The UC Center for Public Engagement with Science is back with its monthly feature, Cincinnati Science Roundup. Check out events and news related to science this month from PEWS, our collaborators and community partners in Greater Cincinnati!
Observing the Distant Universe in High Definition with Gravitational Lensing
Wednesday, November 1, Doors open at 6:00pm, Radio Artifact Studio, Urban Artifact Brewery, 1660 Blue Rock St.
In the past decade strong gravitational lensing has emerged as a powerful tool for studying the distant universe. By pointing the best observational facilities, such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, at these natural telescopes, we can study the distant universe in the highest possible definition. Dr. Matthew Bayliss will first describe the launch and capabilities of the newly commissioned James Webb Space Telescope. Then he will discuss recent work using their most powerful telescopes in combination with the strongest natural telescopes to learn how stars and galaxies formed at early cosmic times. Everybody is welcome!
Biology Masters Degree Program from Miami University, Project Dragonfly and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is a one-of-a-kind, online master’s degree program from Miami University (Oxford, OH) and Project Dragonfly, in partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Created for working professionals, the AIP immerses students in collaborative inquiry and action as they champion change for the environment and their local community. Through web-based coursework from Miami and face-to-face experiential learning and field study at the Zoo, you will connect with classmates, Miami University faculty, Zoo experts, and community leaders locally, nationally, and globally. Click here for more information about this Master’s degree. Applications for the AIP are due by February 28!
Free Fall Foliage Hike
Saturday, November 4, 10:30am – 12:00pm, Burnet Woods, 3251 Brookline Ave, Cincinnati, OH
Join a park naturalist for a guided interpretive hike through beautiful Burnet Woods. Along the way we will discover the secrets behind the annual fall color change, how to identify trees by their fall color and how the local wildlife is preparing for the coming winter. Meet at the Trailside Nature Center in Burnet Woods. No registration required.
2023 Fall Orchard Installations
Wednesday, November 8, 1:30pm – 4:30pm and Saturday, November 18, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Join the Common Orchard Project in creating a new public orchard! Orchards can be less work to produce food over time, compared to vegetable gardens, but installation is quite labor intensive. Learn how to plant trees, fruit tree care, and meet neighbors who care as much as you do. Typically, there will be about 10-15 trees planted. If you want a quick look at what this could be like, check out this video. These events requires pre-registration. The fall orchard installation on Wednesday, November 8th is at Hays-Porter Elementary School, 1030 Cutter St, Cincinnati, from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. The fall orchard installation on Saturday, November 18th is at Chase Elementary School, 4151 Turrill St, Cincinnati, OH 45223 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Deep Woods Discoveries: Creek Critters
Saturday, November 11, 10:00am, Cincinnati Museum Center, Museum of Natural History & Science, 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH
Great Parks presents Creek Critters! Hamilton County creeks are full of little critters and absolutely packed with fossils waiting to be found. There are insect larvae that build fortresses out of rocks, tiny lobsters that eat anything that floats by, and 450-million-year-old ocean creatures embedded in the rocks everywhere you look. Visit and discover the amazing finds that await you at Great Parks when you explore!
Beginner Birding for Families
Saturday, November 11, 10:00 – 11:15am, Meet at Rowe Visitor Center, Rowe Woods, Cincinnati Nature Center
The Cincinnati Nature Center is hosting a birding event, and the whole family is invited. From using binoculars to learning identification tips and tricks, you can learn the basics of backyard birding on this kid-friendly hike! Each ticket includes an Ohio Department of Natural Resources field guide to common birds in the area. Get your tickets here.
Introduction to Sustainable Home Food Production
Sunday, November 12, 1:00-3:30pm, Gorman Heritage Farm, Soil and Stars Education Building, Cincinnati, OH
Have you ever considered growing your own food but lack a green thumb? Do you have dreams of suburban homesteading but don’t know where to start? Join Jason Kamp, Gorman Heritage Farm’s market gardener, as he shares his knowledge of home food production in an indoor talk, and provides a guided tour of their very own raised beds, hoop house, and market garden. This class covers topics like building raised beds, creating healthy soil from yard waste, and detailed guidance on garden planning, including when and how to plant various vegetables. Preregistration required!
