based installations, as they discuss their collaboration at the intersection of art, science, and technology.

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How will AI shape our world and what must be done to regulate its use? We’ve invited experts to share their thoughts with you. Read more…